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The DesignFiles

FEATURING INTERIOR DESIGNER BRYCE MCKENZIE

How did your creative journey

begin? My first proper job after university was with Liberty of London which sparked my interest in the aesthetic - particularly interior design. I have spent the last 27 years in the industry and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

How would you describe your

signature style? You can recognise one of our interiors from the rhythms in texture and layering of pattern, bold use of colour balanced with neutrals and a careful attention to detail.

What inspires your work? Art, fashion and travel all influence me but I am mainly inspired by my clients themselves. I particularly enjoyed the refurbishment of a two-floor garden apartment in Edinburgh recently as the clients were a dream to work with and open to adventurous ideas.

Where in Edinburgh do you most

like to spend time? I like wandering around Stockbridge, popping into the great shops, bistros and restaurants that welcome my little dog Amber then heading to Inverleith park to walk off lunch. Ever since my

Photography: ZAC and ZAC Jacob Littlejohn Untitled 227

grandmother took me as a child, I also love visiting Hopetoun House. If you go, make sure you go right up to the roof top walkways.

Which Scottish artist do you most

admire? Edinburgh-based artist Jacob Littlejohn. He paints abstract expressionist works with brilliant use of colour and engaging compositions.

Which Edinburgh gallery do you

visit most often? I love the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art as there’s always so much to see. I also love the RSA for finding new works by emerging artists.

Where do you feel most at home?

I’m currently between homes and pondering my next move – at the moment I think the priority is a living space with lots of light and open views, somewhere in the country.

What is your one essential for stylish, comfortable modern living?

Comfortable and beautiful upholstered furniture is always top of my list. We make bespoke pieces so we can get space planning perfect.

Is there an iconic piece of furniture

you would love to own? I love the rocking chaise designed by Frank

Photography: Anthony Cook

Gehry in 1972 (the year I was born coincidentally!) It combines form and function in a sculptural and beautiful way while maintaining an honest, organic texture.

What is your most-oft given piece

of design advice? Ensure you form your entire plan before you start. This avoids early decisions dictating a route you may not have otherwise taken. It can be dizzying to do with large projects but that’s why we’re here to help!

To find out more, visit www. brycemckenzie.co.uk, call 0131 556 2185 or pop into the Dundas Street showroom.

Rocking chaise, by Frank Gehry

TheGlassHouse A DOUBLE-STOREY GLAZED EXTENSION TRANSFORMED THIS FAMILY HOME IN GLASGOW FROM IMPRACTICAL TO IMPRESSIVE

Photography by David Barbour

When Barcelona-born Arantza Elosua relocated from Stockbridge to Glasgow with her husband Paul and two children, her new home hadn’t been renovated in decades. The 1930s period detached house had a large, mature garden and spectacular views over Greater Glasgow and out to Ben Lomond but inside, it was dark, dated and didn’t work at all for a young family.

Fortunately, Elosua knew just who to turn to. The social media devotee followed Edinburgh-based architect David Blaikie on Instagram and was a huge fan of his work, particularly on conservation projects. She tasked him first with remodelling the interior of the house to create a comfortable space for the family to live before the rear walls came down and a towering glazed extension was constructed.

“The brief was to connect the living areas of the house with the private, rear garden,” says Blaikie. “Our solution was a two-storey extension to provide an additional living space with connecting stair that creates a functional transition between house and garden.”

“The form of the extension is carefully proportioned, structurally explicit and uses contextual materials to link it back to the original house. Tall frameless glazed, square bay windows at the upper and lower levels address the dramatic view and allow the house to be bathed in natural light.”

“I wanted to create something truly special and unique that would work for us as a family,” says Elosua. “The house now feels very bright with modern open plan spaces while benefiting from the views and flowing well over its three floors. It’s a great mix of period property with a colourful modern twist.”