- Written by Tim Burden
A colourful play room transformation for a Bristol home
The brief: from blank canvas to multi-functional space
When we were first brought into this Bristol home, the play room was, in truth, something of a blank canvas – though not in the inspiring sense. It was a neutral, uninspiring space with little sense of purpose: a simple sofa, plain walls, and no cohesive design scheme to speak of.
Our clients wanted to completely reimagine the room. It needed to function as a sociable, grown-up space in the evenings – a place for drinks, movies and entertaining friends – but also work just as well during the day as a relaxed TV room and play space for their teenage children.
As an interior designer working in Bristol, these layered, multi-functional briefs are always the most rewarding. They allow us to think creatively about how a space can evolve throughout the day, without compromising on style or practicality.
From the outset, we knew this wasn’t going to be a subtle scheme! The brief called for something bold, energetic and full of personality – so we took inspiration from one of the most vibrant places imaginable: Times Square.
The concept: a Times Square-inspired design
The concept centred around creating an immersive, high-impact space. One that still felt cohesive and liveable. Times Square provided the perfect reference point – dynamic, colourful and full of visual interest – but interpreted in a way that would sit comfortably within a Bristol home.
The layout was key. We designed the room so that the sofa could sit along the longest wall, creating a strong focal point. Two armchairs were positioned to flank it, forming a sociable arrangement that works equally well for watching films, playing games or simply relaxing.
Opposite, we designed bespoke fitted joinery to house the TV and sound system. This not only anchors the room functionally, but also provides valuable storage and display space for books, games and personal items – ensuring the room remains practical for everyday use.
Colour and materiality played a central role in bringing the concept to life. The wallpaper, positioned behind the sofa, introduces a striking backdrop with depth and movement, while the deep teal ceiling adds an unexpected layer of richness overhead. The remaining walls were kept in a soft neutral grey to balance the scheme and allow the bolder elements to shine.
We introduced vibrant accents through lime green curtains and a collection of bespoke cushions. Each adds a playful, artistic quality to the space. The result is a room that feels energetic and expressive, yet still considered and refined.
We’ve worked on a number of interior design projects in Bristol, each tailored to the way our clients live.
The detail: bespoke design and layered finishes
As with all of our projects, the detail is where the design truly comes together.
We designed all of the upholstery bespoke for this room. The sofa, in a slate grey velvet with turquoise piping, provides a sophisticated base while subtly tying into the wider colour palette. The armchairs, also bespoke designs, were upholstered in a striking fabric by Pierre Frey – adding texture, pattern and a sense of individuality.
The wallpaper, also by Pierre Frey, forms a dramatic feature behind the sofa, anchoring the seating area and complementing the bold artwork above. These large-scale canvas prints – framed in elegant box frames – act as a true centrepiece, echoing the energy of Times Square and drawing the eye immediately upon entering the room.
To ensure the design translated seamlessly from concept to reality, we followed a structured and highly detailed process. We began by presenting design visuals and a carefully considered floor plan, allowing the clients to fully understand how the space would look and function.
Once approved, we developed detailed sample boards and sourcing boards, refining every element of the scheme. We also produced comprehensive joinery drawings for the fitted units, ensuring that every detail was resolved before work began on site.
Throughout the installation phase, we remained closely involved – coordinating trades, providing information as required and ensuring that the design was executed exactly as intended. We also prepared a full decorating schedule and FF&E procurement schedule, managing every aspect of the process.
We supplied key elements including the wallpaper and curtain pole, and oversaw the creation of all bespoke pieces. The final installation was carefully coordinated alongside twelve other rooms within the property, ensuring a seamless and cohesive result throughout the home.
The result: a bold, flexible space for modern living
The finished play room is a vibrant, multi-functional space that effortlessly adapts to the needs of the family.
By day, it provides a relaxed environment for watching television, spending time together, and unwinding. By night, it transforms into a sociable, design-led space perfect for entertaining – rich in atmosphere, colour and personality.
What began as a bland, underutilised room is now one of the most characterful spaces in the home – proof of what can be achieved through thoughtful, tailored interior design.
For us, this project perfectly reflects the kind of work we love to deliver as an interior designer in Bristol: spaces that are not only visually striking, but also deeply functional and personal to the people who use them.
If you’d like to explore more of our work as an interior designer in Bristol, you can visit our Bristol page, where we share further projects and insights into how we work with clients locally. You can also explore more from this project here.
Timothy James Interiors – creating distinctive, thoughtfully designed homes in Bristol and across the South West.
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