2LG Studio » Electric Theatre – Changing Rooms (Behind the scenes)

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Freddie Oke – An Interview

Interview – Eny Lee Parker

Design Diary · Interiors Inspiration ·

Posted on 13.09.2022

Electric Theatre – Changing Rooms (Behind the scenes)

This episode we filmed in Wokingham in a lovely house that felt reminiscent of the homes we grew up in as children, back when we used to watch Changing Rooms. Wonderful to have this full circle moment, filming this episode, the last in the current series, after we were taken down by Covid earlier in the shoot.

Our design this week takes inspiration from the industrial heritage of the town of Wokingham. We researched the area and found a rich history of a Bell foundry, brick making and silk factories. There was also a lovely story about one of the first Electric Theatres, an early cinema, in the heart of the town, a building that still stands today, though not as a cinema. So we wanted to bring those elements into the narrative of our design, whilst serving the functional needs of the family who live in the space. Updating the industrial heritage to modern day, took us down a sustainable route to new industry in Britain and we included the most sustainable sofa in the uk. Habbio sofas are not only beautifully designed – the deco style of the sofa we chose for this was perfect for the Electric Theatre theme – but they are also made to order in the UK using recycled materials. So good to take the industrial heritage thread all the way through here to present day.

“This is the way we decorate now. Because we are bombarded with so much visual inspiration and fast moving trends the best way to enjoy your home is to cherry pick all the best bits that you love.”

Soft industrial - an new style of decorating that takes the hugely popular industrial trend and gives it a more comfortable and boutique edge with velvet and rich colour

Our interior scheme here is a ‘Pick n Mix’ of design trends and periods – 60s house with Industrial heritage in the area, Deco touches to nod to boutique cinema and Cottage core styling (ticking fabric) becuase…why not?

The History research unearthed a lovely story about the Lush brothers (Frank and Walter Lush) – local celebrities in the industrial phase of Wokingham’s history as they made royal coaches. We like to think of them as a fabulous pair and we added touches of lux with brass and burl walnut to nod to them.

The Electric theatre of the title this week was the original ‘cinema’ in Wokingham. It opened in 1912 on Broad Street and later became the Savoy cinema. It closed in 1950. This was such a stylish period in design, deco, one of our favourites. With new wave Boutique cinemas becoming well established now we wanted to bring a little of that extravagance to this family room.

Contrary to the current trend for mismatched armchairs, we chose a rich blue sofa and matching chairs from Habbio because it gives an instant nod to the idea of luxurious boutique cinema seating. Red and white stripes add a more humble note to the design – not only does the linen ticking fabric we’ve chosen feel effortlessly classic, it also elevates the white and red stripes of the humble popcorn bag, a strong bit of nostalgia to evoke the cinema feel.

For added wow, a hidden projector – behind a pelmet that has matching coving to the rest of the room (a clean architectural design feature) we have an electronic screen and projector for epic movie nights. Bringing a light division in the space to help zone the functions of play and work, Black metal shelving hits the industrial vibe and we’ve elevated it by adding perspex panels and a plinth to make it feel bespoke.

Also bespoke, the joinery facilitates and unifies the different functions of this hardworking family space. CNC panelling references the moulding of the fireplace and beds it into the space. Hiding an office space behind seamless doors for work in the day and clean lines at night. The hidden office also has a sustainable lino surface on the desk and cork panel in the back to be used as a pinboard.

To elevate the whole scheme we designed Burl wallpaper panels. We had a deco material (burl walnut) made into a photographic wallpaper to use in place of expensive veneer. Finished with wooden mouldings to add decorative interest. Finally, vintage pieces add soul to the space.

The 3 piece suite is back?!

Get the look:

Paint colours by Dulux Heritage

Walls – Chiltern White

Joinery – Maritime Teal

Ceiling – Dark Stone

Woodwork – DH Drab

Coving – Sky Blue

Mirror – Raspberry Bellini

Sofa and Armchairs by Habbio

Curtains by Ada and Ina, Cherry Striped linen

Rug by Monica Ahanonu for Ruggable

Cushions by Zinc Textiles

Vintage walnut coffee table – Ebay

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