The very best of ancient and modern

In this age of retro-chic, ancient and modern survive happily together as is illustrated in a commission we completed recently.

The property was a period farmhouse with plenty of accommodation, but many of the rooms had rather small windows.

This was a great shame as the external views were amazing; especially given that our clients were keen gardeners.

Both worked from home in offices with little natural light and felt that these spaces could sometimes be de-motivational, so they wanted to develop a multi-purpose room primarily for daytime use.

Much head-scratching ensued, but we spotted an attached double garage with direct access from their kitchen. It was no longer needed for children's cars and, essentially, surplus to requirement. We knew that this would make a superb day room and a terrific extension to their house.

We settled on a large, open-plan design incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows on one side to maximise daylight. These were dressed with ber-cool white string blinds, beloved in trendy clubs, but actually extremely effective in domestic environments. The strings allow plenty of light and a relatively unhindered external view, but provide a good degree of privacy. They are also surprising easy to keep clean.

The ceilings were left high and walls light to encourage

a dramatic sense of space, and a new set of beams were devised to add architectural interest.

We opted for an antiqued travertine floor which is relatively maintenance free and a good surface to have in areas with heavy footfall (particularly if the room is close to external access, as was the case here).

This was combined with water-fed under-floor heating – an effective and relatively economical way to heat large rooms with the added advantage of avoiding unsightly radiators.

To our delight, we were led to outbuildings that held an assortment of discarded family pieces. We rifled through to choose items that would prove both practical and welcome design additions. Some tlc, wax and a bit of elbow grease meant that, once revived, the two desks, sideboard, chest of drawers and armchair had the sort of patina you could never achieve in reproduction furniture. These wonderful finds injected a warm, rich feel to this room – ensuring it was a true extension of the existing family home.

Even more amazing was the discovery of an abandoned 1960s' Danish day bed; the sort of piece many houses have been getting rid of in the

last 30 years, but now wonderfully chic.

We replaced the cushions and re-upholstered this in a stunning contemporary linen and velvet stripe to produce a piece which would now command a serious price tag on the High Street.

Desks were placed on opposite sides of the room at the rear, affording those working a commanding view, with good natural light and a feeling of space. A mirror in the middle of the rear wall, and trios of coloured glass pendant lights, added further symmetry and focal points.

We injected additional modern design in the shape of a sleek, grey wool corner sofa with a melange of brightly coloured cushions echoing

the striped day bed. A monochrome coffee and side-table added interest, soft lines and practical cup-storing space.

A textured cream rug and large television, on which to enjoy the racing, finished the room.

The result is a clean, modern living environment that embraces and enhances heritage pieces. The amazing light makes it an uplifting office and a great relaxation area. In fact, our client now lives almost entirely in this room.

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. www.jamiehempsall.com or 0800 0321180.