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How Interior Designers Open Up Space (Without Losing It)

  • Writer: Leo Wood
    Leo Wood
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

View through open reclaimed brass and glass doors to a bright back room with a magenta sofa, woven roman blind, and mid-century sideboard.

This project in our Victorian Terrace, Waterloo project is a great example of what happens when thoughtful interior design balances openness with flexibility. Our client’s brief was simple: more light, more flow, more functionality. The solution? Open up the wall between two front rooms - but in a way that still allowed each space to be closed off when needed.


We removed a non-structural dividing wall between the two living rooms, primarily to let more natural light into the back room, which was darker and less inviting. But we didn’t want the space to feel too open-plan or lose the ability to have two distinct zones. So we designed a clever solution that’s practical, beautiful, and just a bit unexpected…


Close-up detail of a bespoke brass door hinge on the vintage doors, showcasing craftsmanship and aged patina.

Enter: these stunning reclaimed glass and brass doors from Retrouvius. They bring architectural interest and allow the space to be closed off without blocking light. Our amazing contractors at Embury Services lovingly refurbished the doors and added bespoke brass handles, so they looked and functioned perfectly. The finish is a little bit vintage, a little bit luxe - and fits right into the personality of the home.


To make the opening even more special (and useful), we installed the doors behind a new wall of built-in bookshelves - a win for both form and function. Our client is a passionate reader, so we made sure every design opportunity gave her more space to store and display her growing book collection. The doors sit quietly within the joinery when open, and feel like a secret design detail when closed.


Close-up side profile of the brass and glass door edge, with blurred bookshelves in the background.

The purple sofa is from Willow & Hall and was reupholstered in a deep magenta Kvadrat fabric - bringing our client’s love of pinks and purples into this space too. Bonus: it’s also a sofa bed, perfect for the occasional overnight guest. The rug is a contemporary take on a Moroccan design from Floor Story grounding the room with rich texture.


A cluttered room before the renovation, with floral wallpaper, a green boucle chair, upright piano, and mismatched shelving.

The before image is a great visual for what this wall used to look like - it previously housed a piano, which now has a new home in the front room. The transformation here is a real example of how small architectural shifts (plus thoughtful design detailing) can totally change the feel and function of a space.


Need help reworking the layout of your home without compromising character? Get in touch - we’d love to help you reimagine your space.


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