Clash of mods and rockers

Apr 27 2008 Laura Davidson

Peek In Your Pad Granny's Rocking Chair Is Given A Modern Makeover To Gain Pride Of Place In Kim And Thomas' Sleek Flat

A rocking chair is the last thing you would expect to see in a young couple's flat - but Kim Hamilton and Thomas Weir's funky furniture puts a twist on the old granny's favourite.

The couple have a gorgeous pair of red leather armchairs, each with curved chrome rockers on the bottom.

Perched on the mezzanine level of their city apartment, they make the perfect gaming chairs for Thomas when he is playing his XBox.

Kim said: "When we told people we were getting rocking chairs they thought we were mad but these are a little different.

"Like a lot of our furniture, we bought them online, from a store on ebay called Quatropi. They weren't cheap but we really liked them. The bold shade of red adds a splash of colour to the flat as well."

Kim, 24, who works in PR, and structural design engineer Thomas, 25, moved into their flat in Tradeston, Glasgow, two years ago.

Part of the city's iconic old Co-op building, the apartment block has an imposing aged exterior but a thoroughly modern refurbished interior.

Their flat has some cracking industrial quirks including 15ft-high ceilings, original beams and steel columns.

The couple are reluctantly selling up to find a house with a garden for the latest additions to their household - two cute silver-spotted Bengal kittens called Kai and Akila.

Kim said: "We wouldn't be moving if it weren't for the cats but they really need a garden to run about in."

The flat's hallway is an impressive space with a chunky wooden console table that gives the welcoming appearance of a fireplace.

Like the hall, the main open-plan public room is decorated simply in white with wooden flooring.

Two 10ft windows let in loads of light, although Kim admits there is a downside to having such massive windows - she had to have curtains made specially to fit.

The cosy lounge area features a large curved brown leather sofa with a central heavy wooden coffee table which Kim customised herself.

She said: "This was another online purchase. It appealed because it was made of such chunky wood. Thomas prefers really well designed, sturdy pieces of furniture because of his line of work.

When it arrived, I decided to replace the glass in the top and put stones from Au Naturale underneath to add interest. It didn't cost much but it makes it unique."

The kitchen has bright beech units with contrasting stainless steel handles and a handy island which doubles up as a food prep area and breakfast bar.

A matching beech staircase to one side leads to the mezzanine level, which is used as a home office and games room.

Kim said: "This room appealed to us most when we first saw the flat. It's a huge space and there's room for plenty of different functions - it's a lounge, a kitchen, a dining room and a chill-out room all in one.

"I think we'll miss this room the most when we move."

The main bathroom has mosaic tiles in vivid shades of blue and each of the two bedrooms have a relaxed feel with muted tones of toffee and coffee on the walls.

In the master bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom, the bed's swivelling headboard is the star of the show.

Dressed in luxurious silk throws, tactile cushions in faux fur and satin add a bit of contrast in shades of cream and wine.

Kim added: "I'll really miss all the features in this flat, like the exposed beams and pillars.

"I think after living here, Thomas and I could never really move to somewhere that was quite boxy and new.

"It's a shame we're leaving but we'll be taking plenty of ideas with us for our next place."

Housefile

Two-bed flat in period building in Glasgow, on sale for a fixed price of £174,950.

Call Cliff Dunn estate agents on 0141 649 5511.

We love: The space and scale of the rooms.

We'd change: The fact it doesn't have a garden.

If there was some private outdoor space it would be perfect.

Next house: Somewhere with a garden elsewhere in Glasgow.