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August 2020

128 country 8 16 22 28

N AT U R A L W O N D E R Surrounded

by lush vineyards and mountain views, this South African new build was designed to make the most of its picturesque setting

A B R E AT H O F F R E S H A I R

Contemporary touches have given an Oxfordshire farmhouse a stylish update THE ART OF REINVENTION

A thoughtful redesign has enhanced the light and space in this Buckinghamshire home N E W F O R O L D A tired bungalow near the New Forest was demolished to make way for a beautiful oak-framed property

COVER STORY

48 68 82 88 94

A S U N N Y O U T L O O K Bursts of colour

ďŹ ll this Worcestershire house with joy G E N T LY D O E S I T A sympathetic renovation has brought this 500-year-old thatched cottage in Oxfordshire back to life B A C K T O G E T H E R A G A I N An old carriage house and stables in Gloucestershire were combined to create one stunning home A HOUSE FOR ALL SEASONS

Multifunctional designs have given the owners of this Sussex new build a versatile family space E L E G A N T E V O L U T I O N How regular updates keep the look fresh in this Sussex home

A rustic home that mixes old and new beautifully and has indoor/outdoor living sorted (p56).

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112 117

R U R A L C H I C These experienced renovators turned

a tired Somerset farmhouse into their dream home S C A N D I N AV I A N S I M P L I C I T Y Warm hues and vintage finds complement the character and charm of a 19th-century Swedish farmhouse

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revived the character of this period terrace in London P E T P R O J E C T This couple’s home near the River Thames is filled with memories, from references to their beloved dogs to treasured artwork and antiques P E R S O N A L S P A C E Inspired by her South African heritage, this interior designer has given her 1930s semi in north London a fresh and inviting feel T O W N & C O U N T R Y Two Georgian cottages hidden down a leafy lane were combined to create an idyllic ruralstyle retreat in south London C A P I TA L S T Y L E An eclectic art collection provided the starting point for the cool look of this home T O U G H L O V E Textural materials and a monochrome palette set the industrial tone in a south London house S M A R T S O L U T I O N S Planning was key to achieving a seamless blend of old and new in this Edwardian terrace

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P A S T A N D P R E S E N T A top-to-toe makeover has

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N A U T I C A L C H A R M Building a home and yoga

studio in their favourite beachside location in Sussex gave this family the peaceful lifestyle they were looking for I S L A N D R E T R E AT A Majorcan village house was sensitively renovated to create a contemporary home that respects the traditional values of the local area A S T I L L L I F E Neutral tones and artfully arranged pieces create a calm ambience in this Dorset home R O O M S W I T H A V I E W Maximising the fabulous seascape was the priority when revamping a Spanish villa

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I N T H E M I X A Brisbane-based designer combined

styles to create a home that’s both practical and elegant T R U E C O L O U R S Bold hues and stylish buys imbue this home with personality C R E AT I V E T O U C H The distinctive decor in this Kent semi reflects the exuberant style of its artistic owner

r e g u l a r f e at u r e s 75 93 134 138 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

T R AV E L O F F E R Book now for 2021 G A R D E N O F F E R Carpet Phlox collection W H E R E T O B U Y Find stockists listed in this issue R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month

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e d ito r ’s le t te r | 25bh 25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES EDITORIAL

WELCOME In my house, August is projects month. The good weather (fingers crossed) and bank holiday mean that my husband and I choose this time to hunt for some quick wins – the kind of small transformations that make a big difference. This year, thanks to months spent at home in lockdown, I’ve got no shortage of ideas and have been building up my mood board. High on the list is to do something dynamic with my wardrobe doors. I’m thinking about replacing them with a bespoke joinery design to give the whole room a lift.

This issue is packed with ideas for original upgrades. We placed a particular focus on alfresco living and glazing, as we felt light, bright spaces that embrace the outdoors would strike the right note now.

Similarly, the relaxed, social vibe of the outdoor living space we chose for the cover offers stacks of inspiration. We may not be travelling abroad at the moment, but hopefully instead we will all be able to find a pretty garden spot for a much-needed catch-up with family and friends.

SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR SARAH SPITERI Executive Editors Pip McCormac and Kate French Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers Acting Commercial Editorial Operations Director Lizzie Hudson Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Commissioning/Interiors Editor Fiona Mace Travel and News Editor Patrick Hamilton Courtney Associate Art Hub Director Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Hannah Bennewitz Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Carly Rigley Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley

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N AT U R A L WONDER Matt and Victoria Bresler took things to a new level when building a home in keeping with its surroundings FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | STYLING SVEN ALBERDING | PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX/BUREAUX

EXTERIOR This area of the garden, with its outdoor pool and sloping lawns, is the children’s favourite spot.

(Right) The use of natural stone and wood helps the building blend in with its surroundings

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d e c o r a t i n g a d v i c e ‘To make a house feel personal, it’s important to display the things you love and are passionate about’

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached new build L O C AT I O N Constantia, near Cape Town, South Africa R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, TV room, study, four bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms, guest suite, sauna B U I LT 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a period terrace in south London,’ says Matt.

W

hen Matt and Victoria Bresler first viewed their house in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley, they were so excited, they didn’t think twice about buying it – then promptly demolished it. ‘It was the land, position and the aspect that we were attracted to, not the building itself,’ says Matt.

‘On our first visit, I spent two or three minutes inside the house and about an hour standing on the roof admiring the surroundings.’

After a decade of working abroad, Matt and Victoria had decided to settle and find a place to raise their children Jonty, now 13, Hannah, 11, and Ollie, nine. With a generous garden bordering onto lush vineyards and enjoying stunning views towards Table Mountain, the plot was missing only one thing: a suitable family home. The existing property was an unattractive angular building with an asbestos roof and an internal squash court. It was in a dilapidated state and the grounds were so overgrown that the adjacent vineyard could only be seen from the second storey.

The idea of a house tailor-made for their family was an exciting one for the Breslers and the first part of the build involved bringing in hundreds of tons of earth to raise the ground level to maximise the view. As for the building

SITTING ROOM The furnishings have a mid-century modern feel that fits in with the home’s architecture.

Dansk sofa, price on request, Mezzanine. For a similar coffee table, try the Grayson in oak, £299, John Lewis & Partners. The Drum side table would also work well here, £125, Lagoon

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itself, there were plenty of ideas. ‘We wanted to create a contemporary home using natural materials, such as wood, stone and glass as well as cement,’ says Matt. The pair commissioned architect Jan-Heyn Vorster to design a house with an ambience that Matt describes as ‘Stockholm with a hint of Dar es Salaam’.

The two-and-a-half-year project resulted in a bold, beautiful and largely single-storey building with an abundance of solar glass and blond oiled oak that are complemented by sculptural concrete in the walls and ceilings.

The profusion of glass has resulted in a huge open-plan living space that is awash with light.

With a construction this imposing, careful thought had to be given to the decor. ‘You can’t separate the interior and the architecture from each other,’ says Jan-Heyn. ‘The building was designed to be neutral with the furnishings supplying the colour.’ Cleverly, Matt and Victoria have installed chairs and sofas that match the colour of the concrete and also complement the Western red cedar cladding.

As well as curvaceous mid-century pieces, treasured items, such as artefacts, masks and etchings collected by Matt during his time backpacking around the world, help to soften the space. Another way the pair personalised their home was by creating a bedroom wing that sits at an angle and hugs the garden, with each room staggered to provide more privacy and better views of the beautiful scenery.

And it is the couple’s love of nature that inspired the naturalistic-styled garden, designed to complement the home’s clean-lined aesthetic and surrounding landscape. ‘We like to think this place is the culmination of a great deal of anticipation, dreaming, planning and research, coming together into a space we love, on a wonderful plot that we were very fortunate to find,’ explains Matt. ‘We just hope we have done the land justice.’

KITCHEN-DINER ‘Our love of clean lines and Scandi style inspired the design of this space,’ says Matt.

Love Wood Kitchens makes units like these, price on request. Try the Ercol Originals Plank table, from £1,345, Heal’s. Nguni chairs, price on request, de Le Cuona. Foscarini Rock pendants, £477 each, Connox MASTER EN SUITE The tub has been placed next to doors that open onto the garden, creating a sense of being outside.

Try the Victoria + Albert Ios bath, £2,885, Bathrooms Direct Yorkshire. The Diamond heated towel rail, £89.95, Victorian Plumbing, is similar

25bh | c o u ntry MASTER BEDROOM Natural wood flooring and soft colours ensure this space doesn’t jar with the garden and striking landscape.

Try the Miss Behaving chair in Slumber Blush, £1,225, Sofa Workshop

d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘If you’re building a house from scratch, be sure to make the best of the views’ 14 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

Sorry, this seat’s taken.

Customise your sofa – 50 styles and 50 fabrics online at swooneditions.com

Berlin three-seater from £1,249 Available in 42 fabrics

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A breath of FRESH AIR

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After more than 20 viewings, Anna Cox finally found a beautiful farmhouse that gave her family the rural lifestyle they longed for

FEATURE ANN BROAD | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

SITTING ROOM

Anna used touches of vibrant pink to bring a contemporary edge to this traditional space.

Previn large sofa, from £2,849; chair, from £1,719, both Sofa Workshop. Cushions and throw, from £45 each, Anna Cox Home. Lampshade, £76, Pooky.

Mirror, from £400, Sean Phelan Mirror Gilding

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Anna’s rustic heirloom table is complemented by bright crockery and striking textiles.

Safi bowls, £10 each, Moroccan Bazaar, are similar. LED letter, £19.63, Lightinthebox.com

home truths

HALLWAY

A vintage table has been given a fresh new look with a coat of paint.

Similar table, from £95, The Old Pill Factory

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THE PROPERTY Late-17th-century farmhouse L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, playroom, utility room, seven bedrooms (three en suite) bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from London to a rental in Gloucestershire, while searching for a home,’ says Anna.

l e s s o n s l e a r n t ‘It’s better to wait and only buy things for your home that you truly love. Less is more’

KITCHEN-DINER

The combination of slick modern design with traditional features has worked particularly well in this multipurpose space.

Cabinets, price on request, Paul Deakin Furniture.

Ikea’s Glenn bar stool, £50, is a similar style. Try Neptune’s Sheldrake dining chairs, £345 each

H

aving a chance conversation at a village fête persuaded Anna Cox that moving to the Oxfordshire countryside was a great idea. ‘I’m forever grateful to Teya, as the first time we met, she convinced me that the Cotswolds, and in particular this area, was perfect for a young family,’ says Anna.

While searching for a home, Anna and her now ex-husband rented a cottage in Gloucestershire. ‘Originally we lived in London but decided to move out of the city

when we had Alfie,’ says Anna. ‘We looked at over 20 houses before finding this one. I have rejected properties in the past, before I’ve even walked through the door because I didn’t get a good “feeling”. The approach to this house was immediately appealing, and we both felt it showed great promise.’

The charming 17th-century property had beautiful period detailing, and with some rethinking, could be transformed into a fantastic home. ‘We loved its old features, especially the stone mullion windows, and

while it was dated and dark, it had potential to be very light,’ says Anna. ‘It was going to be our first major project and we were very excited.’ Purchasing the house in 2012, the family spent the next two years on the renovation, while continuing to live in rented accommodation, and in 2014 they moved into their new home.

The main job was installing the new kitchen. Walls were taken down in the middle of the house to open up the space.

Anna chose contemporary, streamlined 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 19

25bh | c o u ntry MASTER BEDROOM

BEDROOM

The mother of pearl chest brings standout style to this otherwise understated space.

Oliver Bonas’ Lohko chest of drawers, £845, is similar. Try the X-Bench, Jonathan Alder, £745

Blue and white is a classic pairing that won’t date.

Sail Stripe, £11.95m, Just Fabrics, is a similar curtain material. Try The Cotswold Company’s Burford bed, £299

BEDROOM

BATHROOM

Pastel hues create a subtle and sophisticated scheme.

The Cotswold Company’s upholstered bed, from £399, has this look. Armchair in Rabanna, £120m, Fermoie

A roll-top bath and pretty florals add traditional charm.

The Dulwich bath, from £459, Victoria Plum, is a good choice.

For similar curtain fabric, look at Agnes Red, £85m, Kate Forman

l a s t w o r d ‘I look forward to going back to my home every time I leave itÕ cabinets to bring a contrast to the old oak beams. A light stone floor in the kitchen and dining area creates continuity and a greater feeling of space. ‘The main staircase runs off the kitchen, so it is possible for Alfie, now 13 and Josh, nine, to hear me when they are in their bedrooms on the top floor,’ says Anna.

Upstairs, small rooms were remodelled to make a large master bedroom and guest bedrooms with en suites. White walls give a clean, streamlined feel, enabling Anna to introduce colour and texture from her own 20 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

range of soft furnishings. ‘I started Anna Cox Home a few years ago selling cushions, throws and rugs from Morocco,’ she says. ‘I love vibrant tones and stripes because they are so versatile, and they sit well with both modern and traditional interiors.’

Anna’s eye for detail and appreciation for contemporary and classic design have produced a stylish and comfortable home.

‘I really enjoyed devising the schemes and sourcing pieces for each room,’ she says.

‘One of my passions is good storage and I’ve

incorporated as many cupboards and shelves as possible, along with vintage blanket boxes and chests of drawers, bought locally.’

A desire for life in the country has proven successful for Anna and her family.

‘We enjoy being close to open fields and the boys and I only have a three-minute school run,’ says Anna. ‘I also like the easy access to London for work and for catching up with friends before heading back home. It may have taken a long time to find a property, but the search was well worth it.’

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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THE ART OF REINVENTION home truths THE PROPERTY Detached country house, built in 1904, extended in 2016 L O C AT I O N Buckinghamshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, snug, study, five bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 1998 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in Ealing,’ says Liz.

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Liz Houghton and her husband Richard drew on their love of Scandinavian style for inspiration when renovating their home FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL MASSEY

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KITCHEN A special feature of the bespoke Shaker-style cook space is the walk-in larder with a sliding door.

For similar cabinetry, try the Nickleby range, price on request, Humphrey Munson. Units in Pavilion Gray modern eggshell, ÂŁ71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball DINING AREA The new extension at the back of the house was designed to take advantage of the views of the one-acre garden.

Interior design, Kinnersley Kent Design. Wishbone dining chairs, ÂŁ798 each, Hans J Wegner at The Conran Shop. Wood flooring, price on request, Dinesen

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SITTING ROOM Simple shutters add loads of character. Most of the artwork is by Liz’s father, Frank Gibson.

Mariposa butterfly chair, £1,033, Manufactum, has this look

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any homeowners decide to move house when their children leave home, but this was not the case for Liz Houghton and her husband Richard. ‘We’d lived here for 19 years, doing rooms piecemeal when we had the money, living the chaos of family life with our three children, Will, Tom and Sophie,’ says Liz. ‘We loved our home’s quirky feel, the eaves, casement windows – even the outdoor loo. So as the children started to leave for university, we decided to refresh it rather than move.’

Tragically, this decision coincided with the death of eldest son, Will, in a cycling accident in 2016. ‘Will is very much part of our lives and we talk about him all the time,’ says Liz. ‘Losing him made us more determined to make this house a haven.’

Framed by brooding hedges, the north-facing country house was cosy, but dark, so Liz and Richard enlisted the help

of local architects GMTW to help reconfigure the layout.

The architects’ brief was to change the perspective of the house, introduce more light and connect the inside with the garden, as well as to improve the awkward flow of rooms.

During the remodelling, key spaces were enhanced and enlarged. The existing small kitchen at the back of the house was widened and extended, creating a spacious eat-in kitchendiner and a large living area. The new kitchen extension provides a space for the family to come together and relax, while enjoying views over the one-acre garden.

Various architectural features were also updated. The ‘mean’ front entrance was scrapped and a new, more welcoming glass-framed front door was designed to fit beneath the arts-and-crafts porch of the original architecture. The old boxed-in staircase was also removed and replaced with a

LIVING AREA ‘Natural textures, light, honest materials – that more or less sums up my style,’ says Liz. This added-on space is a year-round hub where family and friends can eat, work and spend time together.

Free-range marble coffee table, £979, Blu Dot at Heal’s. Try Moroccan leather pouffe, £98, Bohemia Design

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graceful metal and oak balustrade. Another standout feature is the stylish new Crittall glazing, linking inside and out.

When it came to revisioning the decor, Liz favoured an eclectic approach. ‘I love a mix of styles: Scandinavian, industrial, with a dash of glamour,’ says Liz. ‘But I also wanted to conserve the traditional feel of the house, so I enlisted designers at Kinnersley Kent Design to help realise my plans.’

The refurbished hallway tells you everything you need to know about Liz’s taste. Serene, candle-scented and layered with natural textures, it’s a modern-country interior with a cocooning warmth and conviviality. ‘I discovered the concept of hygge on a buying trip to Copenhagen,’ says Liz, who is co-founder of fashion label Mint Velvet. ‘I loved the idea of an interior that’s like a cashmere jumper – cosseting and

comfortable.’ Liz’s commercial acumen (‘as a buyer you learn to balance the commercial with the creative,’ she says), leads her to favour thrifty details, such as a desk made from a kitchen worktop and Ikea furniture ‘pimped’ with brass handles.

Decorative objects and artwork are carefully curated, including watercolours by Liz’s late father and photos of the family spilling out of their camper van: ‘I like things that mean something to me; objects which evoke an emotion,’ says Liz. Connections, not possessions, define the appeal of this home. ‘I like working at the kitchen table while Tom or Sophie do their university assignments,’ says Liz. My girlfriends come round for supper in their slippers and we play silly games.

We’ll light candles and put on the log-burning stove. That’s what matters: being together.’

MASTER BEDROOM A false half wall behind the bed provides a perching place for artwork.

Pendant light 250, from £248, Rubn. Croft cashmere throw, £250, John Lewis & Partners. Avery stacking stool, from £410, Pinch Design MASTER EN SUITE Tadelakt polished plaster on the walls contrasts nicely with the natural oak and brassware.

Tadelakt plaster, price on request, Tadelakt. Try oak stool, £175, Design Vintage

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FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

NEW FOR OLD When Elizabeth and Derek Sandeman decided to downsize, building their own home was the last thing on their minds FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES

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FAVOURITE room ‘I like the indoor/outdoor feel of the living area – with the doors open, it is almost like we are in the garden’

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached new build L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Living/dining room, kitchen, study area, cloakroom, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, basement cinema room P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a larger family house nearby,’ says Elizabeth.

LIVING AREA

‘I picked wooden and leather furniture to tone with the oak beams,’ says Elizabeth. Blue sofas with mid-century styling add a pop of colour.

Zinc four-seater sofas, £899 each, Dfs. Try the brown leather vintage chair, £845, Perch & Parrow. Vinterior sells vintage coffee table trunks, from £395

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DINING AREA

Elizabeth and Derek chose an open-plan layout to maximise the feeling of light and space.

Try Shimla pendant lights, from £99.95, Nkuku. Large black skeleton wall clock, £64.95, Melody Maison, is similar. Try the refectory table, £4,075, I & JL Brown

FAVOURITE featur e ‘The natural light – because there are so many windows and doors, even if it’s only a halfway sunny day it is always warm and bright in the house’ KITCHEN

Cream Shaker-style cabinetry complements the wooden beams and flooring beautifully.

Cabinetry, price on request, Pineland. Engineered oak flooring, price on request, Sydenhams. Find similar pizza boards at Nkuku, from £24.95

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W

hen Elizabeth Sandeman and her husband Derek decided to downsize when their children grew up and left home, finding a suitable property turned out to be a challenge. ‘We love the New Forest and the surrounding countryside especially the village we live in, so we didn’t want to move away,’ says Elizabeth. ‘Not many properties come up for sale in our price range, so when a bungalow with a large plot of land came on the market, we hurried along to view it.’

The couple’s first impressions of the bungalow were less than favourable.

‘We liked the garden but the house was just wrong,’ says Elizabeth. ‘Initially, we wondered whether we could extend to increase the size of the bungalow or perhaps even relocate it to a more central position on the land.

It was the right plot in the right village, but definitely the wrong house!’

MAKING PLANS

Once the deal had been completed, Elizabeth and Derek reconsidered their plans and decided they wanted to build a new house from scratch. The idea began to take shape when they came across Oakwrights, a company who specialise in building oak-framed houses and other buildings. ‘We went to a self-build fair in Birmingham and established that they were one of the leading builders of oakframed houses in the country,’ says Elizabeth.

‘We saw photographs of their work and we were very impressed – we knew we wanted to build something similar. We were also able to go and stay in their show house in Herefordshire, and

MASTER BEDROOM

I loved it so much I didn’t want to leave!’

Despite the fact that the couple had no previous experience of building their own home, they were undaunted. ‘I don’t know how to wire a plug but I naively took it on,’ says Elizabeth. ‘However, we were served well by Oakwrights, who put us in touch with our architect John Williams, who came up with the design.’ To enhance the sense of light and space, the couple opted for an open-plan layout. ‘To further maximum light, we added plenty of windows and door to the design,’ says Elizabeth.

A Juliet balcony makes the most of the views.

Try Duck Egg linen bedding, from £16 for a pillowcase, Secret Linen Store. Wicker storage hamper, £125, The Cotswold Company, would work. The Lloyd Loom Lansdown chair, from £195, Lloyd Looms, would suit

NEW BEGINNINGS

Planning permission to build the house in its new position on the plot took six months.

Happily, Elizabeth and Derek were able to live in the old bungalow while the work on the oak-framed building took place. ‘We were allowed to build a new property with the provision that we knocked down the bungalow within three months of moving into the new house,’ says Elizabeth.

The building work took around 15 months, which gave Elizabeth ample time to plan the interior decor. ‘We wanted our new home to look interesting, so we chose lots of wood and leather, individual pieces of furniture and older, distressed pieces to create an eclectic look,’ says Elizabeth. ‘It’s homely, yet quirky, which is just the look I was aiming for.’

With the project now complete, Elizabeth and Derek are thrilled with the results. ‘We’re so glad we made the decision to build our own house,’ says Elizabeth. ‘It’s so easy and warm to live in and it feels bright, airy and cheery, even on rainy days.’

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

BATHROOM

Painted panelling is teamed with a roll-top tub for a classic scheme.

Tongue-and-groove panelling in Mizzle estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Clockhouse stool, £95, Garden Trading, is an alternative option

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LIVING AREA Located on the first floor to make the most of the incredible sea views, this relaxed family-friendly space leads out onto a large balcony.

Design Vintage’s Tessa rattan pendant light, £115, would work here. Sofa, price on request, Camerich. Filiz hammam towel, £25, Urbanara, has the same look

NAUTICAL CHARM 3 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

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Drawn by the lure of the sea, Laura Colucci has created an idyllic family home and purpose-built yoga studio right by the water’s edge FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

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TV ROOM A large lobster painting suits the seaside setting. The bespoke shelving, made by carpenter Russell Crimes, provides plenty of storage for toys and games.

Nkuku’s Kabu large wooden lantern, £89.95, is a good match

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached home, built in 2016 L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, TV room, utility room, five bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom, yoga studio P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also own a flat in London,’ says Laura.

l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘There were lots of decisions to be made and at times it

W

hen Laura Colucci and her husband Paul bundled their baby into the car and drove out of London in a quest to find golden sands and big skies, they’d no idea that their day trip to the West Sussex coast would have such an impact on their lives. ‘A friend had given us a tip-off about West Wittering beach and we were captivated,’ says Laura. ‘This magical day was the catalyst that inspired us to build our own beachside home and the yoga studio I’d 3 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

longed for.’ In 2007, after the couple’s eldest son, Luca, was born, the Coluccis found themselves frequently escaping London to spend quality time together elsewhere. ‘Although we love many aspects of living in the city, Paul and I grew up in Canada surrounded by nature and we yearned for that sense of space,’ says Laura, a yoga teacher who also runs her own business Spritz Wellness.

Having discovered the long stretch of sandy beach and glistening waters at West Wittering, the Coluccis found themselves

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KITCHEN-DINER Laura and Paul have used different styles of lighting to help zone the kitchen, dining and living spaces.

Kitchen units, price on request, Arundel Bespoke. Old School Electric blown-glass pendants, from £112.50 each; for a similar off-white light, try the French ceramic pendant, from £93.50, both Holloways of Ludlow. Ingolf bar stools, £45 each, Ikea

was all rather overwhelming, but choosing the right team for our build was keyÕ returning to this special place time and time again. ‘It made sense to look for a house or plot to create our own bolthole,’ says Laura.

In 2012, a year after their second son, Connor, was born, the family rented a beachside property in East Wittering and began their house-hunting mission. Two years of searching followed before Laura and Paul finally came across the right property. ‘It was very dated and full of asbestos,’ says Laura. ‘However, the beachside location was fantastic, with views out to sea and towards the Isle of

Wight.’ When it came to the design of their new home, the couple found their renting experience had given them a head start. ‘We knew we wanted what you might call an “upside down” house to maximise the views. We envisaged a Hamptons-style home with wooden cladding that would incorporate plenty of glass, a vaulted ceiling and an open-plan layout on the first floor,’ says Laura.

Having discussed their ideas for a contemporary house with a local architect, planning permission was eventually granted for the 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 3 5

BEDROOM Shiplap panelling is a nod to the house’s coastal setting.

Uist Coast watercolour and gouache painting, price on request, Ron Lawson. Rug Vista’s striped dhurrie, £145, has this look

EN SUITE Laura chose sea-coloured metro tiles for the shower.

Metro tiles, £25sq m, Topps Tiles.

The Dockside wall light from Original BTC, £309 each, is an alternative option

l a s t w o r d ‘We can all totally switch off and enjoy being close to nature and timber-framed Scandia-Hus home. ‘While we were waiting for planning to go through, we crossed paths with Murray Johnstone, a neighbour who’d built a couple of houses close to our plot,’ says Laura. ‘Although I’d completed a self-build course in London, I realised that I’d need Murray’s expertise to project-manage and this partnership worked extremely well. Murray’s recommended carpenter, Russell Crimes, was fantastic, as were his suggestions for other trades.’ When it came to choosing materials, the couple were 3 6 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

keen to use natural options where possible. ‘We felt cedar cladding would look wonderful and would also weather well,’ says Laura.

‘For the inside of the house we decided to go for a combination of slate, brick and tongue-and-groove panelling to inject the rustic, lived-in and welcoming feel we wanted.’

Laura and Paul selected a pale palette to show off these natural elements. ‘In terms of the interiors, we wanted the walls to be painted in muted tones of white,’ says Laura. ‘I then introduced

c oa s ta l | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM A velvet pin-tucked quilt adds a luxurious touch to the simple scheme.

Cox & Cox’s pin-tucked velvet and linen kingsize quilt in Blue, £350, would work here.

Large Fin pendant light, £245, Original BTC. Sleep Atmosphere Mist pillow spray, £20, Spritz Wellness. For more information about yoga at Laura’s studio, contact lauracolucciyoga.com

the water here – it makes us feel extremely calm and grounded’ a subtle palette of gentle colours to echo our coastal surroundings in the soft furnishings and furniture.’

The Coluccis haven’t looked back since adding the final touches, including seaside-inspired artwork and model boats, to their coastal retreat. ‘Our new home is a wonderful escape for ourselves, Luca, who is now 12, and Connor, who is nine,’ says Laura. ‘We spend virtually every weekend and most of the boys’ school holidays here. We’re all really keen on water sports, from FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

paddle-boarding to surfing, and love being able to pop down to the shore on a whim.’ Laura’s yoga studio adds to the chilled atmosphere the family have created in their new home. ‘My studio is the most relaxing place to practise and teach yoga in. When the doors are open, I can hear the waves gently lapping on the shore,’ she says. ‘The whole house and its location are everything we ever dreamt of when we were searching – this is the perfect place to relax and just enjoy being together as a family.’

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IN THE MIX

Elizabeth Flekser has a knack for combining traditional pieces and bold decor statements with flair – and it’s given her Tudor-inspired home serious panache FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON

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tow n | 25bh LIVING AREA

This sunny space showcases how to mix florals, geometrics and plaids with style.

Chinese temple chair, $790, Xavier Furniture. Kavali Pochi rug, $1,138, International Floorcoverings

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y An art deco, Tudor Revival property built in 1938, with recent extension L O C AT I O N Suburb of Clayfield near Brisbane R O O M S Sitting room, diner/ living area, kitchen, cloakroom, four bedrooms (two en suite), family bathroom, external design studio and pool P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a new build property, across the road,’ says Elizabeth.

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Elizabeth relaxes with new baby Noah. A painting from New York artist Wayne Pate adds a contemporary touch.

Armchair covered in Lexington Moss, Diane Bergeron.

Hand-painted wall plate, from £30, Mito Liberty at Etsy

KITCHEN

The creative stencilling around the doorway is inspired, while heirloom china is carefully curated within glass units original to the house.

Green plates, from £20, Bordallo Pinheiro at Liberty London

FAVOURITE FEATUR E ‘The original lead light windows inspire me every day. Their DINING AREA

Putting a trompe-l’oeil artwork behind the table gives a sense of depth to the space.

Antique Thonet Bentwood bench, $4,500, Ivy and Piper.

Trompe-l’oeil painting by Mary Pinnock. Curtain fabric trim and cushion, Rayure Fleurie, $618m, Brunschwig & Fils

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SITTING ROOM

Eclectic textiles, a favourite 1920s crystal chandelier and heirloom antiques evoke a decadent feel.

Similar chandelier, from £1,200, Norfolk Decorative. Regency coffee table, $1,750, Circa Who

beauty, intricacy and dimensions just cannot be replicated with modern substitutesÕ

E

lizabeth Flekser, co-founder of the boutique, Brisbane-based interior design practice Ivy and Piper, has a flair for design. She says, ‘I like to combine classic pieces of furniture and heirloom antiques with more unexpected overtones of colour, pattern and texture.

I like grown-up spaces, but with an injection of fun.’

For Elizabeth, renovating the house is about more than simply redecorating spaces. This art deco, Tudor-inspired home that she shares with her engineer husband, Grant, and two small boys, Levi and Noah, had remained untouched and was ripe for renovation. ‘With a growing family we wanted to extend the house and reconfigure the spaces to meet our family’s needs,’ says Elizabeth. Grant, a professional draftsman, was able to bring their vision to life and project-managed the entire planning and build, while Elizabeth took care of the interior design and decoration.

‘The house itself has the most beautiful aura. We fell in love with it, while living across the road and when we purchased the house, our renovation master plan was sympathetic to the original period,’ says Elizabeth. Repositioning the staircase enabled bedroom spaces to be re-sized along the new upstairs corridor. A new master suite was also high on the couple’s wish list. ‘Modern romance was our theme, with sumptuous fabrics and Grand Tour-style wallpapers, that transport us to Europe.

We’ve created a relaxing retreat and the Juliet balcony overlooking the pool is a favourite feature.’

A new formal hallway, with striking green and white Carrara marble flooring, that complements the existing kitchen floor, leads to a spacious living and dining room, with doors out onto

HALLWAY

A wrought-iron balustrade was custom made by local artisans.

Antique gilt and iron hall table with green marble top, $1,250, The Empire Company. Henry Moore lithograph, from $500, The Paddington Antique Centre

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MASTER BEDROOM

Character pieces bring life to a neutral palette.

Custom-made bedhead in Siege velvet, $270m, Aldeco.

Lampshade in Sicily fabric, £120m, Fermoie

NOAH’S NURSERY

‘I like to design rooms for young children that will stand the test of time,’ says Elizabeth.

Lullaby Moses basket, £89, Clair de Lune, is similar. Marcel wallpaper, $275 a roll, Schumacher

LAST WOR D ÔDonÕt follow trends and always invest in the best quality you can affordÕ

CLOAKROOM

Painting the window frame to match the door is a considered detail.

Pierre Frey Sur Le Nil Naturel FP 482001 wallpaper, price on request, TM Interiors

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the pool area. ‘The Brunschwig & Fils curtains in the living area are everything! I used the pattern as contrast banding to create the sense of a creeping garden vine,’ says Elizabeth.

At the beginning of all her interior design projects, Elizabeth first considers the architectural features. ‘A room is like a beautiful puzzle and when all the pieces come together there is an artwork to behold,’ she says. Indeed, in the living room a classic Ralph Lauren tartan sofa is juxtaposed with leopard print cushions and a contemporary Wayne Pate abstract. ‘If you can invest in nothing else but pieces of wonderful art, it will help make a home,’ says. Elizabeth Throughout, treasured pieces stop you in your tracks, including the trompe l’oeil painting in the dining area, commissioned from Mary Pinnock – a wedding gift from Elizabeth to Grant, and the original art deco hallway light, that belonged to Elizabeth’s parents. ‘Grant grew up in South Africa and has inherited some wonderful Ardmore ceramics.

I believe homes should tell your life story and reflect your personality.’ A philosophy endorsed fully by Ivy and Piper and Elizabeth’s business partner, Melanie Parker, from their ‘at home’ studio – an outbuilding transformed as part of the house development. ‘Creating a studio has been very transformative.

Clients love it and I have the space to create, without distraction.’

There is a sense of timelessness to the decor, yet unique visual surprises continue at every turn. ‘I like to add drama, such as the bold Pierre Frey monkey wallpaper in the cloakroom.

Elements of contrast work brilliantly in small spaces and creating a sense of the unexpected is something I like to build into my designs,’ smiles Elizabeth. ‘After all, homes should be fun.’

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

welcome to the world of

The one-stop edit of the best modern style inspiration and design ideas

Past and present The Turle family were struggling to find their forever home when they discovered a run-down property full of historical character FEATURE AMY MAYNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

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KITCHEN The navy island offers a pleasing contrast to the stone-coloured cabinets.

Island in Basalt intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Wellington pendant lights, £215 each, Fritz Fryer DINING ROOM Full-height glazing allows the light to flood in.

Wishbone-style chairs, £139 each, Cult Furniture. No 3 dining table, £1,800, Sibast. Horizon pendant, £299, Ebb & Flow. Painting by Mary Allen, Barnes Fine Art Gallery

25bh | c it y SITTING ROOM The calming palette of pale neutrals is offset by warm accent colours in the furnishings.

Chagal chairs, price on request, Julian Chichester.

Valentin ottoman, from £306, Sofa.com. Grey Avebury lamps, £351 each; with Warwick shades, £103 each, both Vaughan

home truths THE PROPERTY A mid-terrace Victorian house L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a railway cottage nearby,’ says Louise.

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O

n a street that overlooks a pretty village green in southwest London sits a row of charming red-brick homes built between 1899 and 1903 and known as the Lion Houses. In one of these lives Louise Turle, her husband Marcus and their six-year-old son Harry.

The family had been living in a compact cottage nearby for a decade and had outgrown the space. ‘We’d been looking for a suitable property for a long time, and after spending many a weekend driving out to explore the home counties, we decided we couldn’t beat our own area,’ says Louise.

PRECIOUS FIND

In late 2017, Louise and Marcus viewed this historical gem and were won over by the high ceilings and period features. ‘We bought it probate and it hadn’t been updated for years, so it needed a complete overhaul,’ says Louise. ‘Most of the plumbing was the original lead piping and the boiler wasn’t sufficient for the size of house. The wiring was deemed dangerous and wouldn’t have passed any of today’s safety standards, plus there were also a few rotten windows and doors.’

Daunted by the amount of work involved, the couple called on the expertise of project manager Kate Cornelius. ‘We’d known Kate and her work for many years and she was the obvious choice when thinking about someone to manage the work,’ says Louise. ‘She was able to bring in the right people to provide quotes and gave us a real understanding of the overall project. What we initially thought would

be a bit of paint and new carpets turned out to be considerably more than that.’

WORK COMPLETED

Eventually the house was reworked from top to bottom – rewiring, new plumbing, new bathroom and kitchen, and a total redecoration.

The result is a wonderful combination of period and contemporary with oak parquet floor running throughout the downstairs.

While Louise and Marcus have different tastes in interiors, they managed to compromise. ‘I would describe our style as classic with a contemporary twist.

He likes quite traditional interiors whereas I tend to prefer more modern, so we end up somewhere in the middle,’ says Louise.

After the main thrust of the work had been done, the couple asked interior designer Anna Hewitson to help with the finishing touches in the sitting room.

‘She has blended both our styles brilliantly,’ says Louise.

P E R I O D F E AT U R E S

As well as being pleased with the redesign, the couple also love the bones of the place. ‘Most of the original features are intact and this brings so much character to the house,’ says Louise.

Importantly, the division of space works for them. ‘We both work from home most of the time, and we can all be here and not get under each other’s feet,’ says Louise.

But the bright and airy kitchen is the real triumph.

‘We now spend most of our time in here, either as a family or having long lunches and dinners when friends and relations come round,’ says Louise. ‘You could say it’s the icing on the cake.’

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

MASTER BEDROOM Grey walls create a restful feel.

Walls in Steel V, £68 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Oxford Stripe blanket, £45, Weaver Green B AT H R O O M Elegance imbues this space.

Bath, from a selection, CP Hart. Astro

Broni wall lights, £115.99, Ocean Lighting, would work here CLOAKROOM Bold patterned wallpaper provides a playful edge.

Palm Jungle wallpaper, £100 a roll, Cole & Son. Antiqued Gold pendant mirror, £148, Graham and Green

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A SUNNY OUTLOOK Flori and Rory Atkins have complemented the striking position of their home with an interior scheme that’s bursting with colour and pattern FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached home, built in 2011 L O C AT I O N Worcestershire R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, office, utility room, gym, cinema room, five bedrooms (three en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an historic house in the Cotswolds,’ says Flori.

KITCHEN The couple’s much-loved home is full of vibrant artwork that Flori and Rory have enjoyed choosing together.

June Garden Flowers acrylic painting, £895, Sally Anne Fitter

DINING/ LIVING AREA ‘We went for oak and limestone flooring, which work well together and are practical,’ says Flori.

Bespoke dining table and chairs in ash and oak, David Murray Designs

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l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘We’re glad we sold our old furniture to the people who bought LIVING AREA A comfortable corner sofa helps to zone this large, open-plan space, while plenty of cushions and throws in bright tones and patterns create a warm and welcoming feel.

For similar furniture, try the Slowcoach even-sided sofa, from £2,695; and the Flatster rectangle footstool, from £445, both in Thatch house fabric, Loaf. Sofa cushions in Velvet in Honey, £60m; Bird Hop in Charcoal, £54m; Lapland Stripe in Dove, Saffron, Charcoal, £60m, all Vanessa Arbuthnott. Rug, price on request, Crucial Trading

W

hen Flori and Rory Atkins decided to sell their 500-year-old farmhouse, the couple had no idea they’d end up swapping it for a cutting-edge eco home. ‘A few years ago, we could never have envisaged living in such a contemporary house, but since moving here, we’ve never once looked back,’ says Flori.

In 2015, life changed dramatically for the Atkins, prompting them to consider relocating and simplifying their lifestyle.

‘It all began seven years previously when I suffered kidney failure,’ says Flori. ‘Rory 5 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

was found to be a suitable donor and the transplant operation was a success. We both thought that we were out of the woods but, years later, I was rushed back to hospital, due to unforeseen complications.’

While Flori convalesced, the couple who are property investors and business consultants, reassessed their lives. They decided to sell their period house and find somewhere easier to maintain. ‘In terms of location, I was keen to move closer to my roots in Worcestershire,’ says Flori.

‘Although we’d been very happy in our Cotswold stone house for 12 years, the

KITCHEN ‘We softened this contemporary scheme with bold Roman blinds and funky bar stools,’ says Flori.

For an alternative bar stool, try the Magna, £99.99, Atlantic Shopping. LSA glass cake stand and dome, £85, John Lewis & Partners KITCHEN/ DINING AREA ‘When we spotted the portrait, we knew it would be perfect for adding character to this space,’ says Flori.

Lady of the Night painting, £900, Sam Marsh. Mississippi Pastels rug, price on request, Crucial Trading

running costs were fairly high and the small windows meant it was rather dark in places.’

Trawling the internet for homes near picturesque Bredon Hill, Rory spotted a stylish property and he was intrigued.

‘It was a complete contrast to what we’d become used to,’ says Flori. ‘The open-plan layout with all the living spaces and master bedroom on the one floor really appealed to us and we decided to check it out.’ As they approached the house, they were captivated by the location, close to the River Avon.

However, the couple’s initial excitement rapidly turned to disappointment when

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our previous house – it was a period home so everything was very traditional’ MASTER BEDROOM To make the most of this room’s position, Flori and Rory installed bifold doors that open straight onto the large terrace with wonderful surrounding views.

Made sells similar Margot chairs in Midnight Grey Velvet, £229 for a set of two. Bed cushions in In Full Flight in Damson, Winter, £54m; chair cushion in Stockholm Stripe in Damson, Scree, Winter, £54m, all Vanessa Arbuthnott B AT H R O O M Keen to put their stamp on the existing scheme, the couple have

fitted a new statement radiator.

Ximax designer towel radiator in chrome, £304.99, Screwfix, has the same look BEDROOM ‘The combination of yellow and blue gives this room a bright and breezy feel,’ says Flori.

Pinner chest of drawers in Atlantic Blue, £779, Heal’s.

The Remington leather chairs, £845 each, Perch & Parrow, are similar.

Curtains in Song Birds in Buttercup, Clay, Charcoal, £52m; bed cushions in Gypsy Garland in Cornflower, £54m, all Vanessa Arbuthnott

they set foot inside. ‘It was very bland,’ says Flori. ‘The inside lacked any input in terms of decor and felt rather soulless.’

Weighing up all their options, the Atkins realised that this property offered vast potential to be transformed into a very practical and comfortable home. They snapped it up and during the first year, ensured that all the unfinished jobs were tackled, such as rewiring the IT system, fitting extra sockets and making some amendments to the lighting.

‘We wanted a welcoming hallway, rather than just walking straight through the front FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

door and into the kitchen,’ explains Flori.

Having carefully considered the design, a local carpenter built the smart new space and fitted a bespoke glass door. ‘The carpenter also extended the kitchen island so that we could have a handy breakfast bar at one end,’ says Flori.

As her health improved, Flori turned her attention to enlivening virtually every room with artwork, sourced from galleries across the UK, plus vibrant fabrics from her favourite designer, Vanessa Arbuthnott.

‘While living in Gloucestershire, we’d totally fallen for Vanessa’s beautiful

collections, and visited her showroom on many occasions,’ says Flori. ‘Having weaved her fabrics into our Cotswolds property, we were determined to inject colour, interest and impact here with her soft furnishings.’

The couple are thrilled that their chosen designs have worked just as well in this modern setting as they had done in their former, Grade II-listed farmhouse. And having embraced every aspect of their new place, the couple are thoroughly enjoying their retired lifestyle. ‘It’s such a versatile home,’ says Flori. ‘We’ve found it to be incredibly bright and uplifting.’

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A style guide to the

outside

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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Sitting room, study, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 1970 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a small flat in north London,’ says Audey.

PET PROJECT

Lots of references to their beloved dogs, plus pops of pattern and treasured artwork, define the uniquely eclectic home owned by Audey and Tony Charles FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

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‘W

hen people move house, they usually take the opportunity to clear out some of their possessions, but we have stayed put, so now our house is full to the brim with all the things we love,’ says Audey Charles of her much cherished home set in a leafy location near the Thames.

It is now laden with sweet decorative memories ranging from the antiques picked up when she and Tony, her film director husband, were first married, to contemporary geometric lampshades now being manufactured by her talented daughter, Sophie Morton, who started a hand-blocked printing company called Yateley Papers.

Audey and Tony moved in with their first baby Nicola, then one year old, having fallen in love with the area. ‘It is close to the river, a bird sanctuary, a lake, woodlands and heath, all perfect dog walking country,’ says Audey, adding, ‘the bones of the house were fine, it was just tired and needed decorating. It had a homely atmosphere due to a long run of happy previous occupants. We were even sent an early photo of the family that lived here in 1851 with their 10 children and two servants.’

Since the Charles family moved in, the house has evolved to meet their changing needs. The couple’s original kitchen was located in what is now Tony’s study and the current sitting room in those early days doubled-up as a dining room and playroom. It was only after their next two daughters were born, Sophie and then Poppy, that Tony and Audey began to feel the need to

GARDEN Even this space is treated to pattern – a cohesive colour scheme makes the mix work.

Hand-blocked tablecloths, £70 each; napkins, £32 for four, all Yateley Papers.

The Stripes Company sells similar director’s chairs , from £145 DINING ROOM ‘I like the calm country style created by arranging pieces of china on the dresser,’ says Audey.

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Blue-rimmed glasses, £25 each, Oka. Dining chairs in Natural linen, £280 for two, Perch & Parrow, have this look SITTING ROOM ‘Kilim fabrics for the sofas are a perfect foil for dog paws,’ Audey explains.

Bespoke sofas, George Smith. Similar kilim fabric, from £96m, Linwood.

Similar gilded overmantel mirror, £1,650, Vinterior

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expand into the basement, at which point the builders moved in.

They designed a new run of stairs in keeping with the original style of the house, which previous owners had removed. Next they reconfigured the basement space, squeezing in a laundry, larder and cloakroom with shower. The old rotten floorboards were replaced with new pale oak, the ceilings were lined with painted tongue and groove planking and a farmhouse-style kitchen was designed and installed by a local carpenter. This space is now everybody’s favourite, opening onto a large garden through French doors.

The benefit of these early alterations has enabled the couple to entertain friends and accommodate their family of three daughters and five grandchildren who regularly come to stay, often bringing friends as well. ‘It sometimes feels like a hotel with every bed filled,’ says Audey.

The secret to the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere in the house lies in Audey’s original resolve: ‘never to buy anything too precious that cannot be broken’.

Her favourite things are creamy white china, an abstract painting by Allen Jones, a Victor Pasmore painting bought by Tony in his youth, handcrafted pots by her daughter Sophie and a simple wooden dog given by a friend. The dog has been sitting on the dresser for 40 years. Dog-themed art is everywhere. ‘I suppose it is obvious I love dogs,’ says Audey, patting her favourite wire-haired terrier Mr Chips on the head.

Understandably with such a well used home, Audey often dreams of what it might be like to upsize rather than downsize after 50 years. ‘Perhaps when the grandchildren grow up and marry we may need even more room,’ she smiles.

KITCHEN An organised look is created by displaying utensils in a neat row, within perfect reach for cooking and baking.

Similar units from Howdens, prices on request; in Whitening intelligent eggshell, £46 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene B AT H R O O M A dark grey-green wallpaper was chosen to show up a drawing of a dog similar to Audey’s wire-haired terrier.

Houndstooth wallpaper, £68 a roll, Osborne & Little, is a close match. Persisk kelim Gashgai rug, £180, Ikea, is similar MASTER BEDROOM Colourful and bold prints offer a stylish haven.

Cupboard doors in Pitch Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Indian bedcover, £130, Sarah K. Pink velvet cushions, £12 each, Dunelm

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home truths THE PROPERTY Renovated village house L O C AT I O N Majorca R O O M S Hallway, kitchen-diner/living area, four bedrooms (all en suite), bathroom, guest annexe P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘The family also live in another house in Majorca,’ says Oro.

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ISLAND RETREAT In this Majorcan village house, Oro del Negro masterfully combined a contemporary sensibility with the traditional values of the local area FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX/BUREAUX

EXTERIOR This dining area has built-in banquette seating that allows for plenty of guests, with the fireplace acting as a focal point.

Nkuku’s Noko wicker conical pendant light, £195, is a good alternative. The house is available for holiday lets via deialuxe.com

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hen property in the chic Majorca mountain village of Deia comes up for sale there is always a scramble to acquire it. And with so few houses available, an imaginative vision is often required to embed the necessities for comfortable modern living in these old, traditional homes. Oro del Negro and Manuel Villanueva of More Design became involved in one such house. Having been raised on the island, Oro, whose wife Tille contributes to the interiors wing of the firm, has an intimate working knowledge of the local vernacular style, materials and craftsmanship.

‘Property mostly passes from family to family and when it does come on the market it comes with a price tag,’ says Oro. ‘If you buy a house in Deia now, it becomes a passion project.’ His client had fallen in love with the village, which climbs up the flanks of the Teix

mountain and seems to be permanently basking in a romantic rose-tinted sunlight. Famously adopted by the English poet and novelist Robert Graves, the village has become a commune for artists, musicians and writers.

This stunning property is on a narrow street winding down from the church and, dramatically, virtually everything behind the façade was to be changed. ‘The house’s footprint on steep terrain was a challenge and we wanted to bring a lot of light down into the darker spaces, which we did by creating a light well at the top of the stairs,’ says Oro. Downstairs, a kitchen, dining and sitting room open out onto a courtyard with annex guest room, pool and covered dining area. At the top of the house are the bedrooms including a large master suite and studio space.

The interior has an uplifting simplicity. ‘We wanted to give the house the traditional DNA of the local

H A L LWAY The traditional ‘entrada’ was retained and adapted for use as a cinema room.

Upholstery fabric, price on request, Tapásería Tomás Riera. The jute rug, £139.95, Benuta, is similar. The Gift artwork is by Deia artist Arturo Rhodes

LIVING AREA Oro made the fireplace frame and ledge using breeze blocks covered with plaster and lime.

Wall lights designed by More Design and produced by local potters’ association, Pere Coll

Ollers. Floors in Mortex mineral coating, price on request, Beal KITCHEN-DINER Rustic reclaimed wood and roughly hewn stone are contrasted by modernist lights

and industrial steel windows.

Joinery is by local artisan Boni Fuster. Etch pendant lights, £385, Tom Dixon. Louis Ghost chair by Kartell, £226 for set of two, Heal’s. For similar curtain fabric, try Vector voile, £32m, Scion

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25bh | c oa s ta l vernacular but with a contemporary reading of its space,’ says Oro. While Majorcan homes typically are built with rough stonework interior walls, Oro favoured a lime and plaster mix to create a continuous render, then waxed and polished with olive tree soap to give a muted, tactile quality. The floors are treated with a mineral coating, which Oro says gives a ‘concrete urban-industrial’ effect. A stonemason was tasked with insetting the slabs of natural stone, which blend at random intervals into the slick bone-coloured floor.

The result is a skilful combination of contemporary and artisanal, handmade features. ‘We like to work with local craftspeople reviving old techniques and

create our own bespoke elements,’ says Oro. Majorcan Robes de llengües or ‘cloth of tongues’ fabrics have been used for windows and cushions bringing a relaxed informality. Carefully curated furnishings, among them the red velvet sofa, Philippe Starck ghost chairs and four-poster bed, add their own sense of charisma.

The house is so full of unexpected details that stepping through the door and seeing the way the space unfolds is surprising. ‘It might be shocking to walk into a house like this and discover this mix of contemporary and old, but you would soon recognise the traditional values,’ says Oro. A rare gem, it’s impossible to imagine anyone resisting this house’s unique charm.

BEDROOM A minimalistic scheme and simple bed frame allow the luxurious silk quilt to become the focus.

Maisons du Monde’s four-poster bed, £443.50, would work. Try Habitat’s Regency quilted bedspread, £250

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MASTER BEDROOM The artisan textures of a peacock chair and Berber rug bring interest to the monochromatic scheme.

Similar peacock chair, from £549, The Rattan Company. The

Moroccan Berber rug, £849, City Cows, shares this style STUDY Sun-bleached wood panels add warmth and character.

Forsa work lamp, £15, Ikea

B AT H R O O M Micro-cement on the wall and bath creates a seamless finish.

Bespoke brass bath spout, mixer tap and hand shower, Vola. Try H&M Home’s three-legged wooden stool, £59.99

KITCHEN

Nicola updated the room with new pendants, bar stools and an antique cupboard from Kempton Park Market. ‘Bringing in rustic wood furniture as a contrast to the white appealed to me,’ she says.

‘Earthy, natural tones remind me of South Africa.’

Cowbell pendants, £95 each, Loaf. Weathered bar stools, £150 each, Eastburn Country Furniture

PERSONAL SPACE Wanting to honour her South African roots, Nicola Kotkis ensured her home has pieces that reflect her heritage FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 1930s semi-detached house L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, office, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived nearby in a four-bed developer home,’ says Nicola.

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FAVOURITE ROOM ‘There’s so much space for us to mingle in the extension and the skylights make it light even on gloomy days’

DINING AREA

A pair of black-framed mirrors create a windowlike effect in the room.

‘I needed big pieces to fill the wall,’ says Nicola.

Bramante walnut table is similar, £599, Made. Vistoft rug is a good match, £229, Ikea. Troy arch mirrors, £145 each, Perch & Parrow, share this look. La Redoute’s Cedak oak and rattan chairs, £285 for a set of two, would work here

SITTING ROOM

‘The wooden panel is a piece of old door that’s been re-purposed. I bought it in South Africa,’ Nicola says. ‘I love the texture and that the hinges are still in place.’

Botanical cushions, £30 each; blue tasselled rug, £80, all Homesense.

Noir stool, £127, Nordic Nest, has this look

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hen it came to planning her home, interior designer Nicola Kotkis favoured a neutral palette, but with important touches hinting at her South African heritage.

‘My taste is classic,’ she explains.

‘But earthy natural tones remind me of home and I love the unusual pieces I’ve brought back from local markets.’

Nicola and her husband, Ilan, a solicitor, have lived in London for 17 years and jumped at the chance to buy this extended house, knowing it would be ideal for them and their children, Livia, nine, and five-year-old twins, Gideon and Ezra.

‘I was super-excited,’ says Nicola.

‘It was good to be in a position where

we had the space and layout we wanted, and I looked forward to investing our time and money to make our home look pretty and functional for us.’

The six-metre rear extension provided a large kitchen and dining area with a zone for relaxing. Sliding doors separate it from the front sitting room, which has a built-in toy cupboard so it doubles as a playroom.

‘I liked the flexibility of the layout,’ says Nicola. ‘My office, where I work with my business partner, Lisa Novick, is also the kids’ craft room. I turned one of the bedrooms into Ilan’s office and at the moment the twins share the loft room so we’re able to have a guest bedroom.’

Still, there was plenty to do to bring the house up to scratch. Working with

LIVING AREA

Nicola has squared off this snug area with a sofa and rug, with a beaded chandelier to top off the stylish look. ‘I scoured the internet for the right sort of lighting and found this pendant in China, which I absolutely love,’ says Nicola.

Rug, £600, West Elm. Sofa, £2,000, DFS. Eglo beaded chandelier is similar, £222, Dusk Lighting

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BEDROOM

Nicola took colour cues from the pinks and greens in the framed prints.

Palm Tree prints, £79 for two, Graham and Green, are similar. Cushion, £50, Fenwick. Throw, £85, Amara

BATHROOM

A simple scheme in taupe with large format tiles is softened by a single leafy plant.

Trax Peppered Taupe tiles are similar, £24.95sq m, Walls and Floors

Lisa, Nicola put together a mood board for each room just as they do for clients.

‘My taste for neutrals is in complete contrast to our work at Novick Kotkis as many of our clients are adventurous with colour,’ she says. ‘My scheme is calm and clean and works really well to make our versatile living spaces flow together.’

Nicola kept the high-quality Glotech kitchen and updated the look by swapping chrome island pendants with bubble glass.

She added texture with wood, bringing in a dark wood dining table and two antique dressers from her previous home.

‘Where possible I try not to buy from the high street as it’s easy to get carried away with trends and then find your things are the same as everyone else’s,’

says Nicola. ‘I’ve always liked cross-back wooden chairs and convinced a wedding hire company to sell 14 of them to me.’

Family visits to South Africa often yield something original for the house.

Four decorative ceiling panels make an intriguing wall display in the extension.

‘With clients, we like to build a design idea around something personal they love and I’ve done the same here,’ explains Nicola. ‘We have all kinds of homeware we’ve bought in markets in Johannesburg that give our home a unique style.’

‘Decorating throughout has made the house feel new,’ she says. ‘It’s lovely having all the shared downstairs space as well as separate rooms for specific activities. It’s a house that will last us a very long time.’

LIVIA’S BEDROOM

‘Having seen this paper years ago, I thought it would be lovely for a child’s space,’ says Nicola.

Hummingbird wallpaper, £97 a roll, Cole & Son’s Archive Anthology

MASTER BEDROOM

‘I added the dusky pinks as the room needed more contrast,’ says Nicola.

Check cushions, £65 each; pink throw, £120, all John Lewis & Partners. Olson glass cloche wall lights, £120 each, Heal’s

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PERFECT FORM

ARTWORK (FROM TOP LEFT) COLOMBINE; PACïME, BOTH BELINDA FRIKH AT RUNWAY GALLERY LIVING ROOM PHOTOGRAPH VERONICA RODRIGUEZ/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

Runway Gallery artist Belinda Frikh tells us about her lifelong love of drawing and explains how powerful women influence her timeless and striking works

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fter moving to London in 1996, soon after finishing her studies, Belinda’s intention was to stay for three months. Instead, she stayed for 21 years. ‘I was instantly drawn to the city’s buzz, its cultural heritage and cosmopolitan feel,’ she says.

Despite her time in the capital, it is France, her home country, that has had the strongest influence on her drawing. ‘I’ve named most of my ladies after French heroines. I can’t pinpoint exactly when I started to draw because for as long I can remember, I was drawing – always drawing – to the exasperation of my parents. I would draw on everything: cereal boxes, books, official documents and letters from school complaining about me always drawing.

Then, much later on, I studied at L’École Supérieure d’Art in Annecy, then the École d’Arts Appliqués in Lyon,’ she says.

The focus of Belinda’s work is womankind: glamorous, uncompromising and beautiful. ‘When I visualise the female form, I see a different code of beauty: a wit, composure, a unique imperfection, a smouldering look, a trailblazing attitude.

I find these attributes in female characters

in literature, in strong cinematic female leads and in historical heroines.’

Her hand-drawn pieces are a fusion of the cultural references she has collected.

She takes inspiration from the 1920s, as well as from Klimt, and she cites Biba’s Barbara Hulanicki as another major

influence on her work. ‘My eyes are mainly drawn to the past,’ she confesses.

Owning a piece of art is as easy as clicking a button with online venture Runway Gallery. Showcasing contemporary, fashion-focused works from celebrated artists, runway-gallery.com enables you to snap up original prints for your home.

COMING NEXT MONTH… Wildlife photographer Jake Mosher from rural Montana talks about his Metamorphosis collection inspired by the intricate patterns on the wings of butterflies and moths. Selected pieces are available exclusively at Runway Gallery.

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25bh | c o u ntry EXTERIOR Fi paved a terrace at the front of the house for meals and relaxing. A sheltered and pretty spot, it catches the afternoon sun

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Thatched house, parts dating back 500 years L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, music room, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented a house in the same village for several years,’ says Fi.

GENTLY DOES IT A magical 500-year-old thatched cottage has been sympathetically brought back to life with the care and creativity of Fi and Will Carlton Paget FEATURE CHARLOTTE COLVILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES

K I TC H E N - D I N E R This room has a timeless appeal, but feels modern due to the bright colours.

Alplover curtains, £19 for a pair, Ikea, are similar. French ceramic rise and fall lamp, £189.55, Holloways of Ludlow. Fogarty yellow lamp base, £84, Pooky, has this look. Dresser, JS Auctions

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tumbling upon Water Lane House was a happy accident for Fi and Will Carlton Paget. They were renting a house in the village for seven years without ever clapping eyes on the property. It was only through the village grapevine that they heard that the house was coming onto the market.

When they finally saw the property it didn’t disappoint; it was straight from a fairy tale – an ancient, wonky thatched cottage, smothered in roses.

Garden designer Fi took one look at the tangled garden tumbling down to a stream and felt her own imagination take off. Here was a garden of extraordinary potential, with winding paths, ancient gnarled fruit trees and rambling roses. But the house was not for the faint hearted,

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with its sagging thatch sprouting moss and dandelions! Even so, they put in an offer.

‘It was far from a show home,’ laughs Fi, but she was not daunted. Thankfully, aside from the urgent issue of re-thatching, there were plenty of redeeming features.

Fi was determined to make any changes sympathetic to the house’s history. ‘We’ve added to the house, rather than altered it,’ says Fi. Its 14th-century heart was a two up, two down, which today makes up the kitchen and family room with two bedrooms above. Here the beams are wonky, staircase crooked and the walls bulge with age.

Around 100 years ago, a cross gable extension was added, in an Arts and Crafts style, creating a large sitting room and two bedrooms above, all with intricately-carved woodwork and architectural ironmongery

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GARDEN Fi has created a beautiful garden in the original vegetable patch.

Plants and shrubs of different heights, colours, shapes and structures give all-year interest.

For inspiration, see Fi on Instagram @fionacpaget

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H A L LWAY The bits and bobs in the entrance hall give a hint at the family’s interest in art and travel.

The Queen by Chris Levine. Wicker chair, £35, Station Mill Antiques. Cow

Parsley wallpaper, £68 a roll, Cole & Son

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SITTING ROOM The warm and colourful drawing room was added in around 1900.

Its windows, woodwork and ironmongery are typical of the arts and crafts movement. Fi and Will have tried to add to, rather than alter, its character.

In one corner (above left), an old family painting hangs alongside a pop art portrait. It’s

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f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘I love the bedrooms in the oldest part of the house, with their beams soaring up to the rafters’

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6 a good example of Fi’s ease of mixing genres.

Bluebell sofa, £1,241, Sofa.com. Similar kantha quilt, £50, Etsy. Pomegranate cushion, £135, Fine Cell Work.

Other cushions, from a selection, Graham and Green. Green lamp base, £65, Station Mill Antiques.

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B AT H R O O M This space delivered a great surprise – beneath layers of wallpaper and paint was a beautiful botanical print paper which Fi decided to keep.

Similar mirror is antiqued light blue mirror, £129, Wayfair

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LANDING Fi found the arched door curtain for £5 in a charity shop.

The chair and chest of drawers were presents to Will

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MASTER BEDROOM The triple-aspect bedroom is full of light and has a wonderfully high ceiling, a rare treat in a house this old.

Lotus ceiling shade, £24, John Lewis & Partners. Lampshades, £48 each, Pooky

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

typical of its era. In the 1960s a wooden extension was added to the end of the sitting room to use as a music room. The house has adjusted gracefully to the passage of time, and the different eras blend easily.

The careworn kitchen needed updating, so flickery strip lights and peeling Formica units were removed and Fi had no-frills plywood units installed along with recycled freestanding cupboards. The Aga was moved into a central position and a large mirror hung behind it. ‘The ceilings in this part are quite low, so we found ways to bring light and an illusion of space,’ says Fi. The rest of the house likewise was given a sympathetic update. The house had a few surprises in store for them as they discovered its history – at one point while stripping old wallpaper to repaint in the

bathroom, she uncovered the loveliest floral wallpaper, which she pasted back down to leave an imperfectly perfect wall.

Despite this being a very English home, there is a sense of the wider world here, in the art and furnishings. Fi developed an eye for oriental furnishings from her father, a renowned expert in South East Asian antiquities and artefacts.

On a summer’s day the doors are flung open and pets and family stream in and out.

Fi is usually to be found deep in a flower bed. ‘It’s essentially a cottage garden,’ says Fi modestly, ‘so I have planted it accordingly.’

Everywhere are mystery paths, vistas, as well as the charm and colour that typifies the English cottage garden. If ever fairies might be found at the bottom of any garden, this would be the place.

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SITTING ROOM Painting the storage units in a blue-black has allowed everything on display to stand out.

Milton sofa, £2,500, Bespoke Sofa London. Pipelet Bumblebee cushion, £65, Loaf. Magenta Wellington rug, £65, John Lewis & Partners, has this look

TRUE COLOURS

A clear vision and a few hits of bold hues helped Michelle and Nick Dawson transform a jaded house into a place full of personality FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

LIVING AREA A book-print wallpaper gives one corner a unique atmosphere. A hanging wicker chair was an irresistible finishing touch.

Library Multi wallpaper, £143 for 20m roll, Andrew Martin. Lot hanging chair, £330, Broste Copenhagen at Decorelo

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T home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian house L O C AT I O N London suburb R O O M S Sitting room, kitchendiner/living area, TV room, five bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before buying this place, we were renting nearby,’ says Michelle.

he moment she stepped into the house that was to become her family’s home, Michelle Dawson felt a positive vibe. ‘I stood in the hallway and peeked into the sitting room,’ she says. ‘The daylight flooding in was incredible and I knew immediately that this was a special house.’

The house that had charmed Michelle was spacious, detached and had potential to extend. On the downside, the interior was damp in places, with an old-fashioned layout and dated decor. However, she and her husband Nick already had renovation experience and had been looking eagerly for a new project. They moved in with their

sons, Hugo and Solomon, spending the next two years discovering the space and planning a top-down transformation. ‘Everything was a bit tatty, but it didn’t matter,’ says Michelle.

‘The boys tore around as much as they wanted, and we learned a lot about the house.’

While Nick concentrated on the build, Michelle focused on the interior. By then she was expecting their third child, and aiming to create a beautiful and practical home for a growing family. With plans in place, Michelle, Nick and their boys moved out temporarily and the builders moved in. Over several months, the small back kitchen and snug were knocked together and an extension built, forming a substantial, family-oriented

KITCHEN The multifunctional island zones this open-plan space and even has a place to lounge.

Bespoke kitchen units, Dufont Faes. Eglo Hapton copper pendant lights, £69 each, Dusk Lighting

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25bh | tow n kitchen and living zone. Double doors link it to the more formal front sitting room.

On the second floor, a luxurious master suite was created from the loft.

Within a year, the couple had moved back in, their new son Rafferty had arrived, and the house had been transformed. At its heart is the stunning, open-plan kitchen-cum-living room.

Overhead roof lights and folding glass doors flood the space with daylight. Hefty steel supports add contemporary, loft-style appeal and help designate the different

zones. There is plenty of seating, and space to cook and entertain.

Michelle’s passion for colour is clear.

She kept floors and walls neutral, layering on splashes of turquoise, pink, yellow and green, so the effect is fresh, fun and vibrant.

She is a savvy shopper, mixing high street buys with designer pieces picked up at sales or in outlet stores. ‘I can’t resist the challenge of finding something inexpensive, which has real impact,’ she says. ’ Alongside colour, Michelle worked in plenty of pattern and texture. Shimmering

wallpaper gives the master bedroom instant glamour, while the bathroom’s exposed original brickwork is a striking reminder of the house’s age and history. The dead space between the kitchen and formal sitting room has been turned into a cosy reading spot, thanks to bold, library-print wallpaper.

This renovation was the couple’s most ambitious so far. While not ruling out another move, they are happy for now to enjoy the results of their hard work. ‘I’m more confident with style choices now, and our home feels relaxed and fun,’ says Michelle.

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘A patterned wallpaper behind the bed was a great way to create visual impact in the master bedroom without it being too obtrusive’

MASTER BEDROOM A velvet bed forms the centrepiece. The stud wall conceals the en suite.

Ramona bed, £499, Carpetright. Eden Peacock wallpaper, £129 a roll, Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little

B AT H R O O M Exposed brick delivers character.

The twin basins are a practical choice for a young family.

Camberley double vanity unit, £429, The Bath Co at Victoria Plum

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READER OFFERS

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25B H

EUROPEAN ESCORTED TOURS

Fascinating European tours that take you to the iconic highlights as well as lesser-known gems.

Includes tours and visits worth £204

Includes tours and visits worth £210

CLASSICAL SPAIN - SEVILLE, CÓRDOBA & GRANADA

LAKE GARDA, VENICE & VERONA

Seven days from only £499PP

Eight days’ half-board from £719PP

Departures from March to November 2021

Departures from April to October 2021

PRICE INCLUDES ● Experience the iconic cathedral, vibrant streets and tranquil parks of beautiful Seville on a tour led by a local guide ● Enjoy the authentic tastes and traditions of tapas on an evening introduction to these delicious Spanish appetisers in Seville ● Explore the mountain fringed city of Granada and visit the outstanding Alhambra Palace ● Visit historic Córdoba and take a guided tour of the Mezquita, probably the world’s most beautiful mosque ● Marvel at the natural drama of Ronda, a city spectacularly situated across a plunging gorge ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Six nights in three star superior and four star accommodation, with breakfast ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

PRICE INCLUDES ● Enjoy a full day exploring beautiful Lake Garda, both on land and by boat ● Explore Venice, the medieval world’s richest city, on a tour with a local guide choose between the ‘classic’ and ‘undiscovered’ tours ● Walk into history among the Roman ruins of Verona, guided by a local expert choose between the ‘classic’ and ‘undiscovered’ tours ● Marvel at the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Dolomites on a full day tour ● Enjoy two free days to explore further at your leisure ● Visit a local vineyard, with a guided tour of the cellars and a tasting of the superb wines ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three star to four star superior, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

Includes tours and visits worth £335

Includes tours and visits worth £182

DUBROVNIK & THE DALMATIAN COAST

TIMELESS PROVENCE

Eight days’ half-board from £1,069PP

Eight days from £969PP

Departures from April to October 2021

Departures from April to October 2021

PRICE INCLUDES ● Explore Dubrovnik, Byron’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, with its medieval and Baroque centre, on a tour led by an expert guide ● Marvel at the rushing waters of the Krka National Park’s dense and dramatic interlocking waterfalls ● Cross the iconic Stari Most bridge, now returned to its former glory in Mostar, once Europe’s border with the Ottoman Empire ● Immerse yourself in the history of Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace in Split, brought to life by the intimate knowledge of a local guide ● Discover the delights of medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most alluring old ports ● Explore the dramatic Dalmatian Coastline, visiting picturesque Cavtat and a restored watermill ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in four star accommodation, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

PRICE INCLUDES ● Tour of colourful Cassis and a boat trip to see the stunning Calanques ● Guided walking tour of Aix en Provence, Provence’s stylish capital ● Visit Avignon, home of the Popes’ Palace and a famous medieval bridge ● Take a walking tour of Arles and see its iconic amphitheatre ● Tour of the Camargue, one of France’s finest nature reserves, famous for its black bulls, white horses and pink flamingos ● Tour of the Luberon Hills and its timeless Provençal villages ● Visit the Pont du Gard, one of the ancient Romans’ largest aqueducts ● Return scheduled flights or standard class reserved seat on Eurostar and TGV (French high speed train) from London St Pancras, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of four star to four star superior accommodation, with breakfast and two dinners, plus two dinners in excellent restaurants serving fine Provençale cuisine ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

Call 01283 743370 to book or for a free brochure, or visit tbhriviera.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are based on two people sharing and are correct at time of print.

Single supplements may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited.

TOWN & COUNTRY Frances and Trevor Halliday were delighted to find a pastoral Georgian gem in the middle of London FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

SITTING ROOM Staffordshire and Delft ceramics were the starting point for this charming scheme.

Rio Blue/Cream rug, £33.99, Wayfair, is similar.

Try the Carved mirror, £1,995, Nordic Style

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home truths

KITCHEN-DINER The plate rack, made

by Frances’s carpenter, was inspired by those found in old Swedish kitchens.

Durham bench, £179, John Lewis & Partners

T H E P R O P E R T Y Originally a pair of Georgian cottages.

L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Three sitting rooms, kitchen-diner, study, utility room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, two summer houses, artist’s studio P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘A large Georgian farmhouse in West Sussex,’ says Frances.

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t’s hard to believe that this perfect country cottage, hidden down a lane and surrounded by trees, is only six miles from the Houses of Parliament. ‘When we look out of the windows the view is of greenery and flowers and we hear nothing but birdsong,’ says Frances. ‘It’s amazing to think that we’re minutes away from the hustle and bustle of London life.’

In fact, the area around the house hasn’t changed much since the property was built as two semi-detached cottages in the 1800s. ‘The only difference is that we don’t have sheep and cows grazing on the local common any more.’

Frances and her husband Trevor were amazed that such a gem existed, and admit they had misgivings when the estate agent showed them the brochure. ‘We were curious as to why they had the details of a beautiful country cottage in their southeast London office – we had no idea that this little enclave existed, so we booked a viewing,’ she says.

RUSTIC CHARM

d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘When you’re knocking through from one room to another remember you might have to even out the floors’

‘It was a beautiful summer’s day, and when we had our first glimpse of the painted gate opening into the garden and the white shiplapped cottage with its blue shutters beyond, it was love at first sight,’ says Frances.

‘The garden was full of blossoming flowers, and bees and butterflies were everywhere – it was a truly “Walt Disney” moment and I knew that this would be our new home,’ she says.

The property had already seen a few changes over the years, but Frances knew that with a few more it could be even better.

‘Having just completed a two-year renovation of our previous home, it took Trevor a little bit of persuasion to agree to my proposals, but I knew it would be worth it,’ she says.

So, they forged ahead with their plans. ‘We wanted the cottage to keep its rustic charm, but

SITTING ROOM Trevor’s paintings adorn the walls of this pretty space. The house has three sitting rooms and this one is called ‘the pink room’.

Five-light candle-style chandelier, £154.99, Wayfair, is an alternative.

Liatorp coffee table, £150, Ikea, is similar CLOAKROOM An antique mirror and period-style basin are decorative choices.

Console Alexandra basin with ceramic legs, £653, RAK Ceramics

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S TA I R S The beautiful curved mahogany handrail was restored as part of the house’s renovations. A smart new runner contrasts beautifully with the white woodwork.

Blue and Natural stair runner edged in Blue with satin chrome stair rods, £36.99sq m, Carpetright, has this look.

Still life painting, Trevor Halliday. Natural chunky jute woven rug, £59, Dunelm, would work in this space

we also wanted to link the two dwellings properly and aesthetically, creating as much flow as possible,’ says Frances. This meant removing some internal doors to create a more open-plan layout and updating the wiring, heating and electrics. ‘We then lined the walls with roughcast wooden planks, which gave us fantastic insulation and enhanced the rustic vibe that we loved,’ she says.

TREASURED PIECES

Another major job was to replace the staircase.

‘This meant installing two heavy steel beams which delayed the project for a couple of months while the various authentic staircase components were sourced,’ says Frances.

While the work was being carried out, the couple rented a property near their old home in West Sussex, which gave them the ideal opportunity to find items for their new home.

‘We spent many days in the antiques shops of Petworth and Midhurst where we discovered lots of lovely furniture, including our treasured Scandinavian “betrothal cupboard”. I also picked up really good light fittings, and several sets of reclaimed French doors,’ she says. ‘I was able to turn these into large mirrors, and used others as internal windows to allow light through from one room to another.’

S C A N D I N AV I A N S T Y L E

When the house was finished, Frances painted the majority of the surfaces white, preferring to bring colour in with fabrics, cushions, curtains, ceramics, flowers and Trevor’s paintings. ‘I see my home as an ever-evolving space so I will probably make small changes all the time.

But I’m really pleased with the transformation into a vision of Scandinavian country style, with all mod cons,’ she says. ‘I love my home and feel so lucky to have found something that I never thought existed in London.’

MASTER BEDROOM A deep-pink bedcover is complemented by the delicate still life painted by Trevor.

Vignette bed, from £1,435, The French Bedroom Company.

Curtains in Brera Largo Stripe in Blossom, £72m, Designers Guild.

Nursery bedside table, £495, Nordic Style.

Jaipur throw, £112, Christy, has this look B AT H R O O M Shades of grey create a sense of tranquillity.

Dover Keystone Grey cast-iron bath, £1,999; Chartham Slate vanity unit, £647, both The Bath Company, would work here BEDROOM The button-back headboard adds a hotel-luxe look.

Rosalie bed in Cobalt velvet, from £620, Sofa. com. Blue Bird cushion, from a selection, Designers Guild.

French-style nightstand bedside table, £195, Nicky Cornell, would suit this scheme

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

f a v o u r i t e s h o p ‘I love browsing for all sorts of pieces at the antiques fair at Ardingly in West Sussex, which is always great fun’

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8 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

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Back together again A tumbledown 17th-century carriage house and stables have been cleverly reunited and reimagined to create Roger and Caroline Hall’s dream family home FEATURE CHARLOTTE METCALF | PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSEIDEL

SITTING ROOM

The spacious room is given a touch of theatricality with striking pieces from Roger’s film days.

Similar Oliver English stone mantel, £1,095, Marble Hill Fireplaces.

Menton four-seater sofa, £5,445, Matthew Hilton for The Conran Shop. Architects coffee table, price on request; cushions, from a selection, all William Yeoward

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R home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y A family home redesigned from old stables and a carriage house L O C AT I O N Gloucestershire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, five bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms, studio/guest house P U R C H A S E D 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a large rectory on the Thames,’ says Caroline.

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oger Hall is an accidental interior and garden designer. Until about 15 years ago he was working as one of Britain’s busiest award-winning film production designers but, after their children had left home, Roger and his wife, Caroline, wanted to downsize. When they spotted an ad for some tumbledown farm buildings, they bought them straight away.

One of Roger and Caroline’s priorities was that their perfect family home should include a big living space around the kitchen. Roger was certain he didn’t want conventional fitted units any more and the result is a highly unusual, relaxed, spacious kitchen, made up of free-standing

Chinese cabinets, with a dining area and big, comfortable living room.

The house is furnished with a mixture of family heirlooms, local antiques and contemporary designer pieces as well as exotic, theatrical additions from sets Roger has worked on. In the sitting room, iron spirals on the mantelpiece are part of an old gate from Buenos Aires that was used on Highlander II. A decorative screen in the corner was given to Roger in 1996 after he had worked with Franco Zeffirelli on Jane Eyre. Friends have provided other touches – almost all their glassware is by their friend and neighbour, the late William Yeoward.

Much of the furniture and several paintings are inherited from Caroline’s

KITCHEN

The floor, worktop and splashback are Portuguese limestone. Roger and Caroline love how the Chinese cupboard picks out the black veins in the limestone.

The Chinese free-standing Shanghai Black wardrobe, £865, Maisons du Monde, is similar

DINING AREA

The chairs are covered in antique dyed linen sheets, giving them a soft, muted aesthetic.

Oak dining table, price on request, Archer & Smith. Georgian carafe, £98, William Yeoward Crystal

HALLWAY

A glass roof floods the area with light and creates a dramatic atrium-style effect.

Similar antique leather bridge chair, £1,250, Lorfords Antiques

FAVOURITE ITEM ‘The sofa in the hallway is the piece of furniture Roger and I love most. It comes from Norway – it was built on my grandmother’s farm by the family carpenter’

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FUTUR E PLANS ‘This house works incredibly well in terms of space and position and we’ll never move, though Roger would disagree as he has another project in mind for us!’

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Norwegian mother, and her German father’s heritage is also apparent in portraits by Joseph Oppenheimer.

Throughout the house is evidence of the couple’s love of collecting. In the hallway, Argentinian cowboy hats and panamas hang on the wall, adding fun and decorative flourishes.

Roger has applied has creative eye so well to his house and garden that friends have not stopped asking him to come up with designs for theirs. Now with a successful design business of his own, he and Caroline have built a studio and office that doubles as a glamorous guest house. This free-standing mini tower adds a striking architectural feature and a dramatic focal point to their garden. ‘It’s changed our lives,’

says Roger. ‘We wanted to get planning permission to attach it to the house but we were refused. But it’s ended up a blessing that it’s in the garden as it gives us so much privacy. And guests love it.’

Perhaps it’s the garden that best defines the extraordinary charm of the house. As well as trees, hedges and topiary, a contemporary rill (one of Roger’s hallmark garden designs) oak posts, antique gates or big, theatrical urns divide the garden into a series of enchanted areas and show how well the couple combine old and new elements to complement each other. Even the outside dining chairs were the result of hours pored over garden catalogues and they are an indication of Roger’s attention to detail, both inside and out.

MASTER BEDROOM

The bracket under the main beam adds a decorative flourish.

Cushions, from £45, Fine Cell Work

BATHROOM

Dark walls present a sophisticated look in the light-filled bathroom.

Walls in Downpipe estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Duravit DuraSquare washbasin, £371, QS Supplies, is similar

BEDROOM

A statement wooden headboard shows off the height of the room.

Dorset upholstered bench, £489, Crown French Furniture, has this look

GARDEN

The outside area is perfect for entertaining on a large scale.

Skandium’s Catania parasol, £239, shares this style

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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A H O U S E FO R A L L S E A SO N S

Architect Catja de Haas designed her family home in the countryside with sustainability and flexibility in mind FEATURE DOMINIC BRADBURY | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

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LIBRARY Tucked under the stairs, this intimate reading corner maximises the living space.

Shelving system, bespoke design

by Catja de Haas, including a fold-out desk by Edward Johnson Furniture, price on request.

Gilda Livingstones sofa, £4,107, Made in Design

KITCHEN Stools can be tucked under the table to keep the look streamlined.

Nordkiven table, £299, Ikea, is a similar design. Albert pendant lamp, £49, Made, has this look

home truths THE PROPERTY A new-build house designed by and for architect Catja de Haas L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, living/ dining area, kitchen, study, four bedrooms(oneensuite),bathroom B U I LT New house was completed in 2018 PREVIOUS RESIDENCE ‘We lived in a terraced house in southwest London,’ says Catja.

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KITCHEN / LIVING AREA Generous windows connect the interior to the outside, while wire panels on the staircase help the light flood through.

SITTING ROOM Warmed by a wood-burning stove (above right), this first-floor room is a cosy retreat.

Wood-burning stove, from £999, Mørso at Øsoliving. Hamptons sofa, price on request, Linteloo

LIVING AREA ‘I like different spaces at different times of the day,’ says Catja. ‘In the evening, for example, I like to sit near the bookshelves.’

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d e s i g n t i p ‘Keep flexibility in mind; this is reflected in the way we use the house – opening cupboards and folding out desks to create work spaces, for instance’

LIVING AREA This multi-functional space, with areas for sitting, dining and entertaining, includes hidden storage boxes under the windows that can be pulled out and used as extra seating.

Bespoke dining table and chairs, Oldwood De Woonwinkel.

Pull-out benches

by Catja de Haas

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MASTER BEDROOM The contrasting ceiling is a clever feature.

Java round lamp shade in rattan, £69, Made, is similar. Find pink linen duvet covers, from £95, Secret Linen Store

T

he picturesque landscape around Chichester Harbour has a feeling of familiarity for architect Catja de Haas. It’s not just one of the most beautiful parts of the south coast, but the flatlands here are a reminder of her early years growing up in Holland. When Catja, husband Philip and their children decided to move from southwest London to the countryside, West Sussex was a natural choice.

‘We eventually found this setting on the edge of a little village, where we can see out towards the harbour,’ says Catja, who runs her own architectural firm, Catja de Haas Architects. ‘I do feel very much at home here.’

S E N S I T I V E LY S U S TA I N A B L E

B AT H R O O M Two windows instead of one adds character.

Foster wash bowls, designed by Norman Foster for Duravit, £243.57 each, QS Supplies. Vanity unit, designed by Catja de Haas

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The family bought the property with an existing 1960s house that was in poor shape, but right from the start Catja began thinking about replacing it with a new home tailored to the needs of the family, including their three grown-up children, Louis, now 24, Victor, 21, and Sophie, 18, plus their dog, Woody, and two cats. She also wanted to design a contextual, sensitive and sustainable home that would be as eco-friendly as possible.

‘The old house had huge electricity bills and ran on oil,’ says Catja. ‘I wanted to design something that would be sustainable and mean that we could be net zero in terms of energy use. It was a very conscious decision.’

Catja opted for high-spec insulation and glazing, plus an air source heat pump, solar panels, battery storage and a wood-burning stove. The high levels of insulation mean that energy use is low, while the family now sells excess electricity back to the grid in the summer months.

But Catja also wanted to design a house that connected with the landscape. ‘I wanted to minimise the impact of the house, so we have a green roof,’ she says. ‘But we also wanted this feeling that the landscape is passing right through the house and that we are part of it.’

V E R S AT I L E FA M I LY H O M E

A generous band of glass connects the living spaces on the ground floor to the gardens. Here, Catja designed a large, multi-purpose family room that works when she and her husband are home alone, but also when the children are here and serves well for larger gatherings.

This versatile space includes seating and dining areas, with a serving counter connecting this ‘great room’ to the kitchen. There are also hidden benches tucked away by the windows, which can be pulled out for parties.

The library area under the stairs includes a fold-away desk, while there’s also a flexi room alongside the two downstairs bedrooms that Catja can use as a separate study. Upstairs there are two further bedrooms, including the master suite and a relaxed sitting room that makes the most of the open views.

Though there are many self-designed custom elements integrated throughout, this is also a warm, comfortable family home that ties in with nature and the surroundings. ‘We wanted the house to feel as though it belongs here,’ says Catja. ‘There can be 15 of us and it doesn’t feel busy, but if I’m here on my own, then I don’t feel at all lonely.’

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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25bh | c o u ntry SITTING ROOM

‘I always start with a neutral base,’ says Lulu.

‘Then you can simply update a space quite dramatically with a bold accessory.’

Walls in French Grey Pale intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. St James armchair, £875, One World. Isla two-seater sofa in Earl Grey velvet, £1,790, Sofa.com, would work here. Perspex and glass coffee table, £2,580, Carew Jones

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 1900s former coach house L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, study, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, guest suite P U R C H A S E D 1996 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a lovely terraced house in London,’ says Lulu.

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Elegant evolution Lulu Hampson uses contemporary art and carefully selected finds to continually update her family home FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

GARDEN

The avenue of pleached lime trees was planted as saplings over 20 years ago

T

o ensure her West Sussex home of 24 years always looks its best for family and guests alike, interior designer Lulu Hampson is fastidious about keeping on top of the decor. ‘If you’ve lived in your house for a long time like we have, you expect to make small changes on a regular basis to ensure it stays looking fresh and inviting,’

says Lulu, whose business, luluhampson. com, offers a ‘guiding hand’ for clients wishing to update their homes.

‘I always start with a neutral base palette so that one room flows effortlessly into the next,’ she says. ‘This also enables you to layer colours and textures for added interest, and your room can be refreshed quite dramatically by simply changing soft

furnishings and accessories – whether you want to try a bold pattern, a splash of colour, or to create a space that feels more “you” as your tastes evolve.’

And art, Lulu believes, is the perfect way to express your personality; it often becomes the focal point of the room. ‘If you keep an eye out on your travels, or shop online, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get an 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 95

HALLWAY

The generous entrance has space for an impressive circular table.

Stone table, £895, Bone Interiors.

Panelling in Mouse’s Back estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr; walls in Bone, £47.95 for 2.5ltr estate emulsion, both Farrow & Ball

KITCHEN-DINER

The Aga ensures a farmhouse feel, while artwork creates a focal point.

Hartford kitchen painted in Willow, from £35,000, Tom Howley. City Blocks print by Geoffrey Johnson

KITCHEN

This painting, one of Lulu’s favourites, was picked up for just £150 on a trip to South Africa

lesson learnt ‘If you keep an eye out on your travels, or shop online, original piece.’ But updating the decor is not the only way Lulu has made changes to her former Victorian coach house. When the family moved here in the mid 90s, a huge amount of renovation work was needed to transform the property into the effortlessly elegant home it is now. Lulu 9 6 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

recalls: ‘From the moment we first viewed it, we appreciated its solid bones, high ceilings and good-sized rooms that would allow us to entertain with ease.’

However, the house had been originally converted in the 60s and Lulu could see that the interior had been left in a

mid-century time warp. And, despite having two young daughters at the time, Lulu and her husband were determined to renovate the house within the first couple of years.

Along with dealing with all the essentials, such as plumbing and electrics, and the decor in the original parts of the house, they

c o u ntry | 25bh KITCHEN-DINER/ LIVING AREA

BEDROOM

A geometric backdrop is enriched with flashes of hot pink.

Eliza bedframe in Pink velvet, £945, Button & Sprung. Try Albany Hexagon wallpaper, £22.99 a roll, Wallpaper Direct.

Pooky sells similar lamp bases, from £84

The island acts as a smart division between the cooking and living spaces.

St James dining chairs, £285 each, One World. Try the Newsham table and two benches, £599, Barker and Stonehouse

BATHROOM

A stone palette and wooden vanity unit lend relaxed country style.

Milan 1690 bath, £399.95, Victorian Plumbing. Walls in Slaked Lime intelligent emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

BEDROOM

Vibrant accessories and flowers from the garden bring this scheme to life.

Mala seven-drawer chest, £595, Feather & Black, has a similar wood tone. Pom-pom garland, £25, Notonthehighstreet.com

you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a beautiful and original piece of art’ also added a two-storey extension on the site of an old lean-to. This gave them two additional bedrooms above a new, generous snug/living area, which connects with the kitchen-diner and has bi-fold doors to the courtyard. ‘It was ideal when the girls were little – I could keep an eye on them while I FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

was cooking,’ says Lulu, ‘and the whole space is still a very sociable room. It suits the kind of informal get-togethers we love to host.’

Lulu’s house has evolved over the years from a young family home full of toys and clutter, to a more grown-up entertaining space decorated with art and interesting

objects. ‘I have always preferred to work with the home we love, to adapt it our changing needs rather than going through all the stress of moving,’ says Lulu. ‘Your home has the power to really lift your mood, and I firmly believe that if you look after it, then it will look after you.’

2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 9 7

CAPITAL STYLE There’s a freshness to Maryam and Omar Hani’s terraced townhouse that’s simply outstanding FEATURE JACKY PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY GUIFRÉ DE PERAY

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c it y | 25bh KITCHEN Maryam wanted an energetic palette in the kitchen so opted for aqua-blue cabinetry.

Cabinetry, price on request, HUX London. Talia bar stools, £110 each, Habitat DINING AREA Ice cream shades complement the aqua-blue kitchen.

Beetle chairs, from £266 each, Gubi at Viaduct. Custom-made banquette, price on request, HUX London. Arundel dining table, £1,695, Neptune. Along the Towpath artwork, from £1,300, Laura Jordan

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terraced townhouse L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchendiner, utility room, snug, study, cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a new-build house in Dubai before moving to London,’ says Maryam.

2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 9 9

1

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fter relocating to London from their home in Dubai, Omar and Maryam Hani and their two daughters, Aysha, 10, and Sara, eight, were drawn to Primrose Hill in north London for its quintessentially English architecture and bohemian feel. ‘We love all the independent shops, cafes and restaurants,’ says Maryam. ‘And when we saw this house, we loved its original period features.’

The couple, who both work in the oil industry, had visited the capital many times – and as true Anglophiles and self-confessed ‘culture vultures’, were looking forward to having theatres, museums and galleries on their doorstep. In fact, it was the couple’s art collection that formed the basis of their home’s design. Having scoured the internet looking for a design and build company to take on the renovation of their new home, the couple discovered Zulufish, run by Caroline and Felix Milns and loved their portfolio of projects. ‘Moving to the UK, we wanted our home to have an eclectic British feel,’ says Maryam.

‘We loved Caroline’s aesthetic and use of colour and thought Zulufish could create the home that we wanted.’

Originally set over four storeys, the property itself was tall and thin with lots of boxy rooms, which made it feel dark and poky. Omar and Maryam wanted their home to feel light and spacious but the family also had a lot of possessions so good

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KITCHEN-DINER Bespoke storage provides a home for the children’s books and toys.

Cabinetry, price on request, HUX London.

Cabinetry in Strong White estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Bespoke rug, price on request, Jennifer Manners

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GARDEN Floor tiles unite the interior and exterior, while the cushions add a burst of colour.

Garden design by Ruth Willmott. Beren dark grey porcelain floor tiles, from £60sq m, Tiles to You. Cushions, from £145 each, AMWA Designs

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SITTING ROOM Brass finishes add to the classic yet luxurious look.

Dahl sofas, price on request, George Smith. Siena coffee table, from £1,510, Tom Faulkner

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storage and a way to display their art collection was paramount.

Adept at maximising space and light, the Zulufish team removed the dividing walls at the rear of the lower ground and dug down by half a metre to increase the ceiling height and create a spacious kitchen-diner, which leads out to a smart garden. A wall of custom-made cabinetry was designed to fit within an alcove to house the children’s books and toys, while further hidden storage was disguised under the banquette in the dining area.

A similar approach was taken with the layout throughout the house, with internal walls removed to create large connecting dual-aspect rooms, such as the family snug and study on the ground floor and the double sitting room on the first floor. The loft was converted to incorporate a bedroom each for Aysha and Sara, plus a bathroom.

When it came to the colour palettes, Caroline considered the couple’s art collection early in the design process. ‘We wanted to weave them into the scheme, so we mapped out which pieces would go in which rooms from the outset and used the art as the backbone of the design.’

The family now has an abundance of space and storage, as well as a beautiful base to start their new life.

‘We can’t believe how much more height and light there is in the house,’ says Maryam. ‘We can’t wait to have our extended family over to visit.’

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MASTER BEDROOM The dusky pink textural wallcovering makes the room feel cosy and calm.

Painting, from £950, Netta Carey

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BEDROOM Storage was built in behind the bed.

Marrakesh Blue Crocus wallpaper, $31.38 for 30yd roll, Innovations. Petrol bottle, £195, Sophie Cook

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EN SUITE The veining on the marble tiles wasn’t matched for a unique look.

Liberty marble honed finish floor and wall tiles, from £78sq m, Artisans of Devizes

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B AT H R O O M Pink chevron tiles create a fun feel.

Herringbone pink matt tiles, £4.99 each, Tiles Direct. Starck shower head in polished red gold, from £495, Axor

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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TOUGH LOVE FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW BEASLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Luxe textural materials and a monochrome palette set a cool industrial tone in Anna and Shane Butterick’s renovated terrace

KITCHEN-DINER/ LIVING AREA ‘We chose dark surfaces here because there’s so much natural light,’ says Anna.

Dexter pendants in Burnished Copper, £49 each, Atkin and Thyme, are similar. Roger stools, £110 each, French Connection

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terraced house L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were renting a two-bedroom house in Putney,’ says Anna.

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d e s i g n t i p ‘We wanted to get the balance of colour and texture right so we put

swatches together and observed how the light changed throughout the dayÕ

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nna and Shane Butterick, co-owners of GSB Building, spent four years looking for an ‘untouched’ house in south London that they could renovate by experimenting with materials, planning the look and feel of a new home before they bought it.

‘We formed ideas around a textured palette of steel, brick, concrete and wood with a distinct industrial feel,’ says Anna, who is also a graphic designer. ‘We wanted to try a micro-cement floor, and to play around with decorative surfaces from XyloCleaf. These come as sheet laminates depicting wood, stone and fabric textures and patterns.

They’re so good that even up close they look real.’

When this Victorian terrace came up for sale, its lack of heating, limited kitchen, mould on the walls and hole in the roof were exactly what the couple had been looking for. They wasted no time working on the new layout, making plans to turn the loft into two en-suite bedrooms, and extend and open up the back with steel-framed doors.

‘Our approach wasn’t the usual way to convert a Victorian terrace,’ says Anna, who has children, Rafferty, seven, and Eli, two, to consider. ‘But we sacrificed a bedroom on the first floor to create our fabulous master suite here.’

Since the property was in such a poor state, and there were no original features to preserve, the couple made the bold decision to strip out the entire FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

house, leaving just the front facade intact. ‘We didn’t have to agonise over keeping anything and it was much quicker to re-build the shell,’ says Shane.

The couple brought in Robert Wilson of Granit.

Interiors. ‘He was particularly creative when it came to using the space,’ says Shane. ‘We widened the hall and increased the height of the extension to 3.3m.

He also suggested that with large, steel-framed doors we needed a pretty garden to look out onto.’

Shane worked with the GSB Building team to strip out the interior and then kept a close eye on the details. ‘We liked the flush finishes that I’d been doing in our client projects, such as above skirting boards and in stair risers, and recessing curtain tracks and lighting,’ he says. ‘They’re small touches but make a difference to the overall look.’

A micro-cement floor was laid in the kitchendiner/living area and a wall in the master en suite finished in black polished-Venetian plaster, which Anna had loved in a client’s home. ‘The plaster has a beautiful shine and the texture is amazing.’ White walls form the backdrop to exposed brick and XyloCleaf’s laminate panels on the kitchen island, cupboards and loft bedroom walls. Furnishings have a similar monochromatic theme, with natural leather, cotton and cowhide. ‘The house is even better than I planned,’ says Anna. ‘It was a great opportunity to try different materials; we’re really pleased with how it has turned out.’

LIVING AREA Floor-to-ceiling doors draw light into the room, where seating defines the open-plan space.

Antique Copper and Gold domed pendant, £125, Cox & Cox, has this look. Jarrod three-seater leather sofa, £1,499, Made, is similar MASTER EN SUITE The wall behind the bath, which hides the shower area, is Venetian plaster.

Agape Spoon bath, £5,270, Tanini Home BEDROOM Anna used contrasting wall finishes here.

XyloCleaf Vintage LM62 Matrix; Rovere LK99 Matrix surfaces, £168 a sheet, Cutwrights.

Try Zigzag bedspread, £96, Nordic Nest EN SUITE ‘We encased the bath with a composite stone for a luxe feel,’ says Anna.

Try Microline Black tiles, £31sq m, Topps Tiles

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A STILL LIFE The stunning home of artist Marianne Gibson and her family is calm, cool and collected FEATURE MELANIE MOLESWORTH | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY WREFORD AND NICK IVENS/NARRATIVES

SITTING ROOM ‘I love the contrast of dark and light,’ says Marianne. ‘And painting the floors and walls white creates a perfect canvas for the darker pieces of furniture.’

Floor in Blackened modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Otley two-seater sofa in Victoria Gunmetal £1,499; Lewis footstool £600, both John Lewis & Partners

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home truths

DINING AREA ‘This antique dark wood dining table was the first buy for our home, along with the set of white painted wood vintage chairs found in a local junk shop,’ says Marianne.

The Arundel dining table in darkened wood has a similar look, £1,925, Neptune. Acorn pendant lamp, £379, Nordic Nest, would work here

THE PROPERTY Seventies detached house L O C AT I O N Dorset R O O M S Sitting room/diner, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a small Georgian mews house in the old centre of Lyme Regis,’ says Marianne.

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KITCHEN The traditional Aga range cooker is a firm favourite and is perfect for the family’s preferred kind of slow cooking.

Range cooker, from ÂŁ7,500, Aga

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erched high up on a hill above the ancient coastal port of Lyme Regis sits the home of artist Marianne Gibson, husband Philip and their son Horatio. It’s a popular and unspoilt seaside town with a fascinating maritime history going back to the Middle Ages. It has been the source of some of the best fossil finds in the world (the renowned 19th-century collector Mary Anning once lived here) and visitors come from all over the country and further afield to search for fossils. And for Marianne and Philip, this idyllic spot is very much their home after stints of living abroad.

Entering the house you are greeted by an inviting hallway lined with books and shelves filled with interesting vintage pieces. The kitchen sits to the back of the house and is the hub of the home. Decorated in calm greys and whites, the Ikea units work alongside vintage pieces like the old painted French armoire, which stores china and glass. Open shelves display the carefully curated collection of white antique and old china, gathered over the years.

Despite being built in 1972, the house has an air of a classic Edwardian seaside home with colonial touches – its leaded windows, balconies, outside veranda and tables placed to enjoy the view. The sitting room is Marianne’s favourite – a beautiful large open space with a triple aspect creating fabulous light. The comfortable handmade sofa and chairs, together with a wood-burning stove, sit at one end and a cosy dining area at the other.

KITCHEN The space has been designed with a carefully considered mix of practical high-gloss base units alongside vintage painted furniture (far left) for storage and display. Marianne is always on the lookout for antique white china to add to her collection.

For a similar look, Angel & Boho’s New Country painted larder cupboard, £1,150, would fit well

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SITTING ROOM The painting of peonies is

by Marianne – they are her favourite flowers.

The small antique writing bureau (below) was bought from the previous owner who owned a homeware shop.

Antique chairs (below) upholstered in a similar fabric to Black Ticking, £29.50m, Ian Mankin.

Mercury dinner candle holder, £20, The White Company, has the same look

Colours are pale with accents of earthy greens and contrasting dark wood furniture.

Marianne has always felt a strong affinity for the Dorset countryside and she owes her love of the area to her Dutch mother, who came to live here as a young married woman. It is not surprising that their home has many stylistic ‘nods’ to classic Dutch style – pared-back furnishings, pale colours, dark furniture with pleasing arrangements and groupings of objects old and new… you are never far from a real or painted still life in this home.

Art is Marianne’s passion, and every morning she walks down the lane through the town to her small riverside studio. You will find her there, painting her latest commissions and meeting passing customers. Her work has taken her to some exciting and diverse places and includes royal portraits (HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2015), military and regimental paintings now held in Whitehall, fabulous food paintings as well as mesmerising seascapes of the local coastline.

Philip spends his day cultivating the vegetable patch and keeping an eye on all the free-range chickens and turkeys, as well as running their small holiday rental before collecting Horatio after his school day.

Enjoying the magical views from the first floor across to the Jurassic Coast in one direction and the Golden Cap and the lighthouse at Portland Bill in the other, is just part of the appeal of this stylishly understated home. And this ever-inspiring landscape is one of the many reasons why Marianne and Philip never plan to leave here.

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MASTER BEDROOM ‘We love the balcony off our bedroom – it runs the length of the house and is perfect to enjoy the views across the town,’ says Marianne.

The antique chest was found at Abingdon House Antiques. Walls in Mouse’s Back estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II- listed Georgian farmhouse L O C AT I O N Somerset R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, cloakroom, seven bedrooms and five bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2006 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a terraced house in southwest London,’ says Frances.

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RUR AL CHIC Frances and Andrew Morton-Jenkins left the city to follow an idyllic lifestyle on a beautiful farm FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

KITCHEN ‘The double Aga was the first thing we bought – it blew our budget but just spoke to this space,’ says Frances.

Bespoke kitchen, Mark Harwood of Harwood Homes. Units painted in Bone estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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DINING AREA Once an old store room, the breakfast room overlooks a meadow filled with sheep.

Cabonne cabinets, £1,344, Maisons du Monde, have a similar look. Blind, made in Artichoke fabric, £26m, Sophie Allport

H A L LWAY The huge flagstones date back to the 1700s

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rances and Andrew Morton-Jenkins are no strangers to doing up listed buildings.

‘This is our fourth,’ Andrew enthuses. ‘But I wish we did not always fall in love with historical buildings. They always turn out to cost twice as much to renovate and take twice as long. We apparently can’t help ourselves.’

Having decided to give their daughter a country upbringing, they were looking for a new home in the West Country and fell in love with the house they had booked for a B&B weekend.

I D Y L L I C L O C AT I O N

‘We were attracted by its position surrounded by seven acres of fields and unspoilt views of the countryside,’ says Frances. ‘It had original flagstone floors, stunning Georgian square rooms, high ceilings and original sash windows. When told the house was for sale, we were over the moon until we found 114 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

out the asking price. It was way over our budget.’

Frances and Andrew scoured the West Country for alternatives, but when they discovered the farmhouse was still on the market six months later, they put their London house up for sale, swapped it for a London flat and with the difference bought the farmhouse of their dreams.

ONGOING PROJECT

Frances says it was just as well they didn’t know the scale or cost of the restoration project in advance, but as Andrew’s background is in building and property maintenance, they felt naively confident.

‘The house was painted in a spectrum of psychedelic colours and there were seven bedrooms, spread over three floors, so there was huge potential,’ she says. ‘Initially we thought it would just be a case of repainting walls, but soon discovered the boiler needed replacing, the chimneys needed rebuilding,

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f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘We love the way the west walls glow in the evening sun. We sit and sip a glass of wine feeling so grateful’

SITTING ROOM The marble Victorian fireplace is an impressive focal point.

Humphrey sofa, from £1,220, Sofa.com, covered in Navy linen fabric, £39.50m, Ian Mankin.

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B AT H R O O M The planking for the walls was found on eBay. Walls in Bone China Blue, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.

For a similar bath, try the Cheshire, price on request, Victoria + Albert Baths

BEDROOM The beams were left unpainted for a rustic feel.

Walls in Mouse’s Back, £56.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Cabbages & Roses’ Tulips and Roses fabric, £75m, would make a similar throw

the windows rattled and none of the floors were straight.’

To compound their problems, conservation rules didn’t allow double-glazing, but their most pressing problem was a lack of light in the kitchen, the oldest part of the house, which overlooked a courtyard and had no access to the garden. ‘Knocking out a chimney breast in the kitchen was an arduous job,’ Frances recalls, ‘but it paid off.’

It opened up a gap into the breakfast room and dramatically lightened up the kitchen. By creating a second opening from the breakfast room, they now feel part of the great outdoors.

F R E S H U P DAT E

To bring the house up to date, the couple installed a woodchip boiler, a new kitchen, a larder, laundry and cloakroom. Next they converted an old garage into a media room. ‘We were careful to preserve traditional elements like the old bread oven,’ says Frances. In fact, 116 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

they even had to replace the Aga to gain access to it.

The couple describe their style as old-school traditional country, which works well with their inherited artwork.

‘We wanted relaxed, peaceful colours and an informal look for every room,’ Frances adds.

RURAL DELIGHT

Soon after the house was finished, work started on their gardens. ‘In hindsight we should have started on the garden first,’ says Andrew.

‘Borders and vegetables take a long time to get established.’

With the garden looking impressive and the last lot of curtains hung – all selected by Frances – the couple opened up the house as a B&B. ‘This has not stopped us putting our individual mark on every room, so it feels totally ours,’ says Frances. ‘It is rather satisfying knowing others can sometimes enjoy the house as we do.’

For details about Frances and Andrew’s B&B, call 07734 448122 or visit huxhamfarmhouse.co.uk

GARDEN Frances checks for progress in the vegetable garden, while Andrew attends to the sheep, who were enlisted to help keep the grass under control

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Scandinavian SIMPLICITY

An old Swedish farmhouse gave Dideric van Riemsdijk and Alexandra van Egmond the chance to start a new chapter in their lives FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY GEA LAAR/COCO FEATURES

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y An old farmhouse built in 1892 with a separate yoga studio built in 2005 L O C AT I O N Mariestad, Sweden R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, two bathrooms.

P U R C H A S E D 2018 O T H E R P R O P E R T Y ‘We lived in Holland before retiring to Sweden,’ says Dideric.

SITTING ROOM

An eclectic combination of furnishings and accessories makes the living area a charming space.

Sahan coffee table, £199, Swoon, has this look. Find Swedish wooden settles at Nordic Style, from £1,995

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fter 25 years spent running their own sign-making company in Holland, Alexandra van Egmond and Dideric van Riemsdijk were ready for a change, but had no idea where to go or what to do next.

‘What do you do after quitting your company?’ asks Dideric. ‘Slowly a picture emerged – we wanted our own B&B with space for a yoga studio and a separate house for ourselves. We’d always loved Sweden and spent a lot of holidays there with our sons Job and Mickey. The country and people felt good to us.’

But it took five years of searching before they found their dream property, a graceful old farmhouse and a former carpenter’s workshop. ‘We just loved the space and the peace of it all,’ says Dideric.

This was mid 2018 and in the space of six months the couple had to sell their home and company and move to their new country. ‘It was a massive rollercoaster ride and we moved in in January 2019,’ he says.

For the first few months, in the depths of an icy Scandinavian winter, the couple concentrated on getting the B&B ready and on renovating the yoga studio so 118 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

Decor ating tipS ‘Look for things that give you a special

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c o u ntry | 25bh 1 & 2 DINING AREA The white furnishings reflect a country Swedish style.

Wycombe dining chairs, £285 each, Neptune, have this look 3 HALLWAY A vintage metal locker is a stylish storage solution.

Find a selection of industrial lockers at Vinterior

BEDROOM

Dideric and Alexandra painted the original floorboards white for a bright look.

Similar white and brass Victoria bed, £248, Swagger Home Furnishings

4 MASTER BEDROOM Alexandra displays her collection of vintage glass in this space.

Try Maisons du Monde for a similar display unit 5 BATHROOM This pretty scheme features a decorated porcelain basin that Dideric found online.

Madeline basin, £667, from the London Basin Company is similar

feeling, take your time and donÕt overload your schemesÕ

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Alexandra could begin teaching.

Fortunately, their own house was ready to live in. Much of the furniture was sought out in local markets and antiques shops. ‘We love buying items from the late 19th century to complement the house,’ says Dideric.

‘We’re continually adding to the house – in fact, it’s become a hobby! I’m happy with the result but it can all change when I find something else on an auction site. I get inspired by unexpected, amusing items and it means our guests always have something new to discover.’

Their final challenge was to fix the neglected garden. ‘It was the first time we’d had such a big garden but we have managed to make it beautiful again,’ says Dideric. ‘When we lived in the Netherlands we didn’t have time to grow our own vegetables, but we always loved nature. Here in Sweden we have the time and space. Our vegetable garden is totally organic and our bees take care of the pollination.

‘The trees were planted by the woodworker who lived here and he used them to inspire his work,’ says Dideric. ‘This is now a very special place of peace and quiet. I hope we will be here for a long while to come.’

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C R E AT I V E T O U C H Everything about Lovisa Silburn’s Victorian revamp oozes charm and ingenuity WORDS SEÁN O’CONNELL/JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA STATHAKI

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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian semi-detached L O C AT I O N Kent R O O M S Sitting room, family room, TV room, kitchen-diner, study, boot room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a detached Victorian house close by,’ says Lovisa.

KITCHEN-DINER ‘We painted the units in a deep blue-black colour – it’s timeless,’ says Lovisa. A gallery wall (left) and a collection of pendants add personality.

Bespoke dining table, DT-69.

Ant chairs, £373 each, Fritz Hansen at Holloways of Ludlow.

Bespoke cabinetry by Woodwork Kitchens; in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Light Graphite birch flooring, £79.20sq m, Timbered

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i n s p i r a t i o n ‘This house is a blend of Swedish colours and English patterns – I think of it as a “Swenglish” home that has the best of both worlds’

SITTING ROOM ‘The carpenters made a window seat and it’s everyone’s favourite spot to sit in the sun,’ says Lovisa.

Walls in Parma Gray estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Fringe table lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, £3,325, 1stdibs. Blinds made in Palmeral fabric, £95m, House of Hackney. Cushion in Josef Frank’s Manhattan fabric, £170m, Svenskt Tenn. Carpentry

by Excel Build & Fence

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rom the moment Lovisa Silburn, her late husband Paul and their children first viewed their Victorian semi in Kent, they could see its potential. ‘It had a such a happy family feel, I knew it would be perfect,’ says Lovisa. But even after buying the house, moving in was some way away – a full-width extension to create a spacious kitchen-diner was planned. The upside was that while the family were in rented accommodation, after selling their previous home in west Kent, Lovisa, a creative director for an advertising agency, could plan the interior.

Lovisa says her obsession with paint swatches became a running joke with her children, Jacob, 13, and Esther, 12. ‘I would carry little squares of paper in my bag and, every time we went into a shop, they would groan as I rifled through my bag for them,’ she says. ‘But when your mind is buzzing with ideas, it helps to keep a focus. If, say, a vintage vase caught my eye, I’d only buy it if it matched my scheme.’

C O L O U R C O O R D I N AT E D

Lovisa’s core colours of serene pastels and darker blues provide the common thread for this home. There are surprise elements, too, supplied by the vintage pieces. ‘Sticking to a set of colours doesn’t stifle creativity, it just keeps my quirkiness on track,’ she says.

Over time, Lovisa has found that her style has become bolder and brighter, and her talent for seeking out decorative chandeliers, wall lights and sconces has only gathered momentum. ‘Some people buy bags and shoes. I buy lighting,’ she says with a smile. Lovisa also adds vibrancy to her serene pastel backdrops through the use of pattern, and this is a distinctive element of her scheme. In the master

MASTER BEDROOM A framed Grayson Perry scarf creates a colourful display above the bed.

Grayson Perry silk scarf, £85, Tate. Palais de Versaille Sacre Coeur bed, from £2,015, The French Bedroom Company

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en suite she indulges her love of Moroccan zellige and encaustic tiles, but cost was always a consideration and she evened out the budget by using cheaper porcelain patterns in the family bathroom.

PAT T E R N A E S T H E T I C S

Lovisa’s exuberant style is evident in her choice of fabric and wallpaper, too: the sitting room blinds display vibrant palm fronds, while monkeys scamper up the wall in Jacob’s room and the cloakroom. ‘The wallpaper is from House of Hackney – I love how their designs riff on Britain’s tradition of busy patterns,’ says Lovisa.

Pattern and colour were an aesthetic she grew up with in her homeland, Sweden. ‘People think Scandi homes are all white, with maybe a dash of grey. But, actually, Swedes love colour,’ she says. ‘Think of the folksy 19th-century patterns, Josef Frank’s designs and even Ikea – colour has always been used to add warmth and homeliness.’

The collection of art and photography displayed all around the house reveals the importance Lovisa places on personal items, too.

Some paintings are heirlooms, such as the portrait of Lovisa’s grandmother by the fireplace in the sitting room. The newest additions are paintings by Hastings-based artist Rachel Glittenberg, including a striking floor-standing oil on canvas in the family room. ‘Her work is so compelling,’ she says.

Lovisa now also runs interior design company Swenglish Home and it is here that she has honed her blend of Swedish and English styles. ‘A home is where can you bring together something old and something new,’ says Lovisa. ‘It’s a mish-mash of pieces from different places, but put together in a way that is personal to you.’

F A M I LY B AT H R O O M An oversized decorative mirror is the star of the show.

Versailles washbasin, £1,060, Fired Earth. Walls in French Gray estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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home truths THE PROPERTY A mid-Edwardian terrace, built in 1910, with new rear additions.

L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, sitting room, media room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, garden studio.

P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from an apartment in Hammersmith,’ says Matthew.

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SMART SOLUTIONS Matthew and Nadine Woodthorpe used their design know-how to give a dilapidated terrace a second chance FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDER JAMES

LIVING AREA

Metal-framed doors are a modern touch, but the panelling in this extension honours the house’s Edwardian heritage.

Metal-framed doors, £14,820, made to design by MWAI and manufactured by Maxlight.

Marble and bone inlay coffee table, £580, Anthropologie.

Gladom side table, £19, Ikea.

B&B Italia Charles sofa in cream cotton, from £3,575, Innes

HALLWAY

The quirky wall hooks provide a fun storage solution.

Similar hooks, from £8, Graham and Green. Walls in Ammonite modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Reclaimed industrial lamp, £35, Retrouvius

KITCHEN

A bespoke table replaces a traditional island.

Iron and timber upcycled shelving unit, £1,100, Anthropologie

MASTER BEDROOM

A soft grey palette creates a neutral backdrop for bold fireplace tiles and artwork, including silhouettes by Nadine.

Alana super kingsize bed in Copper, £499, Made

SITTING ROOM

Matthew and Nadine wanted the shelving to be in keeping with the period of the house.

Jimena chair, £995, Anthropologie.

Chandelier lampshade, £200, Nicolette Brunklaus

MASTER EN SUITE

Striking white marble lifts the neutral scheme.

For a similar console basin, try the Vitra Valarte basin and washstand, £750, UK Bathrooms

CHILD’S BEDROOM

A pretty iron bed and pastel shades are charming and playful.

Oliver bed, £400, Feather & Black.

Similar sheepskin, from £90, Toast

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CHILDREN’S BATHROOM

The shower rail was made from copper plumbing pipes.

Polished Murano plaster walls, colour matched, MWAI. Shower rail, £100, made to an MWAI design. Brushed stainless steel MPRO bather shower mix, £999, Crosswater

D

uring the renovation of their Edwardian terrace, architect Matthew Woodthorpe and his interior designer wife Nadine were extremely conscious of being respectful to its architecture. ‘I wanted our home to honour the past and nurture a love of craftsmanship,’ says Matthew, who is founder of architectural practice MWAI. ‘We bought the house in a dilapidated state and took our time to work out how the spaces could evolve,’ he says.

‘We have two girls, Elizabeth and Inka, and we designed it to transition into their teenage years and beyond.

The main work involved creating a large open-plan extension at the rear to house a kitchen-diner and living space.

‘We worked hard to create something sympathetic, marrying old with new,’ says Matthew. Panelled cupboards – in keeping with Edwardian style – hide the usual kitchen paraphernalia along one wall, while metal garden doors and concrete floors add a modern

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

edge. At the heart of the room is a generous bespoke table, handcrafted from antique oak veneer and brass, that can be reconfigured as two sections.

‘It’s the most hardworking piece in our home,’ says Matthew.

‘I love that we can seat 25 people for get-togethers.’

Spaces have been carefully planned to be flexible. The front sitting room is a practical space that accommodates playing and piano practice as well as part-time working.

Period features have been preserved, with original doors

and openings left intact, cornices and skirtings restored and original brass hardware brought back to life. ‘Authentic finishes have a story to tell and are part of what makes a building feel special,’ says Matthew. Even the windows have been lovingly copied to the exact design of the originals – made in Lithuania by one of Matthew’s trusted craftsmen.

The house is effortlessly stylish but, just as the couple intended, it has a timeless elegance that will continue to improve with age.

2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 12 7

Rooms with a view

Thanks to thoughtful planning Min Coppens’ stylish villa now makes the most of a fabulous seascape FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY JAN VERLINDE/LIVING INSIDE

home truths THE PROPERTY A 1960s low-rise Spanish villa L O C AT I O N Costa Blanca R O O M S Kitchen-diner/ living area, three bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have an apartment in Paris, where we spend half our time,’ says Min.

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TERRACE Min was keen to provide plenty of areas for relaxation.

Maisons du Monde sells teak garden sun loungers, from £324 each. Shabay rattan armchairs, £270 each, Just Armchairs, have a similar style. Bespoke floor cushions (by the pool), Simples

2 5 B H AU G US T 2020 | 129

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W

ith a successful business in Paris, restaurateur Min Coppens was contemplating buying a second home in a sunnier climate where she could live with her husband Franck, and their children Laure, 23, and Mendel, 29. When a chance meeting with an old friend brought her to the Costa Blanca in Spain, her plans seemed to fall into place.

‘Three years ago we rented a holiday house and I was reunited with the owner Catherine De Vil after 35 years,’ explains Min. ‘Her villa was so inspiring and I loved everything about it – from the layout and furnishings to the spectacular views. Catherine had become an interior architect and designer, and after many excited discussions, she agreed to help me to find a similar villa in Spain and create my dream home.’

After an extensive search, the seventh villa Min looked at had all the credentials to fulfil her expectations and most importantly, the spectacular sea view she so craved. ‘The villa needed a lot of work but the views were beautiful and that’s what sold it to me,’ she remembers.

With Catherine’s expertise, Min set about transforming the simple structure into a laid-back home with the breathtaking view at the heart of every decision.

‘What I love most is that almost wherever you are in the villa, you can look up and see out to the sea,’ explains Min. ‘Catherine understood my brief down to the LIVING AREA Large wooden doors are flung open to make the most of the terrace and sea view.

Antique stool, £121, Etsy, is similar.

John Lewis & Partner’s Golden Brown faux-fur throw, £150, has a similar look. Noguchi coffee table, £1,640, Vitra at The Conran Shop, shares this style

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KITCHEN-DINER Set against the whitewashed walls, all of the weathered wooden pieces come together to create a very natural-looking environment.

Reclaimed dining table, from £1,250, Sustainable Furniture, has this look. Try Cult Furniture’s soft pad dining chair, £69

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LIVING AREA All the furnishings were chosen with comfort in mind.

Rattan floor lamp, £229, Bloomingville at Made In Design, shares this style

last detail. She redesigned the inside space to accommodate how we live day to day. By turning the kitchen around, we now have three bedrooms with three en suite bathrooms, all with their own unique look.’

Working with a trusted designer with a similar aesthetic has given Min the confidence to explore her own creativity and develop the uncomplicated yet stylish look of the villa.

‘Inside I wanted the villa to be very simple, using lots of wood and stone and natural materials.

The kitchen units are made from reclaimed wood and the rafters in the ceiling echo this simple style. I like things to feel natural both inside and out and that’s exactly the home Catherine has helped me to create.’

Min has also taken advantage of Catherine’s designer cushion range, which can be seen scattered throughout the house and terrace.

With the renovation taking about a year to complete, Min was happy to visit the site regularly to ensure everything was on track. ‘It was lovely to see how the work was progressing and to feel in such safe hands with Catherine overseeing everything. I honestly couldn’t have wished for a better outcome and I enjoyed the process so much, I’d actually like to do it all over again.’

OUTSIDE DINING AREA The tree provides shade at lunchtimes.

Reclaimed wood dining table, £460, Etsy, is a similar style EN SUITE A simple blind and ceiling lamp add to the bohemian style of the villa.

Beru rattan lampshade, £99.95, Nkuku, has this look BEDROOM Built-in shelving contributes to the minimalist look.

Bespoke cushions, Simples

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FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

i n s p i r a t i o n ‘In the style of a typical Spanish house, we whitewashed throughout and added splashes of muted colour’

MASTER BEDROOM The natural light combined with understated decor brings a tranquil and calm mood.

Antique stool, £121, Etsy, is similar.

Bespoke cushions, Simples.

Design Vintage sells bamboo pendant lights, from £110

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WHERE TO BUY Details of companies featured in the August issue

1stdibs 1stdibs.com Abingdon House Antiques abingdonhouseantiques.co.uk Aga agaliving.com Amara amara.com AMWA Designs amwadesigns.com Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk Angel & Boho angelandboho.com Anna Cox Home annacoxcushions.com Anna Hewitson annahewitsondesign.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com Archer & Smith archersmith.co.uk Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair iacf.co.uk/ardingly Artisans of Devizes artisansofdevizes.com Arturo Rhodes arturorhodes.com Arundel Bespoke arundelbespoke.co.uk Atkin and Thyme atkinandthyme.co.uk Atlantic Shopping atlanticshopping.co.uk Axor axor-design.com Barker and Stonehouse barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Barnes Fine Art Gallery barnesfineartgallery.co.uk Bathrooms Direct Yorkshire bathroomsdirectyorkshire.co.uk Beal bealmortex.com Benuta benuta.co.uk Bespoke Sofa London bespokesofalondon.co.uk Bohemia Design bohemiadesign.co.uk Bone Interiors boneinteriors.com Brunschwig and Fils kravet.com Button & Sprung buttonandsprung.com Cabbages & Roses cabbagesandroses.com Camerich camerich.co.uk Carew Jones carewjones.co.uk Carpetright carpetright.co.uk Catja de Haas catjadehaas.com Chris Levine chrislevine.com Christy christy.co.uk Circa Who circawho.com City Cows citycows.co.uk Clair de Lune cdlfurnishings.co.uk Cole & Son cole-and-son.com Connox connox.co.uk Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk CP Hart cphart.co.uk Crosswater crosswater.co.uk Crown French Furniture crownfrenchfurniture.co.uk Crucial Trading crucial-trading.com Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Cutwrights cutwrights.com David Murray Designs 07765 068269 de Le Cuona delecuona.co.uk Decorelo decorelo.co.uk Design Vintage designvintage.co.uk Designers Guild designersguild.com DFS dfs.co.uk Dinesen dinesen.com DT-69 dt-69.co.uk Dufont Faes dufontfaes.com Dunelm dunelm.com Dusk Lighting dusklights.co.uk Eastburn Country Furniture eastburncountryfurniture.co.uk Edward Johnson Furniture edwardjohnsonstudio.co.uk

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Etsy etsy.com Excel Build & Fence excelbuilders.co.uk Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Feather & Black featherandblack.com Fenwick fenwick.co.uk Fermoie fermoie.com Fine Cell Work finecellwork.co.uk Fired Earth firedearth.com French Connection frenchconnection.com Fritz Fryer fritzfryer.co.uk Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk Geoffrey Johnson geoffreyjohnsonart.com George Smith georgesmith.co.uk GMTW Architects garrettmckee.co.uk Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk Granit Architecture & Interiors granit.co.uk GSB Building gsb-building.co.uk H&M Home hm.com Habitat habitat.co.uk Harwood Homes harwoodhomesinteriors.com Heal’s heals.co.uk Hibou Home hibouhome.com Holloways of Ludlow hollowayskitchens.com Homesense homesense.com House of Hackney houseofhackney.com Howdens howdens.com Humphrey Munson humphreymunson.co.uk HUX London hux-london.co.uk I & JL Brown ijlbrown.com Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk Ikea ikea.co.uk Innes innes.co.uk Innovations innovationsusa.com International Floorcoverings interfloors.com.au Jane Clayton & Company janeclayton.co.uk Jennifer Manners jennifermanners.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com JS Auctions jsfineart.co.uk Julian Chichester julianchichester.com Just Armchairs justarmchairs.co.uk Just Fabrics justfabrics.co.uk Kate Cornelius katecorneliushome.com Kate Forman kateforman.co.uk Kinnersley Kent Design kkd.co.uk La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Lagoon vivalagoon.com Laura Jordan laurajordan.com Liberty London libertylondon.com Lightinthebox.com lightinthebox.com Linteloo linteloo.nl Linwood linwoodfabric.com Little Greene littlegreene.com Lloyd Looms loydlooms.co.uk Loaf loaf.com London Basin Company londonbasincompany.com Lorfords Antiques lorfordsantiques.com

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Love Wood Kitchens lovewoodkitchens.co.uk Made made.com Made in Design madeindesign.co.uk Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com Marble Hill Fireplaces marblehill.co.uk Mary Pinnock marypinnock.com.au Maxlight maxlight.co.uk Melody Maison melodymaison.co.uk Mezzanine mezzanineinteriors.co.za More Design moredesign.es Moroccan Bazaar moroccanbazaar.com MWAI mwai.co.uk Neptune neptune.com Nicky Cornell nickycornell.com Nicolette Brunklaus brunklaus.nl Nkuku nkuku.com Nordic Nest nordicnest.com Nordic Style nordicstyle.com Norfolk Decorative Antiques antiquelighting.co.uk Notonthehighstreet.com notonthehighstreet.com Novick Kotkis novickkotkis.com Oakwrights oakwrights.co.uk Ocean Lighting oceanlighting.co.uk Oka oka.com Oldwood de Woonwinkel oldwood.nl Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com One World one.world Original BTC originalbtc.com Osborne & Little osborneandlittle.com Osoliving osoliving.com Paint & Paper Library paintandpaperlibrary.com Paul Deakin Furniture pauldeakin.co.uk Perch & Parrow perchandparrow.com Pere Coll Ollers ollersdeportol.com Pinch Design pinchdesign.com Pineland Furniture pineland.co.uk Pooky pooky.com QS Supplies qssupplies.co.uk RAK Ceramics rakceramics.co.uk Retrouvius retrouvius.com Roger Hall Designs rogerhalldesigns.com Ron Lawson ronlawsonart.co.uk Rubn rubn.com Rug Vista rugvista.com Ruth Willmott ruthwillmott.com Sally Anne Fitter sallyannefitter.co.uk Sam Marsh samarsh.com Sarah K sarahk.co.uk Scandi-Hus scandia-hus.co.uk Schumacher fschumacher.com Scion stylelibrary.com/scion SCP scp.co.uk Screwfix screwfix.com Sean Phelan Mirror Gilding mirrorgilding.com Secret Linen Store secretlinenstore.com Sibast Furniture sibast-furniture.com Simples simples.be Skandium skandium.com

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Sofa Workshop sofaworkshop.com Sofa.com sofa.com Sophie Allport sophieallport.com Sophie Cook sophiecook.com Spritz Wellness spritzwellness.com Station Mill Antiques stationmill.com Sustainable Furniture sustainable-furniture.co.uk Svenskt Tenn svenskttenn.se Swagger Home Furnishings swaggerhomefurnishings.co.uk Swoon swooneditions.com Sydenhams sydenhams.co.uk Tadelakt tadelakt.co.uk Tanini Home taninihome.com Tate tate.org.uk/modern The Bath Company thebathcompany.co.uk The Conran Shop conranshop.co.uk The Cotswold Company cotswoldco.com The Empire Company antiquesdesign.com.au The French Bedroom Company frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk The Old Pill Factory theoldpillfactory.com The Paddington Antique Centre empirerevival.com.au The Rattan Company therattancompany.co.uk The Stripes Company thestripescompany.com The White Company thewhitecompany.com Tiles Direct tiles-direct.com Tiles to You tilestoyou.com Timbered timbered.co.uk TM Interiors tm-interiors.co.uk Toast toa.st/uk Tom Dixon tomdixon.net Tom Faulkner tomfaulkner.co.uk Tom Howley tomhowley.co.uk Topps Tiles toppstiles.co.uk Trevor Halliday trevorhalliday.com UK Bathrooms ukbathrooms.com Urbanara urbanara.co.uk Victoria + Albert Baths vandabaths.com Vanessa Arbuthnott vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk Vaughan vaughandesigns.com Viaduct viaduct.co.uk Victoria Plum victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing victorianplumbing.co.uk Vinterior vinterior.co Vola vola.co.uk Wallpaper Direct wallpaperdirect.com Walls and Floors wallsandfloors.co.uk Wayfair wayfair.co.uk Weaver Green weavergreen.com West Elm westelm.co.uk William Yeoward williamyeoward.com William Yeoward Crystal williamyeowardcrystal.com Woodwork Kitchens woodworkkitchens.co.uk Xavier Furniture xavierfurniture.com.au Yateley Papers yateleypapers.co.uk Zulufish Interiors zulufishinteriors.co.uk

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Marketplace sofas and sofa beds

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The Phoenix TV Unit combines closed and open storage space, making it a practical addition to any living room.With dimensions of L.140 x H.51.5 x D.35cm, it has plenty of storage space with two large sized cupboards accessed by sliding doors. Perfect for DVDs, books and anything else you want to keep neatly stored away. Available in Black or White. Normally £139, it’s now available to pre-order for just £109*. To receive your £30 discount, quote BHJUL20A at the checkout.

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25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e

The Santa Monica Proper Hotel takes a high design approach to beach chic

ROOM ENVY

elly Wearstler, the grand high priestess of American interior design, has done it again with this fabulous space at the Santa Monica Proper, her latest hotel decorating project. The first thing that strikes you in this library-slash-lounge is the density of object. Floor-to-ceiling shelves groan with rare art and design books, wall space is packed with assorted works of art and hanging sculpture in varied media, and the bold, somewhat bloated, furniture fully fills out the space, maximising comfort and a sense of ease. The overall effect is something like an Aladdin’s cave of interest, and as such the room was appropriately named ‘the grotto’. The key theme running through this space is materiality and texture. The palette is a

13 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 2020

subdued mix of neutral beiges and browns, but is brought to energetic life with varied use of timber, fabric, stone and rough paper wallcoverings. Such soft, cloud-like seating could look unbalanced against anything but the hardest of surfaces, so Wearstler places them with a limestone-toned rock coffee table, the pieces maintaining a relationship through their similarly curved forms. The space is finished with subtle references to Santa Monica’s coastal nature: a beach painting focal point, rope detail on artwork and a seashell vase tie the frenetic but harmonised space together. Oh, and, we couldn’t end without mentioning that rather fetching plaster stool at the front. We’re not sure whether that’s to draw you in or keep people away for a spot of quiet reading time…

FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY

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Each month we bring you a scheme that delights, dazzles and intrigues