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MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

HOMES

SUNNY SCHEMES Design ideas to make you smile

AND RELAX…

A beach house packed with pops of pattern

How to turn your outside space into a place to unwind

June 2020

52 country 14

R U R A L I D Y L L An exquisite 15th-century

20

H I S T O R Y I N T H E M A K I N G Subtle

24 28 40

cottage in Essex gets a fresh look

mid-century styling allows the original features to shine in this Suffolk Tudor gem C R E AT I V E C O N V E R S I O N How a 1980s East Sussex bungalow was transformed into a dream house with an inside-outside feel N AT U R E ’ S F I N E S T A mix of vintage finds and modern touches has brought a Victorian farmhouse in Dorset back to life N E W B E G I N N I N G S Pattern and texture enhance the interior of a newly retired couple’s

COVER STORY

74 88 96 124

remodelled Victorian cottage in Devon H O M E G R O W N Passed down the generations, this 19th-century farmhouse in Derbyshire is updated with a moody palette H I G H D R A M A Monochrome schemes and treasures from around the world suit the grand proportions of a detached Hampshire house T H E G O O D L I F E Sustainability was key to the renovation of an 1890s cottage, an hour from Melbourne in Australia C H A R A C T E R D R I V E N A sympathetic conversion uses every inch of space in this charming Victorian cottage in Derbyshire

Discover a reimagined London Victorian house with its cleverly designed garden (page 92).

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24 city 34 48 63 82 92 102 107

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110

Edwardian Nottingham home was worth the fine result F A S H I O N E D B Y T H E P A S T A London flat receives a cool and vibrant mid-century facelift O N E O F A K I N D Sophisticated design touches transform a typical Victorian terraced house in London into an elegant and comfortable home for a young family W E L L C O N N E C T E D An uber-stylish apartment – carved out of a converted piano factory in a trendy Berlin quarter – becomes a lesson in modern sociable living A N E W A N G L E The striking double-height atrium, plus clever use of glass, allows light to pour through this renovated Victorian house in London R E S T O R AT I O N G A M E Vibrant blues and standout pattern bring a sense of luxury to a London family home U R B A N R E T R E AT This bijou cottage has been extended and rejuvenated with a quirky fusion of antiques and objects from around the world L E A P O F F A I T H A Georgian townhouse in London is brought sympathetically into the 21st century

c oa s ta l 52 66 70 118

O C E A N C O L O U R S C E N E Vibrant tones and

bold pattern enhance the pure-white interior of this contemporary house perched on Cape Town’s shore M O V I N G F O R WA R D The creative makeover of a turn-of-the-century home in East Sussex proved to be a form of therapy for its artist owner A F R E S H A P P R O A C H Meticulous planning and clever solutions ensured the successful renovation of a 1950s detached house in East Sussex G R E AT D A N E S A period villa in Denmark is filled with prime examples of the country’s design classics

town

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A L L I N G O O D T I M E The lengthy renovation of an

P E R F E C T P L A N N I N G A unique, beautiful home has

emerged from a tired traditional house near Amsterdam A F I N E V I N TA G E Second-hand finds and strong pattern bring character to this 1930s home in Lincolnshire C H A R M O F F E N S I V E Clean lines and smart detail have been used to overhaul an East Sussex listed house B E T T E R B Y D E S I G N Expert input helped remodel a detached house in Surrey into a smart family home

r e g u l a r f e at u r e s 95 130 131 138

G A R D E N O F F E R Striking giant delphiniums T R AV E L O F F E R Escorted worldwide tours for 2021 W H E R E T O B U Y Find stockists listed in this issue R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month

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

HOMES EDITORIAL

WELCOME It has suddenly become more apparent how much of an effect your home can have on your mood, hasn’t it? When the sun is shining, and your space is light and bright, it’s easier to feel a sense of joy than when the sky is cloudy and gloom sets in. Now that our houses have become our worlds, the tricks you can use to make that springiness last longer are more useful and desirable than ever.

With that in mind, all the homes in this issue have a sense of fun that comes from clever decorating and planning. From the quirky flamingos that bring a tropical burst to Cheryl and Andy Taylor’s urban garden on page 92 to the vast panel of patterned wallpaper in Ashley Maddox’s beach house on page 53, you’ll hopefully be inspired by the many ways that design can put a smile on your face. We have particularly focused on looks that are inexpensive and easy to implement – like the houseplants and star-shaped cushions in Joolz and Tim Wright’s farmhouse on page 74, both of which are enlivening and amusing. Homes to make you happy.

PIP McCORMAC, ACTING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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

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Perfect planning With their organised and meticulous approach, Mirella Appelman and her partner Paul Huft have updated a tired traditional Dutch house, preserving the original features and adding a colourful twist FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY MUK VAN LIL/COCO FEATURES

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home truths THE PROPERTY A traditional Dutch home, built in 1900 L O C AT I O N Haarlem, near Amsterdam R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, three bedrooms, one bathroom, rooftop terrace P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a modern house in Amsterdam,’ says Mirella.

SITTING ROOM High ceilings and ornate windows add grandeur to this space.

Teresa’s Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, is a similar wall colour. Try Loaf’s Strudel sofa, from £1,295. The Neptune chenille rug, £125, French Connection Home, is a good alternative. Mica Decorations Salomo floor lamp, €99, Sfeer voor Jou

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inding a property with atmosphere was the starting point for Mirella Appelman and her partner Paul Huft when they began their search for a more spacious home. ‘We loved living in Amsterdam but couldn’t find a bigger period property we could afford,’ explains Mirella, an interior designer and owner of Huiswerk vastgoedstyling (Homework styling).

‘When we extended our search to the medieval city of Haarlem on the outskirts of Amsterdam, we couldn’t believe we’d found such a beautiful old property so full of character,’ she continues. ‘The location was initially a compromise but now we’re here we love it as it’s so close to the city and the beach is a 20-minute bike ride away.’

Along with her partner Paul, a furniture maker and owner of PH Meubels op Maat (PH Custom Furniture), Mirella completely renovated the tired, traditional Dutch house, bringing it back to life with light, colour and natural

materials. ‘The house hadn’t been touched for many years and was very old-fashioned so we changed the layout and opened up the living space while respecting the tradition of the house,’ she explains. ‘The high ceilings and big windows initially attracted us to the property, then as the work was underway we discovered hidden panelling and beautiful doors, which was really exciting.’

Having only renovated single rooms in the past, this was the first major project the couple had taken on. ‘We thought it would take about three months to make the changes and move in but that was very naïve and it actually took just over a year,’ says Mirella. ‘We did most of the work ourselves in the evenings, but this became too much and then we just came at the weekends. It was hard but very worthwhile.’

Knocking through the four small downstairs rooms to create a large, light-filled space was key to the couple’s plan for more spacious living. Having an open-plan kitchen with

KITCHEN The couple’s love of natural materials is evident in this room with oak units and concrete worktops, all designed and handmade by Paul.

Cabinets, counter and shelves, price on request, PH Meubels op Maat. Ikea’s Norraryd bar stool with backrest, £85, is similar. Blackboard paint, £22 for 0.5ltr, Green Monkey AV. Try the sleek Edison pendant light in Pewter, £29, Industville

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DINING AREA Mirella created the unusual wall of plates using flea market finds and handmade pottery.

Dining table, £2,000, PH Meubels op Maat. Abigail Ahern’s ballroom chandelier, £950, is similar. The Aston spindleback chair in Off Black, £99 for a pair, The Cotswold Company, is a match. Try Nordic House’s mini porcelain vases, £16.50 for a set of four

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an island as an integral part of their home was a priority.

Luckily, Paul was able to make the kitchen to their exact specifications using oak, which he covered in a whitewash oil. ‘We chose a concrete counter top, which is incredibly hard-wearing and adds an industrial feel,’ says Mirella. Paul also made the kitchen table and the shelving to fit the space.

‘I saw the idea for the pendant lights in a bar,’ explains Mirella. ‘I often find inspiration in places I visit.’

Good preparation is an essential part of any refurbishment and is something Mirella and Paul always practise in their work. ‘Planning takes longer than you think if it’s done properly but it’s the most worthwhile thing you can do,’ advises Mirella. The couple made a plan of every room and worked out the layout so that it was clear from the start what

needed to be done. ‘It’s so much harder to change things once you’re already living in a house but inevitably there’s always something you wish you’d done differently,’ she says.

Light and colour are also important factors in Mirella’s scrupulous planning. Sea green is a shade she has always been drawn to; it’s used in the ground floor rooms and looks quite different at various times of the day. Accessorising with tones of yellow helps to give the rooms good balance.

With a pink master bedroom and flashes of bright colour throughout, Mirella and Paul have lifted the atmosphere of the whole house. ‘We both love to be creative and are not afraid to try out new ideas as we prefer things to be unique,’ explains Mirella. The result is a beautiful, much-loved home that reflects their personalities perfectly.

B AT H R O O M The oak unit has been given a whitewashed finish for a contemporary look.

Sink, mirror and vanity unit, price on request, PH Meubels op Maat. Try the Pablo crosshead chrome wall-mounted basin mixer tap, £99.95, Victorian Plumbing MASTER BEDROOM Warm pink walls create a soothing, cocooning atmosphere.

Little Greene’s Angie absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, is a similar wall colour.

The Grove cotton stonewashed waffle bedspread in Dusky Pink, £49, Made, is identical. Dwell’s floral black cushion, £34.95, would also look good here

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

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RURAL IDYLL By restoring her 15th-century cottage, Alexandra Jackson has created a country retreat with a peaceful feel FEATURE KATIE TREGGIDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HEMMING | STYLING SALLY MATON

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DINING ROOM A new set of French doors that open onto the garden ensure the flow of the space works well.

For similar, try French farmhouse table, from £845; farmhouse kitchen chairs, £145 each, all Farmhouse Table Company

home truths

T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II-listed 15th-century cottage L O C AT I O N Essex R O O M S Sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, two bedrooms, dressing room, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before this, I was living in a five-bedroom house in south London,’ says Alexandra.

EXTERIOR Alexandra added box hedging and replaced a wobbly bridge over the garden brook.

Toulston dining chairs, £240 each, Neptune.

Oak garden bench, £375, Somerlap

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KITCHEN Brick-effect cladding painted white helps create a rustic look here.

Muralla brick wall tiles, £24.99sq m, Tile Mountain. Bespoke white distressed-oak kitchen; Diresco Divinity Beige worktops, from £126lin m, all Henderson & Redfearn

W

hen her sons flew the nest, psychotherapist Alexandra Jackson’s five-bedroom house in southeast London suddenly felt very big. Toying with the idea of leaving London, she visited a friend in Essex and spotted an opportunity. ‘We drove past a house that I couldn’t get out of my mind,’ she says. ‘Then it came up for sale, so we went to see it.’ She discovered that the interior hadn’t been touched for 40 years and was dark and dingy.

But undeterred, Alexandra put in an offer, securing planning permission for the renovation before the sale was even complete.

Alexandra appointed local building firm Westross and lived in the property throughout the project. ‘They were absolutely incredible,’ she says. ‘There wasn’t a single cross word spoken in eight months.’ It was just as well everybody got on, because there was a lot to do, and planning

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c o u ntry | 25bh SITTING ROOM ‘The picture above the fireplace inspired the scheme for this room,’ says Alexandra.

Farmington Zephyr fireplace, £1,870, Colne Stoves. Squishmeister sofas, £1,295 each, Loaf, would suit this space

restrictions for the Grade II-listed property were strict. Things didn’t always go smoothly, though – one seemingly simple task was to remove the shower in the downstairs bathroom to create a more spacious loo, but that required the foundations to be removed and ended up taking a month.

Other more straightforward jobs included replacing the plumbing and floors throughout, and restoring and reinstating the original windows.

The kitchen was the room Alexandra knew she had to get right as it is where she spends most of her time. ‘I’ve made cakes for four different people already today,’ she says. So she commissioned Henderson & Redfearn to make the most of the space. They installed open shelving instead of wall-hung cupboards to maintain a spacious feel.

Unlike many people who find house renovations stressful, Alexandra loved every second of her project. ‘I must have made a thousand cups of

F A M I LY R O O M A neutral palette was used to keep this room feeling light and fresh.

Claudius sofa, from £2,000, Tamarisk.

Woodburner, £1,245, Colne Stoves

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25bh | c o u ntry B AT H R O O M The bath was built on a raised plinth, cleverly concealing the plumbing while creating a focal point.

The Metropolitan freestanding bath, from £890, Bathstore, would suit this space.

Victorian beech freestanding towel rack, £42, Vintage Farmhouse, has the same look

MASTER BEDROOM Bespoke cushions add a pretty pop of colour to the space.

For similar cushion fabric, try Marida Baker Lifestyle, £65m, Jane Clayton & Company.

Blinds custom-made in Roses Blue fabric, £90m, Kate Forman. Walls in Half La Seine elite emulsion, £66 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany

tea, but watching the transformation was fascinating,’ she says. ‘My favourite part was when everyone went home at the end of each day and I could walk around thinking about what would go where.’

Once the building work was complete, keen to put some of that thinking into action, she enlisted the help of interior designer Brigitte Fraser of Simply Living. ‘I wanted to make sure we were on the same page,’ she says, ‘so I challenged her to recommend a wallpaper for my sitting room, knowing I already had a magazine clipping of what I wanted.

It was a very weird moment when she suggested exactly the same design.’

Brigitte created a neutral scheme using symmetrical arrangements and Zoffany paint colours and wallpapers. ‘Everything was spot on, apart from the colour in the dining room,’ she says. ‘I repainted that myself one Sunday afternoon and now the house is absolutely perfect.’

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

welcome to the world of

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

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H I STO RY I N THE MAKING home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 16thcentury Grade II-listed house L O C AT I O N Suffolk R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We live in a Victorian house in London and bought this place as a second home,’ says Mel.

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Mel Massey embraced the charm of her Tudor house and gave it a stylish yet sympathetic overhaul FEATURE CASSIE PRYCE | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID GILES

DINING ROOM With its mix of vintage and modern pieces, this space is ideal for large gatherings.

Dulwich table, £2,279, Matthew Hilton for Case at Olson + Baker. Nkuku wicker pendants, £140 each, Amara. Oval mirrors, £95 each, Mink Interiors

SITTING ROOM Mel chose a mustard sofa to balance out the sense of old and new.

Rosie velvet sofa, £1,745, Rose & Grey. Similar leather sofa, £1,000, Chesterfield Sofas. Louis De Poortere Heriz rug, from £386, Woven

KITCHEN The Rangemaster cooker highlights the original brick fireplace.

Find similar vintage chairs on eBay. Interior design by Mel Massey

BEDROOM Mel was inspired by French interiors when she created this scheme.

Velvet pendant light, £60; Glorious velvet cushions, £32 each, all Rockett St George. Pebble velvet quilt, £195, Graham and Green

B AT H R O O M Neutral tiles, with a vibrant blind, suit this space in the newer extension.

Blind in Carnival in Coral, £130m, Christopher Farr at Fabrics & Papers

MASTER BEDROOM Rich textures ensure a cosy feel.

Curtains in Capuchins, £66m, Sanderson at Style Library.

Koldby cow hide rug, £179, Ikea

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MASTER BEDROOM Elegant modern pieces of furniture don’t detract from the character of the house.

Lana bed, £1,299, West Elm. Emerald lamps, £195 each, French Bedroom Company. Brook Farm is available to rent at and-relax.net

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ursting with original features, it’s easy to see why this 16th-century yeoman’s house in Suffolk held such appeal for interior designer Mel Massey and her husband, Simon. ‘I can’t put my finger on it,’ recalls Mel, ‘but when we viewed it, it had a wonderful vibe and the potential to be a very happy home.’

The couple were looking in Suffolk for a rural retreat that offered easy access to the sea yet wasn’t too far from London.

‘The house is more remote than we’d been looking for, however,’

says Mel. ‘The only sounds here are owls, tractors and cows.’

Having been restored from an almost derelict state by the previous owner, Mel, Simon and their two boys, Henry and Freddie, have been able to benefit from the hard work and dedication that has gone into salvaging this historic building.

‘The seller had worked in collaboration with English Heritage, and I think part of the reason he sold it to us is that he knew we would continue to love it and preserve its past,’ says Mel. ‘The interior was essentially a

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

blank canvas, and my mission was to create a luxurious yet homely space, while embracing its 16th-century legacy.’

Updating the kitchen was a priority for Mel, with the help of a local craftsman. The style of the new bespoke units suits the age of the property.

‘I wanted something simple that didn’t detract from the beautiful features in the room.’

When it came to decorating the rest of the house, Mel had to ensure her choices, such as for paint colours, fell within English Heritage’s guidelines, while a

specialist limestone render has been used to fill external cracks.

‘My style is to mix and match modern and vintage pieces of furniture, rather than buying everything new,’ says Mel. Updating a property with such historic importance in the short space of just six weeks was a rewarding yet challenging undertaking for the couple.

‘I like to think we’ve created a warm and homely environment for our family and guests to enjoy,’ Mel says, ‘while allowing the original charm of the property to shine through.’

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CREATIVE CONVERSION A collaborative approach helped Eunice Locher and Mark Sewell transform a 1980s bungalow into their dream home – on time and on budget FEATURE KATIE TREGGIDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HEMMING

LIVING/DINING AREA

The couple wanted a statement dining table to seat 10, so they sourced two large slabs of oak, designed the base themselves and commissioned friends of their son to make it.

Dining table, £3,000, Revive Joinery. Eames DSR side chairs, £255 each, Nest. Floating shelving and cabinets, £2,500, Top Shelf. Large vase, from £165, Freya Bramble-Carter

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home truths THE PROPERTY 1980s Scandia Hus bungalow, converted into a detached house L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-dining/living area, four bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a 300-year-old converted barn in Portugal,’ says Mark.

T 1 SITTING ROOM

Mid-century furniture gives this space a clean, sophisticated look.

1950s chairs, £700 each, Jeroen Markies. Ercol Originals nest of tables, £730, Amara

here’s an old adage that you can’t self-build on time, on budget and to a high quality, and that one of the three always has to give.

Happily, Eunice Locher and Mark Sewell proved otherwise, converting their bungalow into a house in nine months for £375,000, and to an incredibly high standard.

Returning to the UK after living in Portugal, Eunice and Mark were looking for a plot that would enable them to build an open-plan ‘inside-outside’ home like those they had enjoyed overseas. The first house they saw was a 1980s Scandia Hus bungalow.

‘I stood outside and said, “Not in a million years”,’ says Eunice. ‘It was overgrown and neglected, and the thought of a bungalow at our age was just too much.’ Ten months later, she came back and this time, made it past the gate. ‘It was a light-bulb moment,’ she says.

‘It was rundown, but it was south-facing and right on the edge of the Ashdown Forest.

I suddenly realised that this was the one.’

Having secured the property, the couple moved in and hired local architect Adam Penton. They identified the things they wanted to get rid of, including the bungalow’s ‘sauna-style’ pine cladding, boxy layout and clipped views of the surrounding landscape.

‘Our brief was to transform it,’ says Eunice.

‘We wanted something modern that was easy to live in, but beyond that, we left it to him.’

Adam’s scheme connects the original L-shaped floorplan with a triangular open-plan living area that opens on to the south-westerly garden, and includes a first-floor master suite. ‘I immediately loved

favourite room ‘We love the large open-plan living area that spills outside through the

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1

SEATING AREA

The triple-glazed patio doors and tiled floor inside and out combine to make this sunny spot a warm place to sit and entertain friends all year round.

Try Round rattan tub chair, £295, Cox & Cox, for similar chairs. For a similar armchair, try Vinterior. Croft Collection Jute round rug, £100, John Lewis & Partners, is similar.

Nest of tables, £295, Room on the Row. Cushions, £55 each, Lara Gorlach

2 KITCHEN Eunice and Mark had two of the original windows moved to make them symmetrical within the new kitchen and positioned the ceiling extractor fan accordingly.

Kitchen cabinetry, £33,000, In-toto.

Leather Crescent bar stools, £160 each, Atlantic Shopping.

Cobb Rise & Fall large pendants, £245 each, Original BTC. For similar flooring, try Bottega Acero tiles, £52.27sq m, Porcelanosa

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the idea of the triangle,’ says Eunice. Adam presented to the planning department an ambitious proposal that included everything they might ever want to do. With just a few tweaks, it went through, so the couple moved into Mark’s garden office, enabling them to stay on site throughout the build.

The extension uses the same timber frame as the original construction, clad with Siberian Larch as a foil to the existing brick.

The master suite is also timber framed but clad in zinc. This cantilevered section provides not only an architectural feature that modernises the exterior of the house, but also a balcony where Eunice and Mark enjoy morning coffee.

When it came to furnishings, it was a case of less is more. ‘We were really keen that this house had no clutter,’ says Eunice. ‘We had so much stuff that slimming it down felt like a weight off our shoulders and now we just have the things that really mean something to us.’

The items kept are perfectly placed – a bespoke dining table made by friends of their son, a collection of mid-century furniture from Mark’s brother-in-law, cushions by their daughter and art by friends. The much-reduced pottery collection is now artfully displayed.

‘I love ceramics, and this is the ideal space to display my collection,’ says Eunice, who is founder of The Clay Studio.

Its quality is in no doubt, but how did they bring it in on time and on budget?

‘Finding win-win solutions for everyone was what made it a success,’ says Mark. ‘We also made a point of giving positive feedback to the whole team at the end of every week,’ smiles Eunice. ‘That – and cake!’

3 FAMILY BATHROOM The tiles add an ornate touch.

Devonstone feature floor tiles, £34sq m, East Grinstead Bathrooms & Kitchens

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big sliding doors Ð itÕs warm and cosy in winter, and ideal for alfresco entertaining in summerÕ 3 MASTER BEDROOM

Triangular windows and a cantilevered balcony add character and the contemporary aesthetic Eunice and Mark were looking for.

Teak bedroom suite, £2,500, Trading Boundaries. Cushion covers, £60, Anokhi.

Ikea’s Radviken armchair, £129, would work here 4

WARDROBE AREA

A floating wall behind the bed conceals a wardrobe and dressing area.

Fitted wardrobes and drawer unit, £7,500, Sliderobes. For similar carved figures, try Silk Road Gallery

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5 EN SUITE The walls and floor are clad in ceramic tile that is rich yet easier to maintain than real stone. Its pattern is emphasised by a glass partition that allows light to pour through.

Solitaire 7020 combination double basin with four drawers, £4,059; Keystone tiles £40.44sq m, both East Grinstead Bathrooms & Kitchens

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NATURE’S FINEST Matt and Alice Cobon have nurtured a 19th-century Dorset farmhouse back to life and created a modern rural idyll FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON

OUTDOOR KITCHEN Throughout the summer, this sunny area is the hub of family life.

Air chair, £119, Jasper Morrison for Magis at Made in Design. Eames DSR side chair, £255, The Conran Shop

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KITCHEN-DINER Warm timber is set against plain white walls, brickwork and marble surfaces.

Kitchen, price on application, deVOL. Aplomb concrete pendants, £336 each, The Conran Shop

DESIGN TIP

‘Don’t hesitate to add a few modern touches to a period house. If you identify with contemporary style it will work in your home, too’ 3 0 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

home truths THE PROPERTY Early-Victorian farmhouse L O C AT I O N Near Lyme Regis, Dorset R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, snug, utility room, garden room, outdoor kitchen, five bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We divide our time between here and in London,’ says Matt.

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att and Alice Cobon had a long wish list for the kind of home they were looking for when they started house-hunting in the West Country. ‘Ideally, we wanted to be in a village that was in easy reach of London but that also felt as if you had escaped to the proper countryside,’ explains Matt.

The couple and their daughters Clemmie, six, and Grace, three, have a home in London, where Alice works in finance. Matt was a fund manager for 20 years, but gave it up three years ago to become the stay-at-home parent. It took the family a year to find their country home: a former Victorian dairy farm with an unconverted barn.

‘We wanted a doer-upper, so the barn made it even more attractive to us,’ Matt says. And as soon as they

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KITCHEN-DINER/ LIVING AREA This space, in the converted barn, has modern rustic style with vintage finds.

Cabinet, price on request, deVOL. Find vintage chairs, from £6o, at Vinterior

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H A L LWAY One of the enticing outside areas is glimpsed through this doorway.

For a similar wooden garden chair, try Forest Garden Saratoga, £122, Argos

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saw the barn, they realised it could be the new hub of their home. Now a large kitchen-diner/living space, it leads out to a seating area and outdoor kitchen, which suits Matt as he’s a keen cook. The kitchendiner is decorated in modern rustic style, while the smaller rooms in the farmhouse itself are a mix of traditional and contemporary.

In the snug, the original flagstones had been hidden beneath carpet and the old fireplace had long since been taken out, so Matt and Alice reinstated it, adding wall panelling in keeping with the age of the farmhouse.

Elsewhere, an inglenook fireplace had been painted in layers of white paint, which they painstakingly stripped back. ‘The house was definitely a diamond in the rough and we tried our best to bring out its lovely old features, while adding vintage furniture and a few modern twists of our own,’ says Matt.

Having stepped away from his career, Matt enjoys the outdoor life that his home offers, including the alfresco kitchen, which comes into its own in the summer. ‘Cooking is my way of being creative and luckily it’s something that all the family can enjoy.’ And there’s also 16 acres of land, including a meadow, to consider. Having transformed the farmhouse into a family home, Matt is ready to spend more time on the outside. ‘I have a dream of making it into a place where we can grow vegetables, fruit and nuts for ourselves and the people who come to stay,’ he smiles.

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SNUG Vibrant blue enhances the traditional style of the new panels.

Atlantic Blue matt emulsion, £18 for 2.5ltr, Dulux, is similar. Shag rug, from £80, The Real Rug Company

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SITTING ROOM A modern light works well here with layers of country-house comfort.

Beat Stout pendant, £815, Tom Dixon

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H A L LWAY This space links the converted barn with the original farmhouse.

Cherry sculpture, £100, John Lewis & Partners, is similar

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

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EN SUITE The couple created this bold space tucked behind a partition wall in their bedroom.

Lucian N bath, £3,400, Copperfield Baths. Victorian Blue metro tiles, £24.50sq m, Ceramic Planet

FUTUR E PLANS ‘We’ve nurtured the house, and now we want to grow organic food in the garden and turn the meadow into a haven for wildlife’

MASTER BEDROOM Copper wall lights bring a hint of modernity to this pale scheme.

Base wall lights, £600, Tom Dixon

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SITTING ROOM

The picture rail and shelves have been painted in the same colour as the walls to create a cocooning effect.

Walls in Rouge II architects matt, £56 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Zennor sofas, from £1,439 each, Sofa Workshop. Try Graham and Green’s bird of paradise cushion, £35

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All in good time

After a transformation that has taken many years, Helen and Daniel Wallace’s beautifully reinstated period home is testimony to their hard work and attention to detail FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

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KITCHEN-DINER

A black wall brings contrast and drama to this otherwise minimal white scheme.

Wall in Rust-Oleum black matt chalkboard paint, £15 for 0.75ltr, B&Q. Units, price on request, Ellis Interiors. Large poppy field rug, £155, French Connection Home

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y An Edwardian semi-detached house L O C AT I O N Nottingham R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, five bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2006 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a two-bedroom house nearby before moving here,’ says Helen.

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b e s t b u y ‘The solid maple squash court flooring we found on eBay. We worked on it every evening for two weeks to remove all the old nails and adhesive’

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SNUG

A vintage bureau and string shelving add a mid-century feel.

Try Mano Mano’s curve arm floor lamp with black marble base, £54.99. The Afaw Berber-style rug, £180, La Redoute, is similar

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hen Helen and Daniel Wallace bought their home in 2006, they’d been living in a two-bedroom property locally with their two-year-old twins, Max and Fraser. ‘I hadn’t worked since they’d been born and budget was an issue, but we needed more room,’ says Helen.

The couple went to view this striking period house, which was in good shape structurally and had a big outside space. However, with its faded 1980s decor it was a far cry from a polished family home. ‘We’d never have been able to afford a property this size if it had been done up, so we decided to go for space rather than condition and take our time doing it up,’ explains Helen.

The couple tackled the old 1950s bathroom and loo first. ‘It was important that we had a functional bathroom, so we knocked through the adjoining wall and fitted a new suite,’ says Helen. ‘Next, we put in a front door that we found in a reclamation yard and commissioned a stainedglass artist to replicate the glazing on the other doors on our street. It was expensive but made such a difference’.

Doing most of the decorating and DIY themselves, Helen and Daniel gradually worked their way through each room replastering, reinstating picture rails, decorating and furnishing. A few years later, they were able to replace the kitchen and change the downstairs layout. ‘We’d have loved to extend with large doors to the garden as I was desperate to get a better connection with the outside,’ explains Helen, ‘but budget wouldn’t allow that, so we

25bh | c it y HALLWAY

‘The original floor tiles are so beautiful, we never tire of them,’ says Helen.

Try the Osborne tiles, price on request, Original Style. B&Q’s Arroll neo-classic four-column radiator, £370, would work here

MASTER BEDROOM

A whimsical feature wall gives this scheme a dream-like atmosphere.

Burnham mural, £37sq m, Murals Wallpaper, is similar. The Monolit bedside table in oak, £409, Natural Bed Company, would suit this setting

BATHROOM

l a s t w o r d ‘Our home was a labour of love, but we now have a well thought out space that hasn’t broken the bank’

Natural green tones evoke a sense of calm.

The vintage French green stacking school chair, £45, Pamono, is similar. Ikea’s Fladis seagrass basket, £13, is a good alternative

made the most of the space we had. We enlisted the help of local firm, Lanston Developments who worked on a neighbour’s extension.’ Knocking through from the playroom into the kitchen made better use of both areas and completely changed the layout of the kitchen. It also created space for a floor-to-ceiling picture window where the sink had been. ‘It was a great alternative to doors and gave us that link to the outside,’ says Helen.

The playroom has evolved with their growing family, which now includes their daughter Heidi, 10. No longer full of toys, the room is now a comfortable snug where the children can have their friends over and the family can watch TV. The dormer on the top floor was recently extended to give Fraser and Max bigger rooms and a shared bathroom. At only two square metres, the bathroom was a bit of a squeeze, but with careful planning the couple managed to fit in the large shower they wanted.

‘It may have taken us a while to get to where we are, but the renovation process has shaped our thinking about our space and how best to live in it,’ says Helen. ‘We now have a beautiful home. Next on the list is to update the family bathroom – we’re back to where we started 14 years ago!’

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DREAM SCHEME

At Big Bathroom Shop, a conceptual approach to modern design is key to achieving a luxury look that is an oasis of well-being

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f all the rooms in the home, the bathroom can be one of the more challenging to design. Not only does it need to stand the test of time, it must be stylish, functional and comfortable. Whether it’s a quick fix for an en suite or a complete bathroom transformation, it’s good to know that Big Bathroom Shop offers a host of inspirational ideas, contemporary suites and exceptional fittings to help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams.

Milano Overton 1830mm doubleended bath, £699.99

MODERN MUSE

Introducing a touch of modern luxury lets you create a serene space that’s good for both body and mind, where clean lines, minimal shapes and contemporary materials (think metal, glass and chrome) work in harmony. At Big Bathroom Shop, everything has been designed with this concept in mind.

FEATURE TARA KING *ADD TENOFF VOUCHER CODE AT CHECKOUT. ONE USE PER ORDER. FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS SEE WEBSITE

UNIQUE APPROACH

Take the stress out of busy mornings with a sleek walk-in shower enclosure, a double vanity unit and streamlined storage solutions. When you’ve got time to pamper, a roll-top bath offers the ultimate luxurious soak. Keep the look chic with chrome fittings or add drama with options from the Milano Elizabeth range, including striking black and chrome taps and exposed shower fixtures. Whatever look you want, Big Bathroom Shop’s unique approach to modern design will ensure you achieve a scheme that’s as stunning as it is innovative.

Milano Overton 1655mm freestanding bath, £674.99

Milano Henley traditional vanity unit with round countertop basin, £359.99

SOUND ADVICE

Not sure where to start? Be reassured that Big Bathroom Shop’s team of experts is on call for advice. Online purchasing is secure, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and fast UK delivery on orders over £295, plus there’s 10% off when spending over £750 with voucher code TENOFF*.

FIND OUT MORE… Visit bigbathroomshop.co.uk for ideas and inspiration or call 0345 122 7569.

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New beginnings Since retiring, a series of happy coincidences led Amanda and John Willmott to their unique home in Devon’s beautiful South Hams FEATURE SHARON PARSONS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

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LIVING AREA

A fresh blue and white scheme unites a variety of different patterns and fabrics, resulting in a relaxed, harmonious feel.

The Previn sofa in Drift linen, from £2,769, Sofa Workshop, has this look. Blue Dachshund cushions, £30 each, Emily Bond. Chelak wool rug in Indigo, £1,095, Oka. Glass curved fire screen, £150, Stovax

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian house, extended and remodelled L O C AT I O N Devon R O O M S Hallway, kitchen/living area, dining room, two bedrooms (both en suite), guest suite with two bedrooms and a bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Georgian house near Bath,’ says Amanda.

HALLWAY

The bright entrance is cladded to match the property’s exterior.

Try Amtico Spacia white ash vinyl floor, from £29.24m, Luxury Flooring

SHEPHERD’S HUT

This charming addition to the garden makes a characterful office.

Shepherd’s hut, from £23,400, Plankbridge

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fter Amanda and John Willmott retired in 2015, they moved to this riverside village in Devon, having had a holiday home here for many years.

‘Previously, we owned a boutique hotel in Bath,’ says Amanda. ‘We lived in a village not far from Bath, but we’d started to wonder what we should do next.’

That was when fate took a hand.

A hotelier unexpectedly came forward with an offer to purchase the hotel, neighbours declared an interest in buying their home... and a house they’d long admired in the heart of an historic Devon village was put up for sale.

‘We know the village really well, having had a holiday home here for almost 30 years,’ says Amanda. ‘We’d spent so much time here with our children, Henry and Poppy, who are now grown up, and

our terrier cross, Billy. When everything fell into place, it felt it was meant to be.’

The house, however, was not as it was meant to be. ‘It was originally a tiny Victorian cottage, but over the years had been remodelled,’ says Amanda. ‘There was a warren of tiny rooms which made everywhere feel dark and cluttered.’

Amanda and John had a clear idea of how they wanted their home to look. ‘We were effectively downsizing,’ says Amanda.

‘So we wanted all of the space to be used.’

Once the work started, the couple stayed in their holiday cottage nearby to oversee the renovation. The footprint of the house was reconfigured to become both practical and more aesthetically pleasing: walls were removed and a new extension built to incorporate a large open-plan living space – with a master suite upstairs – and a conservatory-style

dining room. A separate guest wing was also created at the one end of the house.

After eight months of work, the couple were able to move in. The blank interior canvas invited them to make their mark.

‘While the new plasterwork was “settling”, we decided to paint the house white as a temporary measure,’ says Amanda. ‘But we loved the way it brightened the space. It’s a great backdrop – and doesn’t dominate.’

The open-plan layout meant a lot of the couple’s existing furniture didn’t work.

‘We sold a lot of it at auction and only kept the things we really loved,’ says Amanda.

The sleek new furniture, subtle colour palette and carefully chosen artwork personalise the space without cluttering it.

‘We want this to be an easy home to live in and a pared-back look achieves this,’ says Amanda. ‘It’s a wonderful new way to live in an area we love. We feel very lucky.’

KITCHEN

An all-white design of sleek Shaker-style cabinets and glossy metro tiles creates a clean, contemporary look.

Cabinetry, price on request, Distinctly Living Kitchens. Units in Inox intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

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This bright, orangery-style space is perfect for taking in the amazing views of the river and surrounding countryside.

The Wiltshire solid oak extendable dining table, £519.99, Oak Furnitureland, is a good match.

Ikea’s Ekedalen chairs, £50 each, are similar

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘Our dining room – it’s cosy in winter with its underfloor heating, but in the summer the huge bifold doors open to bring the garden in’ BATHROOM

A statement mirror complements the dramatic curved walls and sloping ceiling.

The antique mirror was bought at Adrian Ager. Brook2 freestanding bath, £1,795; Ellipse wash basin, £365, both Waters Baths of Ashbourne

BEDROOM

The gentle palette evokes a restful mood, while a mix of patterns adds interest.

For similar headboard fabric, try Brockham in Old Blue, £152m, Colefax and Fowler. The Normandy Classic chest of drawers, £475, The French Bedroom Company, has this look

A FINE VINTAGE Ruthie Hudson’s love of bold patterns and antique finds has given this 1930s house a completely new character FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

KITCHEN-DINER

British factory chairs and a more ornate vintage table make for an interesting mix.

Vinterior sells similar chairs, from £100 each. Walls in French Grey Mid flat oil eggshell, £69 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Painting, RH Prints

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SITTING ROOM

Hanging artwork from the picture rail has helped to connect this diverse collection.

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

The Afaw Berber-style rug, £280, La Redoute, is similar

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or someone whose home is filled with artwork, interesting end-of-line fabrics and upcycled furniture, printmaker Ruthie Hudson has an unexpected confession.

‘Secretly, I like the idea of living in a sleek minimalist box,’ she says, ‘but in reality, I’m too sentimental. I enjoy collecting “stuff”, especially things that feel as if they have a back story.’ Her 1930s Lincolnshire house might be short on echoey white spaces but it has plenty of personality.

Ruthie, her husband Michael, who runs a vintage and pre-war car restoration business, and their sons Jasper, eight, and Felix, five, live in the house, which was originally built as accommodation for a police officer, but had been used as storage for many years by the time they viewed

home truths THE PROPERTY 1930s house L O C AT I O N Lincolnshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, garden room, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom, P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a Georgian terrace nearby,’ says Ruthie.

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GARDEN ROOM

Ruthie repainted this vintage cabinet in colours that echo the tones in the wallpaper.

Cabinet in Stable Green oil eggshell, £72 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library and Calamine estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

GARDEN ROOM

A playful wall light adds a flash of contemporary style to this indoor-outdoor space.

Let’s Dance LED neon light, £450, Love Inc

l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘Painting vintage pieces of it. Weeds and plants had taken root in the window frames and the garden was so overgrown that they couldn’t see where it ended. This abundance of space at the back of the property was to become a bonus, though, as it meant that over the next few years the couple could extend the original two-up, two-down building, adding a larger kitchen-diner, a garden room and two bedrooms.

The most dramatic addition to the house is the light and colourful garden room, which is accessed via the open-plan kitchen-diner and the front sitting room, giving the property a circular flow. The room was inspired by a 1969 photograph of David Hockney and Sir Cecil Beaton, 4 6 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

taken in Beaton’s conservatory at Reddish House. ‘Ever since I saw that image of a plant-filled room with an elegant black and white tiled floor I’d thought that I’d love to sit in a space like that,’ says Ruthie.

In her version, leafy fronds drape down from shelves and bold wallpaper adds year-round florals. ‘I was drawn to this pattern because it feels as if there’s no beginning and no end to it,’ she says.

As elsewhere in the house, key pieces of furniture in here are vintage finds.

‘When we were furnishing our first home I kept finding really beautiful pieces of mid-century and second-hand furniture and couldn’t resist buying a few extra items, which I sold in a low-key way for a

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MASTER BEDROOM

An elegant antique side chair adds faded grandeur.

Leopard fringe cushion, £40, The French Bedroom Company

BATHROOM

BEDROOM

A mix of painted and pine furniture creates a relaxed country feel.

Pamono sells old trunks, from around £500 each. Vintage insect poster, price on request, Fun Funky Living.

Print (bottom left), RH Prints

Bold material was used to make the blind, echoing the impact of the classic monochrome tiles.

Jura Stripe fabric, £47.50m, Ian Mankin, would work here.

Octagon floor tiles, £23.98sq m, Target Tiles, are a match. Walls in Ammonite estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

furniture from different eras helps to unite themÕ while,’ explains Ruthie. She progressed from selling to friends to taking pitches at pop-up fairs. ‘This coincided with other couples we knew getting their first homes and wanting to furnish them stylishly but without spending lots of money,’ she adds.

Some of her best finds have been at auctions and more remote barn sales in the countryside: ‘There’s something about the buzz of being at an auction that I love,’ says Ruthie. But other items never made it onto her stall. ‘There were a few things that I put in our house to photograph in order to sell them, but liked them so much that I kept them,’ she says. ‘It wasn’t exactly a hard-nosed business plan.’

Vintage furniture has been re-covered FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

in fabrics Ruthie found on a local market stall. ‘Almost all our chairs, the footstool and a sofa have all been given a new life with end-of-roll materials,’ she explains.

Ruthie now works as an artist and a printmaker, running RH Prints. She makes linocuts using a 19th-century lithograph press. ‘It dates from 1856 so it’s slightly temperamental and results can vary each time I make a print,’ she says. ‘But that lack of identikit perfection appeals to me.

You know that each print is done by hand.’

It’s that love of personality that characterises the couple’s style. ‘Whether it’s furniture, clothes or art, it’s interesting to see signs of a life well lived,’ says Ruthie.

‘That’s what makes a happy home.’

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SITTING ROOM Vintage curtain panels from the US set the mid-century palette.

Vittorio sofa, £999, Made. Walls in Grey Teal absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Starfloral rug, £295, Habitat. Hooper coffee table, £179, Made, is identical

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 1970s apartment in a low-rise block L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom M O V E D I N 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘This is the first home we’ve owned together,’ says Nina.

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FA S H I O N E D B Y T H E PA S T A London flat’s personal backstory inspired Nina and David McNab’s cool interiors revamp FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

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avid McNab and his mother were one of the first families to move into a low-rise block that was part of the Clem Attlee estate in Fulham. Fast forward almost half a century and the very same flat is now a cool home that brings together the colours and key elements of mid-century design.

David moved back here four years ago after his mother died, aged 93. ‘When I first visited this flat, David had started doing some DIY work in here, but in a slightly haphazard way,’ says his wife Nina. ‘There were pots of paint, ladders and sheets of plasterboard all over the place, which he’d long since stopped noticing.’

The couple married last year and Nina, who is a project manager in the civil service, started to think methodically about what could be done. David, a creative director at a TV production company, says: ‘I was happy to hand over the creative reins to Nina. She could see the spaces through fresh eyes.’

One key purchase, which David had made early on, was a set of vintage curtains that hang in the sitting room. The fabric’s grey and lemon-yellow motif complements the equally retro wallpaper that has been used to cover the sides of the staircase and the walls of the hallway and landing.

‘When we met, we discovered we both loved mid-century design and furniture,’ Nina explains. ‘When I was growing up,

KITCHEN Pale blue metro tiles and simple white units make the compact space feel bigger.

Try Ikea’s Metod units, £63 for a base cabinet.

Savoy Leaf Decor wall tiles, £30sq m, Johnson Tiles. Morphy Richards Vector toaster, £35, George at Asda

LANDING A retro-design wallpaper in two colourways is fun and vibrant.

Five Feathers wallpaper, £74 a roll, MissPrint at John Lewis & Partners.

Similar vintage 1960s film poster, from £450, Antik Bar

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MASTER BEDROOM A deep blue wall forms a backdrop for original art and prints.

Walls in Hague Blue estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. JWDA bedside lamps, £180 each, Jonas Wagell for Menu at Nest. Painting (bottom right), Geoffrey Key. Dot cushions, £69 each, Hay at Amara

design advice ‘Choose a favourite fabric, painting or object and thread the colours throughout your scheme’

my mum had several Danish friends, so I was always surrounded by mid-century pieces, which have now come back into style.’

Specialist retro sites such as Vinterior and mid-century interior shows held in London provided the pair with plenty of inspiration. ‘We visit shows, but then I tend to go online to find similar things cheaper,’ says Nina. ‘As it all came together, the aim was to blend classic, cool furniture with the bones of the building.’

One of the first changes Nina initiated was new flooring. Previously, it had been black vinyl tiles and while David knew that laying new flooring through the rooms would help unite the spaces, his initial idea – large slabs of brutalist concrete – was deemed too cold and masculine. ‘The wooden parquet immediately added a warmth – it was transformative,’ he says.

For the bathroom, the couple invested in cement tiles handmade in Morocco. ‘While I spend a lot of time looking for bargains, these tiles were an indulgence but they were undoubtedly well worth it,’ says Nina. There are some contemporary pieces of furniture, but even they keep the mid-century faith in terms of their shapes, while the colours in a Habitat rug echo those of the vintage curtains.

Art is the final ingredient that adds character to areas of this home, from original drawings and paintings to collectable film and TV posters, all of which feel era appropriate. One piece that has sentimental value for Nina is a poster created by the now-celebrated artist Geoffrey Key, who was a good friend of her parents.

‘This is a home that came with its own history and now has the blended belongings from two grown-up lives,’ says Nina. ‘It’s finally ready for a new era – the 2020s.’

LANDING In an area where space is tight, installing a pocket door to the bathroom is a practical solution.

For advice and installation of pocket doors, try Portman GUEST BEDROOM David’s collection of vintage film and TV posters adds retro originality.

Wall in Railings estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

For Tintin posters, £15.95, try Paper Tiger

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GUEST BEDROOM A vintage lamp adds a shot of yellow to the deep grey walls.

A similar desk lamp is the Anglepoise Type 75, £165, Amara.

Kopardal bed frame, £190, Ikea B AT H R O O M The couple invested in cement tiles in a dazzling pattern.

Dandelion tiles, price on request, Marrakech Design.

MPro showerhead, from £219; MPro mixer, £549, both Crosswater

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

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IN THE FRAME

Experimenting with colour and tone in his photography gives the work of Runway Gallery’s Sandro Hyams a unique, contemporary twist

S

andro Hyams’ love affair with photography started at an early age.

Growing up in Africa, he was inspired to pick up a camera but it wasn’t until he moved to London in 1984 that he realised he was good at taking pictures. Mainly self-taught, he claims his biggest education came during a stint as an assistant at Lipstick Studios. ‘I was lucky enough to work with top international photographers and A-list celebrities on exciting advertising campaigns,’ he says. Since then, Sandro has received international acclaim for his contemporary approach to photography and puts his success down to his bold, clean and simple style. Despite still working primarily in London, he moved out of the city two years ago and is now based in Northamptonshire.

FEATURE TARA KING ARTWORK (CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP) BEETLEMANIA, PHILIP TREACY 2, LUI MILAN LIVING ROOM PHOTOGRAPH JONATHAN GOOCH/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

WHAT INFLUENCES YOU?

I’m inspired by old-school photographers.

I don’t believe any photographer is unique as such, but I have been told my style is recognisable. I look to my surroundings as well. Some of my favourite places include the V&A, the Tate Modern and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.

SHARE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS.

I’ll always start by looking through the brief from my client. From this, I’ll create mood boards and order any special equipment or backdrops I think we might need. On the day, I work with a team – assistant, make-up artist and hairdresser – to create the shot. Once it’s complete, I retouch the imagery so certain colours are maximised. If it’s a personal project as opposed to a commission, I’ll sign it off as part of an edition and frame it, otherwise the imagery is sent out to the client digitally.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO COLOUR?

I prefer to work with just one primary colour. For example, a lot of my recent work focuses on lips; bright red set against beautifully clear skin that’s almost white in pallor makes for a striking effect.

DO YOU HAVE A CAREER HIGHLIGHT?

There have been so many, but shooting campaigns for Peroni, L’Oréal and Dior, as well as commissions for Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and Iggy Pop have to be pretty high up the list. I recently shot an exciting project for Fashion Week in a magnificent hotel with no opulence spared. It’s entitled The Day After – think empty champagne bottles, last night’s make-up and general debauchery.

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

I’m quite graphic and linear in my approach. Arranging pieces in a line is a clever way of telling a story with no distractions, while a black frame against a white wall lets the subject truly shine.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE BUYING ART?

Buying artwork is so subjective. I tend to

choose pieces with ‘stop appeal’ and love those that showcase one or two colours, similar to my own photography.

I do keep an eye on up-and-coming artists, but ultimately it’s about going with your heart. Budget is obviously a factor, too – we can’t all afford Picasso!

To buy contemporary work by Sandro Hyams and other artists, visit runway-gallery.com

COMING NEXT MONTH… Since launching last year, Runway Gallery has continued to grow, now housing work from internationally celebrated artists. We find out about the online venture’s approach to showcasing and selling art, as well as the new names set to join.

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OCEAN COLOUR SCENE Ashley Maddox decorated her Cape Town home in hues inspired by its coastal setting FEATURE JANE BOWLES | PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX/ BUREAUX

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LIVING AREA Geometric wallpaper and a contemporary pendant light make strong statement features but are softened by the varied types of natural textiles.

Interior design, price on request, Ashley Maddox at Studio Maddox.

Large Vertigo ceiling light, £770, Constance Guisset. Tessella wallpaper, £105 a roll, Farrow & Ball, has a similar style. Try the Ambara jute rug, £320, Nkuku

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25bh | c oa s ta l f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘The big open-plan kitchen-diner – it’s perfect for entertaining and hosting parties with our friends and neighbours’ KITCHEN-DINER Boldly patterned and mismatched dining chairs create a fun, relaxed feel in this light-filled space.

Mimosa 069 ceiling light, £2,182, Atelier Areti at Nest. Dulwich extending oak dining table, £1,780, Matthew Hilton for Case, has this look. Zuiver Back to School chairs, £97 each, Olivia’s, would work here

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H A L LWAY This colourful collection of bright and characterful pieces sets the tone for the whole decor.

Large artwork by Paul Senyol, price on request. Try the Barracuda sideboard, £356.50, Maisons du Monde

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached contemporary house, built around 1980 L O C AT I O N Cape Town R O O M S Hallway, kitchendiner/living area, five bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in Paris before moving here,’ says Ashley.

LIVING AREA A neutral palette is the perfect backdrop for Ashley’s vibrant accessories.

The Bluebell chaise armchair, £890, Sofa.com, has a similar style. Periscope 073 ceiling light, £273, Atelier Areti at Nest

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MASTER BEDROOM Bifold doors allow the beautiful outdoors to come inside. ‘One of my favourite features of this house is its stunning ocean views,’ says Ashley.

Barcelona daybed, £719, Mies van der Rohe at Pash Classics.

Two Spheres 067 ceiling light, £589, Atelier Areti at Nest.

Atlas Berber rug, £3,995, The Handmade Rug Company, is a close match

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or interior designer Ashley Maddox, buying a beach house in Cape Town was the fulfilment of a long-held dream. ‘I was living and working in Paris at the time, but had lived in South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar in my early twenties, and loved every second,’ she says. ‘I always dreamed of returning.’

In 2013, Ashley decided to make her dream a reality.

Ashley’s favourite area of Cape Town is Bakoven, a small community close to the shore. She decided to rent a holiday house there and embarked upon a property search. ‘I went to view an architect-designed 1980s home overlooking the ocean,’ she says. ‘I walked into the house, saw the views and boom! It was instantaneous.’

The house was structurally sound, but the interior left a lot to be desired. ‘The house had good bones – clean lines, well-placed windows and light oak floors,’ says Ashley. ‘But the walls were a dirty white and the garden was neglected.’

She decided to completely redecorate the interior and remodel the outdoor spaces.

Ashley runs her own Paris-based design studio, Studio Maddox (see more of her work on Instagram at @studio_maddox), so she was keen to focus on the decor.

‘The colour scheme of blues and greens was inspired by the sea, which changes colour over the course of a day,’ she says.

‘All the walls were painted in variants of ocean blue and vibrant fynbos green.’ Ashley also drew inspiration from the unique vegetation found

on Table Mountain, which rises up behind the house.

Describing her decorating style as a mix of French savoir faire and American practicality, Californian-born Ashley has also introduced touches of African-inspired graphics. ‘The artwork and furniture are all things I’ve picked up along the way,’ she says. ‘I prefer sculptural pieces; I like Atelier Areti and I really admire Constance Guisset, who designed the chandelier in the living room and the chairs in the kitchen.’

Her choice of artwork and furniture is also eclectic.

Pieces include an abstract painting by Paul Senyol and graphics from Sister Corita.

‘I try to include things made by hand,’ says Ashley. ‘The kitchen table was made by a local carpenter and the carpets are from Mali and Morocco.’

Finishing touches were added in colourful accents.

‘I fixed navy blue tiles to the exterior walls to help soften the Miami Vice-like boxy lines of the house,’ says Ashley.

Next, Ashley turned her attention to the garden and enlisted the help of landscape designer Franchesca Watson.

‘Franchesca added indigenous plants, a sandpit and a slide,’ says Ashley. ‘We also thinned a 100-year-old tree for our children Eloise, Daphne and Hugo to use as a tree house.’

With the work complete, the family can enjoy their revamped spaces and oceanside setting. ‘There are three small beaches for the kids to paddle in,’ says Ashley. ‘It’s perfect, as they can scramble on the boulders below our house just as the sun is setting.’

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

MASTER BEDROOM ‘The large balcony overlooking the sea is perfect for enjoying sundowners,’ says Ashley.

S553 R chairs, £1,446 each, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Thonet at The Conran Shop

MASTER BEDROOM Blue and green walls match the spectrum of colours in the sea.

For a similar blue wall paint, try Sky Blue absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

Charm offensive With a few smart fixes, Grace Gordon and Matthew Turner have turned their dark and rundown home into a light and roomy haven FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGIA BURNS

KITCHEN Grace and Matthew transformed this narrow space with timeless Shaker-style cabinetry.

Classic Shaker units in Sage, from £745.50, Homebase. Try the Farringdon magazine rack, £40, Garden Trading. The Shotley glass pendant is similar, £144, Jim Lawrence

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home truths THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Sitting/dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were renting a flat in London before moving here,’ says Grace.

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SITTING/DINING ROOM Earthy colours and textures create a warm scheme in here.

Bluebell sofa, from £575, Sofa.com.

Antique brass floor lamp, £49, Dunelm. Carron woodburning stove, £605, Stoves Are Us. Nude line drawings, price on request, Grace Gordon

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hen Grace Gordon and Matthew Turner began looking to buy their first home, they were certain about where they wanted to live. ‘We were renting and working in London and wanted to buy a house there,’ says Grace. ‘We found several properties but, one by one, we were let down by owners or landlords and, 12 months later, we were still no closer.’

As house prices had risen so much in that year, the couple could no longer afford a house in the capital. ‘After researching areas within an hour’s commute of London, we visited a small town in East Sussex and were won over by its charm,’ says Grace.

The house they viewed there ticked all their boxes and, after the viewing, the

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couple decided the two-bedroom Victorian terrace was the perfect starter home. ‘It was small enough to renovate within our budget but big enough to feel like a step up from our flat,’ says Grace. With their offer accepted, they moved in three months later.

The elderly couple who had previously lived in the house had not updated it for quite a long time, so Grace and Matthew replaced the pipework and electrics, and damp-proofed the walls. ‘We also removed a gas fireplace, stripping back to the original brickwork,’ says Grace. Maximising space and light was a priority, but structurally there were limits to what could be done to the Grade II-listed building. ‘The internal character had to remain essentially the same, however we were allowed to replace

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DESIGN ADVICE ‘To create the illusion of space in a small home, try to keep any bulky or dark items below eye level’

the kitchen’s flat roof with a pitched one, and add a skylight and new French doors.’

At the top of the house, Grace utilised her eye for detail to create the illusion of even more space. ‘Our bedroom had very deep windowsills, which were not only a dust trap but also a way to attract clutter, so we decided to remove them,’ she says. ‘The room instantly looked bigger and less fussy.’

Putting in solid wooden window shutters also added to the clean-lined feel that Grace was after. The other factor that makes the house feel deceptively spacious is the walls. ‘I asked the builders to cover the place with white paint as a stopgap,’ says Grace. ‘But it worked so well that we kept it.’

Despite the house looking as though it has gradually evolved over many years, the

couple arrived with virtually no furniture or accessories. ‘We’d always lived in furnished spaces, so we had to buy everything from scratch,’ says Grace. ‘After quickly buying the bed and sofa, we both felt happy to take our time filling up the rest of the house – I think that’s the best way to curate a home, as it makes everything feel meaningful.’

Another thing personal to Grace is the flooring. ‘When we moved here, we were shocked to find that under the downstairs carpets, the floors were concrete,’ she says.

‘I was adamant we needed wooden floors.’

The boards she tracked down were pine planks from a paper factory in Margate. ‘To give the floor extra character, I always tell visitors to bash it about a bit,’ says Grace.

‘High heels are especially welcome.’

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25bh | tow n MASTER BEDROOM Removing the deep windowsills created more space in the bay.

Knightsbridge bed is similar, £880, Sofa.com.

Hammam bed throw/ towel in Flint, £36, Grace Gordon

BEDROOM Elegant shutters and a vintage side table add charm.

Bespoke shutters, Le Louvre. Side table, £30, Lewes Antiques Centre. Cushion in Sutton Navy ticking stripes, £11.69m, Clarke & Clarke

B AT H R O O M Golden plumbing adds glamour to a classic monochrome scheme.

Try the Chatsworth Traditional brushed brass towel rail, £249.95, Victorian Plumbing

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One of a kind

Carl Fitzgerald turned a bland space into a tailor-made home for him and his daughters – with a little professional help FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTDOOR DINING AREA ‘This space is the icing on the cake,’ says Carl.

Marina rectangular table, £3,295; Marina curved chairs, £895 each, all Indian Ocean.

Ribbed glass hurricane lantern, £8.95, Trouva, would work here

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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room/snug, kitchen, family room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I had a Victorian house in nearby Fulham,’ says Carl.

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arl Fitzgerald had been looking for a property in a part of south-west London he loved, when a friend saw a promising house come on to the market. ‘It was in a quiet spot but conveniently close to the high street,’ says Carl. With its elegant rooms, abundance of windows and original features, the Victorian terraced house surpassed his expectations, prompting him to put in a bid, which was successful.

The house had been renovated by a developer and was structurally sound, which was an important consideration for Carl. ‘Having two young daughters, Helena, eight, and Amelie, five, buying a property that needed major building work wasn’t an option,’ he says. ‘With this house, I could direct my budget towards personalising the interior, which was quite bland and unsophisticated.’

Although Carl had an idea of what he wanted, he recognised he would benefit from professional advice and a friend recommended interior designer Gemma GordonDuff from Gordon-Duff & Linton.

As the space that creates the all-important first impression to visitors, the sitting room and snug had to be just right and Carl’s brief to Gemma was for a ‘calm, elegant and sophisticated’ feel. The talking 6 4 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

SNUG Carl wanted a look that wouldn’t date too quickly.

Armchairs, bespoke from Gordon-Duff & Linton.

Joshua Tree side table, £2,296, The Sofa & Chair Company. Revolve floor lamp, £1,788, Bert Frank

SITTING ROOM This space was designed with opulence in mind.

Sofa, bespoke from Gordon-Duff & Linton. Tidal rug, from £1,853, The Rug Company

F A M I LY R O O M ‘My two girls really love hanging out in here,’ says Carl.

Aston chair and footstool, £7,550, Linley

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H E L E N A’ S BEDROOM This ‘princess’ bedroom will need few adaptations as Helena grows up.

Fly voile (over bed), £60m, Zimmer & Rohde. Clear crystal mini crescent wall light, price on application, Tigermoth Lighting

AMELIE’S BEDROOM Pastels and portholes create a cute scheme.

Children’s DSW-style dining set, £110, Stone Butterfly, is similar.

Try the Tony task desk lamp, £25, John Lewis & Partners

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design advice ‘Treat the house as one cohesive whole so everything has continuity and flow’ point here is surely the pink portrait that sits royally atop the mantelpiece and is a quirky counterpoint to the wall colour and rich furnishings.

‘I have a few bold art pieces and Gemma fitted them perfectly into the overall scheme while allowing them to shine,’ says Carl.

Equally important were the children’s bedrooms, where Carl wanted a look that was both beautiful and practical, and which suited his daughters’ individual personalities. ‘I took my lead from the girls themselves, who both loved being part of the creative process,’ says Gemma. ‘For Amelie’s room we built a den combined with bunk bed that has playful touches, such as the portholes on two sides. Helena gave me a brief of a “castle in the sky”, which inspired magical elements like a fairy-lit voile awning.’

The family room is special, too.

With a modular sofa and cosy rug, it follows the lines of a conventionally sociable space but the nook at the rear of the room is what some might term a ‘man cave’. A voluptuously curved armchair and footstool are flanked by glazed light wells and overlooked by a neon ‘Las Vegas’ sign that Carl already owned.

Even outdoors, style wasn’t forgotten, with a barren square patch landscaped to create a sociable dining area. ‘In summer, this is my favourite spot,’ says Carl. ‘It’s amazing how, in a small space like that, you can create such a haven.’

So how does Carl feel about the finished project? ‘I was always aware that the bones of the property were great and that it just needed help to make something interesting of it,’ he says. ‘Most important for me is that the girls absolutely love it and every time I come home it brings a smile to my face.’

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MOVING FORWARD

After losing her husband, Tracy Nors threw all her energies into renovating a period terrace in the pretty town of Rye FEATURE AMY MAYNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

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KITCHEN-DINER A scheme of blue and white creates a fresh feel.

Units in Inchyra Blue and Purbeck Stone estate eggshell, both £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Copper round pendant, £295, Tom Dixon at Heal’s. Scintilla floor tiles, £22.63sq m, Tiles Direct. Special Green metro tiles, £1 each, Milagros

home truths THE PROPERTY A mid-terrace cottage, built in 1905 L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/art studio, cloakroom, two bedrooms, bathroom, study/bedroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I was renting a converted barn in Kent,’ says Tracy.

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rtist Tracy Nors was living in a rented house in Kent when, four years ago, her husband Jesper tragically died. The couple had been looking to buy a house and she and Jesper had been waiting to make a decision on a school for their son Indigo, now 13. They had finally decided on a school near Rye, but when Jesper sadly passed away shortly afterwards, Tracy was left with the task of finding a home near Rye. Tracy thought a renovation project might be a helpful distraction and when she saw the cottage that was to become her home, she knew it was the right one for her and Indigo. ‘It had some nice original features and was close to the centre of town,’ she says.

Everything went smoothly until the day of moving. ‘The removal man turned up and he could see the owner serving dinner in her kitchen,’ says Tracy. ‘She hadn’t packed up because of a problem down the chain.’ So Tracy and Indigo had to stay with a friend till completion, five days later.

Once in, Tracy wasted no time in getting to work. She had the bathroom refurbished, the kitchen updated and the house redecorated. Having lived in Denmark with Jesper for several years, Tracy was influenced by Scandi style, as is evident in the painted floorboards in the sitting room and the pale

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘I absolutely love the bathroom because it’s such a

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SITTING ROOM Pale grey walls and woodwork provide a sophisticated backdrop for Tracy’s artwork and ornaments.

Nathan round glass-top coffee table, £945, Lee Longlands, would suit this space. Walls in Purbeck Stone estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. To view Tracy’s artwork visit tracynors.com

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ST U DY/ B E D RO O M Tracy utilised half of the guest room as an office and opted for a transparent desk to create an light, open feel.

Gala clear glass desk, £375, Habitat, is similar. Hailey swivel chair, £149, Made

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INDIGO’S BEDROOM This is a calm and creative space.

Beaver blanket, £77, Maisons du Monde, is comparable. Try the Ledger dark stain ash bed, £499, Made

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backdrop in the main spaces. ‘The kitchen cabinets were solid, so I simply repainted them, adding a new sink, worktop, tiles and flooring,’ she says.

For the joinery and renovation, Tracy used a joiner but did most of her own painting – including the spindles on the four flights of stairs. ‘Every spindle had to be rubbed down and given two coats of undercoat and two top coats,’ she says. ‘I did it all myself until the top floor, when I ran out of steam and got people in.’

The sitting room is painted in cool greys with splashes of colour, notably in the original fireplace tiles. And all around the walls are Tracy’s eclectic collection of artwork, including some of her own abstract paintings.

Tracy transformed the master bedroom by adding a large ornate bed and vivid blue accents. And in the bathroom, the old tub was replaced with a beautiful bateau bath and bold vinyl floor tiles. The sink console is a customised piece of furniture inherited from Tracy’s mother.

But achieving a much-loved stylish home had its perils. ‘We had a lot of bare floorboards with nails jutting out,’ says Tracy. ‘I kept having to pull them out to stop us cutting our feet on them.’ But she is proud of what she has done with the house. ‘It was like 11 months of therapy,’ says Tracy. ‘I’ve now grown to really love this place.’

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beautifully sunny space, and being an enormous room it feels luxurious’ 6&7

B AT H R O O M This space was totally redesigned and is now the perfect mix of contemporary and vintage – thanks to an antique vanity unit that has been adapted for a washbasin and tap.

Roll-top bath, from £1,480, BC Designs.

Parquet Charcoal floor tiles, £47.35sq m, Neisha Crosland at Harvey Maria.

Woodwork in Cord estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Truman round wall lights, £118 each, Graham and Green. Painting by Tracy Nors

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MASTER BEDROOM An extravagant king-size bedframe creates the wow factor here.

Rococo French Antique bed, £569, Crown French Furniture. Brooklyn wall lights in brass, £35 each, Industville.

For a similar lampshade, try the Tab, £80, John Green

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A FRESH APPROACH A luxe look reminiscent of a smart hotel is achieved in Stuart Cousins and Kevin Newitt’s newly extended home FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR

LIVING AREA

The alcove shelving is painted to match the kitchen cupboards.

Shelves in French Grey intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Jarris cushions, £219 each, Missoni Home at Amara

KITCHEN-DINER

The staggered extension draws light from all directions, creating a variety of zones.

Chichester table, £975, Neptune.

Rothschild & Bickers pendants, £485 each, Eleni Shiarlis

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 1950s detached house L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, study, cloakroom, three bedrooms (two en suite), two dressing rooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘A bungalow we’d renovated in West Sussex,’ says Stuart.

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KITCHEN-DINER

‘The island is designed around a single slab of marble-effect quartz,’ says Stuart.

Shaker kitchen, £40,000, Simon Benjamin. Island in Royal Navy intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

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ver the years Stuart Cousins and Kevin Newitt have enjoyed renovating various homes, but this large 1950s detached house created a new challenge.

The project came about over brunch one day in Brighton. ‘Kevin and I had moved to a village near here 15 years before,’ Stuart says. ‘But we really enjoyed the buzz of the city that day and I liked the idea of moving back to the area.’

After settling on nearby Hove, the couple found this property. ‘I thought the interior was rather gloomy,’ says Stuart, ‘but we fell in love with the huge garden.’

The couple moved in in June 2016, landscaping the garden first and then waiting while they saved up to do the rest

of the work. ‘This five-bedroom house was a daunting project,’ says Stuart. ‘I decided that a classic look, with the feel of a smart boutique hotel, would sit well with the architecture and wouldn’t date.’

He worked out a new layout, observing how the light fell throughout the day. A study, master bedroom and a hankering for a dressing room and bathroom each, meant losing two first floor bedrooms. Downstairs needed rethinking, too, to solve the problem of lack of light, so Stuart hired local architects, Morton Scarr to help.

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SITTING ROOM

‘Our winter lounge has the feel of a traditional club,’ says Stuart. ‘Chocolate brown walls were a daring choice but look very effective.’

Walls in Walnut matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Neptune

design tip ‘Investing in a lighting designer was such a good decision and the results have been one of the success stories in our project’ SITTING ROOM

‘We already had this painting and knew the colours would work perfectly here,’ says Stuart..

McCow by Sam Fenner is similar, £150, Art Gallery.

Zoe’s side table, £140, igigi

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MASTER BEDROOM

Well-planned lighting creates the feel of a luxury hotel room.

Azumi Reader light, £150, Astro Lighting. Try Circle mirror, £100, John Lewis & Partners

KEVIN’S EN SUITE

Black fittings complement the plain and patterned tiles.

Park Acero tiles, £88.51sq m; Dover Antique wall tiles, £75.73sq m, all Porcelanosa

KEVIN’S EN SUITE

A 3D design tool was used to check how the layout worked.

Vicenza Piccolo bath, £1,332, Leaneys of Lancing

all day.’ Lighting designer Eleni Shiarlis proved invaluable, helping the couple think about how they would use each room and display art and ornaments.

By the time the builder Ross Murley from Minton Young started work in September 2018, Stuart had the design details nailed. ‘I knew where the bed or the sofa would go and Eleni’s plans detailed all the lights and switches in the right places,’ he says. ‘Kevin and I didn’t know how the scheme would come together until we moved in, but the builders understood the need for the finer details and its end result is incredible.’

The couple settled on a Shaker-style kitchen, and found local furniture maker Simon Benjamin to build it. ‘He worked

off our plans and measured-up when the extension shell was finished,’ says Stuart.

Fitted elements, such as wardrobes and shelves were custom-made by Hixon Bespoke, while other pieces of furniture, like Neptune’s dining table, chairs and stools, were repainted to match the new scheme: taupe neutrals with hints of warmth in dark blues and brown.

‘I love Kelly Hoppen’s calm and classic signature taupe as it works well with my tendency towards traditional styles, like our gentleman’s club-inspired sitting room, and the marble and taps in my bathroom,’ says Stuart. ‘Two years of planning was worth it. Our home has a lovely warm and relaxing feel that’s luxurious without being ostentatious.’

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Joolz and Tim Wright updated their rambling family farmhouse with a relaxed style on a strict budget FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGIA BURNS

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1 KITCHEN Joolz incorporated the original stone fireplace into this fresh new scheme.

Units, price on request, Howdens. Try Nymo pendant, £32, Ikea. Similar stools, £225 pair, Etsy 2 & 5 DINING ROOM/SNUG The table is a potting bench that Joolz painted, while the snug is perfect for her ‘me time’.

Tolix-style chairs, £69 each, Cult Furniture.

Muse Union Jack poster, from £4.99, eBay 3 SUMMER HOUSE A pastel colour scheme adds a lighter touch.

Try Coalbrookdale garden chair, £140, ManoMano 4 OUTDOOR ROOM ‘This is such a great space to enjoy when friends come round,’ says Joolz.

Oxford rattan dining set, £1,999, The Clearance Zone

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1 FAMILY ROOM ‘Being naturally dark, the house suits deeper tones that make it feel more cosy,’ says Joolz, ‘particularly in this room, where I was aiming for a masculine feel with soft touches.’

Primiano tub chair, £152.99, Wayfair, would work here. Walls in Moonlight Dance emulsion, £21 for 2.5ltr, Valspar 2 SITTING ROOM A blue theme, highlighted with bold accents of yellow and brass, runs through this scheme.

Harrington sofa in Lumino Midnight Blue, from £1,295, Barker & Stonehouse. Yukata Blossom wallpaper, £150 a roll, The House of Artusa.

Yeoman County woodburner, from £1,310, StovesAreUs. Cowhide rug, £175, Lambland

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached 1800s farmhouse L O C AT I O N Derbyshire R O O M S Sitting room, family room, dining room/snug, kitchen, boot room, cloakroom, outdoor room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom M O V E D I N 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a cottage in a nearby village,’ says Joolz.

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wo decades ago, with Joolz and Tim Wright’s young family outgrowing their cottage, the couple realised they needed more space – and luckily the solution was close at hand. Tim’s parents wanted to downsize so they swapped their farmhouse for a smaller home on the farm, while Joolz, Tim and their three children moved in.

‘Without wanting to change

the character of the farmhouse, which was structurally sound, the priority was to turn it into a modern family home,’ says Joolz.

‘The warren of tiny rooms and the fact that the house is set into a hillside made it very dark.’

To help give their home a more open feel the couple knocked down a wall between the sitting room and kitchen to create a large family space. And over the next 10 years they

installed new central heating and wiring, and removed features such as the 1970s fireplaces. ‘In the family room, we built an inglenook with woodburner, which turned it into a lovely cocooning space,’ says Joolz. Upstairs, two box rooms and a cloakroom were reconfigured to become the master bedroom with en suite.

But perhaps the most considered alteration was that

of the kitchen, which was given an overhaul five years ago. ‘The enormous stone fireplace is not just a beautiful feature, it has been the heart of this house since it was built, so we knew we had to construct the new kitchen around it,’ says Joolz.

Many other aspects of the house have been changed, but the one constant has been the colour scheme. ‘I’ve always loved earthy hues so it’s remained what 2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 7 7

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1

I call mid-tone neutral,’ says Joolz. ‘Being naturally dark, the house suits those deeper tones as they make it feel more cosy.’

Having a fashion design background, Joolz enjoyed creating themed guest bedrooms. One has a French country house feel, while the other is in stark contrast. ‘I was aiming for a boudoir feel,’ says Joolz, ‘hence the moody floral mural.’ And, with just one of the 78 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

children, Harvey, 19, still at home, Joolz has more time to spend in her favourite space of all, the snug in the corner of the dining area. ‘This is known as my “vinyl corner” as it’s where I get to play my old records in peace,’ she says. ‘When you’ve spent the last 20 years transforming your home, I think you deserve somewhere to relax, don’t you?’

But Joolz can’t wait for the

warmer weather to enjoy the family’s latest addition, their outdoor room – their own take on a loggia – complete with rattan furniture and woodburning pizza oven. ‘I love being outdoors and this room has the best sunset views as it faces west,’ she says.

Understandably proud of the home she has created with Tim, Joolz takes satisfaction from knowing that everything

done has been on a budget, with much of the furniture and accessories sourced from charity and antiques shops, car-boot sales, and online auctions. ‘I’ve repainted most of the items myself,’ says Joolz. ‘I love transforming what might have started out as a piece of junk into something quite pleasing. It’s about giving things a new lease of life – which, I guess, is what we’ve done with this house.’

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

3

1 GUEST BEDROOM ‘I went for a moody boudoir look,’ says Joolz.

Similar floral mural, £37sq m, Murals Wallpaper.

Mini Marie Therese chandelier, £48, Iconic Lights 2 SHOWER ROOM ‘This space combines my favourite elements of rustic and glamour,’ says Joolz.

Wood-effect tiles, £19.95sq m, Walls and Floors 3 EN SUITE Lizard-pattern wallpaper adds a quirky touch.

Komodo wallpaper, £130 a roll, Osborne & Little at Designer Wallpapers. Bath panel painted in Malm matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5ltr, Fired Earth 4 CLOAKROOM A deep colour works beautifully in a small space.

Try Pegase basin, £129.99, Marble Mosaics. Walls in Down Pipe estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

MASTER BEDROOM

A lustrous wall covering brings a subtle touch of glamour.

Casadeco Art Nouveau wallpaper is similar, £44.45 a roll, Wallpaper Direct. Dunelm’s Brass Ball table lamps, £15 each, have this look. Tasselled throw, £65, The British Blanket Company

4

2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 7 9

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WELL C ON N EC TE D Amy Brandhorst’s apartment in an old piano factory brings sociable living to Berlin’s bright young things FEATURE JULIET BENNING PHOTOGRAPHY ANNE-CATHERINE SCOFFONI

LIVING AREA The neutral scheme is lifted by pockets of bright primary colours.

Loaf’s Squishmeister sofa, from £1,645, would work here. For a similar rug, try the Epperson shag cream, £34.99, Wayfair. Royal Academy Summer Exhibition poster by Donald Hamilton Fraser, Royal Academy of Arts

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home truths THE PROPERTY Apartment in a renovated piano factory L O C AT I O N Kreuzberg, Berlin R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms M O V E D I N 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, I lived in a traditional building in the same neighbourhood,’ says Amy.

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or Amy Brandhorst, an enterprising young interior designer, Berlin has always had a strong pull. Brought up in London, Amy first fell in love with the city when she was a student on her exchange year. Upon graduating, she returned to embark on a career in property, which swiftly morphed into interior design services for her agency’s clients. ‘I’d learnt to speak German and I was attracted by the low cost of living and lifestyle well suited to artistic temperaments,’ says

Amy. ‘If you’re a creative person and you work hard, you can get where you want to go.’

Attracted to the buzzing Kreuzberg district, Amy’s first rental was a traditional altbau or ‘old building’. ‘My heart was set on a period property and Berlin’s older architectural style had a romantic appeal,’ she explains.

However, when a room became available in an apartment in a renovated piano factory, Amy was quick to act. ‘I used to visit a friend there and I knew the owner so I got in touch,’ she

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says. Several years of contented living later and Amy is one of the oldest members of the flat, now sharing with three Germans and one Scot.

‘It was a real change living in a modernised building, but I appreciate the functional style and the way light comes in,’ she says.

The piano factory was built in the early 20th century and the exposed brick walls and barrel-vaulted ceilings recall its original use, while floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a leafy courtyard. The apartment is arranged 8 4 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

around one huge living area that contains the living, kitchen and dining areas, with bedrooms on either side. ‘Despite the size, it can actually feel like an intimate social space,’ says Amy. When Amy moved in, much of the furniture was already in place, but she was eager to add her stamp. ‘What was missing was colour, so I included injections of it everywhere,’ she says. ‘Especially with plants and vases.’

Amy, whose distinctive style can be seen on Instagram Amy@Amybhorst, is interested in

b e s t b u y ‘The Louis Poulsen pendant lights above the dining table.

They drastically change the setting, bringing a 1980s feel’

DINING AREA White walls and furnishings are softened by the warmth of the exposed brickwork ceiling and natural wood floorboards.

Louis Poulsen PH 4/3 pendant lights, £385 each, dmlights. The Vitra Eames DAR armchair, £355, Heal’s, would suit this scheme. Try the Matthew Hilton for Case Furniture Eos rectangular table, £598, The Conran Shop

25bh | c it y the effect design can have on mood, and reveals that the blue tones in her bedroom were chosen for their soothing qualities. ‘Anything that represents water triggers a calming sensation,’ she says. The photo above her bed chimes with the scheme’s aquatic hues. ‘It was taken from the top of a hotel in Singapore and although the ships are huge, they look miniature. I treasure it.’

Much of Amy’s creativity begins in the numerous flea markets of Berlin. ‘I find colour

inspiration in old book covers and magazines.

People had a different relationship with colour in the past, so often you can create something quite unique,’ she notes. With a canny knack for unearthing furniture design classics online, the thriving second-hand scene has enabled Amy to bring a chic yet affordable look to the apartment. Having moved into the flat-share unknowingly on a trial basis, it’s obvious to see she has become a permanent resident.

BEDROOM Amy says that ball-shaped objects have been scientifically proven to make humans feel more at ease. ‘As soon as I learnt that, I started seeing them everywhere and now I collect them,’ she says.

Photograph by Robbie Lawrence. Made’s Liana bed, £799, is a good alternative. Try the Ronnie table lamp in Teal, £36, John Lewis & Partners

8 6 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

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

p r o m o t i o n a l f e at u r e | 25bh

Alfresco f looring Transform your outdoor space for summer with a fabulous design from Topps Tiles

A

s we head into summer, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor surfaces – which often get neglected compared to those inside our homes. Topps Tiles is here to make sure your outside space receives some love this season, so you can enjoy it in style, come rain or shine.

Whether you’re looking to revamp a large garden and create a smooth indoor-outdoor transition, or you want to update a bijou city balcony, this is the moment to make your alfresco space beautiful.

DURABLE DECKING

The Everscape wood-effect range from Topps Tiles is the clever new alternative to traditional decking.

The wooden decking you’re used to seeing may look great, but in some cases it can be difficult to maintain and slippery in our unpredictable weather. However, Everscape woodeffect porcelain plank tiles offer all the style of decking, but with a host of extra benefits. The hard-wearing properties of porcelain give these plank tiles stain-, slip- and even frost-resistance, meaning they’ll thrive in your outdoor space for years to come. Speed is another benefit, as the flooring is supported by a specialised brush-in grout that is 10 times faster then typical manual mortar application, leaving you more time to enjoy your decked-out space.

Everscape wood-effect outdoor tiles, £56.24sq m, are available in Walnut, shown here and far below, and Oak, below

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT

P R E T T Y PAV E R S

The Topps Tiles Everscape range offers much more than just decking.

Within the collection, you’ll also find a selection of stone-effects, emulating classic garden slabs. There’s a huge variety of sizes and colours on offer so you can find the perfect option for the look you want. Plus, these tiles can be integrated into the landscape by dry laying in grass, gravel or sand – no skilled labour required.

And they are light enough for easy repositioning. Brilliant all around.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To be inspired by the whole range, visit toppstiles.co.uk or head to a Topps Tiles store – there are over 350 located across the UK

2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 8 7

HIGH DRAMA A monochromatic palette and striking artwork inject a bold look into Sophie Bland’s family home FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY EMMA LEWIS

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home truths

SITTING ROOM The starting point for this neutral scheme was the arresting portrait printed onto a canvas.

Womb chair and ottoman by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Studio, £7,764, Nest. Similar nesting coffee tables, Aula, £399, Made. Chair upholstered in Fab 4 Medium Taupe tapestry fabric, £250 per 143cm repeat, Andrew Martin. Bespoke canvas, 60LondonRoad

THE PROPERTY Detached house, parts of which date to the 1930s L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, office, seven bedrooms (two en suite), dressing room, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a converted barn nearby,’ says Sophie.

2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 8 9

25bh | c o u ntry H A L LWAY Woodwork painted black enhances the glamour of the chequered floor.

XXL Ledbury lanterns, £725 each, Fritz Fryer

DINING AREA Keeping the windows bare gives this space a fresh look.

DSW plastic side chairs in Deep Black by Charles and Ray Eames, £375 each, The Conran Shop

l a s t w o r d ‘I’m one of those people who always lugs back pieces from their travels, including an entire dinner service from Vietnam!’

KITCHEN The existing country-style scheme was updated with black walls and a new tiled splashback behind the Aga. For a similar kitchen, see the Classic range by John Lewis of Hungerford. Almond honed limestone, from £41.99sq m, Mandarin Stone, is a comparable stone floor

9 0 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

DINING ROOM Sophie has deftly mixed dramatic antiques with more modern-classic pieces.

Henley dining chairs, £430 each, Neptune

LANDING An antique Chinese bench offers a striking symmetrical display.

Vinterior has a large selection of sunburst mirrors

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alking into the rather impressive chequered marble hallway of this Hampshire house, Sophie Bland was immediately struck by its sense of space and grandeur. ‘It ticked so many boxes, not least the fact that it would enable each of our four children to have their own bedroom for the first time,’ she recalls.

The only problem was that Sophie’s husband, Toby, and their children – Jemima, now 17, Lucy, 15, Jordy, 13 and Fergus, 10 – weren’t quite so taken with the space. ‘They loved the converted barn we were living in nearby, which we had originally bought when we were based in Hong Kong,’ Sophie explains. ‘They were reluctant to give up the large living area.’

In order to bring her family round to the idea, Sophie, who trained as an interior

MASTER BEDROOM A vintage G Plan dressing table picked up at Sunbury Antiques Market brings a retro touch to this restful space.

Henrietta bed, from £2,200 for a king size, Feather & Black

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

designer and ran her own business in Hong Kong, took the unusual step of treating all her family members as her clients. ‘I interviewed each of them at length,’ she laughs. ‘I asked them detailed questions about what they loved about the old house and what they wanted from the new one.

I came to the conclusion that we needed to open up the ground floor to recreate the feeling of flow we had in our former home.’

Originally, the key spaces were all accessed individually from the hallway, so Sophie decided to knock through from the kitchen to the dining room and from the dining room to the sitting room, giving the sense of an enfilade.

For the first time, Sophie decided it was time to embrace colour – notably black.

‘I had always wanted to decorate with a monochromatic palette,’ she explains. ‘This

house has so much natural light that I felt it could carry the look really well.’

The result has proved transformative, with black walls turning the dining room into a dramatic – and intimate – entertaining space and adding an edgy feel to the existing country-style kitchen.

Fortunately, the family’s possessions lend themselves beautifully to the new schemes.

‘We had so much furniture that we really didn’t need to buy anything,’ says Sophie, who has deftly mixed the old with the new, and the quirky with the classic. Many of the antiques are oriental, nodding to the Blands’ 20 years spent living in Hong Kong.

Sophie has not only given these antiques a new chapter but also this home, imbuing it with a bold new look that is both refreshing and chic. ‘We all love it now,’ she says. ‘It is amazing what a bit of dark paint can do.’

MASTER EN SUITE The serene and elegant proportions of this room are enhanced by a mirror from Lots Road Auctions.

The Millbrook double ended cast iron bath, £925, The Cast Iron Bath Company, is a comparable piece

GARDEN

The space is cleverly designed in receding sections – decking, seating, hedge, lawn and a raised bed – to create the illusion of extra depth.

Seating in Palma Outdoor, £120m, Michael Szell at Christopher Farr Cloth

home truths THE PROPERTY Double-fronted Victorian house L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, playroom, kitchen-diner/living room, study, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller house nearby,’ says Cheryl.

A new angle

Cheryl and Andy Taylor’s unusually shaped home is a triumph thanks to clever design and a bold use of glass FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MERRELL

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HALLWAY

Walls and a section of floor were removed to create a double-height space below, emphasised by the cluster of quirky pendant lights.

Cornwall tiles, £318.19sq m, London Mosaic, are similar.

Jeeves and Wooster pendant lights by Jake Phipps for Innermost at Nest, from £175.

SITTING ROOM

‘We try to keep this room as a grown-up space,’ says Cheryl.

Airdrie chairs in Red velvet, price on request, George Smith.

Gardiner footstool, from £350, Arlo & Jacob

DINING AREA

The upholstered chairs make a strong statement in the all-white decorating scheme.

Chairs re-upholstered in Butterfly Parade by Christian Lacroix, £95m, TM Interiors

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heryl and Andy Taylor approached the task of renovating their London home from two different angles. They have peeled back the folds of its formal Victorian cloak to reveal something sharper and altogether more intriguing. Their masterstroke was slicing decisively through the house’s traditional core, inserting sections of glass and hard, crisp lines, so that the once buttoned-up 19th-century spaces now flow with renewed energy.

Although not immediately obvious, the floor plan of this handsome double-fronted house is more trapezium than rectangle.

The result is that the house’s two exterior

side walls gently angle inwards, finally meeting in a point at the end of the garden.

Given his work as a town plannerturned-property developer, Andy was unfazed by this. ‘I’m used to finding solutions to unusual problems and breathing new life into old buildings,’ he says. Cheryl, who is a surgeon, was less blasé. ‘Frankly, the irregular angles were a bit scary and had already put off several other buyers,’ she says.

But neither one is in the habit of shirking a challenge. And Andy’s philosophy – to work with the problem, rather than trying to disguise it – has paid off. ‘In the end, the wall angles were the driving force behind the house’s redesign,’ he says. The 2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 93

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MASTER BEDROOM

This loft conversion suite is a sophisticated but fun space.

Painting by Lynn Rodgie from the Affordable Art Fair, Battersea. Nixon alpaca throw, £345, Jonathan Adler

KITCHEN

Andy had the idea of cutting away the ceiling to create a double-height atrium. ‘Glass, glass and more glass makes it all flow,’ says Cheryl.

Bespoke kitchen by Smallbone, painted in Light Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

BATHROOM

decor ating tip ‘Don’t be afraid

to add pops of colour or witty surprises that will make people look twice’

tapered, almost triangular floor spaces seemed to be crying out for a new central staircase. Which, in turn, naturally divided the lower ground floor into two zones – kitchen-diner and living area.

Sometimes, the meeting of old and new is near-seamless: the tiles laid in the newly widened hallway have a touch of Victoriana, but are in punchier hues than would have been seen in the 1880s. But glass is the mainstay of this renovation, used for picture windows on each landing, bifolds and balustrades. Andy’s boldest move was removing two walls and a floor to create a double-height atrium to allow for ‘a dramatic dining space, where light can pass 9 4 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

Tiles with an irregular finish bring iridescence. ‘Even in a small space, texture adds a layer of interest,’ says Cheryl.

Duravit Vero washbasin, £379, CP Hart, has the same look

into every corner,’ says Cheryl. ‘Our boys, Barnaby, four, and Laurence, two, know what they can and can’t do – no throwing and no climbing are firm house rules.’

The fun feel in their family-friendly space is fostered by pops of neon, flocks of pink flamingos and Lacroix butterflies. In a corner of the living area, there is a set of framed photos that show ‘before’ and ‘after’ house images. The lower ground floor is unrecognisable. ‘It was dank and dark,’ says Cheryl. ‘The only things that glittered were layers of tin foil stuck on the walls – I’m not sure why…’ What they are sure of is that this gleaming, glass-enhanced update could not have been a more successful solution.

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

SAVE

rare | unusual | exciting

£28

Make a statement with attention demanding Giant Delphiniums

GIANT DELPHINIUMS

They fill borders and pots with striking structure and form and are the perfect specimen to add to your garden to create the informal cottage garden feel. From June, towering above other plants nearby glorious flowers emerge from tight buds on stately spires. Each smothered in iridescent double blooms, which create maximum elegant impact year after year. They also last well once cut and make magnificent flower arrangement specimens. Maximum Height 2m and spread 40cm. Supplied as young plants from May.

HOW TO ORDER

• Cut out order form and post orders to: BH Reader Offer, PO BOX 2020, Pershore, WR10 9BP • To order online visit https://www.hayloft.co.uk/ROBH • To order by phone call 01386 426 245

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YD5

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Giant Delphinium Mix × 10 SAVE £6

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YD20

Giant Delphinium Mix × 20 SAVE £28

£20.00 P&P

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THE GOOD LIFE

A desire for sustainability led Marnie Hawson to transform her beautiful home with ethical lifestyle choices FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON

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home truths

F A M I LY R O O M Photographs, artwork and a taxidermy pheasant – a family heirloom from King Island, where Marnie’s mum grew up – add quirky personality to this space.

Get Stuffed sells bird specimens like this, price on request. HK Living’s teak coffee table, €199, is similar

THE PROPERTY Detached, single-storey cottage built in the 1890s L O C AT I O N Riddells Creek, an hour from Melbourne, Australia R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, family room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, outside den and barn P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a motor home travelling through the UK and Europe,’ says Marnie.

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25bh | c o u ntry l e s s o n s l e a r n t ‘Plan a renovation, don’t make it up as you go. And plant a garden early – it takes time to mature’

DINING AREA A stripped-back scheme allows the beautiful patina of the old wooden table and chairs to stand out.

1930s Czech Thonet chairs, AUD$200 each, Fossil Vintage. Sahara rug, AUD$1,950, Armadillo & Co

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F A M I LY R O O M Marnie hung the pendant light and macramé planter at a lower height to create a sense of cosiness and balance in this large space.

Dutchess pleated pendant light, AUD$495, Zaffero

F

or environmental scientist, turned interiors, travel and lifestyle photographer Marnie Hawson, her personal journey is all about embracing a sustainable existence. ‘I live by the words of Bea Johnson, “every time we make a decision, we have the power to support a practice that is sustainable, or one that is not”,’ she says. ‘It’s a conscious

lifestyle shift – being mindful and doing good for the planet is important to me.’

The weatherboarded cottage that Marnie shares with her husband, Ryan, and their Miniature Pinscher, Dexter, is an intimate space that reflects these beliefs.

‘We wanted an old country property with soul, quirks, character and history,’ she says.

Returning from a year travelling through

Europe, the couple’s new house gave them the roots they were craving. ‘Everything in our home is second-hand, upcycled or from businesses who value natural materials, ethical workmanship and sustainability,’ says Marnie. ‘My ethos is buy once and buy well.’

Nestled in the historic town of Riddells Creek, an hour from Melbourne, the house is situated on the main street, where wild

BEDROOM Old post office drawers are now useful storage spaces.

Try Maison du Monde’s Edison metal industrial cabinet in Black, £464.50

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KITCHEN Concrete worktops and a utilitarian pendant light create an urban chic feel.

Large narrow pleat pendant light, £220, deVOL. Daisy weave rug, AUD$220, Armadillo & Co

geese meander. The front veranda enjoys views across to a lake and large paddock, and from the back up to the Macedon Ranges.

‘We’re surrounded by wildlife,’ says Marnie.

When the pair bought the house, complete with original panelling and a freestanding bath, it was structurally sound.

‘We updated spaces with a palette of stony greys, soft browns, warm ochre, pale flax

B AT H R O O M Lush trailing plants bring a tropical touch to this otherwise pared-back scheme.

Try the Millbrook double-ended cast iron bath, £1,107, The Cast Iron Bath Company

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and natural greens,’ explains Marnie. The whitewashed backdrop is offset with organic linens, woollen throws and artwork.

A 50-year-old Aga, which the couple found online, is a prized possession. ‘Friends and family donated to an Aga wedding gift fund, so it is very special,’ says Marnie. The cooker triggered a kitchen refresh and the room is now fitted with concrete worktops,

an upcycled Czech washtub-turned-sink and patina-rich antique brass taps.

Marnie’s choices are a sophisticated example of what ‘good’ can look like, but the space is also a lesson in relaxed living.

‘Home is where we draw breath – whether tending our chickens, chilling on the deck or laying a beautiful table for friends,’ says Marnie. ‘We are at our happiest here.’

BEDROOM Bold linen echoes the colours of the painting.

Artwork by Diarmaid Fennessy. Try the Navy Blue double duvet cover, £129, Secret Linen Store

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BEDROOM The shoe lasts were sourced from an old local shoemaker who was selling his business.

Similar shoe lasts, from £15 each, Baileys. The wool cushion is from The Upholstery House; try Amara’s metallic cable knit cushion in Grey/Silver, £35

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

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Restoration game With an entire house to refurbish, Katharine Howard turned to a palette of blues layered with vivacious prints and patterns to set the tone for her family home FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MERRELL

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c it y | 25bh SITTING ROOM ‘I began by painting the sitting room a much paler blue,’ says Katharine.

‘I’m glad we opted for the bolder shade – it’s more luxurious.’

Walls in Juniper Ash absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.

Baobab table lamp in Chalk, price on request, Porta Romana

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Sitting room, family room, snug/dining room, kitchen, study, cloakroom, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a flat not far from here,’ says Katharine.

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KITCHEN ‘I’m not a fan of open plan – I prefer guests not to see me cooking!’ says Katharine.

Hanbury wall lights, price on request, Jamb. Walls in Dimpse estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

STUDY The marble-top desk echoes the design of the adjoining kitchen.

Walls in Studio Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

W

hen Katharine Howard and her husband James first viewed their four-storey townhouse in south London, nine years ago, it bore very little resemblance to the beautiful family home it is today. The property had been let out to students, and was less than inviting, but training their gaze beyond the brown, cigarette-burned carpets and scuffed magnolia walls, the couple envisaged an inviting home that could capitalise on its untouched features and they subsequently put in an offer for the property, which was accepted.

‘The deep cornicing, the lovely tall windows, the marble fireplaces – it was all here,’ says Katharine, a communications consultant for leading interiors brands. Years of working with successful designers have also honed her eye for space. ‘Although 10 4 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

the house felt large compared with the flat we previously lived in, we knew there was scope to make it much more family friendly.’

Over the years, structural tweaks have eked out every spare inch of this house. On the top floor, Katharine raised the ‘charming but hobbit-height’ ceiling to create a light-filled bedroom for her daughters, Amelie, five, and Aurelie, three, adjoined by the chic bathroom.

On the lower-ground the footprint was stretched to create the compact study and capacious wardrobe ‘to swallow up boots, games kit and family clutter.’ Everywhere, orange pine floorboards were replaced with silver-pale planks and modern radiators swapped for curvaceous Victorian designs. Whisper-blue walls set the tone in the kitchen where bespoke joinery is offset by striking brass handles.

‘I designed the cupboards to be extra deep so that we had a generous

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SNUG/DINING ROOM At the back of the house, Katharine designed the peaceful extension, which doubles as a cosy dining area for neighbourly dinner parties.

Prestigious Textiles Jungle, £30.24m, House Decor Interiors, is a similar curtain and upholstery fabric.

Drapers table, £5,400, Rose Uniacke. Avery armchairs, from £720 each, Pinch

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surface area to cook on,’ says Katharine. ‘I wanted to avoid an island as I like to keep the dining and kitchen area separate.’

Katharine also designed the adjoining snug/dining room, where succulent plants draw the garden inside through wide windows.

The hothouse feel is echoed in an overscaled palm print, which Katharine has lavished on the sofa, lamps and curtains. ‘I’ve always been drawn to the opulence and decorativeness of the 1980s, with all those pelmets and layers of decoration,’ she says.

Design and beautiful things captured her imagination early.

‘When I was a teenager I painted my room white with a silver trim – an early stab at modernism,’ she says. Working in the industry means that she has become wary of trends. ‘Although I’m glad that

we’re seeing a re-emergence of decorative design, richness and layering,’ she admits, and this is especially evident in the brooding blue tones of the sitting room. ‘I like the way blue feels both dramatic and calm – from a practical perspective it makes the art on the walls stand out.’ Like elsewhere, an easy mix of designer objects and antiques have brought the ‘once insipid’ space to life.

So does working with leading designers wreak havoc with the budget? ‘You bet! I seem to spend my life waiting to be able to afford things,’ says Katharine. ‘My wish list is constantly evolving.

I have folders crammed with ideas. I’ll lie awake at night, my head buzzing with colour, texture, patterns. I only wish I could be more restrained, but for me it’s impossible.’

MASTER BEDROOM Calming pale blues are teamed with dark green accents to create a fresh, contemporary scheme.

Flora mirror, £1,100, Balineum. Grace lamp, from £600, Porta Romana. Empire lampshade in silk, £48, Pooky, is similar.

Headboard covered in Skate fabric, £125m, Christopher Farr Cloth

GIRLS’ BEDROOM A simple wall scheme allows the eye to be drawn to the pretty pastel fabrics.

Cushions covered in a similar fabric to Kukkia, £39m, Scion at Style Library.

Slakt beds, £80 each, Ikea, are similar

GIRLS’ BEDROOM ‘I’ve added pieces the girls can grow up with and keep,’ says Katharine.

Elliot floor lamp, £61, Iconic Lights, is similar

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home truths THE PROPERTY Worker’s cottage, built in 1870 L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, three bedrooms (all en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a large house nearby,’ says Jette.

URBAN RETREAT A mix of antique and modern styles has given Jette Anderson’s small city home a big personality FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

DINING AREA A cleverly designed bench incorporates a shelf for Jette to display her favourite records.

Carl Hansen Wishbone chairs, £650 each, Dining Chair Company.

Super 8 suspension light, £1,750, Le Deun Luminaires

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KITCHEN-DINER A dark elm veneer finish brings warmth to the modern cabinets.

Units, price on request, Espresso Design. Blind in Span in Honey, £130m, Christopher Farr Cloth

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SITTING ROOM Accents of blue echo the shelves, creating a sense of continuity.

Bookcase in Inchyra Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try Oka’s Madura silk empire lampshade, £145

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SITTING ROOM Bright textiles and an antique wooden table add personality to this modern scheme.

Langley throw in Russet, £59.50, Ian Mankin. The L-shaped sofa is from Camerich; try its Alison Plus, from £,3,095

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hen Jette Anderson moved from a large house in southwest London, she was looking for a new challenge. After more than 20 years working as an interior designer and project manager, she had a string of successful property conversions under her belt. As her two daughters were soon to leave home, it was the perfect time to apply her talents to a project of her own.

Needing to live near work in central London restricted her choices. ‘One street of terraced houses looked much like any other,’ says Jette. ‘I really wanted

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something to convert – a schoolhouse or warehouse perhaps. Just at the point when I had almost given up, this unique period cottage crossed my radar.

PERFECT PROJECT

‘It was very run-down but I could see that it had plenty of potential to be a fabulous home,’ says Jette. ‘It was also near a park, crucial for our cocker spaniel Herbie.’

Jette had many years of experience working with a team of talented architects and builders, so she was certain of a spectacular transformation. In the new plans, the staircase was widened to make

the house feel less cottagey and relocated to create an extra seating area between the new kitchen and sitting room. The entrance was expanded to allow for a more spacious hallway, and the house was extended, nearly doubling its size.

ADDING SPACE

‘We took advantage of the sloping site and created different levels between the kitchen-diner and the sitting room,’ says Jette. ‘Opening up a gap between the two enabled me to enjoy a view of the garden while sitting at the dining room table. For the summer, I have an extending outdoor

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MASTER BEDROOM Swirling paisley prints and shapely lamp bases contrast with the room’s straight lines.

Dragonfly cushions and throw, both available to order, de Le Cuona. Hulu lamp bases, £195 each, Oka. Lampshades, £230 each, Rosanna Lonsdale. Bedside tables, £650 each, Chelsea Textiles. Try Made’s Orkney ottoman in Tulip Cream, £399

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H A L LWAY A bright orange chair injects a contemporary note.

Luigi chair, £977, Dining Chair Company. Oro pendant light, £49, Made. Faux orchid, £56, Home Accent

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B AT H R O O M Storage space was neatly fitted into this sleek basin unit.

Walls in Slaked Lime intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

dining table, which seats a lot of people. So this really is a great house for entertaining friends and family, both inside and out.’

Jette incorporated many of the well-proven tricks of the trade she learnt over the years, including installing pocket doors and coming up with clever ideas to maximise space. In the kitchen she had a bench built with storage space below. A wall-to-wall shelving unit painted in a bright blue colour provides a much-needed focal point in the sitting room, while more shelves line the reading area.

The attic floor was transformed and the results are impressive. ‘The girls FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

nicknamed this “the penthouse”, as it has its own balcony and en-suite bathroom and feels quite glamorous,’ says Jette.

After the builders left, the real fun began and Jette was able to start hanging her pictures and positioning the many treasures she has collected over the years.

FINISHING TOUCHES

‘I love colour and juxtaposing patterns, styles and shapes,’ says Jette. ‘The house is a quirky fusion of furniture and artefacts representing different layers of my life; with a Scandinavian influence from my dad, bits from my various travels, from

China and Copenhagen, mid-century artwork and some childhood mementos.’

TIMELESS STYLE

Among her most treasured possessions are items Jette’s father left to her. ‘I love the pieces I inherited from him, including the glass and concrete coffee table,’ she says. ‘I have blended these with iconic classics like the Carl Hansen Wishbone chairs.

The sitting room is one of Jette’s favourite spaces. ‘I enjoy taking in the views of the pretty garden,’ she says. ‘It’s a compact home but everything slotted into the right place eventually.’

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LEAP OF

FAITH Despite reservations about its location, Julia and Paul Thompson couldn’t resist the appeal of this Georgian property FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY REI MOON

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‘This is a practical, hard-working space with plenty of storage, which is always important in open-plan living,’ says Julia.

Cabinetry, price on request, Dan Clark Furniture. Mercury range cooker, £4,649, John Lewis & Partners. Smithfield S pendant lights, £685 each, Jasper Morrison for Flos at The Conran Shop

home truths THE PROPERTY Georgian townhouse L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, cinema room, study, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a house in Earl’s Court before moving here,’ says Julia.

FAMILY ROOM

Vintage finds and artistic icons are seamlessly combined for a unique, characterful look.

Vintage sofa, price on request, The Modern Warehouse. Try Vinterior for a similar Ercol coffee table

LANDING

Favourite objects make an attractive display.

Bannister in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

CINEMA ROOM

‘This is a wonderfully snug place to spread out in and watch films,’ says Julia.

Coffee table, price on request, De La Espada

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Window shutters and colourful floor tiles create a tropical feel.

Try Mosaic del Sur for similar floor tiles, from £100sq m

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hen interior designer Julia Thompson and her husband Paul were looking for a new home in south London, they decided to take their time. ‘We’d already sold our house in Fulham and were living in a property that belonged to my parents,’ says Julia. ‘We viewed a lot of houses but found them all rather uninspiring.’

At Paul’s suggestion, the couple began house-hunting in Peckham. ‘I had huge reservations,’ says Julia. ‘Although the area has since become very hip, I didn’t know Peckham at all. Then Paul found this place – it was the house of my dreams and it was (just) within our budget.’

Although the property needed considerable work done to it, Julia and Paul both loved its high ceilings and original period features. Rather than rushing into transforming the house, the couple decided to wait.

‘When we first moved in, our son Frank was a baby, so we just enjoyed living here while we saved up our money and decided exactly how to renovate,’ says Julia.

Then three years ago, Julia and Paul bit the bullet and reconfigured the layout. ‘There was a 1980s-style conservatory at the rear of the house, which was damp, cold and uninviting, and made us less inclined to use the garden,’ says Julia. ‘There was also a rather dated kitchen at the front.’ With the help of an architect, they commissioned a double-storey extension with an open-plan kitchen, dining

d e s i g n t i p ‘I believe a home should reflect the personality of its owner, so don’t be a slave to the latest decorating trend or concept’ and living area on the ground floor and a study on the first floor. ‘It has completely transformed the space,’ says Julia.

The couple then reworked the outdoor areas. ‘The garden was redesigned by Barbara Samitier and that was the icing on the cake,’ says Julia. ‘You walk out there and forget you’re in a city. The birds are singing, squirrels are chasing each other – when Coco our terrier’s not around.’

Like the house’s structure, the interior has evolved over time. Julia has an eye for vintage pieces and has combined old and new to create a unique look. ‘I’m drawn to objects that tell a story,’ she says. Lighting by Jasper Morrison and a De La Espada coffee table add polish to the retro mix.

‘The beauty of vintage items is that it stirs you into being creative as you’ve got to add your own twist,’ says Julia. Her finds range from mid-century sofas to iconic film posters.

‘I love how a poster sums up the glamour of an era,’ she says.

Having worked as a fashion stylist for many years, Julia is a master of the art of what she calls, ‘endless frou-frouing’. ‘Fiddling around until something looks just right is something I’ve always been able to do,’ she says.

Renovating the house both inside and outside has had a positive impact on the family’s lifestyle. ‘We now use the outdoor spaces all the time – for eating or sitting out with friends,’ says Julia. ‘It’s transformed how we live.’

MASTER BEDROOM

A striking photograph by Ellen von Unwerth is centre stage in this chic space.

Divan bed, from £4,000, Poliform

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Better by DESIGN Romain and Sarah Record enlisted expert help to turn their large family home into a more practical and flowing living space FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON

DINING AREA

A large, hardy concretetopped extending table is a practical solution for seating large numbers.

Table and overhead light available from Annabelle Holland, prices on request.

Julietta dining chairs, £199 for a pair, Made. Beginnings painting by Sam Brooks, Nadia Waterfield Fine Art

KITCHEN

Clean lines and functionality were the main priorities in the design of the kitchen.

Bespoke kitchen units supplied and fitted by Reigate Kitchen Company; painted in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Dalat pendant shades, £96.80 each, Mullan Lighting

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roperty developer Romain Record has an instinct for houses with great potential and when he saw this large detached house in Surrey, he felt confident it would work for his family. Both Romain and his wife Sarah, along with their children Harry, now 11, Evie, nine, and Rafferty, three, had outgrown their previous property, a smaller detached house nearby.

Two years after moving in, Romain and Sarah embarked on a renovation. ‘It was

never our intention to majorly overhaul the house but once we’d moved in, it quickly became clear we needed to change the layout significantly,’ says Romain.

The house itself was originally built in the 1930s, but the last owner had added to it over time. ‘There was a huge workshop you couldn’t access from the house, so I knocked through and converted it into a games room and study,’ says Romaine.

‘There were three reception rooms but none

home truths THE PROPERT Y Detached home built in the 1930s L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Hallway, kitchendiner/living area, snug, study, games room, two cloakrooms, boot room, six bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We moved here from a chalet-style detached property nearby,’ says Romain.

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Design advice ‘Always expect the unexpected.

Have a big contingency plan and whatever your budget is, double it’

LIVING AREA

Two identical sofas provide a formal setting for pre-dinner drinks.

Iris modern sofas, from £1,553 each, Love Your Home. Walls in Old White and Wevet estate emulsion, both £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Andromeda antique brass chandelier, £1,655, Heathfield & Co

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of them had any “wow” factor and the space was impractical. Also, from the exterior, it looked unappealing so we felt it needed lots of glazing to bring in more natural light.’

Fortunately the couple were good friends with an interior designer Annabelle Holland, who was subsequently tasked with creating the decorating schemes throughout. ‘I knew that Romain and Sarah were looking to achieve a soft, neutral tone throughout, but also that they would

be happy with a more jolly look for the children’s bedrooms,’ says Annabelle.

‘The three large reception rooms became one huge room with kitchen, dining and living areas,’ she continues, ‘so it was important for it to flow well with a cohesive palette. The living area is slightly more formal with cabinetry against the back wall that helps to articulate the space.’

Romain and Sarah were eager to furnish the house from scratch, apart from keeping

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one sofa and their beds, and Annabelle complied by introducing a mix of practical, hard-wearing furnishings for high-traffic areas and more indulgent luxurious pieces for the formal areas. ‘We asked Annabelle to blend contemporary and traditional, as the building has a lot of oak, but also to include more modernist black steelwork.’

Putting in huge panes of glass at the front of the house, and installing a new staircase opened up the entire area to the

ceiling, creating a huge welcoming entrance area. ‘The upstairs had previously been one long corridor with rooms coming off it like a hotel,’ Romain recalls. ‘The attic bedrooms were unusable – furnaces in the summer and freezing in the winter, so we changed the layout of these, making them more comfortable and giving all the rooms en-suite bathrooms,’ he says.

The master en suite also underwent a transformation with huge windows, chic

black fittings and veined marble surfaces.

‘Previously it had gloomy brown-and-black tiles all over the floor and walls, and a small window, making it very dark,’ says Romain.

‘The new bathroom is a total contrast with so much light and space. It’s an absolute joy.’

Now completed, the house has become the focus of family entertaining with space for both the adults and children. As the perfect balance of practicality and style, it’s a sound investment for the future.

MASTER BEDROOM

Gold tones against green walls create a boutique-hotel feel.

Handmade parchment lampshades, £95 each, Pooky

EVIE’S ROOM

Pink bedding ties in with the wallpaper.

Flamingos wallpaper, £85 a roll, Cole & Son

GUEST EN SUITE

Herringbone tiling adds an unusual touch.

Marmol Carrara Blanco wall tiles, £52.27sq m, Porcelanosa, have a similar finish

MASTER EN SUITE

The grey marble veining pairs well with the chic black fittings.

Arabescato Corchia marble, price on request, Oxford Granites

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

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DINING ROOM Black lacquered chairs punctuate an otherwise muted palette that encompasses pale oak parquet, soft grey walls and a vintage kilim.

CH24 Wishbone chairs, £877 each; CH339 dining table, from £3,557, all Twentytwentyone H A L LWAY Spacious entrances are relatively rare in Danish homes, so this helped sell the house to Emilie.

Try Chequers Court marble tiles in White and Black, £6.36 each, Fired Earth

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GREAT DANES Keen to showcase their best-loved designers, Emilie and Patrick Bach’s renovated villa is filled with Danish furniture and lighting FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY ANITTA B/LIVING INSIDE

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25bh | c oa s ta l SITTING ROOM Textures such as sheepskin, suede and wool add a tactile element to this light-filled space, where huge windows frame the garden beyond.

Fredericia No 1 sofa, from £5,374, Aram. Paustian Arctander chair in sheepskin, £5,334; Skagerak Georg console table in oak (opposite page), £525, both Skandium. Fly coffee table in oak and marble by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition, £1,205, Nest

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached villa built in 1917 L O C AT I O N Denmark R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen, playroom, office, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a small red-tiled house nearby,’ says Emilie.

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ith its coastal setting, nearby forest and location just a short drive from the heart of Copenhagen, it isn’t hard to see why the district of Charlottenlund is a huge draw for families in search of a less urban existence. Emilie Bach grew up in the area, and when she and her husband, Patrick, were expecting their second child, they sold their city apartment and moved to a small three-bedroom house here.

When the couple discovered that Emilie was pregnant again, they decided it was time to search for a larger property, but this proved a challenge. ‘Every sale was a bidding war; we missed out on three houses and with the last property, I was particularly disappointed as I had planned the renovation and decoration in my head,’ recalls Emilie, who runs a fashion accessories brand, Studio Belle-Soeur, with her sister-in-law.

It was Patrick who found this villa and at first, his wife wasn’t convinced. ‘It really needed some care and attention, and I struggled to envisage how it could look,’ recounts Emilie, who called an historical architect who is a close family friend for a second opinion. ‘He visited the house and told us it was a great buy and that we could make it look wonderful.

It gave me the confidence to go ahead,’ she says.

With their bid successful, the race began to refurbish the house before the arrival of their third child, Arthur, now two (while siblings Eline and Theo are five and eight). ‘We did a lot of work, replacing the kitchen and bathrooms and stripping all the floors of shiny varnish to reveal the natural oak,’ Emilie says.

The kitchen was originally open to the dining room, but the couple opted to build a wall to separate the two spaces. ‘I like to be able to entertain in the dining room without looking at a messy kitchen,’ she explains.

The dining room, family room and sitting room are all linked with large glazed double doors, and these

KITCHEN This fresh scheme features powder-pink units and lava stone tiles in a herringbone formation. The couple commissioned a carpenter to make the table and benches for a tiny nook, which is where the children have their breakfast.

Basis kitchen drawer fronts and doors in Powder, from €94 each, Reform. Panorama P7 lava stone floor tiles, £672sq m, Made a Mano.

Walls in Strong White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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25bh | c oa s ta l B AT H R O O M This simple scheme is a masterclass in streamlined design.

Try the Alape sit-on basin, £678.92, Majorelle Interiors

design tip ‘A personal home isn’t created overnight, so spend time looking for the things that give it character and make it your own’

MASTER BEDROOM An uplifting floral pattern brings the exuberance of the garden into the home.

Oriental Garden wallpaper

by Missoni Home, £85 a roll, Jane Clayton & Company

THEO’S BEDROOM This punchy design lends a fun touch.

Ardmore Savuti wallpaper, £90 a roll, Cole & Son. The Drop chair

by Arne Jacobsen is in a limited edition colour but it is available in other colours, from £255, Utility ELINE’S BEDROOM Emilie and Eline found this wallpaper and matching bed linen on one of their annual mother-and-daughter trips to Paris.

Jazz wallpaper in Foam, €154 a roll; duvet cover, from €80; pillowcase, €35, all Little Cabari

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light-filled rooms have been painted in calming hues that beautifully complement each other. For the sitting room, Emilie chose a soft green. ‘The garden at this end of the house is planted with big rhododendron bushes and so it is always very leafy, even in winter. I wanted to reflect that greenery in the house,’ she says.

Upstairs, the couple have embraced pattern in the form of lively wallpapers. ‘All the bedrooms are under the eaves and so there aren’t many straight walls on which to hang art. I used wallpaper instead to bring some expression to these spaces,’ notes Emilie, who chose designs to suit the personalities of her children, such as an exuberant print featuring monkeys and birds in Theo’s room, which reflects his love of wildlife.

The house is filled with Danish designs, a mix of iconic pieces – such as the instantly recognisable Wishbone dining chairs by Hans Wegner – as well as future classics, including an oak and marble coffee table by design studio Space Copenhagen. ‘From the moment Patrick and I met, we have been collecting Danish pieces. We both wanted to have designs that we can keep forever, rather than things that will only last a short period of time,’ Emilie explains.

Many of these designs are investments, but the couple want them to be enjoyed. ‘I have three siblings and they all have children so we have big family gatherings here,’ says Emilie. ‘The chairs may have a few knocks but we like this, it shows that they are being used. These are pieces that will still be very much around for the next generation.’

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

A style guide to the

outside

Industr y exper t 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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Delano - 5-Seater Garden Furniture Set The Delano patio furniture set is generous in size and seats 5 in comfort. It comprises of 2 armchairs and a 3-seater bench, all with comfy cushions and a matching waterproof coffee table for storage. Contemporary in design, it is bang on trend in this season’s taupe.This Garden set is made from UV stabilised resin, meaning that you can leave it out all year round and the set is 100% maintenance free. Was £499, it’s now just £299* but only when you quote your £200 discount code BHMAY20 at checkout.

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Murcia - 5 Seater Lounge Set This chic garden lounge set is made from high quality artificial resin which makes it virtually maintenance free. Comfortable and stylish made easy, the Murcia includes a 3-seater sofa, 2 armchairs all with seat and back cushions and a coffee table finished off with a clear tempered glass top creating a functional centrepiece, perfect for drinks and snacks in the garden. Includes a 12 month warranty. Was £699, it’s now just £499* for readers when you quote your £200 discount code BHMAY20 at checkout.

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Character DRIVEN

Amanda Hamilton and John Thornhill have cleverly converted every inch of space in their Victorian cottage without sacrificing its historic integrity FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY JEREMY PHILLIPS

VERANDA

‘We store the vacuum cleaner and mops in the cupboard outside the laundry room, while the settle is where we sit and take our wellies off after we’ve walked our dog, Pepper,’ says Amanda.

Star doormat, £25; wall lights, £50 each, Amanda Hamilton Interior Design

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home truths THE PROPERTY Detached cottage, dating from 1840 L O C AT I O N Derbyshire R O O M S Sitting room, family room, garden room, kitchendiner, laundry room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2007 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in another house in the same village,’ says Amanda.

GARDEN ROOM

The former garage is now a spacious dining space complete with tongueand-groove panelling that echoes the exterior weatherboarding.

Panelling in Pointing estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Grand Paris pendant lights, £85 each, Garden Trading.

Pembroke dining chairs, £149 for two, Dunelm, have a similar look

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Stripes, stars and pom-poms add plenty of personality, but the pared-back palette ensures the look remains sophisticated.

Ektorp corner sofa, £850, Ikea. Roman blinds and curtains, made up in fabric similar to Ian Mankin’s Ticking Fabric O1 in Smoke, £29.50m

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Grey is the perfect colour to use when you want to create a modern country feel’

DINING AREA Amanda painted the old pine table and chairs to give them a brand new lease of life.

Large glass cake stand and dome, £46.99, Solavia Glassware, is similar

LAUNDRY ROOM ‘This enlarged space is a real bonus

for our active family,’ says Amanda.

Byholma storage basket, £6, from Ikea would work here. Medicine/First Aid metal box, £19.99, Wayfair, is a good alternative

KITCHEN

A carpenter was commissioned to make up Amanda’s design.

Bespoke units in All White estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try reclaimed quarry tiles, £2.52 each, Wilsons Yard

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manda Hamilton and her husband John Thornhill were determined to stay true to the heritage of their traditional stonemason’s cottage when they embarked on its creative remodelling. ‘Although we yearned for more space, John and I were mindful of enhancing the character of what was already a much-loved home,’ says Amanda.

Back in 2007, Amanda, who runs Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, had viewed the cottage, located next to the River Ecclesbourne, and seen the potential others had not.

‘I could see why viewers had been put off as it didn’t have a proper kitchen,’ she says. ‘However, it was structurally sound and had a wealth of period features. Plus, I loved the fact that attached to the property was a stone lock-up, where in the past village drunks would have been kept overnight.’

Having moved in with daughters Charlotte, Emily and Olivia, who are now 25, 22 and 18, the interior designer began brightening their dreary surroundings by making curtains and blinds for every room. ‘Since very little of our furniture would fit up the spiral wooden staircase, I had to bide my time and get bedroom furniture made,’ says Amanda. With Shaker-style kitchen units installed, the cottage finally began to feel more homely. However, as the girls got older and Amanda met and – in 2010 – married 2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 12 7

MASTER BEDROOM

The serene all-white scheme is lifted with touches of pale blue toile.

Chantilly White bed, £499, The Cotswold Company, would suit.

Dar Vyana tiered pendant light, £336, Ocean Lighting, is similar

GIRLS’ BATHROOM

Spotty floor tiles and a stripy blind inject a fun touch.

Cath Kidston Spot floor tiles in Dove Grey, £46.79sq m, Harvey Maria

GUEST ROOM

Pom-pom fringing on the blind brings pretty pops of colour to the smart navy and white space.

Anglepoise Type 75 Mini Metallic desk lamp, £165, Inspyer Lighting

John, their characterful abode began to feel cramped.

Reluctant to move, the couple drew up plans to convert the cottage. ‘We could see that turning a temporary garage into a garden room that we could use as a dining space would work well,’ says Amanda. ‘Having earmarked the lock-up as a family room, we reconfigured the rest of the downstairs layout to gain a sizeable laundry room and a cloakroom.’

In June 2014, when building work began, stones from the lock-up were taken down and numbered before being transported by John to a local stonemason to be cut. They were then reused as two sides of the new family room’s exterior. Having always admired New England-style properties, the pair agreed that weatherboarding the other two walls of the lock-up and echoing this on the garden room wall would be in keeping with their riverside setting.

Meanwhile, Amanda turned her attention to the interior design. ‘I chose a neutral palette as a backdrop to create a cohesive feel between the existing and converted areas,’ she explains. Despite the upheaval of living in the cottage while the six-month project progressed, the couple are delighted they took the plunge. ‘The cottage now feels as though it has real soul,’ says Amanda. ‘If the original stonemason who used to live here walked in today, I hope he’d be pleased. We certainly are.’

12 8 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

c o u ntry | 25bh OLIVIA’S BEDROOM

The striking bed canopy gives this room a fresh, feminine feel. ‘Spraying an old brown rattan chair white has worked a treat here,’ says Amanda.

Rainbow fairy lights, £29.95 for 20, Cable & Cotton, are comparable

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

2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 129

WORLDWIDE ESCORTED TOURS At Riviera Travel, we have a passion for giving you the best experience possible, and our Worldwide Escorted Tours are no exception. Each tour is fully escorted, with an expert tour manager who will travel with you, fulfilling the tour and giving local knowledge of the history, culture and other information to make your holiday that bit more special.

13 days from £1,599PP

2021 ON SALE NOW

It’s all included in the price ● Return flights from the UK, plus all hotel transfers ● Travel in comfort ● Stay in hand-picked hotels ● Dining Options ● Insightful guided tours and fascinating visits ● Services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

Itinerary

Duration

Price from

South Africa

16 days

£2,199pp

California & the Golden West

15 days

£2,449pp

Great National Parks

15 days

£2,899pp

Vietnam & Cambodia

16 days

£2,349pp

Sri Lanka

13 days

£1,599pp

Equador & the Galapagos

16 days

£3,489pp

New Zealand

22 days

£4,449pp

Deep South

14 days

£2,499pp

India & Shimla

15 days

£1,899pp

Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Amritsar's Golden Temple

15 days

£1,999pp

Japan

13 days

£3,899pp

Memories of the Raj

13 days

£2,089pp

Canada & Alaska Cruise

16 days

£3,889pp

Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari & Cape Town

11 days

£3,099pp

Peru / plus Amazon

13 days/16 days £2,649/£3,099pp

Call 01283 743370 to book or for a free brochure, or visit tbhriviera.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability.

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

ABTA No. V4744

s to c k i s t s | 25bh

WHERE TO BUY Details of companies featured in the June issue

60LondonRoad instagram.com/60LondonRoad Abigail Ahern abigailahern.com Adrian Ager adrianager.com Affordable Art Fair affordableartfair.com Amanda Hamilton Interior Design amandahamiltoninteriordesign.co.uk Amara amara.com Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk Annabelle Holland annabelleholland.com Anokhi anokhi.com Antik Bar antikbar.co.uk Argos argos.co.uk Arlo & Jacob arloandjacob.com Armadillo & Co armadillo-co.com Art Gallery artgallery.co.uk Astro astrolighting.com Atlantic Shopping atlanticshopping.co.uk B&Q diy.com Baileys baileyshome.com Balineum balineum.co.uk Barbara Samitier barbarasamitiergardens.co.uk Barker and Stonehouse barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathstore bathstore.com BC Designs bcdesigns.co.uk Bert Frank bertfrank.co.uk Cable & Cotton cableandcotton.co.uk Camerich camerich.co.uk Carron Phoenix carron.com Case casefurniture.co.uk Chelsea Textiles chelseatextiles.com Chesterfield Sofa Company chesterfieldsofacompany.com Christopher Farr Cloth christopherfarrcloth.com Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.com Cole & Son cole-and-son.com Colefax and Fowler colefax.com Colne Stoves colnestoves.com Constance Guisset constanceguisset.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk CP Hart cphart.co.uk Crosswater crosswater.co.uk Crown French Furniture crownfrenchfurniture.co.uk Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Dan Clark Furniture danclarkfurniture.co.u De La Espada delaespada.com de Le Cuona delecuona.co.uk deVOL devolkitchens.co.uk Dining Chair Company diningchair.co.uk Distinctly Living Kitchens distinctlylivingkitchens.co.uk dmlights dmlights.co.uk Dulux dulux.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com Dwell dwell.co.uk East Grinstead Bathrooms & Kitchens egbandk.com Eleni Shiarlis eslightingdesign.co.uk Ellis Interiors ellisinteriorsnottingham.co.uk Emily Bond emilybond.co.uk Espresso Design espressodesign.co.uk Etsy etsy.com Fabrics & Papers fabricsandpapers.com Farmhouse Table Company farmhousetablecompany.co.uk Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Feather & Black featherandblack.com

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Fired Earth firedearth.com Fossil Vintage fossilvintage.com.au Franchesca Watson franchescawatson.com French Connection Home frenchconnection.com Freya Bramble-Carter freyabramblecarter.com Fritz Fryer fritzfryer.co.uk Fun Funky Living funfunkyliving.com Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk Geoffrey Key geoffreykey.com George at Asda direct.asda.com/george George Smith georgesmith.co.uk Get Stuffed thegetstuffed.co.uk Gordon-Duff & Linton gordondufflinton.com Grace Gordon grace-gordon.com Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk Green Monkey gmav.co.uk H&M Home hm.com Habitat habitat.co.uk Harvey Maria harveymaria.co.uk Heal’s heals.com Heathfield & Co heathfield.co.uk Henderson & Redfearn hendersonandredfearn.co.uk HK Living hkliving.nl Home Accent homeaccent.co.uk Homebase homebase.co.uk House Decor Interiors housedecorinteriors.co.uk Howdens howdens.com Huiswerk vastgoedstyling huiswerkvastgoedstyling.nl Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk Iconic Lights iconiclights.co.uk Igigi General Store igigigeneralstore.com Ikea ikea.co.uk Indian Ocean indian-ocean.co.uk Industville industville.co.uk Inspyer Lighting inspyerlighting.co.uk Jamb jamb.co.uk Jane Clayton & Company janeclayton.co.uk Jasper Conran jasperconran.com Jim Lawrence jim-lawrence.co.uk John Green johngreendesigns.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com John Lewis of Hungerford john-lewis.co.uk Johnson Tiles johnson-tiles.com Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com Julia Thompson frankinteriors.space Kate Forman kateforman.co.uk Kelly Hoppen kellyhoppenretail.com La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Lambland lambland.co.uk Lara Görlach laragorlachstudio.com Le Deun Luminaires ledeun.com Le Louvre lelouvreshutters.co.uk Leaneys of Lancing leaneys.com Lee Longlands leelonglands.co.uk Lewes Antiques Centre 01273 476148 L’Hotel Marrakech l-hotelmarrakech.com Linley davidlinley.com Lisbeth Dahl homearama.co.uk Little Cabari littlecabari.com Little Greene littlegreene.com Loaf loaf.com London Mosaic londonmosaic.com Lots Road Auctions lotsroad.com Love Inc loveincltd.co.uk

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Love Your Home love-your-home.co.uk Luxury Flooring luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk Made made.com Made a Mano madeamano.com Made in Design madeindesign.co.uk Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com Majorelle Interiors majorelleinteriors.com Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com ManoMano manomano.co.uk Marble Mosaics marble-mosaics.com Marnie Hawson marniehawson.com.au Marrakech Design marrakechdesign.se Mel Massey melmassey.com Milagros milagros.co.uk Mink Interiors minkinteriors.co.uk Minton Young mintonyoung.com Morton Scarr mortonscarr.com Mosaic del Sur mosaicfactory.com Mullan Lighting mullanlighting.com Murals Wallpaper muralswallpaper.co.uk Nadia Waterfield Fine Art nadiawaterfieldfineart.com Natural Bed Company naturalbedcompany.co.uk Neptune neptune.com Nest nest.co.uk Nkuku nkuku.com Nordic House nordichouse.co.uk Oak Furnitureland oakfurnitureland.co.uk Ocean Lighting oceanlighting.co.uk Oka oka.com Olivia’s olivias.com Olsen + Baker olsenbaker.com Original BTC originalbtc.com Original Style originalstyle.com Osborne & Little osborneandlittle.com Oxford Granites oxfordgranites.com Paint & Paper Library paintandpaperlibrary.com Pamono pamono.co.uk Paper Tiger papertiger.co.uk Pash Classics pash-classics.com Paul Senyol artsy.net/artist/ paul-senyol PH Meubels op Maat phmeubelsopmaat.nl Pinch pinchdesign.com Plankbridge plankbridge.com Poliform poliformuk.com Pooky pooky.com Porcelanosa porcelanosa.com Porta Romana portaromana.com Portman portman-pocketdoors.co.uk Reform reformcph.com Reigate Kitchen Company reigatekitchencompany.co.uk Revive Joinery revivejoinery.co.uk RH Prints rhprints.com Robbie Lawrence robbie-lawrence.com Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk Rosanna Lonsdale rosannalonsdale.com Rose & Grey roseandgrey.co.uk Rose Uniacke roseuniacke.com Royal Academy of Arts royalacademy.org.uk Scion stylelibrary.com/scion Secret Linen Store secretlinenstore.com Sfeer voor Jou sfeervoorjou.nl Silk Road Gallery silkroadgallery.co.uk Simon Benjamin simonbenjamin.co.uk Simply Living simply-living.co.uk

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Skandium skandium.com Sliderobes sliderobes.co.uk Smallbone smallbone.co.uk Sofa Workshop sofaworkshop.com Sofa.com sofa.com Solavia Glassware solavia.co.uk Somerlap somerlap.co.uk Stone Butterfly stonebutterfly.co.uk Stovax stovax.com Stoves Are Us stovesareus.co.uk Studio Belle-Soeur studiobellesoeur.com Studio Maddox studio-maddox.com Style Library stylelibrary.com Sunbury Antiques Market sunburyantiques.com Tamarisk tamariskdesigns.co.uk Target Tiles targettiles.co.uk The British Blanket Company thebritishblanketcompany.com The Cast Iron Bath Company castironbath.co.uk The Clearance Zone theclearancezone.co.uk The Conran Shop conranshop.co.uk The Cotswold Company cotswoldco.com The French Bedroom Company frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk The Handmade Rug Company thehandmaderugcompany.com The House of Artusa thehouseofartusa.com The Modern Warehouse themodernwarehouse.com The Real Rug Company therealrugcompany.co.uk The Rug Company therugcompany.com The Sofa & Chair Company thesofaandchair.co.uk The Upholstery House theupholsteryhouse.com.au Tigermoth Lighting tigermothlighting.com Tile Mountain tilemountain.co.uk Tiles Direct tiles-direct.com TM Interiors tm-interiors.co.uk Tom Dixon tomdixon.net Tracy Nors tracynors.com Trading Boundaries tradingboundaries.com Trouva trouva.com Twentytwentyone twentytwentyone.com Utility utilitydesign.co.uk Valspar valsparpaint.co.uk Victoria Luxury Flooring victorialuxuryflooring.com Victorian Plumbing victorianplumbing.co.uk Vintage Farmhouse vintagefarmhouse.co.uk Vinterior vinterior.co Wallpaper Direct wallpaperdirect.com Walls and Floors wallsandfloors.co.uk Waters Baths of Ashbourne watersbaths.co.uk Wayfair wayfair.co.uk West Elm westelm.co.uk Westross westross.com Wilsons yard wilsonsyard.com Woven woven.co.uk Zaffero zaffero.com.au Zimmer & Rohde zimmer-rohde.com Zoffany stylelibrary.com/zoffany

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2 5 B H J UN E 2020 | 13 1

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sstrength reng h | beauty | resilience

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ABOUT the HOUSE Products and services designed to enhance your living space

WAS YOUR CONSERVATORY TOO COLD IN WINTER AND TOO HOT IN SUMMER?

SIT BACK AND RELAX ON THIS RECLINING STEAMER CHAIR

A beautiful reclining hardwood Steamer Chair with foldable and totally removable footrest to transform from a lounger into a chair instantly.

Stained, oiled and gently rubbed down by hand, the finish is a delight and matches our furniture range. The luxury cushion pictured is an available extra at £39.99 (RRP £69.99) Steamer Chair £105.99 (RRP £189.99).

To order please visit www.plant-theatre.co.uk. The Steamer unfolds straight from the box. Includes free UK mainland delivery.

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This fast and efficient solution will transform your conservatory into a warm comfortable living space.

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by NASA for the Apollo programme, the Conservaheat layered foil quilt system is suitable for roofs of all styles and will insulate your conservatory for a fraction of the cost of a new tiled roof. A proven energy-saving product - liable to only 5% VAT - your new conservatory insulation will allow you to relax in comfort.

Readers receive an exclusive 25% discount. For a free site survey, visit conservatoryinsulations.com or call 0800 634 3179 and quote promo-code 25BH620.

OIL AND CHARCOAL ON CANVAS OF THE MADONNA - PRIVATE SALE Beautiful painting of the Madonna. Oil and charcoal on canvas. Not framed.

Dimensions 40cm x 40cm.

Painted by Sam Guest in Normandy this painting is now for sale as advertised.

It is available either for collection in Westminster with shipping by arrangement.

SAVE £200 ON THIS STUNNING OUTDOOR CORNER SOFA SET

or

The Chesterton sofa and matching tempered glass-topped coffee table are perfect for entertaining outdoors. Offering seating for five, with chunky seat, back and side cushions. Covers are removable so they can be hand washed to deal with stubborn stains. Maintenance-free construction of thick polyrattan this superb set can even be left out all-year round.

Telephone: 0207 843 6958 Mobile: 07795 417 524

Was £599, now £399 when you quote M7APR20 a saving of £200!

Visit outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 by 28.05.20. Delivery Excluded.

Price: £1,250 Enquiries please to michael@mguest.co.uk

TAKE A SEAT This gorgeous hardwood Adirondack folding chair is stained, oiled and gently rubbed down by hand. The finish is a delight, never mind the width of the paddle style arms to take books and drinks, you will be running your hands down them as they are so smooth and tactile.

STYLISH SOFA GARDEN RANGE SEAT CUSHIONS INCLUDED

At last a comfortable and stylish Garden Sofa Range that you can mix and match! Beautifully made from Acacia hardwood from sustainable sources, stained, oiled and gently rubbed down to create a superb finish which matches all of our extensive hardwood furniture range. Make your choice so you can lounge & relax in comfort in the garden. Table £59.99, Armchair £89.99, Sofa Bench £149.99. Each seat comes with its own cushion included.

To order please visit www.plant-theatre.co.uk. The furniture arrives flat-packed and part-assembled. Includes free UK mainland delivery.

Reduced from £189.99 to £114.99, matching accessories available to buy separately include a table (down from £73.99 to £44.99), footstool (down from £72.99 to £46.99) high back cushion with pillow headrest (down from £69.99 to £39.99) and chair cover.

To order please visit www.plant-theatre.co.uk.

The chair arrives flat-packed and part-assembled. Includes free UK mainland delivery.

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.

Marketplace sofas and sofa beds

Great British Sofas Direct from the manufacturer

Mia 3 seater sofa in velvet was £839 - Sale price £629

www.sofasofa.co.uk

sofasofa

For a free colour brochure call 01495 244226 furniture

LE N FF SA W O O O 5% N E2 K TA

TRADITIONAL BRITISH UPHOLSTERY SINCE 1987

Ava 3 seater was £1269 - now only £879 For Free Delivery (Mainland UK only) Use code BH2020 expires 30th June For details visit: www.juluhome.co.uk or call 033 022 32855

www.kirkdale.co.uk Call for your free brochure 01495 243999

To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com

Marketplace furniture

Spacecraft The Snug sofa bed.

ALL your family will love it.

Experts in small space living 21 stores | 0345 609 4455 | futoncompany.co.uk

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SALE NOW ON Only £299.

Only from us.

was £1859

Sale price £1399

Call now for a brochure or visit

01443 771222 www.thomaslloyd.com

Monaco sofa was £399 - now £299

RISK 21 DAY HOME TRIAL Oakridge .. NO 5 YEAR FRAME GUARANTEE Sofas . FACTORY DIRECT PRICES

www.oakridgedirect.co.uk Tele 01685 844944

To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com

Marketplace furniture

VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL RECLAIMED DINING TABLES AND FURNITURE HANDMADE IN THE UK

storminteriorsltd@gmail.com 07722 921615 www.interiorstorm.co.uk

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Marketplace beds & bedding

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home improvements

floor coverings

Keep your home beautiful with our stylish range of wipeable tablecloths Outdoor tablecloths for Summer Custom cut to size

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verandas

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*Credit is subject to status and affordability. Representative Example: Cash price £4,500.00, 30% deposit of £1,350.00, amount of credit £3,150.00, annual rate of interest 0% p.a fixed, 0% APR Representative, 24 monthly repayments of £131.25, total amount payable £4,500.00 (including deposit).

To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com

25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e Sleek styling and traditional pieces create a space in which to linger

ROOM ENVY

ummer is rolling around fast and we’re dreaming of balmy evenings spent out on open terraces, mojito in hand, linen drapes rippling in the breeze. Speaking of drapes, check out this billowing ivory pair at L’Hôtel in Marrakech.

Framing what would otherwise be a harsh, angular entryway, they create a soft transition between the in and outdoor areas, tied back handsomely with oversized tassels. The hotel’s owner, designer Jasper Conran, curated this elegant space by combining traditional Moroccan and Berber style with a pared-back, classic aesthetic.

The room is a great example of how to decorate transient areas that lack obvious function, turning them instead into attractive vignettes.

A vintage brass coffee table sits next to an armchair, upholstered in 13 8 | 2 5 B H J UN E 2020

a modern white fabric, inviting guests to perch and gaze out over the outside space – perhaps on days when the sun isn’t shining so brightly. Embellished wrought iron window decorations are set off with black shutters, creating a striking monochrome contrast against the white walls. The floor retains connection between the two spaces, made from polished plaster that flows into tile work on the terrace. The look is set off with a hand-loomed Moroccan kilim and smart on-trend cane furniture, both adding to the layers of visual texture. While spaces such as this may be hard to come by in blustery old Blighty, we can always borrow from the language of layering. Carefully sourced furniture, handsome vintage objects and flowing, quality fabric will always be à la mode.

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

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY

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

Based on over 85,000 Excellent Reviews