In this timbered Berkshire cottage, mainly used for weekends, we wanted to create a sense of refuge and relaxation. As there were two sitting rooms on the ground floor, we treated one as a reading room, and painted it in strong, warm colours complimenting the tone of the beams. A set of old Penguin paperbacks in a custom bookshelf prompts the idea of picking up a book. In the main sitting room we used colour in the cushion fabrics to offset the calm neutral curtains and sofa covers. Upstairs the bathrooms are fresh and clean with simple painted panelling, brass fittings, custom marble vanity tops and textured furniture creating a sense of comfort and rest.