The owners of this Dundee pad are indisputably cool, and now so are their living spaces
The palette is full of earthy warm tones because the house is in Dundee,” explains Louise McGarry, co-owner and creative director of Studio Braw. “They have beautiful, long days in the summer but then it gets dark so early in the winter. The colours needed to feel fresh but also cosy.”
Louise is talking about the deliciously saturated walls of two adjoining living spaces in this home. All the paints are from Edward Bulmer’s natural range, chosen for their breathability as well as their colour. “One half of the couple is a songwriter, which might explain the musical influences you’ll spot all over the house. His wife was born and bred in Scotland, so even though they have a place in LA, they also spend a lot of time here with family.” The property perches on a clifftop overlooking the Tay Bridge, with an external set of steps winding all the way down to the waterfront.
The songwriter’s space has a record player set up on a chest inherited from his grandfather, an upright piano (“It was ridiculous watching the piano being carried up these steep cobbled steps to the top of the cliff”), and a television with a gaming system. There’s a firereplace in both spaces, but the surround in this room is painted a warm mustard. “My colleague Jess worked with me on the project. We were there for two days and we just decided, ‘Yeah, let’s paint this yellow!’ Edward Bulmer’s Trumpington was perfect.”
A turreted bay window, furnished with an antique table and chairs, is just right for enjoying a morning cuppa. Importantly, these pieces are removable: the 19th-century occasional table tilts, the top folding down for easy storage. This was essential, as the bay window is more than just a musing spot, it’s where the family’s huge Christmas tree sits every year, its lights twinkling across the Tay.
Brightly coloured cushions with Josef Frank prints and a purple leopard-print ottoman hint at some LA influences, but other additions are decidedly Scottish. The dramatic drapes, for example: “The windows are listed – there’s beautiful movement in the glass,” says Louise. “But the glass is also very thin so when it’s really windy you can feel a breeze… The heavy curtains soften the space and serve a function. Double-line your curtains! It’ll keep the whole house warm.”
Through a wide arch lies another sitting room, ideal for this young family who like doing their own thing. Both spaces are drenched in Etruscan Brown by Edward Bulmer, a beautifully changeable shade with red undertones. This room lies closer to the kitchen so it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids while getting started on dinner. A patchwork swivel armchair lurks in the corner, near shelves packed with records.
At the centre is a large ottoman covered in a Dedar fabric, “brown with caramel-coloured polka dots”, and a woodburning re to keep things cosy during the long, gloomy months. Louise hid lighting throughout both spaces with these darker days in mind. “The owners were really keen to have lots of low-level lighting in the house, so as well as choosing some statement pieces, we dotted rechargeable lamps around the place.” These are hidden on shelves, tucked into corners, and placed on top of the piano – anywhere that could bene t from an extra glow.
“They’re a really gorgeous family,” says Louise happily. “All tattoos, bleached hair, big chains and a wardrobe full of amazing outfits; but they’re also the most considerate people. He’s got a way with words, she’s Scottish (so obviously lovely!), and the kids are really sweet. they’re just super-cool. It was a brilliant project to work on.”
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Like this Studio Braw project? Take a look at this equally as characterful case study in Oxfordshire.
Case study: this uber stylish living room is fit for family living
