Walton on the Hill

Surrey

Case Study: Transforming an Unused Lounge into a Welcoming, Elegant Living Space in Walton on the Hill in Surrey

At Fusion Interior Design, we believe that every space in your home should enhance your lifestyle—not just gather dust. When one of our past clients from Walton on the Hill reached out to us regarding their underused lounge, we saw the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into a forgotten space and tailor it to meet their evolving needs.

The Client Enquiry: Breathing Life Into a Forgotten Room

The homeowner contacted us with a clear, honest concern:

"Hi, I live in Walton on the Hill in a house that we bought new almost 8 years ago. We have a lounge that we never use! I would like advice on a complete overhaul of it and for someone professional to complete the work. I would really appreciate it if you could contact me to arrange an appointment."

This enquiry is not uncommon. In fact, many homeowners—especially those in newer-build properties—struggle to connect with certain rooms that lack warmth, character, or a clearly defined purpose. The result? Beautiful square footage going completely unused.

Our goal was to understand why the lounge didn’t work, define what the client wanted it to feel like, and design a transformation that made this space central to their home life again.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation – Listening, Observing, Understanding

We began with an in-home interior design consultation in Walton on the Hill to understand the space and the client’s vision. It was immediately clear that while the lounge was structurally sound and generously proportioned, it felt cold, impersonal, and disconnected from the rest of the home.

Key issues identified:

Lack of identity: The room didn’t have a clear purpose. It wasn’t cosy enough for relaxing, formal enough for entertaining, or practical enough for day-to-day living.
Impersonal finishes: As is often the case in new-build homes, the finishes were safe and neutral but didn’t reflect the client’s style or personality.
Difficult Layout: Whilst the room was quite large, positions of double doors, fireplace and large bay window complicated the furniture layout.
Unused layout: Furniture had been purchased when the house was first bought but wasn’t suited to the scale or flow of the room.

During the consultation, we asked detailed questions about how the clients wanted to feel in the room. Words like welcoming, elegant, and relaxing came up frequently.

They envisioned a grown-up space where they could unwind in the evenings or entertain friends over a glass of wine.

Step 2: Design Concept & 3D visuals

Following our consultation, we developed a personalised design concept. Our process began by creating a furniture layout plan that suited the room and sourcing samples that reflected the desired emotional tone of the room: calm, elegant, and luxurious—but not too formal.

The proposed design scheme included:

A softer, more sophisticated colour palette with warm neutrals, soft spice colours, and muted gold accents.
Rich, textured fabrics to create layers of comfort.
Storage and shelving: Repositioning the media unit and display shelving to define the room and add storage.
Thoughtfully selected lighting to create mood and focus, including dimmable table and floor lights and a statement ceiling fixture.
A revised furniture layout that encouraged conversation and maximised natural light.

We presented the concept alongside 3D visuals, material samples, and a proposed project timeline. Our client felt immediately connected to the vision and was excited to begin.

Step 3: Procurement & Project Coordination

With sign-off on the design, we moved into the next phase: procurement and project coordination.

This is where our full-service approach really shines. Our clients didn’t need to worry about sourcing furniture, chasing deliveries, or coordinating tradespeople. We handled everything, including:

Ordering bespoke furniture and soft furnishings.
Liaising with suppliers and organising deliveries.
Scheduling decorators, electricians, and flooring specialists.
Ensuring every detail—from paint finish to plug socket placement—was executed to the highest standard.

We worked closely with trusted local contractors and trades people to bring the scheme to life, ensuring all elements arrived in the right sequence to keep the project on track.

Despite the inevitable disruptions that can come with any renovation, our streamlined process kept stress to a minimum for the homeowners. Regular updates and progress photos whilst they were away on holiday meant they always felt informed and in control.

Step 4: Installation & Styling

As installation week arrived, our team was on-site to coordinate the final elements, from laying the new flooring to hanging curtains and positioning artwork. It’s during this phase that the transformation truly comes to life.

We introduced tactile, elegant elements that softened the room and made it feel lived-in yet refined:

Handmade cushions in curated fabrics added texture and colour.
A bespoke area rug defined the seating zone and added comfort underfoot.
Carefully chosen artwork and accessories added personality without clutter.
Every finishing touch was considered—from candle holders to the placement of books and vases—resulting in a space that felt instantly welcoming and complete.

The End Result: From Unused to Unforgettable

What was once a cold, uninviting room is now one of the most loved spaces in the house. Our client couldn’t believe the difference—not just in the look and feel of the room, but in how it changed their daily habits.

Where they once bypassed the lounge entirely, it’s now their go-to space for unwinding in the evening, enjoying quiet weekends, or entertaining guests. With layered lighting, plush textures, and a layout that invites conversation, the room finally reflects their taste and lifestyle.

"My room is now finished and I couldn't be happier with the result. They took away all of the stress and made the whole project a pleasure.

Thank you - I love my room."

See below for the rest of Heather & John's review

What This Project Shows: The Power of Purposeful Design.

This Walton on the Hill lounge project is a perfect example of how thoughtful interior design can unlock the hidden potential in a home. It highlights several key principles of our approach at Fusion Interior Design:

Design for real life – A room only works if it suits how you live. We always start with you, not trends.
Holistic transformation – We don’t just “decorate”; we reimagine the space from layout to lighting to finishing details.
Stress-free delivery – Our end-to-end service means you can relax, knowing every detail is handled by professionals.
Timeless results – Our designs aren’t about fast fads. They’re tailored to last, both in style and function.

Thinking About Redesigning a Room You Never Use?

If you’re living with a lounge, dining room or spare bedroom that’s collecting dust, you’re not alone—and there’s a solution. Whether your style leans contemporary, classic, or somewhere in between, we’ll create a space that works beautifully for you.

At Fusion Interior Design, we work with homeowners throughout Surrey—including Walton on the Hill, Epsom, Reigate, and beyond—to deliver residential interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Ready to transform your unused room into your favourite one? Let’s start with a complimentary phone call consultation.

If you have any questions please call or email us at Fusion, we'd be delighted to help.

020 8786 0520 | create@fusion-interiordesign.co.uk

Wishing you all the best,

Jan

Client Review

I contacted Fusion Interior Design when I was looking to update and redesign the lounge of my home. I found them by doing a Google search and was attracted by their website and years of experience.

When Jan contacted me I explained that I needed her expertise for ideas and also project management. Little did I know what wonderful experience would follow. Jan totally 'got' what I was looking for and we spent hours on shopping trips and also discussing the many options of carpets, fabrics and furniture that she sourced. I felt as though I was working with a friend.

Once my choices were made, Jan created 3D visuals for me which showed exactly how my room would look. After my approval she then booked in the various tradesmen needed and the job ran seamlessly. Every one one the people Jan employed on my behalf has a high standard of work....with a special shout out to Jason, Jan's husband and the other half of Fusion, who also happens to be an excellent painter and decorator.

My room is now finished and I couldn't be happier with the result.
I cannot recommend Fusion Interior Design highly enough and i wouldn't hesitate to use them again. They took away all of the stress and made the whole project a pleasure.

Thank you - I love my room.

Heather & John - Walton on the Hill, Surrey