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MO RE I NSPI RA T I ONA L H OM ES T H A N A N Y OT HER M A GA ZI N E

HOMES TIME FOR A CHANGE INSPIRING IDEAS AND EASY UPDATES

RUSTIC RETREAT

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Elegant finishes transform a family home

NEUTRALS & NATURALS Beautiful projects that use soft colours and rich textures

October 2020

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COVER STORY

L E A R N I N G C U R V E These ambitious

owners had to pick up new skills fast when converting a former schoolhouse in Bath P R I M E P O S I T I O N The desire for a country bolthole led this London family to a barn in the stunning Mendip Hills, which has been transformed into a beautiful retreat RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Despite their initial reluctance to take on a project, this pair’s renovation of a house in Buckinghamshire has proved to be a success A F R E S H S TA R T After deciding to downsize, this couple leapt at the chance to

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buy a plot of land in Surrey to build the oak-framed home they dreamed of GOING WITH THE FLOW

A reconfigured layout worked wonders in this Somerset rectory, creating plenty of space for the owner’s three energetic daughters W I L D AT H E A R T This contemporary cabin in the Catskill Mountains was designed to blend perfectly into its forest setting COOL, CALM & COLLECTED

An informal approach to the renovation of this farmhouse in the Netherlands laid the foundation for the serene, pared-back interior

Classic designs and a neutral palette give this home a beautiful and timeless look (p122).

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G E O R G I A N G E M Putting back the character and

charm and adding their own twist was this couple’s aim when renovating a run-down London terrace H I D D E N C H A R M How a Copenhagen apartment was stripped back to its original turn-of-the-century glory C R E AT I V E S P I R I T Statement furniture and lighting make a bold impact in this London maisonette I N T H E B A L A N C E This pair used a skilful blend of traditional and modern in their London home to create a scheme that reconciles their contrasting tastes U N I Q U E T O U C H Reclaimed finds and favourite souvenirs lend personality to this London flat P E R I O D P I E C E A sympathetic revamp has brought a sense of luxury and grandeur to this Georgian apartment in Edinburgh, while preserving its fine features T I E D T O T H E P A S T Specially commissioned textiles were used to embellish the interiors of this former draper’s shop in London and reflect its fascinating heritage F O L L O W I N G T H E C U R V E By embracing the sinuous lines in her converted gasholder in London, this owner has created a distinctive home with a quirky edge D E S I G N F O R L I F E Clean lines and authentic materials bring zen-like calm to an East London terrace R E T R O R E V I V A L Vintage style and bright colours combine to vibrant effect in this London home E N D U R I N G B E A U T Y A revamped Californian home that exudes laid-back sophistication

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C H A N G I N G S P A C E S A former ambulance station in

East Sussex has been converted into an inspirational home N AT U R A L W O N D E R The rustic, salvaged accessories and distressed finishes in this Devon farmhouse echo its idyllic woodland surroundings P E R S O N A L S T Y L E Cherished objects have turned a Brighton terrace into an eclectic treasure trove

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A R T I S T I N R E S I D E N C E Botanical artwork and

a subtle palette of soft greens and blues create a tranquil atmosphere in this Victorian villa in Wales O R I G I N A L C H A R A C T E R With its generous scale and elegant details, this Edwardian semi in Nottingham was an irresistible draw to a family seeking a home with history W O R K O F A R T Calming colours in this Kent house shows off the owners’ prized pieces to their best advantage R E S T O R AT I O N D R A M A A sensitive renovation paid off handsomely in this Victorian home in Warwickshire

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R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month

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

HOMES EDITORIAL

WELCOME The pandemic has universally changed perspectives, and our attitudes to home, travel, work and socialising have been reset.

Many urbanites, for the first time, are considering escaping the

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 Brand Development Editor Laura Crombie 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

city. Personally, I have found I have a new longing for wide, open spaces. It’s not helped by the fact that I am particularly inspired by the country houses in the issue. This month we are showcasing both tailored rural retreats and rustic boltholes with a laid-back vibe. Another major shift relates to homeworking; many of us are now asking our houses to function as offices, whether that’s in the form of a dedicated study, from the guest bedroom or sitting at

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C I R C U L AT I O N

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MARKETING

a panelled wall in the corner of their living area. It’s fine proof

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that you don’t need a lot of space to create something clever.

SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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LEARNING CURVE

Kate Lawley and her husband Mike had to learn fast when transforming their Victorian schoolhouse conversion into an impressive, contemporary space FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

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home truths

LIVING AREA With its double-height ceiling, this room really has wow factor. From here you can look through all the connected spaces and up to the mezzanine entrance hall.

Opollo Modular Mid Tan Carson City leather sofa; Opollo Modular Grey leather sofa, £4,100 each, Habitat, have been mixed and matched.

Rug, £150, M&S. Marble pendant lamp, £175.99, Trouva

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom converted Victorian schoolhouse L O C AT I O N Bath R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Victorian terrace in Trowbridge,’ says Kate.

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KITCHEN ‘We bought all our cabinets second hand and made the concrete island worktop ourselves,’ says Kate.

Units painted in Ammonite estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Carrara white quartz worktop, £1,900, Granite & Stone. Skyscraper knurled handles, £89.99 each, Dowsing & Reynolds

DINING AREA Various woods, wicker shades and rattan chairs create a modern rustic feel.

Solid teak table and bench, £2,000, Furniture Village. HK Living black rattan chairs, £195 each, Smallable. Jute rug, £159, Heal’s

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W

hen Kate Lawley and her husband Mike first walked through the doors of their old schoolhouse, they instantly fell in love with the building’s charm and history.

‘Inspired by warehouse and loft-style spaces, we’d been looking for a renovation project to tackle that would give us big open-plan living,’ says Kate. ‘And despite the schoolhouse’s run-down condition, we knew it had the potential to become something very special.’

The schoolhouse had been converted into two residential dwellings in the early 1900s, and this part of the building had once been the school hall, so it had very high ceilings and lots of original structural details still intact. However, many of the roof timbers were rotten from historic water leaks, the living space and bedrooms were impractical for modern living, and the electrics only worked in a few of the rooms. So the Lawleys called on Nicola Du Pisanie, a local architect, to suggest how the space could be better used with a new layout.

HOMEWORK TIME

‘The early stages of the renovation were slow and frustrating,’ says Kate. ‘We had to replace roof timbers and windows to make the building structurally sound before we could completely strip back the inside and reconfigure the space.’

Stud walls were removed along with the ground-floor ceiling and three redundant staircases. ‘Most of the internal work we did ourselves,’ says Kate. ‘It was tiring, but we lived with my parents and just knowing we had a warm, comfortable home to go back to kept us sane.’

At the start of the building work, four steel beams were installed to support the

MEZZANINE The floor-to-ceiling window creates the feel of a garden room and with the built-in window seat, this is a space to be enjoyed whatever the weather.

Rattan cocoon chair, £650; soft fringe throw, £45, both Cox & Cox. Aidas jute rug, £65, La Redoute, is similar

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reconfigured mezzanine. The front entrance was repositioned, two new staircases were built in revised areas and we knocked through a 0.5m concrete wall to create a new doorway for the master bedroom. The new first-floor layout needed to be reconstructed before the building could be completely rewired and replumbed with a new hot water and central heating system. ‘It was so exciting to finally see the house taking shape,’ says Kate. ‘We left the plastering and decorating to the professionals, but we refurbished and relaid all of the wood flooring ourselves. Then when the radiators were fitted and lighting installed, it really started to feel like a home, not just a building site.’

CLASS ACT

When it came to choosing the decor, the couple kept things simple with a mixture of reclaimed, natural and raw materials, restoring and repurposing as many elements within the building as they could. ‘We’re so proud of what we have achieved by taking this approach,’ says Kate. ‘The wonderful patina across the 200-year-old school flooring for example, and the original stone flooring we found hidden under carpet in the workshop, are things of beauty.’

Having had no experience of property renovation, the couple have surprised themselves with how well they handled such a challenging build. ‘The open-plan layout connects all our living spaces, allowing friends and family to feel relaxed and at ease – which is just perfect for our lifestyle,’ says Kate. ‘We now have a home that is better than we ever envisaged and one that gives us both an overwhelming sense of achievement whenever we walk through the front door.’

GUEST BEDROOM (MEZZANINE ) A parquet headboard makes a striking focal point in this scheme.

Padma Parquet bed frame in Grey, £699, John Lewis & Partners, is a close match.

Chianti wicker pendant shade, £15, Iconic Lights

B AT H R O O M Plaster-effect walls combine with large porcelain tiles and a white gloss suite to create a simple but timeless look.

Bette Ocean steel bath, £631, ukbathrooms.com. Cerim Material Stones 04, from £29.95sq m, Dimensions Tiles & Bathrooms. MDesign waffle shower curtain in Dusky Pink, £17.50, Amazon

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i n s p i r a t i o n ‘We are continually inspired by our travels, but likewise our passion for interiors influences our travels’

MASTER BEDROOM Neutral colours and timeworn natural materials complement the distinctive original window and wooden ceiling beams.

Washed linen duvet in Natural, £89.99, Zara Home. Skurup black floor lamp, £40, Ikea. Large seagrass wall hanging, £69, Madam Stoltz

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Prime position Memories of happy holidays brought Katie Oliver and her family to this 19th-century barn, which has been turned into an idyllic retreat WORDS KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA YANOVSKI

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y An 1880s barn conversion and extension L O C AT I O N Somerset R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, snug, boot room, games room, six bedrooms, six bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a Victorian terrace in London,’ says Katie.

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KITCHEN

Black-framed windows and metal lights lend an industrial feel.

Old factory pendant lights, ÂŁ59 each, Industville. Loko stools, ÂŁ150 each, Nkuku

EXTERIOR

Located in the beautiful Mendip Hills, this converted barn can sometimes be rented through Unique Homestays

BOOT ROOM

Panelled walls give this area the look of an old country house.

Door and walls in Studio Green estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

SITTING ROOM

‘Whatever the weather, this space feels airy and cosy at the same time,’ says Katie.

The Humphrey sofa in Blue velvet, £2,152, Sofa.com, is similar. Lamp stand, £314; empire shade, from £38, both Pooky. Collar sisal carpet, price on request, Bowloom

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fter years of living in London, Katie Oliver, a busy GP, set her sights on finding a country bolthole for weekends and holidays with her husband Andrew and five children, Molly, seven, James, five, Charlie, three, Sofia, two and Gigi, eight months. Her love of Somerset brought her to Wells, in the Mendip Hills, where she was lucky to find an 18th-century barn for sale with stunning views and a rich history.

‘Over the decades, the building has swapped hands between farmers, gardeners and potters and was even used as a dairy farm,’ explains Katie. ‘We could see the potential to create our dream family home here where we’ve holidayed many times.’ They bought the property four years ago, which they named Kilnwood, and under the guidance of Katie’s sister, an architect with De Rosee Sa, they undertook a major renovation of the barn and added a further building in keeping with the surroundings.

Once the renovation work was complete, Katie appointed interior designer Julia Alexander to transform the vast space into a comfortable, yet stylish home with a view to possibly renting it out when the family were back in London. ‘Julia was recommended to me by friends and we hit it off straight away,’ remembers Katie. ‘She’s a very good listener and interprets what it is you’re trying to achieve even if you’re not quite sure how to express it. We have very similar taste and I love everything that she’s created for us.’

Katie was certain she wanted a fairly muted palette throughout and Julia recommended using five key colours

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SNUG

‘This room leads off the hallway and I’m so pleased that we didn’t close it off as it’s always full of light,’ says Katie.

Manor House Gray estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, is a similar shelving colour

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘In winter and on rainy days, we love the sitting room with the picture window looking out to the glorious views’

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MASTER BEDROOM

‘I love this pastel palette because it brings a lightness to the atmosphere and makes the space feel tranquil,’ says Katie.

Bluebell sofa in Eucalyptus, £1,460; Valentin footstool in Powder Pink, £490, both Sofa.com

BATHROOM

The rich brown tiles and timber vanity unit introduce texture and warmth.

Try the hexagonal floor tiles, £58.46sq m, Fired Earth. Evolve bath, £2,395, Waters Baths

d e s i g n t i p ‘For any space, getting the layout and furniture proportions right is key. Good lighting also helps to set the mood’ along with brass accents and natural fabrics. ‘I love how the colour combinations and materials connect all the rooms together alongside the many lovely furnishings and accessories that bring the spaces to life,’ she says.

Living in the same London neighbourhood, Katie and Julia were able to meet up to plan the interior. ‘Julia visited the site a couple of times and took measurements but it was easier for us to meet up in London because we live so close,’ explains Katie. ‘Because the scheme was unfussy and determined by quite a distinctive style, everything worked out well and fortunately we didn’t have any disasters.’

When it came to furnishings and accessories, Julia was very innovative and sourced furniture and lighting on the high street and selected pieces from antique dealers. She also made some savings on the furniture, which meant Katie was able to spend more on special items. ‘I think every room should have a statement piece – whatever that might be,’ says Katie. ‘Some rooms can take a huge chandelier in old Italian glass that takes your breath away, while for a dining room, a custom-made dining table in old oak might be the main focus. It’s a very personal choice and it’s what makes every room and every home unique.’

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Vintage-style accessories add character and elegance to this scheme.

Reyna chest of drawers, £549 each, Swoon. Seaweed prints, £325 for a set of four, Oka. For a similar bed, try the Hugger in Blue velvet, £1,385, Loaf

CHILDREN’S BEDROOM

Animal motifs inject a charming touch.

Bird prints, £250 for a set of six, Oka. Country Pheasants tapestry cushions, £54 each, Hines of Oxford. Malmo Giraffe gold table lamp, £55, Dunelm. Alto bed frames, £175.99 each, Wayfair

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SITTING ROOM A giant L-shaped sofa and central wood burner offer a welcoming space for the entire family.

Sofa, £2,471, Camerich. Bespoke coffee table, £400, Voytek Ketz. Similar black leather chair, from £400, Alex MacArthur Interiors. Ekol double-sided wood burner, from £2,374, Saltfire. Artwork by Lucas Kimber. Koldby rug, £179, Ikea

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CHANGING SPACES Marta Nowicka has managed to make a former St John Ambulance station a beautiful home FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY VOYTEK KETZ

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y A former ambulance station, rebuilt in the 1950s, redesigned in 2015 L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, study, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a coastguard’s cottage in Camber Sands,’ says Marta.

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H A L LWAY Simple peg rails are used effectively as handy open hanging space.

Walls clad in wooden limed oak floorboards, from £89sq m, WFS Flooring & Tiles. Peg rail, £129, Willis & Gambier

LANDING A study area was created here.

Similar desk, £399, Made. Antique surgical cupboard, £390, Alex MacArthur Interiors

l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘ Buy the best quality where possible – it will save you money

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ucked away behind a cobbled medieval street in the heart of fashionable Rye, lies St John, a recently renovated property that’s home to Marta Nowicka, an award-winning interior architect, her son Lucas and partner Voytek, a photographer. ‘It is a wonderful escape: a short stroll to the harbour, local antique haunts and only three miles to the beach,’ says Marta.

The stunning two-storey building is the result of a major transformation by Marta, who has converted the former ambulance 2 2 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

station into a four-bedroom home, set within a private walled courtyard. The original 1930s structure, flattened in the war for material usage, was donated in the 1950s, as a philanthropic gift to St John Ambulance. They, in turn, rebuilt it before adding a further extension in the 1970s to create a town community space. ‘We’ve heard so many tales of locals meeting here at first-aid classes and clubs – even some who enjoyed their first kiss within these walls!’ she says.

Marta spent a year planning the renovation, before work began in the spring of 2015. ‘We demolished the 1970s side build,

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KITCHEN-DINER The huge dining space reflects the family’s love of entertaining.

Dining chairs, £89 each, Cult Furniture. Farrier’s Cage five bar long pendant light, £1,850, Made by the Forge at Heal’s. Kitchen island, from £4,882, Cavendish Equipment

long term. Always use highly skilled carpenters and tilers, even if more expensive’ repositioned access to the first-floor master suite and built a new extension on the same footprint,’ she says. Throughout the main living space, a warren of small rooms was removed to make way for a vast open-plan area, with zones for cooking, relaxing and dining. ‘The space feels such a luxury – we can host dinners for 20, drinks for 60, yet it still feels cosy with just two,’ says Marta.

When it came to finding inspiration for the renovation, both medieval and medical design cues were explored. The double-sided fireplace, supported by a large bespoke concrete plinth, creates a

focal point and references a central medieval hearth, around which the family’s daily life unfolds. In the kitchen, brushed stainless steel surfaces – a nod to the medical industry – are complemented by minimal grey timber cabinets and refined Carrara marble worktops. ‘We love to entertain and the streamlined kitchen is a dream to cook in,’ says Marta.

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MASTER BEDROOM Wide limed oak panels line the wall and the floors for a striking effect .

Sienna bed, £1,445, Feather & Black.

Ranarp spotlight, £19, Ikea. Medicine cabinet, £70, Wishbarn Antiques

l a s t w o r d ‘Never underestimate how much time and money an ambitious refurbishment project will cost you. Be patient and have a contingency fund’ turned into a dressing table, and a vintage hospital trolley upcycled into a contemporary vanity unit with a large basin and mirror above.

Natural materials abound – throughout the house there are exposed original brick walls, wide engineered limed oak floorboards and bespoke concrete casts. ‘I am delighted with the timber-clad walls – the wood combines warmth with natural pattern and there is zero maintenance,’ says Marta. In the dining area a weathered table, repurposed from a single piece of driftwood and the original St John Ambulance station doors – roughly stripped, waxed and 2 4 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

hung as art – add textural appeal and a sense of provenance. ‘I’m not one for things, I like textures to speak for themselves,’ says Marta.

Throughout, a strict neutral palette of soft greys, creams and taupe, accented with occasional pops of colour, creates a minimal, sleek look. The renovation also triggered the idea for Marta’s business, DOM Stay & Live – a collection of UK and international homes designed by architects and creatives. These are selected

by Marta and available to stay or live in. ‘It’s a wonderful way to experience architectural spaces in beautiful locations,’ says Marta.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT DOMSTAYANDLIVE.COM

B AT H R O O M The freestanding bath adds a quiet elegance to this scheme.

Falcon freestanding bath, £465, Bath Store. Dechirer La Suite tiles, £202sq m, Domus

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RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Despite swearing not to take on a fixer-upper, Helen and Paul Jackson took the plunge FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY JEREMY PHILLIPS

KITCHEN Contemporary and classic combine beautifully in this light and airy space.

Roman blind in Ticking fabric in Sky, £29.50m, Ian Mankin. Kitchen units, price on request, deVOL. Units in Pearl Ashes eggshell, £33.60 for 2.5ltr, Fired Earth

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home truths THE PROPERTY A detached thatched house, built in 1910 and extended in 2011 L O C AT I O N Buckinghamshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchendiner, dining room, study, playroom, cloakroom, utility room, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived nearby, in a Grade II-listed cottage,’ says Helen.

DINING ROOM A chunky farmhouse table teamed with industrial-style pendants is an effective blend of styles.

Reclaimed wood refectory dining table, £1,350, Home Barn, is similar. Maison Brocante sells similar grey stripe grainsack table runners, from £35. Flowers, price on request, Fullers Flowers

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H A L LWAY A handy wooden bench is a homely, welcoming addition.

Home Barn sells similar wooden benches, from £125. Antibes linen cushion, £30, Weaver Green, has this look

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aving outgrown their chocolate-box semi-detached cottage, interior designer Helen Jackson was adamant the next family home would not be a building project.

‘With two children and busy lives, my husband Paul and I were determined to find a house we could move straight into, with the minimum of fuss,’ recalls Helen.

‘I love things to be neat and tidy, and the prospect of messy building work filled me with dread.’

However, best-laid plans often go awry, and in 2016, after hunting for a property in Buckinghamshire, and drawing a complete blank, Helen realised the only answer was confronting her fears. ‘We were very attached to our historic cottage and knew it would be hard to find anything that compared,’ says Helen. After many viewings, only one property held any appeal. ‘This thatched house ticked many boxes, including a large garden for Isaac, now 11, and Emilia, seven, to enjoy,’ says Helen. ‘Despite its tranquil location and wonderful views, I was worried. A renovation on this

scale would be a massive project, and we agreed it wasn’t for us.’

Months later the situation took a U-turn when a visit from Paul’s parents coincided with an open weekend at the thatched house. Viewing the property with a more open mind, as three generations of Jacksons strolled from room to room, obstacles were replaced with opportunities.

‘We realised that some short-term inconvenience would result in the fantastic family home that was proving so elusive,’ says Helen.

After discussing how to reconfigure the property, Helen and Paul decided to take the plunge. They then contacted an architect to discuss how they could convert their plans into reality. ‘Paul and I agreed that repositioning walls on the ground floor and incorporating Crittall doors in the sitting room would inject more light and improve the flow,’ says Helen. ‘Plus, building out at the back would create a new utility room and enlarge the kitchen.’

After moving in during February 2017, while waiting for planning permission for the ground-floor alterations, work

began. The black beams were stripped and, on the first floor, the bedrooms were decorated and bathrooms replaced. ‘When the structural work started, I remember thinking it looked as if a bomb had gone off,’ says Helen.

Over the next few months, the Jacksons and the builders worked tirelessly, bringing their vision to fruition within just six months.

A new kitchen, including an Aga, was installed, followed by a loft conversion. A bespoke staircase was added, too, and by the end of August, the project was complete.

‘It was really hard work,’ recalls Helen. ‘We stayed in a holiday cottage for only three weeks, and for the rest of the time, we were living in the house.

I became project manager and had to make endless decisions.’

When it came to colours, Helen chose a muted palette, and added impact with bold feature walls and striking wallpapers.

This attention to detail has culminated in a stunning home.

‘We all love our thatched home and the rambling garden,’ says Helen. ‘We’re enjoying making precious memories here.’

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SITTING ROOM Glazed doors pull light into this room.

The antique French chair, upholstered in vintage linen, is the perfect contrast.

Home Barn’s French antique armchair, £465, is similar. Isaac antique brass and glass pendant light, £70, Laura Ashley

ISAAC’S BEDROOM Star fabric from Isaac’s previous bedroom inspired this theme.

Grey Star quilted bedspread, £70, Great Little Trading Co. Blinds in All Stars (Large) Navy on Stone Linen, £64, Peony & Sage

MASTER BEDROOM The restful palette complements the spacious, vaulted bedroom, with its Juliet balcony.

Curtains and cushions in Hatley in Dove, £75m, Cabbages & Roses. The White Company’s Elgin quilt, £400, would work here

EN SUITE Wood panelling adds character.

Panelling in Wimborne White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Similar Old School Electric glass swan arm wall light, from £123.25, Holloways of Ludlow

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ARTIST in residence

Striking artwork and the clever use of a colourful paint palette are the secrets behind Andrea Curtis’ beautiful abode

FEATURE KAY PRESTNEY | PHOTOGRAPHY CATHY PYLE

SITTING ROOM

This carefully composed colour scheme manages to be calming and vibrant at the same time.

Walls in Dix Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Botanical paintings, price on request, Andrea Curtis

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FAMILY ROOM

‘I have filled this space with plants so that in the summer when the French doors are open the room seems to merge seamlessly into the garden,’ says Andrea.

Large hanging Rhipsalis plant in zinc container, £120, Wild Leaf Bristol. Scan wood burner, £1,200, Topstak. For a similar Turkish rug, from £695, try Handmade Rug Company

home truths THE PROPERTY Semi-detached Victorian villa L O C AT I O N Wales R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, family room, kitchen, study, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a smaller house very nearby and had always loved this house,’ says Andrea.

DINING ROOM

Andrea has used her creative talents to customise the dining table and cupboard using toning shades to complement the colour of the walls.

Dining table, £795, Graham and Green (legs and top painted by Andrea). Vitra Eames side chairs, £318 each, Momentum Cardiff. Statement canvas artwork, price on request, Andrea Curtis. Walls in Aquamarine Deep absolue matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

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KITCHEN

Vintage and modern pieces combine to create a stylish and characterful cook space.

Maui dining chairs, £140 each, Momentum Cardiff. Splashback wall tiles, £40sq m, Mandarin Stone

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Spend time choosing colours that you love for a beautiful visual flow’

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ome to Andrea Curtis, Alistair Ross and their two children Carys, 20, and Grace, 13, this property reflects the creative talents of its occupants.

Andrea is passionate about colour and has turned her artistic skills and natural instinct for creating appealing palettes into a career as a colour consultant. These gifts clearly run in the family genes as daughter Carys is also a talented artist, currently studying at art college.

When the family first moved into the property 15 years ago, it was a far cry from the interior of their dreams. Woodchip wallpaper covered the entire house and they spent a stressful few months living on site while each room was stripped and replastered. ‘It was definitely our greatest challenge, we had

a young child and everywhere was covered in mess and dust, but making the decision to do it all at once was definitely the right choice,’ says Andrea.

Followed the advice she gives to her own clients, Andrea chose a limited range of colours and used them throughout the house to highlight architectural features and create points of interest.

Some use of colour is designed to make a statement, such as the beautiful hand-painted botanical mural Andrea has created around the fireplace in the master bedroom. In other rooms, it is more subtle, such as the panelling in the sitting room where a slight variation in the shade of the paint between the inner panels and outer beading adds tone and depth. Andrea also believes that colour has a direct impact on how a home can impact your emotions. ‘If you use your

HALLWAY

Colourful paint draws your eye to the attractive staircase.

Stairs in Aquamarine Deep intelligent satinwood, £73.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

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Andrea has painted a stunning botanical mural in this converted loft space.

Nyborg Berber-style rug, £270, La Redoute. For a similar lamp, try the By On Origami table lamp, £113, Nordic Nest

INSPIR ATION ÔI get ideas from colours of the natural world, especially the sea and skyÕ

GRACE’S BEDROOM

An elaborately patterned blanket creates a focal point.

Mr Bear blanket, £195, Lucy Tiffney.

Ceiling light, £75; Pax wardrobe (painted by Andrea), £375, both Ikea. Eames rocking chair, £550, Momentum Cardiff

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colour choices to create the desired feeling then everything else will follow. I love it when all the colours come together in perfect harmony – it makes my heart sing.’

The greens and blues that flow through this home reflect Andrea’s love of nature and bring a calming feel, appreciated by both the family and visitors. ‘We lead such busy lives, I think it’s important to come home to a tranquil environment where you can relax and recharge,’ says Andrea. A large collection of houseplants and clever use of vintage pieces displaying dried and fresh flowers also create the feeling of being connected to nature.

A firm believer in a home telling the story of its occupants, Andrea enjoys collecting art and ceramics on her travels. ‘I love to be surrounded by pieces that

evoke fond memories,’ she shares. In the sitting room, the vintage rug was bought on a holiday to Turkey over 20 years ago, its pinks and greens toning beautifully with the walls.

One of Andrea’s favourite places to source artwork is the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in London, which specialises in Aboriginal art.

Having lived in New Zealand before settling back in Wales, Andrea and Alistair both have fond memories and a sense of connection to the Southern Hemisphere and its heritage. As an artist herself, many of the works displayed are by Andrea’s own hand, including the gallery wall of botanical paintings in the sitting room. ‘It is so satisfying to have finally achieved my vision for our home, but I will never be far from my paints and brushes looking for a new project,’ laughs Andrea.

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Georgian gem A run-down terrace was the ideal project for Laura and Barney Monahan who wanted a place to call home FEATURE AMY MAYNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

SITTING ROOM Even with the dark walls, this space is flooded with light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Walls in Down Pipe estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Elbert footstool, from £464, Rowen & Wren

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C home truths THE PROPERTY Mid-terrace Georgian house L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a flat in Blackheath and Barney had a place in Russell Square,’ says Laura.

hoosing where they wanted to set up home together was far from an easy decision for Laura and Barney Monahan. ‘We were forever packing bags and spending a few nights at each other’s places,’ says Laura. ‘Even when we got married in 2013, we still hadn’t got a place together because we couldn’t agree on where we wanted to live!’

Barney eventually persuaded his wife that London’s King’s Cross was a great area to invest in and, in the summer of 2013, they found a run-down terrace there, which was to become their new home. The property required a total overhaul so they lived in Laura’s flat while the major work was carried out. ‘We wanted to put back some of the character into the house,’ says Laura.

‘Fireplaces and cornicing had been ripped out by the council in the 1960s.’ In addition, it needed completely redecorating. The pair

moved back in before work was completed, which certainly posed its challenges. ‘The electrics weren’t finished, so we ran a light on an extension lead from a single socket by the front door up to our bedroom. And the only running water was a tap outside the back door.

For a while I had to nip to St Pancras station when I needed the loo!’ says Laura.

By Christmas, the house was nearing completion, much to the couple’s relief. But, despite the beautiful result, the process wasn’t without its hiccups. ‘Not long after we moved in and the plumbing was finally complete, Barney decided to take a long shower. After getting out he started to hear water trickling and discovered it was pouring into the kitchen downstairs. A pipe had come loose, but luckily the kitchen hadn’t been finished so it wasn’t a total disaster,’ explains Laura.

Once everything had been repaired and the structural work had been completed, it

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SITTING ROOM Bursts of bright colour create a bold contrast against the deep-grey walls.

Flower print, price on request, Stefan Sehler.

For an armchair like this one, try Rose & Grey’s vintage leather Brooklyn, £850

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KITCHEN Dark painted cabinets with cup handles, metro tiles and a large factory-style wall clock give this scheme an industrial vibe.

Cabinets, price on request, Neptune.

Attingham tiles, £28sq m, Topps Tiles. Consider the Newgate Clocks 50s electric clock, £60, Amara, which is a similar design

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DINING AREA Metal pendant lights complement the look of the adjoining kitchen, while French-style bistro chairs add a rustic, vintage feel.

Try the Astro Lighting Ginestra pendant lights, £174 each, Dusk. Tradition rattan and black birch bistro chairs, £97.50 each, Maisons du Monde. For a similar dining table, try the Jigsaw extendable oak, £1,095, Loaf. Monkeys in Charge artwork

by Pure Evil, price on request, Art Republic

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l a s t w o r d ‘Our street feels like a real community because some of the families have lived here for decades’ was time to focus on updating the interior.

Laura has inherited collections of interesting items, which she has dotted about the house.

A selection of vintage cameras that belonged to her father and grandfather line the shelves in the sitting room, while her grandfather’s wireless and grandmother’s sewing machine are also proudly on display.

On the ground floor, the kitchen-diner features pale walls and stunning Shaker-style cabinets in a dramatic blue tone. A door leads out to a small private patio space and a large communal garden. The first-floor sitting room is painted in dark grey, with splashes of colour in the artwork and accessories. The couple have added a panelled effect on the walls and reintroduced traditional fireplaces

and cornicing. A large family bathroom with taupe walls, Victorian-style tiled floor tiles, a gunmetal grey claw-foot enamel bath and stand-alone shower, sits next door.

The couple’s elegant and serene bedroom on the second floor is painted in a calming palette of grey and white with a pretty carved wood bed. Next door, 11-month-old Ellis’ bedroom is a joy with one wall covered in a fun cloud-print design.

Ellis’ arrival has really helped this house to fulfil its potential as a family-friendly home, but a move to a bigger place could definitely be on the cards in a few years’ time – and Laura says she will be leading the property search.

‘Barney has told me that it will be my turn to choose the next location!’

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MASTER BEDROOM A mix of classic and contemporary furniture is united by the pared-back colour palette.

Walls in Dove Tale estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Kartell Louis Ghost chair, £534 for two, Barker & Stonehouse. Balloon print, price on request, Eleanor Stuart. For a similar mirror, try Vinterior. Embossed white metal chest of drawers, £995, Graham and Green

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ELLIS’ BEDROOM Laura has created a playful feel here.

Ferm Living Half Moon wallpaper in Mint/White, £59.95 a roll, is a good alternative; Miffy floor light, £119, both This Modern Life

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B AT H R O O M Period-style fittings lend traditional elegance.

Petite Millbrook bath, from £832.50, The Cast Iron Bath Company. Cinema Rio shower tiles, £49.80sq m, Fired Earth

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BEDROOM A neat study area at the top of the stairs makes the most of this attic space.

Koppang chest of drawers, £65, Ikea

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GARDEN

Rich foliage plants bring seasonal colour bursts

A FRESH START When Sheila and Geoffrey McGaughey decided to downsize, they ended up designing and building a new home that perfectly reflected their new lifestyle FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Detached new-build single-storey house L O C AT I O N Surrey M O V E D I N 2015 R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, study, utility room, cloakroom, two bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a cottage three doors away,’ says Sheila.

SITTING ROOM

Sheila has combined splashes of lavish colour with global touches and a neutral backdrop to create an eclectic feel.

Stella sofa, from £1,540, Sofa.com, would also work here. Gooch Pakistan Bokhara rug, £775, John Lewis & Partners, has a similar look. Try Shimu for similar Chinese antique cabinets, around £2,490

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KITCHEN

The vaulted ceiling is a stunning statement feature.

Shaker-style cabinetry, price on request, Thomas Ford & Sons. Try Grace bar stools, £159 a pair, John Lewis & Partners. Geo pendant light, £495, The Conran Shop.

Try Aga Rangemaster 110 range cooker, £3,745, Range Cookers

ike many homeowners, Sheila and Geoffrey McGaughey began to think about downsizing once their children had grown up and left home. ‘We wanted to move from our family home but were keen to stay in the same village,’ says Sheila. ‘We sold our home and bought a cottage nearby to renovate.’

After a trial period, the couple felt that downsizing was definitely the way forward, but also decided they didn’t want to stay in the cottage.

‘We just didn’t feel that we were in our forever home,’ says Sheila.

Then fate took a hand. ‘We met a neighbour who had a large plot of land, who mentioned they would like to sell off a piece of it for building,’ says Sheila. ‘As we’ve always liked a project, the prospect of building from scratch appealed to us immensely.’

Sheila and Geoffrey both love Norfolk and its architecture, and initially planned to build a twostorey barn with a typical East Anglian design. ‘Our first plans were rejected for being out of character with the conservation area we were living in,’ says Sheila. ‘We were told we were only allowed to build a single-storey dwelling. So it was back to the drawing board.’

Searching for inspiration, the couple visited a homebuilding fair and came across a company called

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Use a single colour in every room – it will look slightly different Border Oak, who design and build oak-framed houses. ‘We love their barn-like designs with lovely oak beams and arches,’ says Sheila. ‘We visited them several times to discuss the kind of house we could build.

In the end, we came up with the final design – a mix of a singlestorey California-style house and an English country cottage. The two styles are great company and work together really well.’

The couple enlisted the help of J R Kircher, a firm of local builders, who laid the foundations for the house. Border Oak then came down with their team for eight weeks and created the frame. ‘We’d sold our cottage but happily our buyers were prepared to wait for us, so we were 4 4 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

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able to watch the build taking shape, as we were living only three doors down at the time,’ says Sheila. ‘It was fabulous to watch.’

The build took over eight months to complete, giving Sheila plenty of time to start planning the interior decoration. ‘We wanted a mix of modern country style with global touches as we’ve collected lots of accessories on our travels over the years,’ she says. She chose a soft grey backdrop, painting walls and woodwork in Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White and Strong White throughout the house, to enhance the light feel and also create a sense of visual continuity.

Sheila then introduced bright pops of colour like lime, gold and teal, to liven up the scheme.

‘We chose new furniture as we wanted to start afresh,’ says Sheila, who sourced lots of items from Neptune and One World. Classic Shaker-style kitchen cabinetry, painted units and oak flooring all work together to continue the modern country theme.

Now that the project is complete, Sheila and Geoffrey both agree they’ve found their forever home at last. ‘We thought it might be too small, but it’s perfect for us,’ says Sheila. ‘We’re in and out all the time, so it feels like a holiday home.

It’s the best thing we ever did.’

MASTER BEDROOM

Sumptuous fabrics and colours create a luxurious feel.

Elgin quilt, £290, The White Company, has this look. Icelandic sheepskin rug, £178, Hide Rugs

due to variations in the quality of light – then add decorative objects for visual interest’ DINING AREA

Soft pinks and mellow wood textures give this room a welcoming ambience that’s ideal for entertaining.

Try Henley dining chairs, £430 each; Edinburgh extending dining table, from £1,390, all Neptune

SITTING ROOM

Warm-toned furnishings enhance the relaxing feel of this corner.

Try Norton Platinum armchair, £845, One World, for a similar look

BEDROOM

Sheila chose zingy citrus and calming blue shades to create a fresh look.

Varese Lime cushion, £60, Designers Guild, would suit this scheme

EN SUITE

Skylight windows make this bathroom beautifully bright and airy.

Bette Starlet freestanding bath, £4,074, UK Bathrooms

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Hidden charm Clever use of colour and design classics enabled Sille Kroyer Koppel to rediscover the elegant proportions and period details in her Copenhagen apartment FEATURE JULIET BENNING PHOTOGRAPHY MARIE GRAUNBOL/LIVING INSIDE

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KITCHEN Overhead angled lamps are a striking and practical lighting solution. Many of the ceramics were brought back from Japan.

Hanstholm kitchen in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. DCW Lampe Gras N°304L40 wall lamps , £264 each, Nunido. Sori Yanagi stainless steel kettle, £115, David Mellor

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home truths THE PROPERTY Third-floor apartment of a building constructed in 1901 L O C AT I O N Copenhagen R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, office, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented an apartment in the centre of Copenhagen,’ says Sille.

DINING ROOM The large trestle table acts as both a workstation for Sille and a place to host large numbers of guests.

Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Source a similar vintage Kähler vase at 1stdibs. Iona dining table, £449, Made, would work. Photograph (on back wall) by the Danish art photographer Asger Carlsen. Collage by Sille

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or two years Sille Kroyer Koppel and her husband Nikolaj scoured Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg district hoping to find their ideal apartment. Attracted by the schools and green spaces, Sille, a graphic designer who runs her own business (kroyergrafik.dk), and Nikolaj, who is the CCO at podcast streaming service, Podimo, wanted a central location from where they could work and raise their children, Simon and Emilie, in a bustling, cosmopolitan environment.

A really generously proportioned kitchen was at the heart of the search.

‘It’s always been the centre of our family life and we had trouble finding an apartment where we wouldn’t need to move the kitchen into another, larger room,’ says Sille. ‘With this place we could take down the wall to an adjoining room and create the kitchen we wanted.

I also loved the floor plan and the way that the rooms connected with each other.’

ORIGINAL GLORY

The previous owners had given the apartment a 1980s-era renovation, so Sille and Nikolaj were keen to strip it back to its original turn-of-the-century glory.

‘We took down the lowered ceilings to reveal the originals with stucco and decorations. We removed all the dated wallpaper to start afresh. We also created a new bathroom, a fireplace and removed a big chimney.’

Along with the kitchen, it is a large 100-year-old chestnut tree that gives the apartment its special charm, as it is unusual in such a central location. ‘The views from all the windows are of

trees, which is lovely when you live in the city. We also have a balcony, accessed from the kitchen. We spend lots of time outside and it feels like an additional outdoor room,’ says Sille.

As a graphic designer, Sille was eager to use colour to give each room an identity that reflected its function.

Bedrooms are in calm neutrals, the warm dusty plaster-like hue of Sille’s office evokes friendliness, the kitchen features pale sage green echoing the leaves outside, while the rich blue on one of the walls in the sitting room captures a laid-back sophistication.

Set against the apartment’s original pine floorboards, which have been bleached, colours are anchored by other walls, shutters, doors and panelling in white.

E VO LV I N G S T Y L E

Sille is eager that the apartment is never stagnant and she frequently changes the wall colours. ‘I think fresh colours lend new life to the rooms, giving the furniture and objects a changing backdrop that opens up a host of different possibilities. I enjoy finding novel ways to combine colour and texture,’ she notes.

Adopting a pared-back approach to furniture, Sille and Nikolaj have invested in design classics that deserve the space around them. The minimal approach is also ideal for displaying the couple’s art collection. ‘I don’t have a specific interior design style, I love to mix old and new objects, and have a passion for art, ceramics, furniture and design. We don’t have a lot of stuff, but every object has a meaning, a story or a memory that makes it special to us.’

SITTING ROOM Rich tones of jade and ruby sing against the neutral backdrop.

Kerman modular sofa by e15, price on request, Chaplins. BRS01 brass table lamp, £386.49, Restart Milano OFFICE The white steel legs of the desk Sille designed blend in with the white below the dado rail.

Desk designed by Sille with Line

Krüger. Find a vintage heart chair by Hans J Wegner at 1stdibs. Walls in Red Earth estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball MASTER BEDROOM Heavy floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains block the late-evening sunlight, aiding sleep.

Reading lamp by Inga Sempé for Wästberg. Find a linen duvet cover, from £139.50, at Secret Linen Store

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ORIGINAL CHARACTER The generous proportions, standout features and special location continue to give Stephen Briars’ semi an enduring appeal FEATURE DOMINIC BRADBURY | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH/INSIDE FEATURES

home truths THE PROPERTY Edwardian semi L O C AT I O N Nottingham R O O M S Sitting room, living room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, study, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived close by in another period house,’ says Stephen.

KITCHEN-DINER This black-and-white colour scheme is complemented by walls of raw oriented strand boards for texture.

Bespoke kitchen units, Wentworth. Try the wooden deer head wall trophy, £140, Notonthehighstreet.com

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Wood-burning stove, price on request, Chesneys

H A L LWAY This striking feature wallpaper creates a focal point.

Frock wallpaper, from £185 per drop, Deborah Bowness

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lthough based in London during the working week, Stephen Briars keeps his family home in Nottingham, where he spent 12 years working for fashion designer Paul Smith. Today he is the creative director of The Conran Shop, though his long and respectful relationship with the city continues. ‘When I was growing up in Leicester, there was this phrase about Nottingham being the “Queen of the Midlands” and as a teenager I always wondered if it was where I would end up,’ says Stephen. ‘I have been lucky enough to work for Paul Smith, Louis Vuitton, Urban Outfitters and now The Conran Shop. And creativity has been at the forefront of all those roles and companies.’

The Edwardian terraced house, which is also home to his wife Claire and son Ian, is situated in West Bridgford, just south of the city, and backs onto a leafy park. The house has a generous scale and high ceilings, as

STUDY Tucked under the eaves, this work area makes the most of the compact space.

Stag’s head, price on request, Big-Game

well as a wonderful quality of light. ‘We really liked the fact that the house had not been knocked about,’ says Stephen. ‘We did look at quite a few properties, but so many features had been ripped out of them and the thing that really attracted us to this one was that a lot of the original elements were intact. So we wanted to preserve its character and create a combination of the elegance of the period itself with its proportions and detailing, along with the modern colours and furniture.’

Stephen pared down and edited the interiors, while working carefully to preserve the character of the house.

The hallway, for instance, already had a parquet floor that Stephen sanded down to a golden, sandy colour. For the rear living room, he managed to salvage parquet from a school, scraping the blocks off the floor, before having them fitted at home.

At the front of the house the midnight blue sitting room is an autumn and winter

B AT H R O O M A series of mirrors complements the monochrome theme.

Norm mirrors, £270 each, Menu at Amara, have this look

space, with a log-burning stove in the fireplace. Towards the back of the house there is a summer living room, which overlooks the garden and is graced with a custom fireplace featuring a fire bowl.

But the most dramatic changes happened around the kitchen. Here, the windows were rotten and needed to be replaced but Stephen also decided to redesign the space itself.

‘There was a rather ugly kitchen in there – hand built but not in a good way,’ he says.

‘The kitchen and pantry were also in a rather strange arrangement, so it was the one area that we unified and took out the doorways to open it up. In the summer you can open up the doors and head straight into the garden.’

Throughout the house a mix of Danish mid-century classics have been added, some sourced from Danish Homestore in Nottingham – more evidence of his enduring ties to the city. ‘We love this house,’ says Stephen. ‘It’s also a great area to live and very self-contained.’

BEDROOM Favourite accessories collected over the years add character to this guest room.

Similar buttoned leather armchair, £1,250, Cox & Cox

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Creative spirit Melissa Jenkinson drew on her love of antiques and design when reconfiguring her maisonette FEATURE JACKY PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BILL KINGSTON

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SITTING ROOM

‘Rather than reinstating the cornicing, which would have been expensive, I painted the cornicing area and ceiling in the same shade,’ says Melissa.

Ceiling in Tablecloth pure flat emulsion, £50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library.

Pierre Paulin Tongue chair (left), from £2,200, 1stdibs.

Vertigo pendant, £805, Twentytwentyone

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DINING AREA

The banquette was inspired by designer Joseph Dirand’s kitchen in his former Parisian apartment.

VL45 Radiohus pendant, £515, Twentytwentyone

d e s i g n t i p ‘It’s worth investing in a good kitchen and excellent lighting as they make a big impact’

G home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse maisonette L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I rented a flat in Camden before I bought this property,’ says Melissa.

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rowing up on the Cayman Islands where she could swim in the sea every day, Melissa Jenkinson had her heart set on becoming a marine biologist. It wasn’t until she embarked on that career path that she realised how much she missed the creativity she had been immersed in as a child. ‘My parents were into design and my mum would drag me around garage sales or local flea markets whenever we were on holiday,’ says Melissa. ‘I grew to love antiques and hunting for vintage things for the home.’

With a degree in archaeology under her belt, Melissa decided to switch career and head to London to train as an interior architect and designer at the KLC School of Design. An internship and then a job as a design assistant in New York followed, before Melissa returned to London to set up her own design practice, Heirloom

Studio, and buy her own property. ‘I looked for a long time, then eventually this two-bedroom, two-storey maisonette came on to the market,’ says Melissa, referring to the home she now shares with her dog, Gus. ‘I knew before I viewed it that I’d love it. It was on the top floor of a Victorian townhouse, had three-metre high ceilings and a six-metre long window on the landing, so it was filled with light.’

Although the property had beautiful bones, the interior hadn’t been touched since the 70s. ‘It was poorly laid out and needed to be completely reconfigured,’ says Melissa. ‘The bathroom protruded into the kitchen and there was a creepy window between the two rooms.’

Despite this, Melissa decided to live in the property before tackling a year-long renovation. This gave her plenty of time to work out what she wanted to do, which was

KITCHEN

Melissa designed the cabinetry. Handleless doors and drawers give the room a streamlined look.

Cabinetry in Railings estate eggshell, ÂŁ64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Herringbone oak parquet flooring, from ÂŁ59.95sq m, Hitt Oak

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MASTER BEDROOM

A blue-grey palette continues here, enlivened with metallic accents.

Walls in Btwn Dog & Wolf pure flat emulsion, £50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Nesttun bed frame, £115, Ikea, is similar

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Decide on priorities – I didn’t want the floor to feel too precious so I went for a less expensive oak parquet with knots in, which meant I could splurge elsewhere’ to expand the kitchen, move the bathroom upstairs to create a large master suite, and add an entirely new floor to house two more bedrooms and a shower room. ‘I was originally planning to have my bedroom on the new top floor but I realised I’d prefer it to be more accessible,’ says Melissa. ‘I also wanted a big en suite with a tub and the existing two rooms lent themselves to that.’

Melissa designed the layout then enlisted architect Jonathan Freegard, who she had previously worked with on client design projects, to draw up plans. As well as adding the extra floor, she reinstated as many period features as she could afford, such as tall skirting boards, wide architraves and oak parquet flooring. She also raised the door heights, well aware that this would give the rooms a better sense of proportion. Opening up the sitting room

to the kitchen and installing large pocket doors between the master bedroom and en suite bathroom gave the property a dual aspect on those floors, increasing the natural light further. This meant the space could take the darker colours that Melissa favours. A bluish-grey hue became the starting point for a largely monochrome palette that Melissa has used throughout to connect the different rooms.

With the work finally completed, Melissa could at last fill her home with the antiques and vintage finds that she loves, mixing them with modern pieces and lush plants that remind her of the childhood home she is always drawn to. ‘I’ll continue to design,’ she says, ‘but it’s my dream to one day have a little shop in the Cayman Islands selling antiques and wonderful locally crafted homeware.’

EN SUITE

This generously-sized space was previously a second bedroom.

IOS bath, from £3,000, Victoria + Albert Baths.

Brooklyn mixer taps in tarnished brass, from £1,023, The Watermark Collection

Sorry, this seat’s taken.

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IN THE BALANCE home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y A semidetached Edwardian villa L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchendiner, utility room, snug, wine room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a loft apartment in central London,’ says Emma.

KITCHEN-DINER The matt and muted metallic surfaces of the kitchen continue in the dining area with a bespoke concrete and steel table. Mint green upholstery adds fresh colour notes and softens the industrial feel.

Bespoke kitchen, from £40,000, Bear René.

Luccio Carver chairs, price on request, Julian Chichester

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Traditionalist Emma Barrat and her modernist-loving husband Ben have merged their tastes in a timeless interior where old and new sit together with perfect poise FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY TODD SUTHERLAND

2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020 | 6 3

SITTING ROOM The original fire surround was reblackened and the grate restored in this scheme, which is a mix of antique and new pieces.

Bespoke sofas, Bear René.

Sorrel mirror, £675, Oka. Rossetti chandelier, £6,186, Porta Romana

KITCHEN-DINER The back of the house was extended to create a light-filled dining area.

Scissor wall lights, from £1,392 each, Hector Finch

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B AT H R O O M The curvaceous wood vanity creates an elegant contrast to the pale scheme.

Louise Oak vanity cabinet, from £1,249, Tikamoon. Argento Elm flooring, from £46.80sq m, Mandarin Stone

LESSONS LEARNT ‘Trust in your designers. When you see pieces out of context it can be hard to visualise how they will work in a room, but with professional input a scheme can come together beautifully and in unexpected ways’

EN SUITE The streamlined free-standing bath is the focal point in this new bathroom.

Bath, £1,295, Lusso.

Side table, £978, Chelsea Textiles

B AT H R O O M The attic had space for a large walk-in shower.

Stool, £175, Oka. Chair upholstery in Aurora on Nivelles Oyster, £200m, Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam

BEDROOM Neat and simple wall shelves and a sophisticated chest of drawers ‘future proof’ this scheme.

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rowing up in the contemporary newbuilds developed by her father, Emma Barrat yearned for roll-top baths and a rustic kitchen complete with an Aga. Her husband, Ben Gilbert, prefers Crittall, polished concrete and open-plan industrialism. So how did this result in a family home where crystal chandeliers, restrained joinery and light-filled spaces dovetail in a confident marriage of past and present?

The couple moved here from an apartment in a converted art deco factory, which was a concession, Emma says, to Ben’s modernist leanings. Then the first of their two children arrived, and toys and trikes brought colour and chaos to the streamlined space. A tip-off from Ben’s brother led them to this Edwardian semi-detached

house in west London. After years in the capital’s teeming centre, their first visit felt like an excursion to the country. ‘I saw a tree-lined street and a spire on the horizon, and everything felt right,’ says Emma.

For Ben, who is six foot seven, the property’s chief attraction was its generous proportions. ‘Some people aspire to swimming pools; I’ve always dreamt of high doors,’ he says.

TWO INTO ONE

With hindsight, Ben admits that the house was a ‘naive purchase… We had no idea how much work would be involved.’

The two-storey property had been divided into two flats and it had two of everything, including two gas meters and two front doors. To convert it back into one home, the couple turned to Nicola Oaten of

design and interior architecture practice Bear René. Nicola had worked on the couple’s previous home and has the skill – and diplomacy – needed to reconcile their contrasting tastes. She was armed with a precise budget and a brief to unscramble the interior, overseeing every stage from design to decoration.

Starting over, says Nicola, provided an opportunity to punch out the back wall, where she designed a bright, eat-in dining extension. A snug, utility room and wine room are tucked into the new side return. The first floor was reshuffled to create three bedrooms and two large bathrooms. To add space for guests, the untouched attic was converted into two bedrooms and a bathroom, illuminated by a long Velux window. Here, cornicing is based on moulds of the originals

and the 19th-century stair rail was copied so that it swirls seamlessly up to the new floor.

SMART CONTRASTS

Nicola describes the kitchen as a ‘happy meeting point of styles, expressed in contrasting surfaces’. Brass pendants glow above the cabinets, while a mix of intricate oak veneer is offset by discreet metallic finishes.

And while there may not be a country dresser, a shelf dotted with artworks adds traditional cosiness to the scheme.

In the bathroom, pride of place goes to the sculptural new tub. It’s not quite the claw-footed bath of Emma’s childhood wishes, but offset by the twinkling chandelier and warm parquet flooring: ‘It doesn’t feel too new or too old,’ Emma says. ‘Just timeless.’

Bear René, bearrene.com

MASTER BEDROOM Tranquil tones and pleasing patterns have been combined to exquisite effect in this bright new first-floor room.

Gourd lamp, £1,242, Porta Romana. Ether settee, £3,950, Jonathan Adler, has this look

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UNIQUE TOUC H Rosie Rockel used second-hand and reclaimed finds to leave a personal imprint on her listed flat FEATURE IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOGRAPHY MALCOLM MENZIES

SITTING ROOM Retro-style units inherited from Rosie’s grandparents offer a stylish place to display books and souvenirs.

Walls in Green Smoke estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Made’s Vento corner sofa in Manhattan Grey, £999, is a good alternative

6 8 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

KITCHEN-DINER Housed in a conservatory extension, this is a bright and inviting space.

Units, price on request, Pluck.

Hans Due for Fog and Mørup pendant light, from £315; similar vintage armchair, from £400, both Vinterior. Find a G Plan dining table, from £500, Pamono

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add to the listed building was a conservatory. ‘I’m actually really glad about it now, because the result is lovely,’ explains Rosie.

‘The kitchen is so bright with all the glazing, so as a contrast I went for a really dark colour in the sitting room to make that space feel cosy.’

Another pleasant surprise was choosing a pink kitchen. ‘I’d initially thought I’d go for an simple carcass with ply fronts,’ says Rosie. ‘Then I stumbled across Pluck. I saw the pink units in their showroom and really liked them, they are also conveniently located right around the corner from me.’

home truths THE PROPERTY Ground-floor Victorian flat L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a rented flat with friends in Brixton,’ says Rosie.

BOLD CHOICE

R

osie Rockel lived in her dark basement flat for five years before making changes that would bring in much-needed natural light.

‘My flat, which is one of five in a Victorian mansion house building, was a really pokey dark space,’ she says. ‘There was very little daylight, it felt like a dungeon.’ The kitchen was a tiny lean-to extension with a small window, and there were 15 spotlights, which had to be on all day. Fortunately, the property opens out onto the garden, but the existing layout meant you couldn’t see this outdoor space from the interior.

WA I T I N G G A M E

The project was planned over several years and Rosie bided her time until she could eventually afford to renovate in 2019. ‘I had very clear ideas about what I wanted to do, which was to add a standard addition with bi-folds,’ she says. However, when Rosie applied for planning permission her idea was rejected because the building is located in a conservation area and the only extension she would be able to 70 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

BEDROOM Framed posters bring a quirky edge to this space, while an abundance of plants creates a relaxed feel.

Ikea’s Gjöra birch bed frame, £459, is similar. Cork flooring, £36sq m, Granorte

B AT H R O O M A mix of styles and textures adds a playful touch.

Reclaimed marble-effect tiles, £5 each, Maitland & Poate.

Mary Mei teak and terrazzo unit, £580, Tikamoon. Basin tap, £350, Aston Matthews

When it came to choosing the floor covering, everyone that Rosie spoke to was against the idea of using cork flooring. ‘I was told that it would stain and warp, which surprises me as it was so popular in the 1970s, and since installing it, I’ve only got good things to say about it,’ she says. ‘It’s soft underfoot and has a warmth to it. If I drop a mug there’s a good chance that it won’t break – it’s so durable.’

Rosie changed design paths in the bathroom, and chose to use more traditional elements than originally planned. ‘I saw the industrial-style brass taps and loved them,’ she explains.

‘The reclaimed encaustic pink tiles have a really beautiful swirl pattern.’

An avid traveller, Rosie always picks up items from her trips, which add a personal touch to her home. She also consciously makes an effort to buy second-hand furniture.

‘I think most things in the flat were pre-owned except the bed with the plants hanging from it,’ says Rosie. ‘It’s interesting, I thought I’d have quite a standard modern extension and bathroom and thankfully it’s turned out not to be what I expected at all.’

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home truths THE PROPERTY Apartment in a Georgian terraced villa L O C AT I O N Edinburgh R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a detached Victorian villa in south London,’ says Craig.

7 2 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

PERIOD PIECE FEATURE ALISON GIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGLAS GIBB

SITTING ROOM

Craig and Nick installed the stunning granite fireplace and cosy wood-burning stove, which give a focal point to this atmospheric space.

Cameron tan leather sofa, from £1,200, Perch & Parrow, has a similar look. Oksana armchairs, £799 each, by Terence Conran for Made. Walls in Obsidian Green intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Faye table lamps, £120 each, John Lewis & Partners. Barcelona circular rug, from £378, iRugs

Having spent years looking for a home in Edinburgh, Craig and Nick Unsworth were delighted to finally discover a property with historical significance that they could make their own 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020 | 7 3

f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘I love the marble splashback in our kitchen – it’s an

KITCHEN

The pair updated the units with gloss handleless door and drawer fronts and added a white Corian worktop.

Rainforest Green marble splashback, £3,500, Stonecraft. Calia dining table, £599, John Lewis & Partners. Arty chairs, £75 each, Tikamoon

C

raig and Nick Unsworth had been searching for a home in Craig’s native Edinburgh for three years. They wanted something a little different, that they could put their own stamp on, but finding such a property was a slow process. ‘We got to know every estate agent in Edinburgh,’ Craig wryly recalls. However, once they found this perfect city centre apartment, they undertook the necessary renovations at lightning speed. ‘We totally transformed it in a matter of months,’ he says.

Craig, who runs several software companies, had always wanted to be an architect and was excited to project-manage the 74 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

renovations and undertake the interior design. He approached the refurbishment with total focus and a great deal of research. The villa had originally been designed by William Henry Playfair, one of the greatest Scottish architects of the 19th-century, who was also the designer of many of the city’s most famous neoclassical landmarks, and the couple were thrilled to be living in such a prestigious building.

Throughout their home, Craig and Nick have used the bestquality materials they could find, starting with the flooring. ‘We chose the beautiful French wooden chevron design as the basis of our scheme,’ Craig explains. And, where possible, he has preserved

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unusual shade called Rainforest Green and it adds a dramatic touch to the spaceÕ

MASTER BEDROOM

The bed, the bath in the corner and the fireside chairs give the feeling of zoned spaces.

Vine Bleu wallpaper, £94 a roll, Little Greene.

Decorative portrait trays (on wall), from £150 each, ibride. Edit Rod 15 arm chandelier, £249, Lighting Direct

the original features, such as panelling in the sitting room, now painted in an off-white eggshell, and the original shutters and vintage radiators in the master bedroom.

Inspired by the many hotels Craig has stayed in over the years, his aim was for a luxurious style. The scheme hints at exotic travel, but actually, the unmistakable, rich tones of the Scottish landscape dominate their home. ‘I like to mix colours, textures and styles in unexpected ways,’ Craig explains. ‘I enjoy placing extravagant designer pieces beside high-street buys with unique antiques.

I think this gives a layered interior that is extremely individual.’

SHOWER ROOM

A simple monochrome scheme is the ideal backdrop for the stylish chrome vanity unit and basin.

Chrome vanity unit, £1,200, West One Bathrooms

A highlight of their home is the bronze disc in the master bedroom, which is, in fact, an Arabic feast platter. ‘It was brand new but we tarnished it with vinegar for the exact effect we were looking for,’ says Craig. It is this level of attention to detail combined with a comprehensive knowledge of period features that make Craig and Nick’s home so impeccably charming and uniquely welcoming. And the icing on the cake for the couple is the hidden 12-acre garden behind the terrace, which all the residents have the keys to. ‘We didn’t want the work of maintaining a garden,’ says Craig, ‘so this is just perfect.’

2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020 | 75

Tied to the PAST

Helen and Andrew Magowan have included pretty textile ribbons in their decor to pay tribute to their home’s history as a draper’s shop FEATURE DOMINIC BRADBURY | PHOTOGRAPHS RACHAEL SMITH/INSIDE FEATURES

LIVING AREA

Vintage armchairs in bold block colours add a mid-century feel.

Similar armchairs, from £775 each, Max Inc. Ercol Originals Studio couch (opposite), £2,870, Twentytwentyone. Lindby Giulie black floor lamp, £139, Lights.co.uk

76 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian terraced house that was once a draper’s and haberdashery L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, dining/living area, kitchen, study, library/music room, one bedroom (en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a flat in west London,’ says Helen.

2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020 | 7 7

Inspir ation ‘The story of the house as a haberdashery connected with my interest in textiles and was the thing we came back to every time we had a decision to make’

T

he highly tailored home that Helen and Andrew Magowan have created is full of stories.

This former draper’s shop, within a quiet street of Victorian terraced houses, offered the couple the chance to create a bespoke living space well suited to their needs. But, more than this, as the history of the house began to reveal itself, the Magowans and their architect Patrick Lewis decided to embrace it and – quite literally – weave the narrative of its former occupants through the interiors. The project became a collaboration with a number of textile artists, who created specially commissioned ribbons that wind their way through the different rooms, including one that is devoted to a member of the family, who spent 30 years living here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

‘From the second that Patrick told us that this had once been a draper’s shop, it was almost inevitable that we would do something with textiles,’ says Helen, for whom fabrics are a passion. ‘When we met Patrick and started talking about the house, 78 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

it was clear that its heritage was going to be a very important part of the project.’

MOVING ON

The Magowans used to live in a flat in Barons Court but wanted more space and their own front door. Gradually Andrew and Helen – who used to work in the fashion industry and is now studying textiles – also realised that they would like the opportunity to shape their own interiors. Then, at last, they came across the former draper’s shop, which had been carved up into two apartments. ‘It was quite eccentric,’ says Andrew. ‘Just after we bought it, I went to get the keys and opened the front door and thought “what have we done?” There was dust everywhere and it looked such a mess.’

Discovering an old shop sign on the front of the house, which had been covered up, was the beginning of a more positive process of revealing the building’s history.

‘Because the property had been divided up, the interiors were very disjointed at first,’ says Andrew. ‘So one of the big issues was

trying to unite all the spaces again and the textile ribbons are a way of adding these physical and metaphorical connections.’

OLD AND NEW

The original shop front façade was retained, and a hall was built that leads to a sitting room and a study painted in a rich blue. On the first floor, via the new staircase, is an open-plan sitting area populated with mid-century furniture. The semi-separate kitchen is also on the first floor, with units in a striking combination of blue and white.

‘This house is a great space to live in or for having friends over and we enjoyed finding furniture that has character and a lived-in look, without feeling too precious or refined,’ says Helen. ‘It’s also intellectually engaging if you know that these stories are there and can follow the threads. There is this secret world, full of history, which is waiting to be discovered. But, at the same time, you don’t have to know any of that to just enjoy the house as it is.’

Patrick Lewis Architects, patricklewisarchitects.com

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SITTING ROOM

Inky blue walls combined with velvet and leather seating create a cocooning feel.

For a similar wall paint, try Little Greene’s Thai Sapphire absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr. Oliver Bonas’ velvet indigo blue storage ottoman, £395, is a good alternative

KITCHEN

Painting the units white at the top is a clever design trick, helping to enhance the sense of light and space in this galley room.

Custom painted British Standard units, from £481.50 per unit, Plain English.

Reclaimed chemistry lab iroko worktops, price on request, Retrouvius. Shaws of Darwen sells a Belfast sink like this one, £381

BATHROOM

A bright yellow bath adds an element of fun.

BC Designs 1800mm acrylic freestanding boat bath in

Farrow & Ball’s Citron, £1481.25, Sanctuary Bathrooms, is similar

MASTER BEDROOM

Wall lights that extend upwards emphasise the double-height ceiling in this room, which was created on the upper two levels of the house.

Custom version of Maria 180 architectural light, £207.90, Urban Cottage Industries.

Try LinenMe’s linen bed throw, £74.99

LIBRARY

In this workspace, a fold-down desk has been cleverly incorporated into the shelving, creating a neat space-saving solution.

Try Pamono for 1960s Ladderax shelving, from £1,850. Walls in Stiffkey Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Monahan Lighting Lome pendants, £56.25 each, The Lighting Company, are similar

2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020 | 7 9

WORK OF ART Creatives Alyce Taylor and Henry Castle used calming colours to showcase their growing collection of art and intriguing vintage pieces FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY JON AARON GREEN

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SITTING ROOM

The pale oak floor teams beautifully with the hallway’s ceramic tiles, which run all the way through to the kitchen and boot room.

An early piece by James Castle, entitled Edinburgh, is juxtaposed with a woven fan from Gambia.

Artwork, James Castle. Have a look at the Afryea straw hand fan, £40, Beaumont Organic at Etsy. Sofa upholstered in Anthos in Charcoal/Linden, £89m, Sanderson at Style Library. Palazzo Frozen Oak extra matt hardwood floor, £57.99sq m, Quick-Step

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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terraced house L O C AT I O N Kent R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, utility/boot room, cloakroom, bedroom, bathroom, workshop, studio P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were renting a small house in Windsor,’ says Alyce.

A

s a stylist and art director, Alyce Taylor moves in a very visual world and so it is perhaps no surprise that it was the kerb appeal of this Victorian townhouse in Gravesend that first caught her eye. ‘It is handsome and taller than the other houses in the street, and it has wonderful wrought iron railings at the front,’ she recounts, adding, ‘We could immediately tell that the proportions of the rooms would be good.’

Alyce and her husband Henry Castle, an artist, moved to northwest Kent from Windsor in order to benefit from the high-speed rail link into London. As a first buy, the project was relatively ambitious because the house needed a complete refit. ‘Fortunately, as a sculptor who works in wood and metal, Henry had the skills – and the tool kit – to turn his hand to a lot of the tasks, while I have undertaken interior design projects as part of my work,’ Alyce explains.

Although the budget didn’t allow for the couple to change the footprint of the house, they made tweaks to improve the existing layout. The wall between the sitting room and dining room was knocked through to create a double reception space, while doors were

SITTING ROOM

A mid 20th-century sofa and Beni Ourain rug reveal the couple’s love of vintage pieces.

1950s sofa, Sunbury Antiques Market. Larusi is a good source for a vintage Beni Ourain rug.

Walls in Vineyard active emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Sanderson at Style Library

KITCHEN

Japanese woodcut prints add to the serene feel of this space.

Framed Japanese woodcut prints, Paul Furneaux.

Oggetto sells vintage elm stools, £135 each

d e c o r at i n g t i p ‘I like to do a seasonal changeover with cushions. I’ll use prints featuring foliage in summer and more tactile fabrics in autumn and winter’

removed throughout the ground floor to enhance the sense of flow. At some point the house had been extended at the back to create a galley kitchen and a shower room but the couple punched out the ceiling to amend the extension’s boxy proportions, turning the shower room into a utility-cum-boot room.

Working with some of the best-known fabric companies means Alyce is constantly exposed to new colours and patterns, and she admits she could easily have been ‘swept away with the new and exciting’ when it came to decorating the house. ‘One month I might be in love with mint green and another it could be peach pink,’ she laughs. ‘I realised I would need to rein myself in and I opted for the colours I always return to.’

For the sitting room, she chose her favourite greyish green hue. ‘It’s very restful and changes with the light,’ she explains. It also proved a good foil to the couple’s art collection, which includes work by both Henry and his father, James Castle. ‘We are lucky to have some amazing pieces – Henry is great at hunting down unusual objects,’ says Alyce, who also likes to visit flea markets and antiques shops to unearth ‘pieces that tell a story’.

The bathroom is painted a moody blue which contrasts with the pale linen colour of the couple’s bedroom. ‘I wanted to start the day with a blank canvas,’ observes Alyce. ‘Every day I work with new patterns and colours so it was important to create a calm, simple space. It sets us both up for the day ahead.’

BEDROOM

A drawing by Henry’s father, James Castle, hangs above a simple built-in oak shelf, while a wooden chair provides a place to read.

The low lounge chair, £199.99, H&M, is similar.

Headboard in Zagora, £77m, Sanderson at Style Library. Square cushion in Red Chiltern, £105, Fermoie. The Anglepoise is vintage, but have a look at the Type 80 desk lamp in Pistachio, £199, Anglepoise. Walls in Quarter Linen elite emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany at Style Library

BATHROOM

A deep blue makes this a relaxing space where shelves display a collection of organic objects.

Walls in Nocturne elite emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany at Style Library. For a similar antique mirror, try On-Reflection Mirrors

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Natural wonder

The interior of Alex and Ali Cooke’s farmhouse is filled with rustic pieces that complement the property’s stunning setting FEATURE SIAN WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/ NARRATIVES

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The floorboards and panelling blackened with coal were sanded back to give a distressed finish.

Find similar pine floorboards, £35sq m, English Salvage. Kiama dining table, £1,400; and bench, £695, both Nkuku.

Bikkel hanging lamp in Petrol, £156, Lights.co.uk, has this look

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian farmhouse L O C AT I O N Devon R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, study, laundry room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a 17th-century converted cottage in the Totnes area of Devon,’ says Alex.

KITCHEN

Alex and Ali used reclaimed wood throughout to striking effect. The idea of installing a hanging door to the pantry solved the problem of a tight space.

Find American vintage embossed zinc wall tiles, from £16 each, at Vinterior. Similar Brazilian grey slate tiles, £30sq m, The Slate Company. Stainless-steel worktop, from £270lin m, MPM Engineering.

Loko bar stools, £125 each, Nkuku.

Electric Aga in Black, R5 series, £7,250, Aga. Traditional kettle in Meringue, £99, Le Creuset

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t was Alex Cooke’s husband Ali that first discovered their home.

He’d found it on the internet while travelling on a buying trip in India for the couple’s online ethical homeware brand, Nkuku. ‘We’d almost given up after an 18-month search,’ she explains, ‘so when Ali called and suggested I take a look, I went for a viewing straight away.’

The couple had sold their 17th-century cottage in the Totnes area as their four children, Amelie, 14, Archie, 13, Angus, nine,

and Ava, seven, were all craving their own space. They also wanted to find somewhere more secluded and coastal, and this house was everything that they’d been hoping for.

It was in the right area, close to two amazing beaches and walking distance to a river surrounded by a beautiful woodland.

The main challenge they faced was the poor layout. ‘It felt like two houses rather than one when we first moved in, so the idea was to reunite the spaces and give the whole interior a better flow,’ says Alex. They set to

SITTING ROOM

work drawing up plans with a builder and local carpenter. On the ground floor, alterations were made to adapt to the family’s lifestyle. An old kitchen next to the sitting room was ripped out and transformed into Ali and Alex’s office and most of the walls were painted white to make the house’s low ceilings feel higher and lighter.

The main kitchen at the other end of the house was redesigned with the addition of a sliding door made from reclaimed timber which leads into the pantry. A new

The large modular sofa is the focal point of this family space, dressed with generously sized cushions and simple woven throws.

Deni sofa in linen Espresso, from £2,700; Talani Riba cushion covers, £39.95 each, all Nkuku.

Similar Jali coffee table, £219, Asia Dragon

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AMELIE’S ROOM

Alex has created a light and fresh scheme mixed with a combination of industrial and vintagestyle furniture pieces.

Similar floral quilt, from £149, Jane Beck Welsh Blankets. Arvi stool, £125, Nkuku. The Sketch rug, £225, Loaf, is a good match

BATHROOM

This ground floor space has been decorated in an intense blue to accentuate the warmth of the salvaged wood cabinets.

Walls in Cobalt perfect water-based eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Designers Guild. Similar recycled blue mirror, £49, Olive & Sage. Nikea Moroccan style wall tiles, from 79p each, Total Tiles, would suit this scheme.

MASTER BEDROOM

A simple palette of blue, grey and white provides a relaxed scheme.

Similar Alpha double bed frame, £119, John Lewis & Partners.

Kaleri iron side table, £220; Manila mango wood lamps, £99.95 each, all Nkuku

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Introduce some quirky pieces of textured, salvaged furniture and accessories as it gives your rooms depth and character’ dining area was then slotted in between the kitchen and large floor-to-ceiling windows running along the outer wall where natural light pours in all year round. ‘Our lifestyle store, Nkuku, has really defined the look of our home,’ says Alex. ‘We renovated our first store a few years ago and this allowed us to explore different materials before incorporating them into our own home.’

Most of the materials they have used are reclaimed. The old sanded-back timber 92 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

– originally salvaged from a Kentucky rail yard – has been used extensively on the ground floor. American tin tiles were added to the kitchen wall and downstairs bathroom ceiling. The couple then added finishing touches, such as Indian antiques and other reclaimed pieces they collected while travelling abroad.

With much of the work finished, the Cookes’ house finally feels like home to them. ‘The sitting room feels like a real

luxury,’ says Alex. ‘It’s large enough to fit our Deni corner sofa, which is great for watching films together.’

Renovating the house has been a challenge for the family but the satisfaction they feel now, makes up for all the stress.

‘There is more to come so we’ll need to find the energy for the next stage, which will be the garden and woodland,’ says Alex, ‘and that’s more of a lifelong project.’

Nkuku, nkuku.com

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GOING WITH THE FLOW

By opening up a succession of small rooms in this old rectory, and adding personality, Miranda Vedral has created a beautiful home FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

home truths THE PROPERTY An old rectory built in the 1860s L O C AT I O N Somerset R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, boot room, cloakroom, five bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We have a home in London which we use in term time,’ says Miranda.

KITCHEN Designed and supplied by Plain English, the units revolve around a generously sized island. The zingy colours are fun and fresh.

Island painted in Invisible Green intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Units in Churlish Green estate emulsion £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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hen their attempt to purchase a pink-fronted Georgian cottage in the Cotswolds fell through, Miranda Vedral was surprisingly ‘not at all upset,’ she says. ‘It was obviously not meant to be. Always a fan of cream teas, I decided to research further into the West Country.’

Having three energetic girls, eleven-year-old twins Lily and Ellie and eight-year-old Rose with a passion for cartwheeling, she was motivated to look for a large country house with lots of floor space. The rectory she spotted on the edge of a pretty Somerset village was all she had hoped for. It offered an unusual amount of space; had a well stocked garden thanks to the previous owners, and from all the windows, there were unspoilt rural views of rolling hills and open fields dotted with horses, sheep and cows.

Behind the graceful old stone façade, the interior had been divided into lots of small rooms, so Miranda worked with her architect builder to open up the space into one continuous flow. ‘Flow’ became the key word in Miranda’s new plan. Even the boot room become part of the circle of rooms that join up the hallway, sitting room, dining room and kitchen.

‘There is a potential race track for small people,’ Miranda smiles. I’m not the biggest fan of open-plan living, generally speaking, as I feel we all need individual niches to escape to, but in

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SNUG A warm pink and green colour scheme creates a soft backdrop for a richly patterned antique French rug.

Humphrey sofa, from £1,220, Sofa.com.

Walls in Setting Plaster estate emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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H A L LWAY The contrasting colour of the woodwork picks up on a tone in the artwork.

Walls in Archive; woodwork in French Gray estate emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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DINING AREA A large square table teamed with chairs picked up from local markets is the perfect setting for informal gatherings.

Bespoke table, Scumble Goosie. Tablecloth made up in Avon Check Sage, £29.50m, Ian Mankin. Curtains in Checkerbox Charcoal, £91.50m, Lewis & Wood

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MASTER BEDROOM A rich paint colour on ceiling and walls is a dramatic statement.

Walls in Stellenbosch Oak flat emulsion, £50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library.

Curtains in Tree Parrot, £235m, Bennison Fabrics. Bedside lamp, £190, George Clark Stockbridge. Shade, £98, Fermoie

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B AT H R O O M For a fresh, striking look, Miranda chose a colour mix of white and punchy green.

Tessella wallpaper, £105 a roll; woodwork in Arsenic estate emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball

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BEDROOM Tucked below the eaves, this guest room has a cosy, softly textured feel.

Headboard covered in Pashmina Lapis Lime, £100.20m, Lewis & Wood. Lampshades, £95 each, George Clark Stockbridge

this house it seems to work. Also by knocking down a wall between the kitchen and dining room, I managed to fit a sofa in the kitchen; for me this is the height of luxury. Everybody tends to congregate in the kitchen, so it proved well worth putting up with months of building dust.’

As an interior designer and stylist with no formal training, Miranda took a leaf from her own interiors blog Miranda @theinteriorspy and tackled the rectory gradually, working out her schemes room by room.

They are refreshingly original and deliberately ad hoc. ‘I try to avoid fashions with a vengeance,’ she says.

‘I have always loved classic looks and eternally pretty colour combinations like green and soft plaster pink, kilim patterns and the layered look.’

Rather than pursuing any one style, Miranda tends to takes inspiration from a favourite textile design, then chooses wall colours and other accessories to fall in line.

Coming from an army family and being moved around as a child has made the move to the country that much sweeter for Miranda. ‘We have grown to love every aspect of the rectory. We especially enjoy those mornings with the sound of tractors trundling past the window and the chorus of birdsong,’ she says.‘The children love the hall best of all as they like to stage their theatricals here.

The tile floor amplifies their voices and creates a great dance floor.’

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home truths

THE PROPERT Y Apartment set in a converted 19th-century gasholder L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room/dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We live in the country so I bought this apartment as a second home to be close to the vibrancy of King’s Cross,’ says Felicity.

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FOLLOWING THE CURVE Felicity Jones has embraced the circular lines of her unusual apartment with a fabulous decor FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES BALSTON

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elicity Jones was scanning the property pages of the Sunday papers when an advertisement for a north London development caught her eye. The headline ‘Tranquillity’ was enough to pique her interest. Felicity read on to discover the apartments were set in a converted Victorian gasholder in the heart of King’s Cross with a bird’s eye view of the Regent’s Canal. ‘I was intrigued by the uniqueness of the building, and its promise of peacefulness,’ she says.

Dating from 1867, the gasholder was originally used as storage for Pancras

Gasworks. The looming landmarks were decommissioned in 2000 and lay empty until they were converted into apartment buildings as part of the area’s regeneration.

Felicity, who runs a design business from her Hampshire home, had been searching for a London bolthole, close to the theatres and museums. ‘I went to see the building on a sunny Saturday with my granddaughter. I was smitten – and my granddaughter even more so.’

The three-bedroom apartment had been finished to a high standard. There are gleaming brass splashbacks in the kitchen,

SITTING AREA

The furniture pieces were chosen to accentuate the unusual curved floorplan.

Camille sofa, from £1,199, Barker and Stonehouse. Ida small side table, £275; Sundance coffee tables, from £495 each, all Andrew Martin

DINING AREA

To maximise space, the bespoke table was designed so that it can be pushed up against the bench.

Nixon dining table bases, £1,500 each, Jonathan Adler. Bench in Arc en Ciel in Prisme, £108m, Christian Lacroix

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design tip ‘Overscale by all means, but reduce clutter to offset the effect’

KITCHEN

As a contrast to the understated units, bold wallpaper in the corridor and a bespoke decal, which acts as a splashback, bring elements of fun.

Fornasetti Senza Tempo wallpaper, £156 a roll, Cole & Son

MASTER BEDROOM

(bottom left and above) Colour and pattern add joy.

Headboard in Frida Santa, £160m, Christian Lacroix Maison for Designers Guild. Mosaic mirror, £475, Frame Emporium

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glossy poured resin floors and solid wood joinery. But at the start, the ‘developerwhite’ decoration needed a dose of ‘colour, comfort, funkiness’. Which is when she turned to Neil McLachlan, an interior designer known in his native New Zealand for cheerful interiors peppered with unusual antiques set against confident schemes.

‘Neil opened my eyes to more exciting interiors, with lots of alternatives to the standard approach,’ says Felicity.

Wrapped around the central atrium, the apartment has a fan-shaped layout and its curving floorplan presented its

own challenge. ‘It was about finding pieces that played on the quirky character of the architecture. Although it’s not a huge apartment, it has a distinctive feel,’ says Neil.

In the main living area, Neil designed the dining table – a marble slab that perches on two metal drums. Their intricate design is a nod to the perforated steel shutters that wrap around the exterior of the building.

The space is not vast, so the table was designed to tuck under the unusual bench seat made from an antique French bedhead.

The circular theme stretches to the rug, splashed with colour like a modern artwork,

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and the long sofa, positioned to take advantage of the waterside views.

Small tweaks have brought the ‘fun’.

One long corridor has a 50s-style wallpaper, while a bird sticker brings whimsical charm to the kitchen splashback. Antique plates add a colour to walls, while mirrored surfaces amplify the sense of space. The long, curving corridor opposite the open-plan kitchen has a retro wallpaper; ‘It helps to offset the wood panelling and makes the kitchen feel cosier,’ says Neil.

The indulgent feel extends to the bedrooms, dominated by regal bedheads

in paintbox bright upholstery. The overscaled designs pay homage to influential hotel designer Kit Kemp, while the furniture is the same exuberant mix of antiques and high street finds.

In the master bedroom, a colourful framed mirror sits next to tall mirrored bookcases; a French Directoire chest of drawers embellished with gilt detailing, was an auction find. From here, wide windows fling open onto a balcony overlooking the canal: an unexpected vision of tranquillity in the heart of the city, just as they hoped it would be.

GUEST BEDROOM

Bold wallpaper and sculptural furniture create an eye-catching scheme.

Human Nature wallpaper, £175 a roll, Mind The Gap. Leather desk, £1,443, Calligaris.

Yes/No cushion, £120, Rockett St George. Merton lamp, £225, Oka

BATHROOM

The neutral room was personalised with a vibrant rug and towels.

Striped rug, £27, The Rug Shop

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W I L D AT H E AR T Interior designer Sheena Murphy and her husband Paul worked with their architect to create the perfect rural getaway that reflects its forest setting FEATURE LUKE TEBBUTT | PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW WILLIAMS

EXTERIOR

The house was painted black to camouflage it within its remote location.

Build design by Lang Architecture, New York

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‘We’ll be having dinner and a deer will appear in the garden,’ says Sheena.

Waldorf suspension light by Lambert & Fils, £1,895; similar Marcel Gascoin C-chairs, £792 each, Gubi, all The Conran Shop.

For a similar vintage table try Pamono

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached new-build house L O C AT I O N The Catskill Mountains, New York State R O O M S Kitchen-diner/ living area, den, three bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a home in Brooklyn,’ says Sheena.

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nterior designer Sheena Murphy and her husband Paul were living in Brooklyn, New York, with their five-year daughter Matilda when they decided to build a weekend retreat upstate in the Catskill mountains.

This would give them the opportunity to disconnect from the city grind and reconnect with family, friends and nature.

The building plot they found was in an idyllic location nestled between several state parks and Sheena, who runs an interior design studio, hired New York architects Lang Architecture to design the house and source local materials. The idea was to create a contemporary cabin that would reflect – and almost merge – with its setting. With this in mind, the exterior was stained black to camouflage the house among the trees. The building design also included lots of windows to take full advantage of the glorious forest views. ‘This location is all about being close to nature, so we wanted the house to feel casual and humble, rather than flashy and contrived,’ says Sheena. ‘The light and views here are spectacular, and we didn’t want anything to detract from that.’

The build took twelve months to complete. ‘Lang had designed houses

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Really focus on the details. My mantra is to fill your home in the area before, so they were able to put us in touch with the best builders and suppliers, which was important in a remote area like this,’ says Sheena. With the structure nearing completion, Sheena began envisioning the interior, choosing colours, shapes and textures to echo the natural world outside. ‘I focused on layering natural elements, but in a restrained way,’ says Sheena. ‘I grew up in Victorian houses in Britain, so I naturally lean towards cosy, full interiors, whereas Paul is just the opposite – he’d be happy living in a plain white box with just the essentials. We had a healthy tension and met each other halfway.’

With the natural world in mind, Sheena chose light-wood cabinetry 102 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

and moss-coloured tiles for the kitchen. She also used wooden furniture and long-haired sheepskin rugs liberally throughout the house, creating warmth and texture in every space. The neutral palette and natural materials link the house to its setting and also serve to create a sense of visual continuity.

Now that the project is complete, Sheena and Paul spend as much time here as their busy schedules allow.

‘There’s not a lot of things to do up here, so it forces you to relax, which is one of the main things that attracted us to the area,’ she says. ‘We wake up early, maybe go for hike, wear comfy clothes all day and spend the evening by the fire with friends or wine, or both. Phones are almost off-limits here, so it’s all about connecting with each other. The nearest shop is 20 minutes by car, so it forces you to buy what you need and not really leave.’

Sheena, Paul and Matilda all enjoy spending time close to the natural world. ‘A stream cuts through the land, and occasionally it gushes,’ says Sheena. ‘It can be completely silent up here, but you can always hear the water, the birds and sometimes wolves howling at night.

This home is a chance for us to take a breath, spend time together and enjoy being closer to nature.’

MASTER BEDROOM

‘One of the best things about this house is that when you wake up, all you can see is sky and treetops,’ says Sheena.

Tiny Stripe Graphite bedding, from £45, Secret Linen Store, shares this look

MASTER BATHROOM

The neutral-toned palette continues Sheena’s natureinspired theme.

The extra-long concrete double sink unit was custom made to Sheena’s design. House blackframed round mirror, £60, John Lewis & Partners, has the same look

with things you love – people, animals, furniture, art – whatever you value the most’ LIVING AREA

Natural materials and textiles create a relaxed feel and tie the scheme to the landscape outside. ‘I wanted the house to feel serene,’ says Sheena.

Interior design by Sheena Murphy at Nune. Try Hans Wegner-inspired CH123 black leather sofa, £2,539, Mobelaris. Metal-framed round mirror, £275, John Lewis & Partners, is similar.

Alpaca grey wool throw, £135, Heal’s, has this look. Try the Charlie grey wool armchair, £449, Swoon

DEN

The picture window frames the stunning views like a painting.

Try Tibetan sheepskin rug, £125, The White Company

KITCHEN

‘I grew up in a house with a tiny kitchen, so this open-plan space feels large and luxurious to me,’ says Sheena.

For a similar kitchen, try White Crown Cut European Oak range, price on request, Custom Fronts. Forest metro tiles, £30sq m, Topps Tiles, would work here. Try Ercol Originals stool, from £216, Heal’s.

Grohe Minta chrome mixer tap, £170, Victorian Plumbing, is similar

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25bh | c it y DINING AREA ‘We wanted an honesty in materials and chose marble, oak and concrete,’ says Gemma.

Eero Saarinen Tulip Calacatta marble oval dining table is similar, £8,904, Heal’s. 1960s chairs, £500 for six, Vinterior. Brass Row pendant, £1,715, Atelier Areti at Pamono. Brutalist vintage stools, £300 for two, Vinterior

home truths THE PROPERTY A Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N East London R O O M S Sitting room, snug, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, basement annexe, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a two-bedroom flat in Hackney,’ says Gemma.

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DESIGN FOR LIFE By using authentic materials such as wood, marble and brass, designers Gemma Ruse and Xavier Sheriff have created a timeless home FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM SCOTT

25bh | c it y DINING AREA The ripple of colour in the oak cupboard doors runs through to the storage seating in the dining area.

KITCHEN ‘The beauty in our kitchen comes from the simplicity of the textured oak veneer doors,’ says Gemma.

Oak cupboards, from £15,000, Oblique Furniture. Chipmaster handles, £27 each, Swarf

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tudioXAG founders, Gemma Ruse and her husband Xavier Sheriff, like to create wow moments in their work, designing and fabricating retail installations. And when it came to their own home they took the same approach.

‘We wanted to evoke the same emotion but in a quieter way, using honest materials and design details,’ says Gemma.

The couple initially discounted this Victorian terrace due to its poor state. But after viewing similar houses in the area that had been done up, they began to see potential in the generously proportioned rooms.

‘We picked up tips and tricks along the way,’ says Gemma.

‘Like opening up the ceiling of our bathroom to the roof, and how we could modernise the winter balcony on the raised rear reception room, which now overlooks our Japanese courtyard.’

The Tsubo-Niwa courtyard is located in the former side return and a design feature introduced by architects Fraher & Findlay.

The concept reflects the relationship between the old house and the new architecture – an L-shaped rear and side extension. ‘I was really taken by the idea of working in the kitchen and being framed by greenery from the courtyard on one side and garden on the other, with a breeze filtering through the space,’ says Gemma.

Gemma and Xavier moved out while the year-long building project got underway to extend and lower the kitchen floor, create a master en suite dressing room from two small bedrooms and alter SITTING ROOM Bare plastered walls next to the stripped back cornicing bring a faded grandeur to the space..

Sleek sofa, £2,395, Designers Guild. Louka Berber style wool rug, £270, La Redoute. Throw, £187, Slowdown Studio

SNUG The picture window connects the raised snug with the Japanese courtyard.

Marmoleum Fresco Real Black flooring, £22.74sq m, UK Contract Flooring. Roly-Poly armchair in Flesh, £570, Faye Toogood at Clippings

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the configuration of the poorly converted loft. Meanwhile, Gemma put together a mood board, favouring clean lines and authentic materials of wood, marble and brass.

A trio of designers influenced Gemma’s ideas. ‘I love Kelly Wearstler’s artistic take on glamour; the way Dimore Studio mixes materials; and the luxury in the craftsmanship details of work by Chan + Eayrs,’ she explains. This designer inspired the bare plastered walls throughout the property, which Gemma had intended only for their bedroom, to unite with the en suite’s tadelakt-lined walls. ‘Choosing to keep all the walls in the house bare of decoration happened by accident,’ she says. ‘I grew to love the warmth and calmness in the pale pink plaster tones and decided to leave them as they were.’

Elsewhere, Gemma and Xavier reinstated Victorian fireplaces and retained all the cornices and coving. Lighting and furniture are a combination of vintage and new designer pieces – Vinterior bar stools, an Atelier Areti pendant and armchairs by Faye Toogood. Fraher & Findlay designed seating to mould seamlessly into the marble kitchen surfaces, and the couple designed the dining table themselves.

Not long moved in, along with their baby son Raffi, Gemma and Xavier are now deciding where to hang artwork. ‘I love the textures and imperfections in the plastered walls, which give our home a slightly battered, lived-in feel,’ says Gemma. ‘But it means we have to be 100% sure where we hang art as we can’t fill in the holes if we change our mind!’

MASTER BEDROOM ‘We went for a contemporary take on art deco in our bedroom lighting,’ says Gemma.

Formakami pendant, £153, Jaime Hayon for &Tradition at Nordic Nest. Louka Berber style wool rug, £270, La Redoute

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MASTER EN SUITE ‘I played with the pattern of the plain floor tiles to achieve this unique look,’ says Gemma.

Honed basalt oval stone basin, £239, Marble Mosaics. Alana mirror, £129, Made. Lips by Caroline Tomlinson, £85, Print Club London

B AT H R O O M ‘I love the green with the white marble, brass and touches of black,’ says Gemma.

Walls in Ho Ho Green intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Astonian Bateau bath, £2,246, Aston Matthews.

Paris marble mosaic tiles, £180sq m, Ca’ Pietra RAFFI’S ROOM A ‘starry sky’ look is created with an indigo ceiling and glow-in-the-dark stickers.

Ceiling in Lazuli elite emulsion, £48 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany at Designerpaint. Ocrul wool rug, £399, La Redoute

favo u r i t e r o o m ‘I love the high ceiling in the indulgent bathroom’

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FRESH HORIZONS

Artist Jeff Muhs’ modern abstract style shines through in his oil paintings and concrete sculptures, available at Runway Gallery

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aving grown up surrounded by natural beauty in the Hamptons, New York, contemporary American artist Jeff Muhs has always been passionate about nature. ‘My father was a hunting and fishing guide, so I was out on the water with him as a young child from sunrise to sunset,’ he says. An aptitude for oil painting led him to study at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, but the inspiration to be found in his home town proved too much to stay away and he moved back soon after completing his course. Today, his style combines abstract lines and bright colours – a bold look that’s seen commissions from celebrity fans, including Ryan Phillippe and Miley Cyrus. From his self-built studio, he works primarily with oil on canvas, but also experiments with concrete to create striking sculptures.

Some people say my paintings look like stone or marble. To me, each piece is a landscape painting, nature’s beauty distilled and rearranged into its most basic forms: light, colour and space. I think of it as a reflection in a puddle – there are beautiful things within nature that you might not notice until someone points them out to you and that’s what I’m trying to do through my paintings.

brushes to easels. I spend time visualising and planning the work, winding myself up like a spring until the tension is released and the actual creating begins. It can take anything from 20 minutes to a month for me to make a painting.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCULPTURES – WHY CONCRETE?

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY ARTWORK IN YOUR OWN HOME?

Oil on canvas is my main medium, but I’ve always been a sculptor. I learnt the art of wood sculpting as a child from my father, but it wasn’t until I built my first house that I discovered concrete as a medium.

I became fascinated by it and have been experimenting ever since. Unlike my paintings, my sculptures are driven by process and form; I love discovering new ways to make interesting shapes.

SHARE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS...

It begins with procrastination! I start by making new tools to work with, from

Nothing defines a style and enriches your home environment like art. I think that large, visually dynamic works benefit from being isolated in their own space, but for me there’s definitely something beautiful about the poetry of grouping together seemingly non-related works.

WHAT ABOUT FRAMES?

I personally design the frames I use for my paintings, but they don’t always need one – oil paint is a very hard-wearing medium and an unframed finish often suits a contemporary space.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE BUYING ART?

I consider art as an investment in your quality of life. Few things exist solely for the pleasure of experiencing them, so seek out pieces that resonate with you.

To buy stylish and contemporary artwork for your home by Jeff Muhs and other leading artists, visit runway-gallery.com

COMING NEXT MONTH… Meet Evi Antonio, known for capturing the emerging and unexpected beauty found on London’s walls and streets, as she takes us on a journey where her love for nature and urban landscape collide in perfect harmony.

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FEATURE TARA KING ARTWORK CAPSHEAF (TOP); BUTTERFLY COUNT, BOTH JEFF MUHS AT RUNWAY GALLERY DINING ROOM PHOTOGRAPH LIZZIE ORME/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE...

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RETRO REVIVAL Emily Asher and Lewis Mutongwizo’s house is bursting with character, courtesy of some amazing vintage finds FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

home truths THE PROPERTY Double-fronted Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N Southeast London R O O M S Kitchen, dining room, two reception rooms, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a 1930s house in nearby Blackheath,’ says Emily.

SITTING ROOM

An oversized chandelier and an eclectic collection of chairs and shiny disco balls create impact here.

Walls in Studio Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Luna wooden bead chandelier, £185, The Pendant Light Company, has this look. Similar wicker chair, from £99, Peacock Chairs

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d e s i g n t i p ‘Don’t worry about what other people think, just do what DINING ROOM

Modern finds alongside traditional pieces create a surprisingly cohesive look.

Purple Ghost-style chair, £35, Fusion Living, is similar.

The red vintage Ikea PS2012 chair was bought on eBay

SITTING ROOM

Emily reupholstered her inherited sofa in bold pink.

Laid Back Signature sofa, £10,000, George Smith.

Similar cowhide rug, £279, City Cows London

KITCHEN

‘We love the large original cupboards,’ says Emily.

Woodwork in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Stone pendants, £235 each, Tom Dixon

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fter having lived in a simply decorated 1930s property for a few years, Emily Asher and Lewis Mutongwizo started to crave a home with period features and a bit of character. ‘Our very first place together was Victorian and we wanted to have a period home again. We missed those lovely details,’ says Emily. But the process of finding and then 112 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

buying a property wasn’t straightforward. ‘We’d had a few false starts, then, when this place came up, we discovered it was in probate and someone contested the will. The whole process was held up again further down the line and by the time we completed, our buyers had waited a year for us to move,’ says Emily.

Finally, though, the house was theirs and their plans to

renovate were underway. ‘There was nothing structurally wrong with the property, but the interior was very dated – even the kitchen was wallpapered!’

The couple spent a lot of time ripping up old carpets.

‘Underneath, all the floorboards were covered with board, so we had to take that up, too. We must have pulled over 1,000 nails out the floorboards. We also removed tiles and wallpaper

before the tradespeople could make a start,’ says Emily.

One of the first jobs was to update the plumbing. ‘There was no central heating so we had to have new pipes as well as new wiring installed throughout the house,’ recalls Emily. ‘It was a messy job, so while that work was underway, we stayed at a friend’s place along with our son Mylo, now 13.’

To improve the layout, the

you like – your home is an extension of your personality so let it show’ HALLWAY

The leopard-print table adds wow factor.

Try Pamono for a selection of vintage globe floor lamps

BEDROOM

An original fireplace lends character to this space.

Great Modern Artists poster, £14.95, Andy Tuohy Design

BATHROOM

‘This is such a luxuriously relaxing space,’ says Emily.

Walls in Claydon Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

MASTER BEDROOM The bed creates contrast against moody-blue walls.

Provencal Lit white rattan Bed, £1,495, The French Bedroom Company.

Pompom throw, £69, Ian Snow, is a match

couple decided to knock through a wall to make the kitchen and dining area into one, move the bathroom into a different room to make it more spacious, and create a walk-in wardrobe in the old bathroom.

When it came to making decisions on the decor, Emily was not short of ideas. ‘My grandmother was an interior designer and most of my family are very creative, and we discuss

our ideas endlessly!’ she says. ‘I also used to run an interiors business with a friend as well as working for TV. Our good friend Garret, also an interior designer, was really helpful too – he came up with some valuable advice for the kitchen.’

Having lived in an all-white house before, the couple craved colour. ‘We felt that the period of the house would carry off dark schemes. I began to post

pictures on my Instagram account (@dame_dinky).

With all the decorating done, Emily and Lewis began to fill their home with unique finds. ‘I love a bargain,’ says Emily. ‘In fact, apart from the marble island, the bathroom tiles, the Quooker kitchen tap and some light fixtures, very little in the house was expensive.

The amazing oversized roll-top bath was a double bargain as it

came with the original taps, while the Fired Earth shower is from the outlet store.’

There’s no doubt that for Emily and Lewis, moving back to a period house was the right decision. ‘We really love it here but we are starting to get itchy feet and feel ready for our next challenge,’ says Emily. ‘I’m already thinking about our next home and the bright colours I want to use. Watch this space!’

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Cool, calm & COLLECTED

Angelique Mol and Jan Lorier’s formerly dated farmhouse is now a tranquil haven enlivened with interesting textures FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY CORINE HOGE BAVEL-JANSEN/COCOFEATURES.COM

ST U DY S PAC E A pink band defines the desk area in the sitting room.

The aged industrial wall light, £45, Cox & Cox, is similar.

Copy the wall paint with Little Greene’s Blush intelligent matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr

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home truths THE PROPERTY Farmhouse, built in 1906 L O C AT I O N Koudekerke, Zeeland, the Netherlands R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, conservatory, three bedrooms, one bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a spacious modern home,’ says Angelique.

SITTING ROOM Soft fabrics and subtle colours liven up the neutrals in this peaceful space.

Swoon’s Seattle black velvet sofa, £1,699, is a match. Try the Valentina chair in Pink Grapefruit velvet, £699, West Elm at John Lewis & Partners

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25bh | c o u ntry DINING AREA The original panelling is a pretty detail that has survived the years.

August Grove’s oval white extendable table, £519.99, Wayfair, is similar KITCHEN Black and white creates a fresh, timeless scheme.

Try the Rangemaster white cooker hood, £399, Cookers And Ovens SITTING ROOM A wall sticker adds a fun touch.

‘I like inspiring quotes that remind me of the things that are important,’ says Angelique.

Sticker, £16, meermetstickers.nl. Try UK Flooring Direct’s Series Woods Professional smoked oak flooring, £37.50sq m. The Chester White gent’s wardrobe, £599, The Cotswold Company, would suit this space

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W

hen Angelique Mol and her husband Jan Lorier first saw their farmhouse in the Netherlands’ westernmost province of Zeeland, it was painted in garish shades of blue, green, yellow, brown and orange that did nothing to complement its history or its innate style.

‘The house had lost its beautiful soul,’ says Angelique. ‘It was old-fashioned but we loved the bones of it – the quirky layout, beams, wood panelling and stone floors.’

Most importantly, Angelique was looking for a place with atmosphere. The couple’s previous home was a modern property, which gave them the space they needed for Jan’s three daughters, but the style didn’t suit Angelique. Since the girls had grown up and moved on, this farmhouse would be just right.

A few key renovations were required, such as the removal of a wall to create an airy kitchen big enough to eat in. The

couple also knocked down an upstairs wall to create a good-sized bedroom for their son Daan, 10. The walls throughout were replastered, including the chimney breast of the original fireplace in the sitting room, to hide the discoloured bricks below.

Not all Angelique’s plans worked immediately, but there was a lucky outcome to one potential disaster. ‘I hated the shade of green on the ceiling beams in the sitting room,’ she says. ‘I was convinced they should be white so we painted them, but we didn’t use the right product and the paint started to flake off. Removing it was a big job, so we got our friends over to help strip and sand down the wood. Now we have distressed sage-green beams, which we love!’

Costs were kept to a minimum as Angelique did all the decorating herself in calm, neutral shades enlivened with splashes of blue and pink and lots of texture in the soft furnishings. ‘I love a light base because it gives a feeling of peace,’ she says. ‘The

MASTER BEDROOM A rustic stool makes a good bedside table.

Try La Maison Chic’s white tractor stool, £44.99. Made With Oak’s Jolie sleigh bed, £475, is similar. Barker and Stonehouse’s plush velvet cushion, £22, would work

neutrals I’ve chosen combine nicely with accessories in pastel hues such as old pink, which work well with the sage green beams.

I like to repeat the same colours in different rooms because it creates continuity.’

Soft hues on the bedroom walls add interest while retaining the tranquillity that now pervades the house. Angelique’s style of furnishing is unique. ‘I don’t follow trends,’ she says. ‘I love the combination of rural, rustic furniture from junk shops juxtaposed with new accessories.’ An active Instagrammer @bijliekthuis, Angelique is keen to use her passion for colour to help those with autism decorate their own homes in a way that suits their sensitivities.

Now in a position to enjoy the result of their hard work, the couple still have a few changes planned for their home. ‘I want to renovate the bathroom at some point and do up our old barn,’ says Angelique. ‘But we’re not thinking of moving – we are in love with our little piece of paradise.’

MASTER BEDROOM The desk was a flea-market find that Angelique painted the same colour as the blue behind the bed.

Create the same effect with Annie Sloan’s Louis Blue chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr

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P E R S ONAL STYLE Blurring the lines between work and home, vintage dealer Lesley McNamee has turned her Victorian terrace into her own special treasure trove FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

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KITCHEN A stainless-steel worktop and vintage factory lamps set an industrial tone, complemented by a grey gloss kitchen.

Gray Blue enamel cast iron vintage factory wall light is similar, £245, 1stdibs.

Parquet Charcoal floor tiles, £49.99sq m, Neisha Crosland for Harvey Maria

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N Brighton R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a two-bedroom Victorian terrace in west London,’ says Lesley.

25bh | c oa s ta l SITTING ROOM The antique Persian rug sets the colour accent.

Kashgai/Qashgai Persian rug is similar, £150, Rugs of London.

Similar cushions made with vintage fabrics, from £75, Vintage Cushions

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hen Lesley and Trevor McNamee began looking for their next home, they were, without a doubt, looking for a period property. In particular, as the owner of Retropolitan, which sells vintage and antique pieces, Leslie wanted an appropriate house to showcase her own collections. ‘We mainly own mid-century furniture and homeware but we have a mix with other eras so it was important we found a house with its original features intact,’ she explains. ‘My business is about making vintage accessible to everyone and I live by that, too. Very little in our home cost more than a few hundred pounds.’

Like most Victorian terraces, Lesley and Trevor’s three-storey home is deep rather than wide – and felt rather closed-in. They opened up the kitchen, as well as the sitting room to the former dining room, and knocked two awkward bedrooms together, creating an en suite to the master bathroom.

QUALITY BUYS

Once the building work finished, the couple began to furnish the rooms. Most of their furniture is original – with the odd modern-day collectable thrown in, like the Heal’s dining table and sideboard in the kitchen. Largely, shopping went hand-in-hand with Lesley’s day job sourcing for Retropolitan, where she regularly visits a number of antique

FAVOURITE ITEMS ‘I collect and sell a lot of West German pottery – KITCHEN ‘The upcycled riot shield is now a collectable piece of art,’ says Lesley.

James Cauty police riot shield, £600, Miss Pokeno

BEDROOM One of Lesley’s favourite purchases, she got the 1960s vintage kilim from Turkey.

Handmade tasselled blanket is similar, £560, The Garnered

fairs. Some of her favourites are Newark and Ford, as well as brocantes in France and Belgium, such as Jeu de Balle and Zandfeesten.

‘Over the years, I have a few regrets about some of the pieces I’ve bought for myself and then subsequently sold,’ says Lesley. ‘Now I keep a couple of key items back for my own collections.’

MASTER BEDROOM Lesley’s furniture isn’t traditionally meant for the bedroom but suits her style approach.

Similar vintage teak sideboard, £685; 1960s chandelier by Maison Arlus is similar, £2,400; both Vinterior

CHERISHED PIECES

Lesley is an avid collector of vintage tins, fabrics, books and ceramics, and also an expert in antique and vintage glassware, so surfaces of any kind formed an important framework to each room for displaying her collectibles. ‘I’m drawn to colour and texture,’ she explains. ‘I’m a big fan of vintage West German pottery. Post-war living encouraged amazing design and innovation to homeware made during this time.’ Rugs, pictures and lighting are all vintage, too, and some are bargains Lesley has found on eBay – like the steel machine lamps in the kitchen that came out of an old factory. ‘They were perfect for inspiring the industrial look of the kitchen and only cost £90 each,’ she says.

Now complete, Lesley is very happy with the look of her home. ‘I replace things now and then – I have a whole basement of vintage furniture and accessories ready to swap around or sell. Most importantly, we aren’t precious about anything we own, for us it’s about filling the house with people so it can be a home enjoyed by everyone.’

it’s starting to become really collectable and is still reasonably priced’ B AT H R O O M Pale pink walls lift the monochrome scheme here.

St Tropez hammam towel, £35, BrandAlley, has this look

MASTER BEDROOM A turquoise feature wall makes a perfect backdrop for the teak furniture.

Walls in Hummingbird matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5ltr, Fired Earth

EN SUITE These yellow tiles really pop.

Marvel gloss muted yellow wall tiles are similar, £22.95sq m, Walls and Floors

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Enduring BEAUTY When revamping their Californian home, Cheryl and Tony Fire chose a style that exudes a relaxed sophistication FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY AMY BARTLAM

DINING ROOM

A table made from reclaimed wood and a wool rug bring texture to this neutral space.

Vortice chandelier, $899, Lucent Lightshop. For reclaimed-wood tables, from £350, try Rusted Wood Industrial Furniture

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HALLWAY

‘I love how the entrance sets the tone for the entire home,’ says Cheryl.

Swoon’s Lima sideboard, from £309, has geometric detailing.

Dar Rattan ceramic lamp base, £108, Lights2go, would work

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached 1990s villa L O C AT I O N Manhattan Beach, Southern California R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, TV area, breakfast area, cloakroom, six bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller detached house nearby,’ says Cheryl.

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bright expansive entrance hall made a big impression on Cheryl and Tony Fire when they first viewed a villa in the city of Manhattan Beach in Southern California.

Looking past the decor, which could – and would – be updated all in good time, they knew that if the spaciousness here was reflected in rest of the house, this was the family home they had been looking for.

Sure enough, as they explored the different areas, it was clear that light and

BREAKFAST AREA

Chairs combining wicker and wood add informality to this space.

Nordic chairs, £139 each, Cult Furniture.

Circular table, $5,800, Kate Lester Home. Try Brink & Campman’s Perennials rug, £290, Amara

space was a characteristic of this 1990s property. ‘We could see that the layout lent itself to being naturally sociable, with an open-plan area that could be zoned off to allow us and our two children – Nicole and Christopher, who are now both teenagers – to do our own thing but still be together as a family,’ says Cheryl.

After acquiring the property and moving in, the couple were in no rush to make major changes and merely tweaked the decor. Time flashed by before they suddenly realised their

KITCHEN

Luxe finishes include brass hardware and Calacatta marble.

Neolith Calacatta worktop, price on request, Surrey Marble & Granite.

Units in Drawing Room Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

For similar brass handles, from £7.50 each, try The Foundryman

LANDING

Favourite ornaments and curiosities are displayed in this spacious area.

Agra bookcase would suit this space, £649, Tikamoon.

Canales kilim rug is a match, £279, Wayfair. For woven wood blinds (see above right), from £55, try English Blinds

SITTING ROOM

The streamlined towel ladder is a decorative addition used to keep cosy throws close at hand.

Jackson black towel ladder, £169, Crate & Barrel. Try the sisal herringbone rug, £442, Rowen & Wren

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25bh | c it y home was suffering the typical ravages of 10 years of hectic family life. ‘It was time to transform the dark colour scheme, but to do justice to the house, we felt we needed some help,’ says Cheryl. ‘After speaking to several designers, Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors was the one on our wavelength and who had the most amazing ideas.’

Recognising that the home needed a dramatic facelift, Kate was equally excited knowing she had a lot to work with. ‘I could see the potential,’ she says. ‘It had good bones

and a great floor plan.’ The idea was to give each room its own identity and create a timeless interior as opposed to one that would need replacing in another 10 years.

‘The design plan was to keep it crisp, clean and classic, which meant sticking to natural wood tones, white-based marbles and a simple neutral palette,’ says Kate, who coined the term ‘Spanifornia’ to describe the Spanish-Revival-meets-Southern-California style. ‘We kept some of the home’s more interesting details, like the arched window in

favourite featur e ‘I like how the white paintwork allows the furnishings and art to take centre stage’

BEDROOM

Simplicity is the key to this light, relaxed sleep zone.

Juju hat wall decor, £336, Etsy.

Verne bedside table, £149, Swoon, would suit this scheme

BATHROOM

An antique rug is a comforting touch.

Duomo floor tiles, $585sq m, Artistic Tile. Circum round mirror, £249, Made In Design.

House Doctor Pablo stool in Black/Shelllish Mud, £125, Lagoon, has this look

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the kitchen,’ she says. ‘Streamline and simplify was our mantra.’

With cost always a consideration, much of the kitchen cabinetry was retained but given a refresh with the addition of new mouldings, hardware and paintwork. And elsewhere in the house, an abundance of white wall paint was the key to brightening up the formerly sombre scheme. Throughout, pattern on the floor was another device used to stunning effect. All of which clearly met with the approval of Cheryl. ‘We love the

simple yet layered look of different styles that go so well together,’ she says.

For all its style, the interior was always designed to retain its personality. From furniture to trinkets, signs of the Fire family’s heritage are everywhere, including art that belonged to Tony’s late mother. These personal touches meant so much to the owners. ‘During the big reveal, Cheryl had tears in her eyes,’ says Kate. ‘It was a reminder that as well as a gorgeous space, homes are also a backdrop for people’s memories.’

Restoration drama Alice Broadfield put her heart and soul into sympathetically renovating her Victorian home FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

KITCHEN ‘With its warm blue colours, our cook space is now a welcoming place,’ says Alice. Antique furniture adds individuality and interest.

Kitchen, price on request, Alexander Lewis. Cabinets in James intelligent eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Fulbourn nickel pendant lights, £145 each, Jim Lawrence. Table and chapel chairs, £500, Locke & England auction house. Stripe and Dash rug, £400, Vanessa Arbuthnott

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home truths THE PROPERTY A Victorian detached house L O C AT I O N Warwickshire R O O M S Sitting room, drawing room, family room, kitchen, utility room, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, study, kids’ snug P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We previously lived in a fourbedroom Grade II-listed Regency terraced house nearby,’ says Alice.

25bh | tow n Favourite Items ‘I love all our original artwork – it doesn’t have to be expensive, but it is a wonderful thing to own something unique’

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SITTING ROOM Black accents punctuate the scheme and add a modern feel.

Limerick sofa, £2,500, Sofa Workshop. Stockholm rug, £279, Ikea.

Artur table lamp (on mantelpiece) in Turquoise crackle glaze, £121; Drum lampshade in Blue silk, £63 both Pooky

DINING ROOM Green walls are a great foil for the mahogany furniture and the huge mirror allows everyone to enjoy the view of the garden.

Walls in Aquamarine Deep absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Straight Empire lampshades in handmade marble paper, £48 each, Pooky. Stockholm rug, £279, Ikea D R AW I N G R O O M ‘We had bespoke bookshelves fitted to house some of our huge book collection and this is where we entertain our guests,’ says Alice.

Chedworth sofa in Cream, £2,500, Vanessa Arbuthnott. Cushions in Carnival, £125m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Bespoke ottoman in Airforce Blue velvet, £59.50m, Ian Mankin

25bh | tow n Lesson Learned ‘With an old house, you need to have some flexibility about how things are done because something unexpected will always happen’

A MASTER BEDROOM Uniform stripes and geometric patterns form a powerful look.

Pentlow bed with Airforce blue ticking, £2,500, Sofas & Stuff.

Etoile white super king duvet cover, £105; Etoile Oxford pillowcases, £32 each, all Cologne & Cotton. Pembridge pendant light, £1,215, Original BTC B AT H R O O M Alice wanted to recreate the beautiful bathroom that was in the couple’s previous home.

Salcombe bath, £1,225, The Cast Iron Bath Company; base in Woad intelligent eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.

Putney Nickel wall light, £202, Jim Lawrence

lice Broadfield and her husband had admired their now home in a town in Warwickshire for many years, and when the time came to move to a bigger property to accommodate their growing family, they were delighted to find that the house had come on to the market. ‘My husband was keen to move into the country but I’m a confirmed townie and this house offered us the best of both worlds,’ says Alice, an interior designer at Flora & Finn Interiors. ‘It had the feel of a country home, with a gravel drive, huge garden – a rarity for a house like this, but all within a five-minute walk from the town centre and ideally located for the children’s schools,’ says Alice. The rooms were well-proportioned, with wonderful architectural features still intact, such as original marble fireplaces, pull-up shutters, elaborate plasterwork, sash windows and the second servants’ staircase.

T O TA L R E V I VA L

‘Many of the houses on this road have been converted into flats or care homes over the years and the owners knew we would keep it as a family home and would love it as much as they had,’ says Alice. While the property had been well maintained, it needed updating. The kitchen, which Alice thought was too small for the size of the house, was extended by knocking through into the adjoining sitting room and installing two sets of French doors gave the family a wonderful view and access to the garden. ‘We set up camp in our utility room with a 13 2 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

microwave, an electric hob and a toaster for nearly four months, while our amazing builders were busy knocking down the walls,’ recalls Alice.

‘It was disruptive, cold and miserable, and we ate lots of toasted cheese sandwiches that tasted slightly of brick dust, but we had no choice but to embrace the controlled chaos of a live-in build.’

QUALITY WORK

The couple replaced all the nuts and bolts like the electrics, boilers and radiators and the three existing bathrooms were given a new lease of life.

A new family bathroom was also created from one of the spare bedrooms. ‘There are areas of the house that we are still renovating, but the key to keeping everything on track has been building a great relationship with the contractors,’ says Alice. ‘Over the years I have picked up quite a lot of know-how about house renovations, which means I can have a wellinformed conversation about what I want. I love colour, which can be seen throughout the house – from the gentle blues in the kitchen to the elegant green in the dining room – and am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get involved, paintbrush in hand!’

As Alice has discovered, sympathetically restoring a period property is a gradual process and lots of things can go wrong. ‘You don’t buy an old house if you are a control freak,’ she says. ‘Compromising over a country location means we are now full swing into restoring a house that suits all our needs and will be a treasured home for many years to come.’

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HOME WORKING DESK- £30 OFF The Vola is a perfect contemporary home office solution that allows you to create an organised and productive workspace. The desk's L-shaped design optimises space by fitting neatly into a corner or against a wall.

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See all our listings at about-the-house.co.uk. To advertise please contact Michael on 020 7843 6958 or email michaelguest@about-the-house.co.uk About the House and the companies shown in this advertisement feature are wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes Magazine. Care has been taken to establish that the advertisers are legitimate. It is recommended that you carry out your own checks before making a purchase. When making a purchase we recommend payment by credit card.

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A style guide to the

outside Industry expert and founder of Out and Out Original, Daniel Fairburn, brings you this season’s best deals on designer furniture.Visit www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 for more exciting deals and discounts.

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Kingston - Rattan Lounge Set Relax in style with this stunning modular lounge set of two corner chairs, two matching ottomans and tempered glass topped coffee table. Finished in a gorgeous rattan like material with plump polyspun fabric seat cushions, the Kingston is designed to adapt to whatever suits your mood.

Arrange the ottomans in front of the sofas and stretch out or push the ottomans and coffee table together for an ultra comfortable daybed.

Each piece has a powder coated frame and is maintenance free. Normally £599, it’s yours for just £399*, when you quote discount code BHSEP20 at the checkout.

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Marbella - 5-Seater Corner Lounge Set This stunning outdoor lounge set offers comfort and style at an affordable price. Normally £599, it’s now available for just £499* when you quote discount code BHSEP20A. Bang on trend in gorgeous shades of grey, this set is designed with a contemporary feel. It’s hardwearing, woven in strong polyrattan on a galvanised steel frame.

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To receive your discount on any of these products quote discount code at checkout at www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 before 01.10.2020. *Excludes delivery

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25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e Complete with lavish fabrics and a relaxed atmosphere, Penna villa in the Umbrian countryside is pure luxury

ROOM ENVY

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

tretching decorously over thousands of hectares of hilltop, olive grove and sun-baked forest, the Murlo Estate in Umbria, Italy, is pure rustic perfection. Its collection of cottages, suites and villas dot the landscape, each looking out on to a vista that seems to last forever. Penna is just one such villa, filled with a clear light that only the Italian countryside can provide, all ancient wooden beams and charmingly low, cool ceilings. But while it has the exterior and proportions of a well-kept farmhouse, its interiors are inspiringly modern. As soothing to the eyes as the limewashed walls are to the hand, see how the soft greys here are punctuated with little bursts of crimson, creating a feeling of total relaxation and joy. Pattern runs riot, zigzagging across the 13 8 | 2 5 B H O C TO B ER 2020

gigantic floor rug and popping out of the cushions, bringing a welcome sense of irreverence to the more serious pieces of furniture.

The plush textures – all satin armchairs, linen sofas and buttonback ottomans – help play into the feeling of being in a cosseted space, making you want to settle back into the smoothly inviting surfaces. Yet it’s the mixing of shapes that is most masterful though, as pieces you might not expect in a farmhouse, such as hard-edged concrete tables and modern low seating, contrast sharply with the room’s period features, adding sophistication to the homely room.

They work because of their scale – nothing is above the shin, which fits nicely into an interior not blessed with natural height. And the result is a blend of styles and eras that come together as one.

Top drawer.

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