FRESH START

When Gerry Burke and Malcolm Smith bought a ground floor and basement conversion in Edinburgh, its run - down state was no deterrent to the pair, who ripped out the interior and started again. We rented for six months while the work was being done, says Gerry who. as an interior designer, undertook the renovation himself.
As the couple didnt need four bedrooms, the two - storey layout was reworked, turning one ground - floor bedroom into a study, and an adjoining bathroom into a shower room The laundry room was reworked into a kitchen opening on to the back garden.
We wanted to create a living space geared towards socialising, with a flow from the formal sitting room through the dining hall and into the kitchen. explains Gerry. At the same time we love our cosy, informal den for everyday use
- - the den and the garden are our dog Lennoxs two favourite places. It was important to us to have both formal and casual sides to the house.
Having worked in design for more than 2$ years. Gerry has developed a signature style, incorporating both classic and contemporary touches, and hLs home perfectly bears the hallmark of simple elegance.
But most of all. perhaps, the reworked space reveals his love of symmetry. Ive always had a compulsion to buy things in pairs of twos, especially candles and table lamps, admits Gerry, pointing out the bay window in the sitting room, featuring a pair of wing chairs, pedestal tables and two lamps in between soft fabric column curtains. Wc never close them - wc just wanted to dress the windows beautifully. he says.
The couple travel widely and invariably bring accessories home lamps from America, tables from Italy and art from galleries around the world. As well as a love of art, Malcolm shares my passion for travel, says Gerry. He also loves interiors, so well often hunt for new treasures together.
Every picture tells a story and the walls in this inspirational home could fill a library. The nice thing about paintings is that they create memories, because you can always remember where and when they were purchased." Gerry reflects. We love this home - wc began with a blank canvas to fill and now we have the perfect palette!
I now also buy sculpture, so space is starting to become an issue." smiles Gerry, but wed never leave this place we love it too much.

1 KITCHEN

This was designed to be clean, simple and practical, leaving room for some quirky and distinctive decorative touches.
Kitchei units, ?"2,000, RWK Armano Sand with inset handles supplied and fitted by Kitcheis International. Worktop in Duropal laminate with PP edge, ?75 per linear metre for 6oomm - deep worktop. Bespoke orange glass splashback by Intaglio Glass priced according to design and size. Franke Laser sink,?300, and Franke Eiger tap,?170; both supplied by Kii. I it - r liiluiiMliuii.tl

2 SNUG

Gerry and Lennox like to relax on the old tan leather sofa in this informal room.
Elitis wallpaper, ?120 for a 10 - metre roll, Gerry Burke Interiors. Tartan throw, ?20,1 louse of Druar. Tind a similar tan leather sofa, ?1,799, at Dwell

3 STAIRS

A painting of a bare - chested man by the artist Ben Davies - Jenkins nicely captures the colours of the surrounding wallpapers.
Elitis wallpaper,?i20/roll,Gerry Buke Interiors

4 SHOWER ROOM

Previously a bathroom, the ground - floor shower room is now simple and sleek.
Wood - slatted window blind, made to measure, Gerry Burke Interiors. Large chrome wall radiator, ?169, B&Q

5 MASTER BEDROOM

Its great to wake up in a room that overlooks a peaceful walled garden, says Gerry.
Painting, price on application, Cherylene Dyer. Eileen Gray E1027 side table, ?575, made under licence by Aram Designs. Silver - finish column lamp base with silk shade by Gerry Burke Interiors - a similar - style lamp is the Lucca in chrome, ?149, Oka