Period Utility Room Inspiration: Stylist Sara Austin Designs with Ashleigh Mercia Fabrics

 

There’s something incredibly special about seeing a creative bring pattern to life in their own home and stylist Sara Austin (@itssaraaustin) has done just that in her beautiful period property. Her newly styled utility space is a masterclass in colour confidence, thoughtful layering, and timeless design, featuring Ashleigh Mercia’s Sky Lanterns in Raspberry, Beatrix in Nutmeg, and a striking touch of Starfall in Raspberry.

Beautifully capturing the warmth and character of the space is photographer Elyse Kennedy (@elysekennedy), whose imagery perfectly highlights the richness of tone and texture throughout the room.

If you’re looking for utility room fabric inspiration, period home interior ideas, or ways to style a small space with pattern, this project is full of ideas to borrow.

 

 

 

A Period Home with Personality

 

Sara’s home is rich with original character — high ceilings, traditional joinery, and architectural detailing that lends itself beautifully to layered textiles and warm colour palettes. Rather than keeping the utility space purely functional, she has transformed it into a room that feels intentional, inviting and deeply personal.

The backdrop to this scheme is painted in Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball — a beautifully muted heritage pink with earthy undertones that sits effortlessly in a period setting. The cabinetry is finished in a rich reddish brown, creating depth and contrast against the softness of the walls while echoing the warmth within the textiles.

This combination of warm plaster tones and deep cabinetry provides the perfect foundation for layered pattern.

Sky Lanterns in Raspberry: A Statement with Warmth

 

The star of the room is Sky Lanterns in Raspberry, used as a sink skirt beneath the traditional Belfast sink.

The geometric rhythm of Sky Lanterns adds movement and structure, while the rich raspberry tone softens the cabinetry and complements the reddish brown units beautifully. Against Dead Salmon walls, the raspberry feels sophisticated rather than sweet — grounded, confident and deeply inviting.

Why it works:

• The scale is bold but balanced.
• The raspberry hue harmonises with Dead Salmon’s warmth.
• It brings softness to traditional cabinetry and aged brass hardware.

This is a perfect example of how patterned fabric in a utility room can elevate a practical space into something characterful and layered.

 

 

 

Beatrix in Nutmeg: Subtle Heritage Charm

 

Complementing Sky Lanterns is Beatrix in Nutmeg, bringing a gentler, heritage-inspired feel to the space. The nutmeg tone adds an earthy warmth that sits beautifully alongside the reddish brown cabinetry and terracotta vessels on open shelving.

Against Dead Salmon, Beatrix feels quietly nostalgic — exactly what you want in a period home. It softens the stronger geometric of Sky Lanterns while maintaining a cohesive warmth throughout the scheme.

When layering patterns in period interiors, Sara has shown how important it is to ensure:

• Shared undertones (warm reds and browns throughout)
• Variation in scale
• A balance between bold and delicate prints

 

 

 

 

A Hit of Starfall in Raspberry: The Finishing Touch

The addition of Starfall in Raspberry  used as an accent detail — pulls the scheme together. That subtle repetition of raspberry against the Dead Salmon walls ensures cohesion while allowing each fabric to shine.

Small accents like this are powerful in interior styling. A touch of pattern on a towel, lampshade lining, or framed textile can tie a scheme together without overwhelming the space.

Why This Colour Palette Works So Beautifully

The combination of:

• Dead Salmon walls
• Reddish brown cabinetry
• Raspberry textiles
• Nutmeg accents
• Warm brass detailing

creates a tonal, cocooning scheme that feels both traditional and quietly modern.

In period homes especially, embracing warmth rather than cool neutrals enhances architectural detail and makes even smaller rooms feel intentional and layered — something Elyse Kennedy’s photography captures so beautifully.

Why Pattern Works So Well in Utility Rooms

Utility rooms are often overlooked, yet they are some of the hardest working rooms in the home. Adding fabric and pattern creates:

• Warmth in functional spaces
• Softness against cabinetry and stone
• A sense of considered design
• Character in smaller rooms

Sara Austin’s utility room proves that practical spaces can still feel beautifully styled.

Shop the Look

Inspired by this layered, warm-toned utility room? Explore:

• Sky Lanterns in Raspberry
• Beatrix in Nutmeg
• Starfall in Raspberry

Each design is created to work harmoniously within traditional and modern interiors alike especially when paired with heritage paint shades like Dead Salmon and rich reddish brown cabinetry.

Final Thoughts

 

Sara Austin’s period home reminds us that style doesn’t stop at the kitchen door. With thoughtful colour choices like Dead Salmon and reddish brown cabinetry, layered textiles, and a little bravery with pattern — all thoughtfully captured by Elyse Kennedy — even the most functional spaces can feel curated and inspiring.

If you’re designing your own utility space, don’t be afraid to treat it as you would any other room with beautiful fabrics, warmth, and personality at the heart of it.