In this account, the author's small living room undergoes a significant change in just an hour, thanks to the expertise of interior designer Tom Cox.
In the heart of London, a late-20-year-old homeowner embarks on an exciting journey to transform a compact houseboat living room into a cosy and eco-friendly haven. Seeking the expertise of Tom Cox from HÁM Interiors, the owner aims to create a space that is both stylish and sustainable.
The houseboat, a modest three-meter by five-meter barge, will see its wheelhouse serve as the living room due to its generous ceiling height and numerous windows. To maximise the available space, Tom Cox suggests bringing good quality outdoor furniture indoors for additional seating and storage that can fold away when not in use.
Colour choices play a significant role in the design. Light, neutral tones such as off-white, soft beige, or light gray will open up the space visually, reflecting natural light well and making the room feel larger and airy. Warm metallics like brass or natural wood finishes will add elegance and warmth without overwhelming the space. Subtle natural elements or greenery through plants will bring a calming, fresh vibe that complements the water surroundings.
Storage solutions are crucial in a small space. Embrace multifunctional furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as storage ottomans or benches with hidden compartments. Built-in storage along walls or under floors is ideal when space is limited, helping keep surfaces clear and uncluttered. Vertical storage helps free up floor space, making sleek shelving a good solution for holding essentials and decorative items without feeling bulky.
Furniture recommendations focus on compact, modular pieces that can be rearranged easily and adapted to multiple uses. Opt for sustainable materials like sustainably sourced wood and eco-friendly fabrics for upholstery. Incorporate pieces with a minimalist design and clean lines to reduce visual clutter and maintain an airy feeling within a small footprint.
Tom Cox suggests the Saint Bernard chair from Howe as a space-saving alternative to a sofa. Vintage chests or galvanised vintage baskets with upholstered lids can serve as additional seating and storage. The individual is considering sourcing second-hand Kilim rugs for the floor of the houseboat, with options available on Vinterior.
For the walls, Tom Cox advises using paint companies that use natural pigments, such as Muddy Warren from Morris & Co and Sang de Boeuf from Edward Bulmer, both of which have low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The Aldridge & Supple Ramie fabric is a fabric option the individual is drawn to. Tom Cox also suggests using English Oakleaf by Bennison for the curtains, with a plan to line them with a complimentary ticking fabric, to add a decorative element and increase opacity.
By blending these elements—light, natural colours, smart storage, multifunctional and sustainably made furniture—you achieve a stylish, functional, and eco-friendly small living room on a houseboat that feels both cozy and spacious. The Saint Bernard chair from Howe, however, comes at a price of £12,537.
- In the hunt for an eco-friendly interior design solution, the houseboat owner plans to use multifunctional furniture, such as storage ottomans, benches with hidden compartments, and the space-saving Saint Bernard chair from Howe, in the living room.
- For the walls in the living room, the owner considers using paint from companies that use natural pigments, like Muddy Warren from Morris & Co, and English Oakleaf by Bennison for the curtains, while lining them with a complimentary ticking fabric to add a decorative element.
- The living room redevelopment will incorporate subtle natural elements, like plants, and feature furniture made from sustainable materials, like sustainably sourced wood and eco-friendly fabrics for upholstery, in alignment with the house-and-garden lifestyle and the water surroundings.
