A NEW LEAF
Publisher Rebeka Russell and her husband Mark have revitalised the Arts and Crafts roots of their historic Victorian home, and in doing so, written the next chapter of its design story
FEATURE EMMA J PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
In the wood-panelled sitting room on the first floor, a mid-century modern sideboard, sofas and a pair of G-plan chairs, originally owned by Rebeka’s grandparents and covered in a fabric from Tinsmiths, make for a relaxed seating area. Overhead lighting is provided by a Quenby chandelier from The English House.
GRAND SCHEME
Robert Francis enlisted the help of interior designer Anahita Rigby to blend antique styling with a contemporary finish in this characterful, art-filled London townhouse
FEATURE CHARLOTTE DUNFORD PHOTOGRAPHY OLLIE TOMLINSON
Much like Victorian interiors of its time, this terraced house in London, built in 1895, is characterised by assemblages of objects both beautiful and rare. “I have a lot of things. I’m a collector and I think that moves towards Victorian style,” says Robert Francis, who has lived here for just under a decade. Indeed, there are many hallmarks of the era’s approach to design –ornate period features, rich colours, highly patterned fabrics – yet clever contemporary touches have ensured the home befits modern-day living.
The four-storey house had been occupied by a mother and daughter for 30 years, who had kept it in fine condition. “It had never been turned into flats in its life, so it was still a complete and very much lived-in Victorian house,” recalls Robert. The proximity to his
RIGHT Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue adds depth to the walls of the sitting room, complementing the bespoke ash wood joinery. The statement coffee table sits on the Ikat 4 rug by Luke Irwin. The curtains came from Robert’s teenage bedroom. Artworks by an eclectic mix of artists, including Thomas Cruz (left) and Marissa Roth (centre), bring character.
A matter of time
Despite not rushing into renovating their historic lodge house in the Cotswolds, Emily and Gareth Phillips immediately felt very settled in the area
FEATURE ALISON GIBB PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGLAS GIBB
A bespoke dining tableby Gasson & Phillips is paired with chairs from Peppermill Antiques. The kitchen, designed by Emily and installed by local joiners SJ Carpentry, is painted in Sage Green by Little Greene and completed with Burmese rattan pendants from Kalinko and bar stools from French Connection.
SHAPELY forms
L-shaped or galley? Island or peninsula? Fitted or freestanding storage? We offer expert advice on designing a kitchen layout
In an Edwardian house in Leicester, deVOL combined its painted Shaker cupboards with elements of its Haberdasher’s furniture in natural oak.
WORKING WITH NATURE
We look at inspiring ways to create office space surrounded by trees and plants – and the options to consider for a practical and productive solution
Bespoke orangery, made from sustainably sourced hardwood and painted in a specially-mixed colour, David Salisbury.