Scottish Contemporary Interiors, Residential Building in Scotland, Best New Property Decor
Scottish Contemporary Interiors
Hign End New Properties in Scotland – Scottish Home Designs
3 Mar 2017
Celebrating Scottish Design and Decor
A showcase of some of Scotland’s loveliest interiors
Article first published on Houzz
Scottish Contemporary Property Interiors
From architecturally bold rooms making the most of the rugged scenery outside, to striking city terraces full of contemporary touches and period properties updated in clever ways, Scotland is bursting with exciting interior design. Tour some of the region’s most covetable spaces featured on Houzz, and prepare to be inspired.
Bringing the outside in
As you might expect, jaw-dropping views are quite a theme in our roundup of some of Scotland’s loveliest interior design. Here, in Cliff House on the Isle of Skye, a modern living space is pared back to pay homage to the dramatic scenery beyond the huge windows. I love how the soft, sludgy colours in the textiles and furniture echo the craggy terrain.
See more of this sleek, contemporary house
Scandi meets Scottish
Before this Aberdeen house was renovated, it was – in the words of its architect – a ‘monument to 1970s interior décor gone wrong’. The previously dingy interior was transformed with a clean and airy makeover.
Key features of the new look include layers of white (for a softer effect than monotone), plenty of textures to further smudge any hard edges, lots of light-reflective surfaces, and simple, rustic Scandinavian furniture. The floorboards – sanded and treated with white oil – complete the look.
Take a look at other rooms in this property
Classic with a twist
Bold, unusual wallpapers are a recurring feature in this quirky yet sensitive update of a period Glasgow property.
In the living room, there are clever hints of rural Scotland in the décor choices, with the sofa’s mossy greens and the thistle wallpaper nodding to the wild Scottish uplands.
Browse more of this Grade B listed terrace
A neutral backdrop
The interior of The Sheiling, a stone cottage perched between the Crinan Canal and the sea in Ardrishaig, Argyll, had a pretty good design head start – spectacular views across Loch Gilp to the Isle of Arran.
The architect behind the project opened up the original Victorian villa with vast glass panels to frame the stunning scenery outside. The pale wood floor and neutral walls create a seamless, pale backdrop that lets nature take centre stage. A flash of strong red, in the chairs, provides a striking contrast to the blues outside.
Make it a large one
Many period Edinburgh properties have enormous windows and high ceilings. An architectural luxury – but how do you create an interior scheme that won’t be dwarfed by such drama?
Here’s a perfect example of exactly how to do it: large-scale bespoke fittings (that luxurious kitchen island can certainly hold its own), statement window dressings, giant paintings and pockets of vibrant colour to break up the supersized space.
See more of this room or have a look for more kitchen islands
A Highland palette
If you crave a hint of Scottish nature in your interior, but baulk at the idea of a thistles and antlers theme, focus instead on your paint choices. A simply decorated, open-plan kitchen is eminently accessible – just hunt for heathery hues with which to paint furniture and highlight design features. A touch of complementary tartan ties it all together – subtly.
Past perfect
Arniston House, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has been owned by the Dundas family for more than 400 years and the painstakingly preserved interiors celebrate centuries of Scottish history.
The Palladian-style mansion house was designed by Scottish architect William Adam in 1726 for Robert Dundas, the first Lord President – head of the judiciary of Scotland. The designer’s sons, John and Robert Adam, subsequently completed the grand house, which is now open to the public.
Take a look at other rooms in this Edinburgh mansion
Good wood
There are lots of ways your home can reflect its surroundings – and this welcoming Scottish country kitchen was made using native hardwood sourced from south Ayrshire. The colourful patchwork floor adds to this room’s sense of homespun charm.
A colourful nook
In the 17th century, Lamb’s House, in Leith, was a merchant’s home. The building’s unusual renovation features strong colours throughout. It gives the entire interior a creative look, especially in this dinky jewel of a bedroom, bursting with sunshine-y shades.
A decent joiner would be able to build a similar cabin bed; in a period property, careful research will help you to source appropriate architraves and incorporate sensitive decorative details. What a sweet space.
Retreat from it all
The wild Scottish countryside may excite you, but feeling cocooned from the elements can be just as joyful. The glowing uplights around the freestanding tub in this cosy yet glamorous bathroom help to create a sense of sanctuary, as does the frosted glass window, blurring nature’s rugged edges outside.
Cliff House on the Isle of Skye by Dualchas Architects
Now explore some extraordinary Scottish exteriors
Major Scottish Buildings
Key Buildings in Scotland Articles – architectural selection below:
Glasgow Theatre
photo © Adrian Welch
Website: Glasgow Institute of Architects
Glasgow Building Designs
Scottish National Indoor Arena
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