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MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2018 £4.50 | US $9.99, AUS $9.99, NZ $13

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE Festive decorating ideas for every room CORNISH CHARM An Edwardian home with heart

FIREPLACE INSPIRATION Smart woodburners and elegant mantelpieces

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN SEASONAL SCHEMES FROM HOLLAND TO HAMPSHIRE

76

December 2018 inspiring homes 35 44 53 56 76

C O R N I S H C H A R M This period

property in Cornwall has an elegant simplicity thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for festive family gatherings D E C K T H E H A L L S Lovingly restored, this Georgian manor in the New Forest is wonderfully grand but warmly inviting C H R I S T M A S B O N U S A clever rework has created a child-friendly London terrace T I TA N I C TA S K This run-down Liverpool house has been made cosy with some major DIY T W I N K L E T W I N K L E Inspired by nature, the owners of this Dutch townhouse bring a forest feel to its interior at Christmas

COVER STORY

89 98 105 116 120

P A R T Y P I E C E Full of period details, this

Norfolk farmhouse has a real sense of drama WINTER WONDERLAND

A renovated property in Herefordshire now has plenty of space for Christmas guests M A K I N G M E M O R I E S Scandi-style decor gets personal in this London semi R A I S I N G T H E R O O F It took a year of hard work to transform this Sussex property into a beautiful family home O A S I S O F C A L M Pops of vibrant colour play against a neutral palette, creating interest in this serene London house

A tired Victorian villa in Surrey has been transformed and is now ready for a magical Christmas (page 48).

2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018 | 3

124 128 132 136

44

NATURAL TOUC H Rustic decorations and foraged

foliage adorn this Hampshire period property as the owners turn to the great outdoors for their Christmas decorations A S TA R I S B O R N All-round views of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside teamed with a warm and welcoming interior turn this converted barn into something special B R A N C H I N G O U T A huge pine tree, beautifully decorated, is the focal point for festive celebrations in this Edwardian family home in Cornwall A N E W P H A S E A once-dilapidated Yorkshire mill house is now fit for modern living thanks to a radical redesign

unique

120

28 40 92

H I G H L A N D F L I N G Deep in the Scottish countryside,

this stunning castle is steeped in history and tradition K E E P I N G I T I N T H E F A M I LY How one owner transformed her parents’ former home in Yorkshire using dark, edgy colours and boho-style accessories C O O L B U T C O S Y With its quirky vintage touches and rustic details, this converted cowshed in the Netherlands has individual good looks – especially at Christmas time

replanned 22 48 60

A L L I S B R I G H T A loft extension and Scandi decor sets

the scene for a serene festive season in this Kent townhouse R I N G I N G T H E C H A N G E S In search of a renovation project, one Surrey couple relished the chance to give a dated Victorian villa a top-to-toe makeover W H I T E C H R I S T M A S After an extensive rejig and some elegant New-England styling, this inviting, three-storey, Sixties house in Kent is all set for the holidays

distinctive 65

9

70 112

N E W N O R D I C Christmas in this East Lothian bungalow

has a traditional Scottish flavour with a chic Scandi twist C E L E B R AT E I N S T Y L E Beautifully decorated to receive guests, this charming regency cottage in Canada is a treasure trove of antique and vintage finds A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S Everything shimmers and sparkles in this eye-catching London semi, which has been filled with luxe touches of sequins and gold

new build 14

P I C K O F T H E P L O T S Amazing views and a stunning

82

hilltop location inspired this Yorkshire couple to build themselves a bigger and better property C O M I N G T O G E T H E R Flickering candlelight and icy hues create a chic festive scene in a Dutch mansion that has been lovingly built from scratch

r e g u l a r f e at u r e s

82

9 140 143 150

N E W S This month’s hot shopping trends T R AV E L O F F E R Luxury river cruises in Europe W H E R E T O B U Y Find stockists listed in this issue here R O O M E N V Y The scheme that has inspired us this month

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25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES EDITORIAL

WELCOME The countdown to Christmas has oicially begun. This may simply mean getting in the mood for festivities, or it might be the deadline you’ve set yourself to finish a project. I was in that position last year. We were desperate to complete our renovation, even though we weren’t hosting any major shindigs; there was just something compelling about being ‘in’ for the holidays. To help you get into the spirit, each of this month’s houses is dressed for the Big Day. Decorating solutions abound, from garlands and trees to crackers and baubles. So much sparkle, so many touches! I am personally inspired by the Northern European homes and their takes on seasonal style. One favourite is Jet van Buren’s house in the Netherlands (page 76); this chimes with me as I like the minimal look. My festive decor consists of a real tree, adorned with white lights and a large, wild wreath for the door. As I haven’t long until my baby daughter will want to ‘help’ decorate, I’m going for a pared-back approach while I can. Whatever your style, we hope you enjoy the ideas in this issue, and wish you a very Merry Christmas.

SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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DANISH DELIGHT Childhood memories are at the heart of the festive season in this Scandianavian villa

OPEN TO CHANGE Warehouse loft living was the inspiration for this replanned Oxford semi-detached

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bold as brass This lustrous, warm-hued metal will add extra sparkle to festivities and cast a soft glow throughout your Christmas scheme 1 BURNISHED DISPLAY Brass tree, £50, Cox & Cox 2 PRETTY PETAL Flower garland, £40 for two, Sophie Conran 3 PARTY ANIMAL

Hare decoration, £5.50, RE 4 WARMING GLOW Royal sconce, £295, Malin Appelgren at Plümo 5 GILDED LEAVES Metal leaf wreath,

£200, Laura Ashley 6 RAISE THE BAR Umberto brass bar, £615, Graham and Green 7 DRINK UP Luxe Loop Marble drinks

trolley, £375, Oliver Bonas 8 HOMELY TOUCH Brass house ornament, £78, Petersham Nurseries 9 SPARKLING BIRD Robin decoration, £8, Heal’s

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9 Pretty plumage and jewel-tones create homewares and festive decorations that are worth showing of 1 GIVE US A TWIRL Peacock feather wreath, £55, Gisela Graham at Amara 2 YOU’VE GOT MAIL Peacock letter opener, £15, Laura Ashley

10 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

3 SPOTTY WONDER Alberto small vase, £35, Habitat 4 CAST A GLOW Small Lisboa pendant, £96, Pooky 5 PLUSH PLUMES Tulsi Cobalt cushion, £100, Designers Guild

6 FEATHER LIT Vanilla and cacao candle, £25, Sara Miller 7 SIT PRETTY Peacock chair upholstered in Black Velvet, £395, Graham and Green

8 BEJEWELLED BIRD Gold glitter peacock tree decoration, £6.95, Liberty 9 DAZZLING DECORATION Emerald large peacock bauble in green, £10, John Lewis

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

FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON

peacock shades

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NEW BUILD

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached new build L O C AT I O N West Yorkshire R O O M S Hall, formal sitting room, sitting room/kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, garden room, five bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms, P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller new-build property nearby,’ says Jane.

PICK of the PLOTS

Jane Cooper-Watson’s priority was to maximise the stunning views when building her new hilltop home FEATURE SARA BIRD | PHOTOGRAPHY DAN DUCHARS

14 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2018

FORMAL SITTING ROOM Stone found in the couple’s garden was incorporated into the fireplace to create a striking backdrop for the woodburning stove.

Beaumont 5 stove, £1,400, Chesneys.

Montana eight-drawer cofee table, £599.99, House of Oak, is similar

SITTING ROOM Laid-back, lived-in sofas provide the perfect spots to enjoy the outside views.

Bespoke large Alice sofa, £1,600; ottoman, £280, both Marcus Kenyon

VERANDA Bunting and decorations bring a fun, festive feel to the outdoor area.

The Kubu rattan armchair, £179.99, Casa Bella, is similar to this one. Find galvanised lanterns, from £29.95, Notonthehighstreet.com. Amazon sells similar bunting, from £5.64

UTILITY ROOM Pale green painted units create a calming feel and keep cleaning products out of sight.

The Tiverton kitchen, from £1,860, Wickes, is similar to this Shaker-style design.

Havsen sink, £115, Ikea.

Try French Soaps for a wall-mounted rotating soap dispenser, £20.

Aged zinc jug, £11.45, Farthing

KITCHEN A selection of accessories and plants adds interest to the simple Shaker-style units.

Orlando wire cage pendant lights, from £49 each, Industville. Single light nautical LED wall sconce with cage, £36.90, Beautiful Halo, is similar

SITTING AREA Pretty cushions help soften the look of this vintage-style leather sofa.

The Mortimer leather small two-seater sofa, from £2,200, Laura Ashley, is a good match.

Try the Lustig shelf, £36.99, Wayfair

d e tac h e d s e l f b u i l d | 25bh

L

uck and timing played an important role when it came to creating a dream home for hairdresser Jane Cooper-Watson and her husband Melvyn, a building project manager. Having decided to downsize, they knew it would be hard to match their picturesque former location, but fortunately within weeks, a neighbouring plot came on the market with even better scenery. ‘We were

intending to buy something more compact but then this land came up, which meant we had a chance to design a bigger and better house,’ explains Jane. ‘We couldn’t justify building a smaller property on a piece of land this size so we just went for it.’

Bought in September 2014, the plot had a bungalow on site, which was demolished and replaced with three new properties, including Jane and Melvyn’s. ‘We’d built

our last home and were ready to create another,’ says Jane. ‘We took time with the build to make sure it was done right meaning that we couldn’t move in until the following July, along with our dog Nancy.’

The planning and design of the house was very much dictated by the hilltop position and amazing valley views at the rear. This and the desire to create an open-plan feel for the ground-floor space 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 17

HALL A sideboard provides useful storage and an extra display area for festive decorations.

Denver sideboard, £495, Scartop, is a good alternative to this one.

For a comparable mirror, take a look at Isabella, £170, Next

DINING AREA When lit up, a row of suspended hurricane lamps casts a cosy, festive glow over the table.

Take a look at Searchlight hurricane traditional pendant lights, £44.16 each, Lighting Lighting.

For a similar dining set, try the Oakland extendable table and eight wooden seat chairs, £1,749, The Cotswold Company. Dorma cut-glass candlesticks, from £15 each, Dunelm.

Arv dinner plates, £3 each, Ikea

d e tac h e d s e l f b u i l d | 25bh

prompted the couple to combine the kitchen, dining and sitting room areas but position them on diferent levels with the impressive bay windows and French doors at the back. For character, oak trusses and beams became a feature, too. ‘Barn-style houses have always appealed to me so we brought this style to our new home,’ says Jane. ‘People often say that it doesn’t feel too new and has a lived-in look, which I’m

particularly pleased about. I’m sure this is down to the oak beams.’

Living in a rented property while the build took place gave Jane and Melvyn the time to search for the right fittings and fixtures, such as the feature lighting. High ceilings allowed them to incorporate statement pendants to draw the eye to the eaves. ‘I like individual lighting styles,’ says Jane. ‘A mix of pendants, candelabras and

wall lights all adds to the character.’ The kitchen was also a considered design and includes an Aga, butler sink, flagstone floors and lots of display shelving. ‘We had a wood kitchen in our previous home and felt this property would look nicer with a painted one,’ says Jane. ‘The units are a very pale green but the colour changes with the light, which is something I love.’ By planning the whole house around their 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 19

25bh | d e tac h e d s e l f b u i l d d e c o r at i n g t i p ‘Mix old favourites with new pieces to add interest’

requirements, noisy work areas, such as the utility and laundry, were housed in separate rooms, meaning the kitchen could be kept solely for cooking and entertaining.

Jane decided to go for a cohesive look overall rather than diferent schemes in each room. Pale wall shades were used throughout, with characterful pops of colour and tactile textures coming from soft furnishings, mixed in with chic modern pieces and Jane’s favourite Christmas decorations. Vintage 20 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

furniture added character and personality. ‘I think my decorating style is quite authentic because it’s not about new things but gradually gathered items that I’ve carefully put together,’ she reflects.

Future plans include adding a new porch area at the front of the house to bring the oak-beam look to the façade, but for now, the couple are happy with their home. And after such a busy time planning and creating it, they are finally able to sit back, relax and enjoy those views they love so much.

MAIN BEDROOM

The iron bed makes a bold design statement.

The Sheherazad double bed, £344, Maisons du Monde, has this look

BATHROOM

Wood tones add colour.

Roberts Revival radio, from £149.99, John Lewis

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

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ALL IS BRIGHT Kerry and Chris Tedman celebrate Christmas with simple Scandi touches that complement their personal style FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

SITTING ROOM The artwork by Kerry is painted in suitably snowy tones.

Moon over Forest banner print, £23, This Modern Life

22 | 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018

v i c to r i a n tow n h o us e | 25bh REPLANNED

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse L O C AT I O N Tunbridge Wells R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, study, cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom, shower room P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a three-bed terrace in Kent,’ says Kerry.

SITTING ROOM Decorations in white look efortlessly stylish.

Baubles, from £3 each, Paperchase. Try the Liscio mirror, £304, Exclusive Mirrors

25bh | v i c to r i a n tow n h o us e

FRONT DOOR Kerry made the eucalyptus and spruce wreath that welcomes guests.

Borrowed Light exterior eggshell is a match for the door colour, £67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball SITTING ROOM Crisp whites and easy greys work year-round for family life.

Zinc sofa, from £879, DFS. Kilo cofee table, £60, Habitat. The Abel colour-block rug in grey has this look, from £39, JD Williams

W

ith a family of four girls, plus plenty of visitors over the Christmas season, I try to keep the atmosphere in our home as calm as possible,’ says Kerry Tedman, mother to Etty, 11, Bebe, 10, Marlie, nine, and Hadley, two. Her simple palette of white, grey and black – livened up with the natural greens of winter foliage and twinkling fairy lights – brings Scandi-style serenity to the festive preparations in her home. ‘My look for the rest of the year is very pared-back, so it wouldn’t work to go for full-on red and yards of tinsel,’ she says. The result is a home that sparkles, but doesn’t drown out her personal style.

Kerry, a copywriter who paints in her spare time, and her husband Chris have always liked a clean, crisp aesthetic. ‘I’m just not big on colour – and I find that you can still be really creative within a monochrome palette,’ she says. This tall Victorian townhouse in Tunbridge Wells has expanded with their family, and they recently added a loft extension to provide a new master suite, two bedrooms and shower room. As with the rest of the house, these rooms were decorated with Kerry’s creative yet practical design eye. ‘We’ve tried to future-proof the rooms – for example, we added mezzanine sleeping levels in Bebe and Marlie’s bedrooms to maximise the space.’

When the couple moved to this house the decor was ‘incredibly plain’, says Kerry, who gave the interior a completely fresh look. As someone who prefers to avoid clutter, she was still keen to inject some character into the four walls of her home. The couple set about

KITCHEN Kerry opted for practical vinyl flooring with the look of poured concrete.

Mardi Gras vinyl is comparable, £15.99sq m, Carpetright. Kitchen, price on request, B&Q

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Decide on a simple palette for your main Christmas decorations and then add extra warmth and depth with sprigs of silvery green foliage’ 24 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

DINING AREA ‘I keep the table settings simple, using plenty of natural foliage to add colour,’ says Kerry.

Bacopia extendable dining table is a match, £450, B&Q. Sky planter, £17.56, Made In Design. Tableware, from £2.99; candlesticks, £8.99 each, all H&M Home

MAIN BEDROOM This clean-lined loft space includes triangular glazing.

Blanket, from £25, HomeSense HADLEY’S BEDROOM Ample storage, a bespoke bed and a soft playmat make this a creative haven.

Cluster rug, from £165, Plantation Rug Company. Picture ledges, from £5, Ikea

reinstating the Victorian fireplaces, installing shutters and also had many of the floors stripped back to the wood. The previously dark kitchen was lightened up by fitting a run of simple white cabinets: ‘It’s not a huge space, but good storage makes it very practical,’ says Kerry.

Storage also plays a key part in the girls’ bedrooms.

‘At Christmas, there will inevitably be more toys arriving, but built-in cupboards and shelves mean that there will always be space to store them,’ says Kerry. This chic but practical aesthetic also extends to the family’s Christmas table settings. ‘As there will be six of us around our table – and lots of food – I tend to stick to a monochrome colour scheme, using natural foliage to lift it,’ says Kerry.

The paintings that are dotted around the house exude a similarly natural feel and have been created by Kerry in her spare time. Her favourite tones are of-whites and greys, but she also brings depth to her canvases by adding filler and textural layers of paint. ‘All my art is inspired by nature, whether that be landscapes, trees or snowy mountains,’ she says.

The most serene space, which still feels festive, is the family’s bathroom, where a painting by Kerry hangs over a deep stone resin bath. ‘Making this room into a large bathroom felt quite indulgent, but it’s so worth it,’ says Kerry. ‘It always feels very calming and relaxing at the end of a full-on day, whether I’ve been making a nativity costume, cutting out paper decorations or baking with the girls. The run-up to Christmas is always busy – but this house is my little piece of Scandi calm.’

ETTY’S BEDROOM The couple’s eldest daughter wanted a grown-up room.

Prints, from £15, This Modern Life. Bedding, from £20, H&M

last wor d ‘Life with four daughters is inevitably going to get hectic in the run-up to Christmas, but a restful, unfussy decor will keep the house’s mood as calm as possible’ 26 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

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B AT H R O O M ‘I really appreciate this calm space, especially at Christmas,’ says Kerry.

Painting by Kerry. Angelo stone resin bath, £2,891, Tissino. Crosswater bath mixer with shower is similar, £693, Victorian Plumbing

25bh | fo r t i fi e d h o u s e UNIQUE

home truths

Forter Castle is available to rent through fortercastle.co.uk

THE PROPERTY Renovated castle, built in 1560 L O C AT I O N Perthshire, Scotland R O O M S Hall, sitting room, kitchen, breakfast room, six bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms, garret that sleeps four P U R C H A S E D 1988 OTHER PROPERTY ‘We live in Oxford and have a home in Devon,’ says Katharine.

HIGHLAND FLING At Katharine Pooley’s striking Scottish escape, historic details, tradition and heritage combine to create a rural idyll FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES

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INSPIR ATION ‘I visited other castles for ideas, but many items found here, including furniture and accessories, are family antiques or things that I have purchased on my travels’

SITTING ROOM Katharine has used luxurious textures in soft Highland shades of heather and gorse with a shot of scarlet. The family call this space the Great Hall.

The mahogany bookcase is an antique. The sofas are by Ralph Lauren. Try the Beaufort ottoman, from £650, The White Company

DINING AREA The family enjoys the ceremony of formal dining. The table is an antique passed on by Katharineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and the dining chairs are covered in the Pooley family Gunn tartan.

Interior design by Katharine Pooley. Recreate this look with the English oak refectory table, price on request, Titchmarsh & Goodwin

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FAVOURITE ROOM ‘The main bedroom, known as the Laird’s Room.

It runs the length of the castle and I used the space to its full advantage’

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oaring log fires, flickering candlelight, sumptuous decorations and plenty of foliage foraged from surrounding woodland: these are the magical ingredients that make the season special at the home of interior designer Katharine Pooley.

A fortified house located in the Scottish Highlands, this is no ordinary escape. Built in 1560 to protect the entrance to the Balloch Pass to Glenshee, the house was destroyed in a fire around a century later. The building’s chequered past stirred the imagination of Katharine’s father Robert, who bought it and began a painstaking restoration in 1988, rebuilding it brick by brick, before passing it on to his daughter fifteen years ago.

‘The castle truly comes alive at Christmas, when the sitting room, known as the Great Hall, is decorated with swags of greenery above the fireplace and tumbling from the chandeliers,’ says Katharine. ‘There are six bedrooms, but the extended family stays for the festivities – my siblings and their children, my mother and father, myself and my husband Daniel and our boys Jack and Charlie – and we all squeeze in together.’

The family return to age-old traditions at this time of year.

‘There’s no phone signal, internet or TV at the house, so we enjoy listening to music and playing board games,’ Katharine explains. Accents of red and green abound – from the cosy

MAIN BEDROOM The bed is so big that it had to be cut in two and brought in through the window.

The bed is by Ralph Lauren. The Georgian four poster bed, from £6,540, And So To Bed, recreates the look. Drapes made in Tabularasa Marsala by Dedar

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25bh | fo r t i fi e d h o u s e GUEST BEDROOM The addition of a sofa creates a cosy corner for guests to relax in.

Browse City Plaids carpets by Brintons to get this look. Canopy and headboard upholstered in Antique Paisley, £218.52m, De Le Cuona

B AT H R O O M Part of the master suite, this luxurious integral bathroom is discreetly screened.

Severn freestanding shower, from £22,740; Spey cast-iron bath tub with ball and claw feet, from £3,570, both Drummonds

OUR CHRISTMAS TR ADITIONS ‘We enjoy long walks on the Cateran Trail and gathering round the fire in the Great Hall in the evening’

upholstered armchairs to tactile linens and velvets throughout, making this a naturally festive Christmas hideaway.

References to its setting, including the dining chairs covered in the Pooley family Gunn tartan, are mixed with contemporary comforts such as generous showers and oversized sofas. ‘When my father passed the house to me, my brief was to turn it into a home, while retaining its sense of history,’ says Katharine. ‘So the modern touches sit alongside antiques and my father’s oil paintings. I asked artist Jennifer Merredew to paint the mural on the Great Hall’s ceiling. She spent eight weeks lying on her back on scafolding, working on the design based on the words of an old ballad that describes the burning of the original house.’

Decorating for the festivities is a pleasure – the Great Hall is home to an impressive tree, making it a magnet for family gatherings. In the bedrooms, four-poster beds are juxtaposed with modern check rugs, tartan screens and soft lamplight.

Period touches, including beamed ceilings, original fireplaces and stained-glass windows, add plenty of character and charm.

‘It’s wonderful to be out in nature here, too,’ says Katharine of the stunning landscape, part of Cairngorms National Park.

There’s so much to do, including horse riding, fishing, biking, and even skiing, but we love to take a bracing walk on Christmas Day. It makes returning to the house, with a large fire blazing in the inglenook fireplace, even more rewarding.’

32 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

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Cornish CHARM

Maggie and Mike Black love decorating their period home for the holidays, and enjoying gatherings with family and friends FEATURE KATHERINE SORRELL PHOTOGRAPHY ANYA RICE

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 35

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘This space – it’s always peaceful and is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s a calm place to sit and read, with no technology’

INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached 17th-century house L O C AT I O N Cornwall R O O M S Hall, sitting/dining room, kitchen, TV room, utility room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, study, workroom P U R C H A S E D 1987 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before buying this place, we lived in a modern bungalow nearby,’ says Maggie.

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SITTING/DINING ROOM Wooden floorboards and white walls provide a neutral backdrop for pretty decorations.

Cobb rise-and-fall large pendant, £225, Original BTC. Crumpet sofa, from £1,195, Loaf; covered in Arran Blue fabric, £39.50m, Ian Mankin

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KITCHEN Open shelves and oak worktops complement the classic white units. The floor is made from slender slate roof tiles, chosen because of the room’s limited head height.

Bespoke units, Out of Wood. The antique white console table, £111.95, Flora Furniture, would suit this space

DINING AREA ‘Normally, Mike and I eat in the kitchen but this space is perfect for big gatherings,’ says Maggie. The wattle and daub wall was uncovered during the renovation.

Vintage linen grain sack cushion covers, from £35 each, Parna. The Linen Works sells linen tablecloths, from £95

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M

aggie Black enjoys every minute of the time she spends choosing and putting up her Christmas decorations. ‘I keep some from year to year – they bring back so many happy memories – but I also like to add a few new ones to be fresh and a little on trend,’ she says. ‘I adore unwrapping my stash of decorations, deciding which ones will make the final cut.’

After more than 30 years in the property, Maggie and her husband Mike have an amicable arrangement: Maggie, a retired nurse, is in charge of the decorating while Mike, a local GP, does the gardening. ‘It works for us,’ says Maggie. ‘I’m never bored – I’m constantly tweaking things. The house is versatile and I have repainted it a lot over the years.’

When the couple bought the 17th-century property, it felt bland and featureless, all its character having been removed or covered over. Maggie undertook much of the renovation work, opening up fireplaces, exposing beams and stripping back layers of paint. ‘I did a lot of the demolition, then called in a builder to build things up again,’ she says.

Eventually, Maggie and Mike also fitted a new kitchen and bathroom, but it was while working on the sitting/ dining room that Maggie made her greatest discovery – a wattle and daub wall, concealed below modern plasterwork. ‘I exposed a little bit of it and realised there was something lovely going on,’ she says. ‘I took the plaster of with a pickaxe – and there it was.’

Today, the house’s interior has a touch of the Scandinavian in its emphasis on pale colours and charming simplicity. Maggie’s decorating style is inspired by the building’s unique character. ‘There is so much texture here – stone, slate and wood,’ she explains. ‘This led me to keep the decor as simple as possible. I’m also inspired by the Cornish light, and so I use a lot of blues, greys and whites. My style is

MAIN BEDROOM White walls and pale blue bedding create a coastal feel.

The lacquer butler’s tray, £95, is similar; St Ives bedlinen, from £15 for a pillowcase, both The White Company

GUEST BEDROOM Tongue-and-groove panelling provides a rustic-style headboard.

Try the Duck egg blue herringbone throw, £59, The British Blanket Company

b e s t b u y ‘Rather than buying new furniture, I prefer to keep reinventing my old pieces with a change of paint colour, which always gives them a fresh look’ mainly vintage, things that I’ve collected over the years, with some modern pieces thrown in.’

The couple take pleasure in welcoming guests to their home. ‘Our daughter Amy lives nearby and brings her daughters Lilly and Isla over regularly,’ says Maggie. ‘We relish the fact that they use our house so much and keep it alive. We also love having our son Tom to stay. The more the merrier.’ This principle definitely applies at Christmas, when the Blacks enjoy traditions that go back years. Maggie puts the tree up just a few days before Christmas.

‘We like it to be fresh and not lose that excitement,’ she says. ‘On Christmas Eve we give each other new pyjamas and on Christmas Day we go for a walk. We have turkey and all the trimmings and play board games in the afternoon. This is what I love most about this house: we have so many happy memories here and we are continuing to make them.’

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

EN SUITE A gloss-white unit adds a contemporary touch.

Eastbrook Oslo vanity unit, £524.40; and basin, £234, both Dougfield Plumbers Supplies

S TA I R S Pale grey painted woodwork maximises the feeling of light.

Parma Gray estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

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KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Christina Easton moved into her childhood home and stamped her own dark and edgy style on it FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY KATIE LEE

SITTING ROOM ‘Our tree is decorated with a mix of things we’ve had since we were little and treasures brought back from holidays,’ says Christina.

Walls painted in Rivington Blue emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Abigail Ahern

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UNIQUE

home truths

KITCHEN An edgy black macramé chandelier, teamed with copper island worktop and kickboards, has brought the kitchen bang up to date.

Macramé chandelier, £175, The LillianDaph Store. Copper island worktop, kickboards and splashback, £995, The Light Shack

THE PROPERTY An ‘upside-down’ house L O C AT I O N North Yorkshire R O O M S Sitting/dining room, kitchen, conservatory, six bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D April 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in a mews house just up the road,’ says Christina.

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25bh | f i f t i e s d e tac h e d C O N S E R VAT O R Y Dark wood window frames were painted in a light shade to give this space a fresh look.

Woodwork painted in Pavilion trade paint, from £26.65 for 2.5L, Macpherson. Zuiver rug, £320, The LillianDaph Store

HALL York stone was laid in the entranceway.

The couple hope to install a spiral staircase here for a future loft conversion.

Walls painted in Bedford Brown emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Abigail Ahern. Dressed Nordic stars, £35 each, The White Company. White paper Christmas decorations, from £1 each, RE GUEST BEDROOM Christina has experimented with diferent patterns and colours to create a boho feel for overnight visitors to enjoy.

Feature wall in Mr Jones wallpaper, £34 a roll, Laura Ashley. Morris & Co Strawberry Thief cotton bedding in Red, from £22 for an Oxford pillowcase, John Lewis. Floor cactus plant in pot, £115.99, Wayfair, is similar B AT H R O O M Building out the partition under the window has allowed the pair to install wall-mounted taps and also provides a ledge for toiletries.

Walls painted in Wooster Olive emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Abigail Ahern. Victoria chandelier, £220, John Lewis. Pisa elite Rhinofloor vinyl flooring in Black White, £15.99sq m, Online Carpets, is comparable. Wooden hexagonal mirrors, £23.89 each, Silva Design PL at Etsy, are similar

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Hang a chandelier in the bathroom and paint the walls an Christmas is all about family for Christina and Craig Easton, who bought Christina’s childhood home in North Yorkshire from her parents five years ago.

‘I just love how our home transforms at this time of year,’ says Christina. ‘It’s a cold house so it suits having the logburner and coal fire roaring, and the rooms are big enough to hold large real trees. Decorating them always brings back fond memories.’

Before committing to buying the house, the couple moved in for a six-month trial run. ‘Craig thought it would never feel like 42 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

home, but I knew we could make it look really diferent,’ she says. As it’s an ‘upside down’ house with sitting room, kitchen, bathrooms, conservatory and three bedrooms on the first floor, the pair concentrated their eforts there – using the three additional bedrooms below for storage. They’ve gradually transformed the space room by room, and electrician Craig has carried out much of the work himself with help from a joiner friend.

Before the sale went through they started experimenting in the living room, removing bright pink wallpaper and discoloured flooring to make way for white

floorboards and walls. The floor was later replaced with a dark parquet-efect vinyl flooring and the walls re-painted inky blue.

‘We’ve re-done this room about four times as we rushed into it to begin with,’ admits Christina, who was studying textiles at university when work began. Since opening an interiors shop in Saltburn-bythe-Sea called The LillianDaph Store, she has become bolder in her choices.

Adding a double-sided, multi-fuel burner linked the sitting and dining area to the neighbouring conservatory. ‘It was one of our biggest expenses, but it’s solved the problem of the conservatory being

MAIN BEDROOM Christina commissioned a sign with her grandma’s favourite phrase.

Bespoke neon sign, £345, Light Up North.

For a similar bed, try Home & Haus Solomon bed frame, £680.99, Wayfair.

PS Maskros pendant light, £90, Ikea

unusual shade to lift the room and make it somewhere you would want to linger’ almost unusable in winter, and has really transformed both spaces,’ says Christina.

Another clever idea was to replace a window in the living room with a set of French doors, which has allowed Craig to build a balcony and maximise the distant sea views.

The last room to be transformed – after several experimental quick fixes – was the kitchen. ‘I never liked it, but it’s a good quality Treske design so I didn’t want to rip it out,’ says Christina. ‘At first we tried painting the walls in charcoal, but the units dominated so much that it hardly changed the feel of the room.’ Instead, they painted the oak units dark green and replaced the FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

freestanding white dishwasher and washing machine with black appliances. The couple undertook the work themselves. ‘It took us a month of evenings and weekends, but it’s made such a diference,’ she says.

The final additions were a copper island worktop, kickboards and an oven splashback made by Dave O’Donnell of The Light Shack. ‘I came across him through my shop,’ says Christina. ‘He’d made metal and light installations for carnivals, but had never done anything like this. These finishing touches have been a real game changer.’

Christina’s happy that she could keep the house in the family. ‘It really feels

like ours now and I can definitely imagine staying here long-term as we’re expecting our first child in December. I’m so excited to decorate the nursery, which will have a girafe-inspired scheme with walls painted in Abigail Ahern’s Mercer Green.’

Although Christmas is always a busy time in her shop, Christina is looking forward to closing up for a few days and winding down. ‘My birthday is Boxing Day so we tend to carry right through with an “open house” once we’ve blown away the cobwebs with the dogs on the beach. I love our house at Christmas – it really comes into its own and feels so special.’

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INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Late 18th-century manor house L O C AT I O N New Forest R O O M S Hall, kitchen-diner, sitting room, dining room, two cloakrooms, oice, utility room, cinema room, games room incorporating a studio flat, 12 bedrooms (11 en suite), bathroom, plus a coach house and cottage in the grounds P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a six-bedroom property nearby,’ says Jackie.

Deck the halls Jackie and Mener Tsitsis’ beautifully restored period house is the perfect setting for a traditional family Christmas FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY CAROLINE MARDON/GAP INTERIORS

SITTING ROOM The couple sourced the antique fireplace to fit the period of the house.

Antique fireplace, price on request, The Fireplace Shop. Try Dunelm’s Verbier grey faux fur cushion, £14

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KITCHEN Fairy lights add a pretty touch to the classic Shaker-style units, which include glazed doors to keep the efect light.

Bespoke cabinetry and worktops, Mark Small at Dual Designs. Units painted in Hardwick White estate eggshell, ÂŁ60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

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d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘I wanted to create a sense that the interiors have evolved over time, so I mixed designer and high-street pieces with antiques’

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ith the fires lit and the fairy lights twinkling, Jackie and Mener Tsitsis’ 18th-century house comes into its own during the festive season. ‘It is made for large gatherings,’ says Jackie. ‘On Christmas day, we walk in the forest and come back to a late lunch with family and friends. We then sit around the fire playing games – it’s a relaxed, sociable time.’

Jackie and Mener, who have three children – Gregory, 24, Anna, 21, and George, 18 – are London-based, but their love afair with the New Forest began in 1999 when they bought a beach hut in Mudeford. ‘We then progressed to a cottage and after that, a six-bedroom house,’ says Jackie.

The family used to pass this place regularly, and so when Mener, a property developer, spotted that it was for sale, his curiosity was piqued. ‘I don’t think we went to view it with any intention to buy,’ says Jackie. ‘But it simply took our breath away.’

The house had once belonged to Lady Emma Bingham whose husband, Sir George Ridout Bingham, was Napoleon’s gaoler. Lady Emma bought it after her husband’s death and she lived there from around 1840 until she died in 1870.

During the Second World War, the building was requisitioned for the Royal Air Force and

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

United States Army Air Forces, and it was an RAF pilot who bought the property after the war.

By the time Jackie and Mener bought the house, it needed attention. ‘It had been divided into flats and many of the original features had been ripped out,’ says Jackie. By a stroke of luck, the pair found a Twenties postcard of the property on eBay, and this provided a reference for missing details such as the windows and the railings at the front of the house. They also obtained sale documents from 1920, which included floor plans.

‘We wanted to reinstate the rooms but also bring the building into the 21st century,’ says Jackie.

While Mener managed the restoration, Jackie sourced furnishings, choosing an aesthetic that is informal yet befits the grandeur of the spaces. ‘We brought pieces from our previous home but when we moved them here, they seemed to disappear,’ she says. ‘I realised that furniture needed to be scaled up in order to hold its own in the rooms.’

At this time of year, three Christmas trees grace the manor house. ‘There is nothing quite like walking into the double-height hall when it is all decked out for Christmas and the fire is roaring,’ says Jackie, who adds, ‘I feel an immense sense of pride that we have brought this house back to life so that it can be enjoyed again.’

HALL

A large Christmas tree creates an impact in this double-height space.

Alexander & Pearl’s crystal Art Deco tiered pendant light, £542, is a similar style

DINING ROOM

Jackie sourced two wroughtiron bases from France and added a huge piece of oak to create the table.

The Egyptian white pillar candle holder, from £29.50, ZaZa Homes, is a good alternative

BATHROOM

The roll-top bath was positioned to enjoy the views across the parkland.

Try the Astonian Rimini bath, £1,199.91, Aston Matthews

GUEST BEDROOM

A plush velvet headboard lends a luxurious feel.

For a similar seat, look at the Italian vintage leather brown bench, £607.60, Turnbull & Thomas. The house, as well as the coach house and cottage in the grounds, is available to rent, heathfieldhouseresidence.co.uk

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 47

RINGING THE CHANGES Having ďŹ nished their long-term renovation, Estelle Derouet and Jon Savage are now planning to make this their best-ever family Christmas at home FEATURE KATIE TREGGIDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HEMMING

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v i c to r i a n v i ll a | 25bh SITTING ROOM Seasonal accents combine with candles, comfortable seating and firelight to ensure this room is comfortable and cosy for family get-togethers at Christmas.

Walls and cabinetry painted in French Grey intelligent emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene. For a similar sofa, try the large Young Bean design in True Red velvet, £2,595, Loaf. Similar cast-iron combi fireplace, £465, Period Property Store. Passion 5 cushion by Jessica Zoob, £85, Black Edition

KITCHEN An abundance of natural materials combine to create a modern-vintage feel in this space.

Driftwood cabinetry, from £500 for a 600mm unit; honed Carrera marble 30mm worktop, from £300 linear m, both Henderson & Redfearn. Concrete floor tiles in Natural Grey, £94sq m, Concreate. Benjamin reclaimed pendants, £480 each, Skinflint Design

REPLANNED

home truths THE PROPERTY Semi-detached late Victorian villa L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, study, five bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Victorian terraced house in Middlesex,' says Estelle.

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 49

25bh | v i c to r i a n v i ll a After a long-running house renovation that has meant spending recent Christmases with family and friends, Estelle Derouet and her husband Jon Savage are determined to make this year special for their 10-year-old son Louis. ‘He was only three when we moved here, so it’s about making a bit more efort now,’ she says.

This Christmas, Estelle is going to town. ‘Every year I buy something new, and this year, my three big boxes of decorations have finally come down from the attic,’ she says. ‘No doubt, I’ll be up until the early hours on Christmas Eve getting the table just right.’ Each table setting features an antique napkin, a feather and a name card in a tiny frame, and Estelle has a couple of further tricks up her sleeve, too. Plastic plates sit on top of china ones, real foliage is intertwined with faux, and this year, for a change, she has invested in a fake tree. ‘I’ve hung pine-scented icicle decorations on it and everyone’s convinced it’s real,’ she says.

TA K I N G O N A P R O J E C T

Lavish Christmas celebrations were the last thing on the couple’s mind when they bought the house, in 2011. ‘We were looking for a project, so we knew what we were letting ourselves in for,’ admits Estelle. They began by replacing the roof, removing the pebble-dash exterior and refurbishing all the sash windows. ‘It wasn’t the most exciting part of the project, but we needed to get the structural work out of the way,’ she says.

Upstairs, they knocked two rooms together to create a large family bathroom, sacrificed a small bedroom for a home oice, and turned a kitchen, which was part of a former self-contained flat, into a guest bathroom. A ground-floor extension created a large eat-in kitchen and period features were reinstated throughout.

DINING ROOM

A Christmas tree adorned with pieces collected by Estelle over the years provides a festive focal point at family gatherings.

Blue Mountain Spruce Christmas tree 7ft, £250, Cox & Cox. Walls painted in Lamp Room Gray estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

KEEPING COSTS DOWN

HALL

Estelle’s fresh take on wreaths adds a contemporary feel here.

Leaf metal wreath, £90, Rockett St George. Zigzag runner rug by Broste Copenhagen, £42, Amara

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For their fixtures and fittings, the pair went online to find everything from vintage radiators and fireplaces to floorboards and bathroom fittings. To keep to a tight budget they also scoured reclamation yards.

When it came to decorating, Estelle’s sideline as an interior stylist and design blogger (@savageinteriors on Instagram) paid dividends, too. ‘Good interior design is about having confidence in your vision,’ she says, conceding that it takes a lot of time and patience. ‘But I really don’t mind putting the hours in,’ continues Estelle.

‘Decorating this home is always a joy.’

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

FAMILY BATHROOM

MAIN BEDROOM

The reclaimed bath and the artwork above it are suitably co-ordinated.

For salvaged Victorian baths, try UKAA, price on request. Abyss of the Disheartened print by Heather Landis, £84, Redbubble

Estelle fell in love with this rich blue colour, which now forms the backdrop to her romantic scheme.

Walls painted in Inchyra Blue estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

Antoinette bed, £799, Feather & Black

decor ating tip ‘I’ve recently discovered that using craft spray paint is the quickest and easiest way to transform almost any decorative object and make it unique’

v i c to r i a n te r r ac e | 25bh

Christmas bonus Janey and Nick Sullivan reworked their home to make it more child-friendly, which is ideal during the holidays FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

SNUG ‘This is where we open presents on Christmas Day,’ says Janey.

Ikat cushions, £93 each; lampshade, £63, all Rosanna Lonsdale. Christmas tree, £150, Lights4Fun

DINING AREA The table is tucked into a space opposite the kitchen.

Chairs painted in Hellebore estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

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KITCHEN

Janey spent many hours with designer Michael Cahill of MC Stone Kitchens to create a space suited to her specific requirements.

Pendant lights, £250 each, Hector Finch

INSPIRING

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian terraced house L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Hall, kitchen-diner/ family room, snug, children’s den, cloakroom, five bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in a small flat in West Kensington,’ says Janey.

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hen Janey and Nick Sullivan’s first baby, Thomas, was six months old and his buggy dominated the hall, the writing was on the wall. ‘We knew we had outgrown our cosy flat,’ says Janey.

‘So we started to look for a new family home.’

Eventually, they hit upon a pocket of family houses arranged around a communal green space in west London, where they discovered an early Victorian house with potential. ‘I fell in love with the area even before I fell for the house,’ says Janey. ‘It was a terrace arranged over four floors, with a generous garden. Best of all, we were able to move in straight away. The previous owners had turned the floor that leads out to the garden into one big open-plan kitchen-diner and there was a narrow wooden Eighties conservatory that became our dining room.’

By the time Thomas, now 16, and siblings Susie, 14, and Harry, 12, approached their teenage years, the conservatory was threatening to fall apart. At that point, the Sullivans were forced to discuss plans for a total revamp, but it took a year for them to agree about how to rework the house. ‘Nick pointed out how many houses with layouts similar to ours had a large formal sitting room that was

never used and suggested ours become a den for the kids. I wasn’t keen, but soon saw it was the best idea for the next stage of family life.’

The couple’s architect suggested opening up the whole of the floor leading to the garden, but Janey resisted. ‘In return for giving up the formal sitting room, I insisted on a separate snug for us,’ she says. ‘Although small compared to the children’s area, it has turned out to be an elegant, cosy haven, sectioned of by glass folding doors leading to the kitchen.’

Janey has a passion for rare textiles, inherited from her father who was a frequent visitor to Asia. These form the backbone of her home’s aesthetic, with one piece used to cover a canvas above the dining table. Janey’s favourite room is the snug, which skilfully blends velvet textures in rich jewel hues.

‘My mother was a painter, so colour is in my DNA and I am not afraid to use vivid hues,’ she says. ‘Despite what people say about small rooms, I find rich colours gel well in a compact space.’

At Christmas time, the Sullivans’ house is popular with their children’s friends. ‘There is room for two trees – one for the children in their den and the other for grown-ups in the snug,’ says Janey. ‘The house has proved to be perfect for entertaining two generations.’

v i c to r i a n te r r ac e | 25bh

FAMILY ROOM Doors to the garden create a focal point and also maximise the view.

Bespoke L-shaped seating, Balmain and Balmain. Table, price on request, Tom Faulkner

Design advice ‘Go with your gut feeling and don’t always be swayed by the professionals’ advice – open-plan throughout the house would not have suited us’ MAIN BEDROOM

BATHROOM

Calming hues evoke a restful mood, contrasted by bright pink tones.

Walls painted in Pale Powder estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

Lampshades, £94 each, Rosanna Lonsdale

Shutters filter a soft light into this neutral sanctuary.

Vanity and bath, price on request, Drummonds

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

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 55

TITANIC TASK Claire Hart’s rundown property was full of surprises – not least a link with the most famous ship in history FEATURE & PHOTOGRAPHY SARA BIRD & DAN DUCHARS/THE CONTENTED NEST

INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian detached L O C AT I O N Liverpool R O O M S Hall, formal sitting room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, music room, utility room, five bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving into this house, we lived in a similar period property just around the corner,’ says Claire.

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It was a friend who pointed out this Victorian home to Claire Hart, who had been house hunting for a month without any luck. ‘I got into my car and viewed straight away, and it was love at first sight,’ she says.

Part of the appeal was its similarity to Claire and her husband Michael Albertina’s previous home. ‘I loved our old place, and used to wish I could just pick it up and move it somewhere else,’ says Claire. A larger garden and parking space were big draws, too. ‘We had always struggled to park our cars but this house has two garages and parking outside. Plus there is a utility room, which is heaven for me.’

The house had been on the market for a while and required some work. Apart from

the outdated decor and utilities, it also needed pinning with tie bars, as the side wall was bulging – a common fault in Victorian buildings and end-of-terraces.

This gave the couple the opportunity to purchase the property at an afordable price.

‘It was damp but looked worse than it was,’ says Claire. ‘The house had sat empty for a couple of years and needed a good airing.

Once the doors and windows had been open a while, we could see what was just surface damp and what was more serious.’

The place also needed partial rewiring and, like many period properties, some replastering, too. ‘We carried out the smaller plastering jobs ourselves – there’s not much you can’t learn from YouTube,’ says Claire.

‘Virtually all the work was done via online tutorials.’ The couple’s DIY skills also

p e r i o d d e tac h e d | 25bh SITTING ROOM ‘I just like coming in here to admire how clean and fresh it looks,’ says Claire.

‘It’s not a room we use every day.’

Sofa covered in Edwin sable, £42m, Laura Ashley. Colours Harrietta black and white geometric rug has this look, £32, B&Q. The Tom Dixon soft mohair velvet cushion in blue is similar, £150, Amara

DINING ROOM Banquette seating is a clever use of space and ofers flexible dining.

Walls painted in Old Navy matte, £75 for 3.79L, Benjamin Moore. Vas birdcage pendant, £67, B&Q. Mariner blind, from £36.11, Blinds to Go. The Nourison Amore rug in Ivory Blue has this look, from £109, The Rug Seller MUSIC ROOM This cosy spot is the family’s main socialising area.

Henley multifuel stove in cream has this look, £491,

Glowing Embers.

For antique fenders, try Norfolk Fender Seats, price on application KITCHEN ‘We inherited the Aga, and stayed on budget by fitting the units ourselves,’ says Claire.

Two-oven Aga, from £8,785, Aga. Carisbrooke kitchen, price on request, Cooke & Lewis at B&Q. See Hammer ceiling pendant, £40, Lighting Direct.

Try Victoria Metro wall tiles in Gloss Cream, £24.94sq m, Victorian Plumbing

GUEST BEDROOM Claire colourmatched the wall paint from a swatch of luxury wallpaper.

Hague Blue estate emulsion is a similar wall colour, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball Mimi bedside table in Scufed Grey is a good option, £225, Loaf. Try the Bottle Green faux fur throw, £71.54, Woodpecker Interiors

stretched to fitting the kitchen themselves.

‘We were working to a tight deadline, as the worktop fitter was coming the next day – but then Michael broke his hand,’ says Claire.

Not ones to be deterred, a pack of frozen peas was tied to the injured limb and they got on with the job, with Michael directing and Claire doing the heavy lifting. Now the dated orange-brown scheme is a smart grey, with a spacious dresser and central island.

An Aga inherited with the house wasn’t without its problems either. ‘At first, we used it to heat our water, too,’ explains Claire, ‘but it kept cutting out, leaving us with no heating or hot water.’ A combi boiler solved the issue and now the Aga is used purely for cooking, and heating the kitchen in winter.

The only room that required professional assistance was the bathroom. A separate 58 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

bathroom and cloakroom were knocked into one to create a luxurious sanctuary with a freestanding bath. Old carpets were ripped up to reveal floorboards that only needed a sand and varnish to bring out their beauty, and Claire chose reclaimed fixtures and fittings to lend character.

Period houses always have a great sense of history, but this one has a unique story.

‘It was home to an engineer on the Titanic, who lived here with his family at the time of the disaster,’ says Claire. ‘Sadly, he didn’t survive, but he kept the ship afloat as long as possible. I have a poster of the Titanic in the hall that I bought at the local auction house, along with a copy of a letter the engineer wrote to his son during the voyage.’

The timing of their move meant the pair had to start decorating straight away,

as Christmas was just three weeks away. ‘We needed at least part of the house to be clean and presentable,’ says Claire, who admits to playing it too safe with the decor before finding design inspiration on Instagram. ‘It helped me be braver with colour and realise that a strong shade doesn’t always make a room feel closed in – sometimes it just works with the space,’ she explains.

Christmas is a favourite time for the couple and daughter Tilly, 14, especially when it comes to decorating the house and dining table. Each year, Claire adds to her collection of decorations, and even has a dedicated festive section in the loft. ‘We have around 17 to dinner,’ she says. ‘I’ll move the table into the music room and extend it with a large sheet of MDF – no one notices at all once it’s dressed for the big day.’

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

p e r i o d d e tac h e d | 25bh B AT H R O O M The old salmoncoloured suite was replaced with this timeless design.

Beaumont freestanding bath, £799, Victoria Plumb. Victoria console basin, from £500 for a single, Heritage Bathrooms.

Panelling painted in Lichen estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

MAIN BEDROOM Claire painted the previously cream furniture in her bedroom a deep blue shade to create a cocooning and luxurious sanctuary.

Walls painted in Intra Blue estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L; furniture painted in Railings estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Tiger lamp, price on request, HomeSense. Find similar gold deer figurines, from £23, Etsy

LANDING Framed photos add charm and interest to hallways, including this collection of blackand-white prints from Claire’s trips to New York.

Picture frames, from a selection, HomeSense.

Console unit painted in Railings estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

The Cire Trudon Napoleon bust candle has this look, £110, Bonadea. Try the Sachi candle holder for a similar style, £20, Habitat

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WHITE

CHRISTMAS New England styling meets Scandi chic in Holly and David Jones’ home, which is full to the brim with family and friends during the festive season FEATURE AMANDER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

SITTING ROOM Furnishings in natural textures add depth to this pale scheme.

Long Island cofee table, £171.50, Maisons du Monde. Elements Trient ceiling pendant light, £49, Dunelm. Russell armchair, £425, Laura Ashley, is similar

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REPLANNED

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached three-storey house L O C AT I O N Kent R O O M S Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, playroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before we bought this house, we lived in a semi nearby,’ says Holly.

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KITCHEN

The large central island is the perfect place for the family to prepare food together, and for guests to gather.

Shaker Ermine kitchen units in Charcoal, from £3,641, Wren Kitchens. Marble island top, price on request, Calacatta Marble.

Lighting pendants, £60 each, Rockett St George. Weathered oak farmhouse stools, £175 each, Graham and Green, are similar

W

hen their family expanded, Holly and David Jones knew they needed a larger home but were determined not to move far away. ‘This area of Kent is our dream location,’ says Holly. ‘There’s so much green space and both the woodland and beach are only five minutes away.’ The couple soon found a Sixties house nearby, but it needed a complete renovation to suit the family’s lifestyle. ‘The existing structure was virtually demolished and rebuilt,’ says Holly.

The hall and stairs were re-sited, and the whole of the ground floor was replanned and extended on two sides to create a large 62 | 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018

kitchen-diner and utility room, as well as a spacious sitting room.

The first floor was reconfigured to include a large family bathroom, main bedroom with en suite, two children’s bedrooms and a guest bedroom. ‘As there was already so much upheaval, we decided to convert the loft into an additional guest room, too,’ says Holly.

The Joneses moved into rented accommodation for the duration of the work but with Jude, now five, and Ivy, three, to look after, Holly had her hands full. ‘I had to rely on David to project-manage the heavy work, assisted by his dad, Tudor,’ she says. While Holly planned out ideas for the decor, David, who runs his own electrics

DINING AREA Holly uses cushions and throws to make her bench seating more comfortable.

Plaistow dining table, £499; Bow church bench, £149.10 each, are comparable, both Style Our Home. Ludde sheepskin rug in Of-White, £30; Norraryd chair in white, £50, both Ikea

LESSONS LEARNt ‘Your plans will evolve over time.

We wish we had installed extra skylights in the kitchen and a fireplace in the sitting room – which we might still do’ 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 63

25bh | t h r e e- s t o r y d e tac h e d IVY’S BEDROOM

Pastel shades and pretty accessories create a fairytale feeling.

Sleigh bed, £1,668, The Baby Cot Shop. Star garland, £6.99, H&M Home, is a match

JUDE’S BEDROOM

The wallpaper inspires bedtime tales.

Wallpaper, £59.95 a roll, Hibou Home.

Balloon wall sticker, £50, Belle & Boo

BATHROOM

The egg-shaped tub makes a style statement under the eaves.

Windsor Sorrento freestanding bath, £499, Victorian Plumbing

GUEST BEDROOM

Painting the panelling white helps to accentuate the height in the loft space.

Panelling painted in Pure Brilliant White emulsion, £13 for 2.5L, Dulux. Dartmoor faux fur throw, £129.50, Laura Ashley.

Striped rug, £19.99, TK Maxx

company, spent every spare moment on site managing the build and installing all of the new electrics throughout the house himself.

The renovations were completed with astonishing speed and the family were able to take up residence in just under a year. Then it was time for Holly to put her ‘New England meets Scandi’ stamp on the interior. She kept the decor mainly white, but introduced plenty of natural textures in the furnishings and created feature walls to add definition. The couple agree that the kitchen is now truly the heart of their home. ‘Our main aim was to create a welcoming, sociable house as we do lots of entertaining, particularly 64 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

at Christmas,’ says Holly. ‘We also love music, so David has placed speakers all around the house, and has installed integrated heating and lighting to evoke diferent moods for various times of the day.’

This year, the couple are hosting 14 family members for Christmas lunch and are looking forward to seeing the ‘smart’ and sociable home they have created come into its own.

‘It’s a magical time for us as the house has an especially lovely feeling during the festivities,’ says Holly. ‘David and I both come from happy families and our dream was to give our children the same joyful childhoods in a home just like this.’

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

m i d - c e n t u ry b u n g a l ow | 25bh

NEW NORDIC A perfect marriage of Scandinavian style and Scottish tradition, Anna Baltzer’s family home comes into its own at this time of year FEATURE ALISON GIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGLAS GIBB

DISTINCTIVE

home truths

DINING ROOM Anna bought the church pew from a local salvage yard. Its informal look is perfect for daily use but can easily be styled up for special occasions.

Chairs, £50 each, TK Maxx

THE PROPERTY Semi-detached Fifties cottage L O C AT I O N East Lothian R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, dining room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in an apartment in the next village,’ says Anna.

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 65

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P AT I O A spacious deck at the back of the house is enjoyed by adults and children alike. ‘And it’s ideal for celebrating New Year’s Eve,’ says Anna.

Wood cladding painted in Down Pipe exterior eggshell, £67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

66 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2018

hristmas is celebrated in both Scandinavian and British style in Anna and her husband Stuart’s idyllic coastal home.

Located in a picture-postcard East Lothian village, the house is minutes from the beach, with its view of the island and lighthouse that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island.

They moved to the area for Stuart’s job in a golf club on the coast, buying a flat initially but moving to a house with a garden when their children, Mason, five, and Max, three, came along.

‘The house has a good flow: we love the open-plan living space and the generous garden,’ says Anna. ‘It is in a lovely, quiet, leafy spot. We all enjoy being outside, and with two small boys and a dog, we really appreciate the terrace and the lawn.’

When they bought this house four years ago, Anna and

Stuart updated the property by pulling up the carpets and painting every possible surface white. ‘It’s probably not the most practical colour with small children and animals, but I crave light,’ says Anna. ‘Stuart and I met in Spain; he’s English and I’m Swedish. We love Scotland, but we do miss the sunshine, so brightening our home was an obvious thing to do.’

A soothing matt white is the ideal backdrop for Anna’s beautifully co-ordinated furniture and accessories, punctuated by artworks and family photographs. The recent addition of striped wallpaper from Ralph Lauren has added a stylish touch.

However, there are a few things still on Anna’s wish list. ‘The previous owners converted the loft, so the house is spacious but lacks storage,’ she says. ‘We need to address that but in the

m i d - c e n t u ry b u n g a l ow | 25bh SITTING ROOM A palette of nautical blue and white perfectly suits this seaside location.

Kvistbro table, £40; Stocksund sofa, £530, both Ikea. Albert cluster pendant, £79, Made.com. Stainless-steel lantern, £120, Time & Tide. Bamboo chair, £220, House Doctor

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘The sitting room, because it connects the house to the garden and I love being outside, even in winter’ KITCHEN Anna recently replaced black gloss cabinet doors with white ones, to boost light levels.

Fanbyn bar stools, £80 each. Ikea. Find similar kitchen cabinetry at Howdens

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 67

25bh | m i d - c e n t u ry b u n g a l ow MAIN BEDROOM Anna’s smart New England look is a unifying theme throughout.

Headboard, £50, eBay. Blue quilted throw, £250, Lexington. Ralph Lauren Palatine striped wallpaper, £71 a roll, John Lewis

f a v o u r i t e i t e m ‘I love Max’s Sebra Juno cot; it is a recently relaunched replica of a classic mid-century Danish design by Viggo Einfeldt’ meantime, we have to be quite ruthless about decluttering.’

The couple also updated the bathrooms and laid wooden flooring. They undertook a lot of the work themselves, as they’re both practical. ‘I love crafting and upcycling furniture,’ says Anna, who has recently launched Pop Create, an interior styling business specialising in children’s rooms. ‘I’m always on the lookout for bargains to update by distressing or painting.

It’s amazing what you can do, even on a budget.’

The results are crisp, light and fresh, with a subtle seaside theme. ‘I love stripes, stars and simple graphic patterns. New England style has always appealed to me and I adore coastal shades such as greys, blues and sandy taupes.’

The woodburner is a cosy focal point in the kitchen, the heart of this home. However, 68 | 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018

the family are rarely to be found sitting down. ‘The boys prefer running around the garden to sitting on the sofa and I am always up to some sort of DIY or crafting project,’ says Anna.

‘And, of course, Scandinavians are experts at Christmas! We start celebrating on the 24th with our own breaded ham, which is a huge tradition in Sweden. We order it specially from the butchers, boil it and bread it with mustard and decorate it with cloves.’

On Christmas morning the family have rice porridge served with cinnamon, syrup and milk, with a blanched almond hidden in the pot. The one who gets the almond ‘wins’ and can make a wish. ‘We also celebrate British style, with food, presents and all my husband’s traditions,’ says Anna, ‘so at this time of year, you could say that we have the best of both worlds here.’

MASON AND MAX’S BEDROOM Practical storage keeps this toy-filled room tidy.

The classic Scandinavian child’s bed starts as a cot, and grows as your child does.

Sebra Juno cot, £700, Nubie. Ridley Stars rug, £20, Wayfair, is similar. Nordli chest of drawers, £100, Ikea

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

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CELEBRATE

IN STYLE

Carol Postar welcomes her friends to a beautifully festive home decorated to complement her collection of antiques and vintage finds FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBIN STUBBERT/GAP INTERIORS

DISTINCTIVE

home truths THE PROPERTY Regency cottage L O C AT I O N Ontario, Canada R O O M S Formal sitting room, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, four bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, I lived in a 19th-century property in a nearby town,’ says Carol.

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STAIRCASE Carol and her florist friend Karen Drimmie dressed the stairwith an arrangement of evergreens, ivy, roses, blue thistles and artificial blueberry sprays.

Walls painted in White Heron OC-57 regal select flat, from £20.50 for 0.94L, Benjamin Moore

c a n a d i a n c o t tag e | 25bh

FORMAL SITTING ROOM A nine-foot-high Christmas tree and a grand chandelier suit the scale of this elegant space.

For a comparable chandelier, try the Bailey Rich Bronze 21 light pendant, £1,470, David Hunt Lighting. Oka’s Clandon, £1,325, is similar to this wing chair. Amara has a range of natural cowhides, from £350

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 71

f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘I love the high ceilings in the dining area and sitting room, which are accentuated by ceiling roses’

DINING AREA Highly decorative pieces, such as the antique French chandelier and wall sconces, add to the luxurious feel.

The Georgian chair, £585, Dining Chair Company, is an alternative to these Twenties originals. For a similar rug, try the Jute Bouclé in Flax, from £179, West Elm

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c a n a d i a n c o t tag e | 25bh

SITTING ROOM

Carol reupholstered the chair seat with cowhide to give it a contemporary look.

Try Vinterior for vintage and antique chairs.

Find crystal decanters at Antiques Atlas

KITCHEN

Vintage lanterns lend interest to the blue scheme.

For a similar lantern, try Vaughan’s Drottningholm, £2,520. Harvey Jones ofers similar kitchens, price on request. Units painted in Woodlawn Blue HC-147 regal select flat, from £20.50 for 0.94L, Benjamin Moore

F

or Canadian interior designer Carol Postar, Christmas is all about spending time with her friends. ‘I have a small family and so my friends are very important,’ she explains. ‘I love to hold intimate dinners and get out my favourite tableware, including Burleigh china and Wedgwood cabbage leaf plates. They make the occasion feel so special.’

Carol’s Ontario home, a gracious 19th-century Regency cottage, is the perfect backdrop for her festive gatherings. ‘It was the proportions that first sold it to me,’ says Carol. ‘The house was in a terrible state and needed everything doing to it because it’s the oldest house in the town, but I loved it.’

Throughout the refurbishment, Carol stayed in the property. ‘I put everything into storage and lived with very little,’ she recalls. ‘I wanted the restoration to reflect the classical features that were already there, such as the beautiful ceiling roses. The cornicing had unfortunately been removed, so I selected new designs that were sympathetic to the original details.’

The cottage layout features a raised ground floor housing the living spaces and kitchen, with the master suite beneath the eaves on the level above. There are three further bedrooms and two bathrooms in the partially submerged lower-ground floor. ‘The only

25bh | c a n a d i a n c o t tag e

BEDROOM

A pink bedspread was chosen to pick out the blush tones in the rugs.

For a similar chest of drawers, try the Serpentine in mahogany, £6,195, Titchmarsh & Goodwin

BATHROOM

The antique bath tub was sitting outside a house destined for a skip when Carol salvaged it and had it re-enamelled.

The Bayswater Leinster bath, £684.12, from Victorian Plumbing, is a match. Gustavian stocks a range of bathroom-friendly chandeliers, from £475

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change I made was to knock the kitchen through to the dining room to create a more sociable space,’ says Carol, who had the cabinetry made to her own designs. ‘This is the first house where I haven’t had an of-white kitchen,’ she says of her choice to have the joinery painted her favourite hue, a gentle shade of aqua.

The walls throughout the house have been painted a soft white. ‘I like a neutral backdrop as I find it’s the best way to show of the pieces I have acquired over the years,’ explains Carol. ‘My all-time favourite is the antique bergère chair in the sitting room. I trained as an upholsterer so I’m aware that it needs re-covering, but I love the patina of its original velvet.’

Carol’s upholstery skills have come in useful elsewhere, too, on the carver chair in the sitting room, for example, whose seat she reupholstered in cowhide. ‘I felt that it brought it up to date,’ she says. Contemporary touches can be seen all around the house, where pieces of art and rugs in sisal or cowhide are placed alongside more traditional designs. ‘I think the modern items make everything feel fresh while also helping to showcase the older pieces in an interesting new light.’

Carol’s creative eye comes into its own at this time of year, when the house is beautifully decked out to welcome her friends. Metal urns and ceramic bowls become vessels for displaying foliage and flowers, and unusual ornaments become part of the elaborate displays. ‘When the house is decorated, I know that the festive season has really begun,’ she smiles.

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

A TOUCH OF LUXURY Drift of into a blissfully warm and cosy sleep every night of the year…

With the Dreamland Boutique Hotel range, you can enjoy a little five-star luxury in the comfort of your own home.

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ove to curl up in a cosy bed in the winter and feel as if you’re in a boutique hotel? Then Dreamland’s new heated cotton percale mattress protector could be exactly what you need.

Designed using Intelliheat technology, the Boutique Hotel heated mattress protector, from £69.99, cleverly responds to temperature changes while you sleep, ensuring you don’t wake up with a chill even in the depths of winter. Simply switch on the Intelliheat control and choose your preferred temperature, then snuggle up in the deluxe, hotel-quality, 200-thread-count cotton that promises to keep you comfortable all year long.

And don’t worry if you forget to turn the protector on to heat up in advance, simply press the ‘ready for bed’ fast preheat button and by the time you’ve brushed your teeth and fetched yourself a glass of water,

your bed will have warmed to your liking – meaning ice-cold sheets and chilly feet are things of the past. The protector is both machine washable and tumble-dryer safe thanks to its easily detachable control, and is available in sizes up to a super king.

We can’t think of anything more inviting to help us slip into a deep, comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

To find out more about Dreamland and to shop the full range of heated bedding, throws and heatpads, visit dreamlanduk.co.uk, or call 0333 005 0305

The cotton percale mattress protector’s 38cm-deep elasticated skirt fits even the most luxurious of mattresses.

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 75

25bh | d u tc h t ow n h o u s e

INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Seventies townhouse L O C AT I O N The Netherlands P U R C H A S E D 1999 R O O M S Hall, sitting room/ kitchen-diner, veranda, four bedrooms, (one en suite), bathroom PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a house built in 1901,’ says Jet.

TWINKLE TWINKLE Inspired by nature, Jet van Buren’s magical home has been lovingly decorated to host a traditional Dutch family Christmas FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY COCO FEATURES / PEGGY JANSSEN

DINING AREA The festive table is layered with modern crockery and antique silver. ‘I love to mix old and new,’ says Jet. Washed linen tablecloth, £39.99; napkins, £3.99 each, both H&M Home. Vancasso tableware, £72.99 for four plates, Amazon, is a good alternative

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VERANDA Jet is delighted with this area, created by her husband and cousin. The fireplace is a favourite feature.

Log stump-tree chair, £176, Etsy, is similar. Cast-iron teapot, £34, Notonthehighstreet.com, is a good option

KITCHEN A similar colour palette has been used throughout the house. ‘Adding lighter or darker variations makes it appear bigger and less cluttered,’ says Jet. Sale white glazed tiles, £16.57sq m, Victorian Plumbing. Tall cake dome, £69.50, Greige. Belgian Bluestone worktop, price on request, Beltrami. Antique chopping board, £50, eBay

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ith the fire burning, the candles flickering and the tree in place, the scene is set for a beautiful nature-inspired Christmas in this traditional Dutch family home. ‘Our fire burns for 24 hours a day at Christmas time,’ says Jet van Buren, a florist at the market in Nijkerk, Holland. ‘My husband Peter chops the wood, I bring home bundles of fresh flowers to prepare for the festive season.’

The couple have lived in their Seventies home for 17 years but it didn’t look as magical when they first viewed it. ‘It was very tired and didn’t especially charm us,’ recalls Jet. ‘Although the style wasn’t exactly to our taste, we liked the child-friendly neighbourhood with playgrounds and quiet roads because that was important when our daughters, Jasmijn, now 17, and Charlotte, 14, were small.’

With help from Jet’s builder father, the couple were able to redesign the interior’s layout and create a spacious family room and an L-shaped kitchen.

‘We stripped out every Seventies detail and laid beautiful oak floor with oversized skirting boards, and built a big fireplace in the sitting room,’ says Jet. ‘We prefer open-plan living so we knocked through some walls and formed a bigger space with a brighter, more sociable atmosphere. By replacing all the doors and cupboards, we changed the entire look and feel of the place. Peter and I are drawn to nature and vintage pieces so it was important to us to build on that foundation. On the walls we used chalk paint, as it’s very thick and leaves a lovely texture. We applied it with a brush in two coats and it made the walls look very old and rustic.’

Jet and Peter are both fond of France and pay twice-yearly visits to antiques markets and

d u tc h t ow n h o u s e | 25bh SITTING ROOM ‘Christmas is a favourite time for me when I light the fire and lots of candles, to create a beautiful, romantic atmosphere for my family,’ says Jet. Ektorp sofa, £325, Ikea. Red deer antlers, £165, The Weird & Wonderful, are similar. Large Hanley lamp base, £110, Neptune, would suit this setting

favourite room ‘In the sitting room, I’ve gathered all my treasured pieces. My husband Peter made the wooden window shutters and I love the oak floor, which feels as good as it looks’ 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018 | 79

SITTING ROOM Foliage and flowers, such as amaryllis and eucalyptus, fit the pair’s seasonal colour scheme of white and green.

Mango candlesticks, £45 a pair, 4Living, are an alternative.

Wooden bowl, £19.99, H&M Home, would work here

MAIN BEDROOM Jet’s love of nature and simplicity is evident in the decorative single branch on her bedside table.

Faux fur bed throw, £110, Oka, is comparable. Recreate this look with the Otto lamp base, £50, Pooky

brocantes where they enjoy sourcing characterful furniture and accessories for their home. ‘The old cupboard in the dining room is a treasured piece that we found in a French antiques market,’ says Jet. ‘It was covered in white paint, which we stripped and then re-painted with various shades of grey to create a lovely aged patina. People always ask me, “Where is the cupboard from?” but it’s unique to us and not something you can buy of the shelf. I think it’s very important to reflect your own style and not copy the fashion of the moment. Every year new trends come and go but we try not to follow them.

For example, for our Christmas table we use contemporary crockery complemented by our beautiful old antique silver cutlery and lots of green foliage and candles. This is our look and it says so much about us and how we like to live.’

Muted colour is also important to Jet. ‘I prefer sober tones that flow into each room and I believe that using the same colour for walls and window dressings make rooms look bigger and less fussy.

The whole house is in harmony with itself.’

As a florist, Jet follows the same philosophy, preferring understated foliage and simple white flowers. ‘Amaryllis and eucalyptus are favourites in winter and branches from the Christmas tree look efortless in chunky vases. We love the fragrance too, along with burning logs and mulled wine.’

And this year, as always, Jet will take time to make a wreath as a focal point. ‘Flowers are so often the finishing touch in a home,’ she says. ‘Ours will be full of flowers at Christmas along with handmade decorations and plenty of family and friends.’

B AT H R O O M A collection of vintage-style glass bottles acts as pretty containers for the couple’s toiletries.

Find apothecary bottles, from £11.95 each, Trouva

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CHARLOTTE’S BEDROOM Pale wooden furnishings act as a foil for the dark grey walls and iron bedstead in the teenager’s room Hanson stool, £48, Maisons du Monde, is an alternative.

Timolin cast-iron bed, £319, The Original Bed Co, is a match.

Manoir bedside cabinet, £836, And So To Bed, is similar

final wor d ‘At Christmas the house comes alive and shows off our love of nature. Candles, firelight and muted tones are all enhanced by festive foliage and wooden decorations made by Peter’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y

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COMING TOGETHER Twinkling candlelight and frosty hues set the scene for Hennie van der Wijk’s festive celebrations FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY TON BOUWER | STYLING MONIQUE VAN DER PAUW

SITTING ROOM ‘A mantelpiece always needs a beautiful mirror and most of mine are bought in France from flea markets,’ says Hennie.

Get this look with Maisons du Monde’s Mahina mirror, £192.

Try Oka’s Chantal French-style armchair, £950

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NEW BUILD

DINING AREA The table in the kitchen is used every day.

Hennie loves the look of window shutters and they feature throughout her home.

The Sala six-bulb chandelier, £235.90, from Lights.co.uk, is a match. Solid shutters, £180sq m, from DIY Shutters, would work

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y New build completed in 2006 L O C AT I O N Assen, the Netherlands R O O M S Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, dining room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms LAND PURCHASED 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from Utrecht, where we’d also built our own home,’ says Hennie.

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KITCHEN Chandeliers are used throughout the house to add glamour and reflect light.

Hamilton Stone Design’s Mary Meade kitchen is a match, £329 for a base unit. Try Worktop Express’ Black Quartz laminate worktop, £115 for 4.1m

H

ennie van der Wijk loves decorating her home for Christmas. In keeping with its pared-back interior, her seasonal decorating is simple and she employs the same restricted colour palette she has used throughout the house. ‘I don’t go over the top with garlands and glitter,’ she says. ‘But I do decorate the tree with silver baubles, put a big wreath on the front door and group together candles in every room. Candles create a serene, spiritual and romantic atmosphere, which I feel is perfect for Christmas.’

Spending the festive season in the mansion she built from scratch means she can bring together family and friends under one roof. ‘Christmas is all about being together,’ she says. ‘It’s not about presents but about hope and counting your blessings.’ Over the

years, Hennie – a former teacher who now runs a home and interiors web shop called Room 17 and a bed and breakfast business – built three houses with her husband Otto. ‘Moving and building became a kind of addiction for us,’ she says. ‘It’s always very exciting to see it all come together from the ground up.’

In 2005, the couple found a piece of land in rural Holland and decided to build their ultimate dream home. ‘We wanted a classic Dutch mansion-style property with a symmetrical façade, double doors, bay windows and wooden shutters,’ she says. ‘The chance to build and design exactly what you want is such fun!

‘Work began in March 2006 when we broke ground, and we moved in in December. The whole project went smoothly and came in within budget, but we had a serious problem with our wooden

DINING ROOM The rustic table was made by a local carpenter using scafolding wood.

Get this look with Maisons du Monde’s Valmont dining table, £659. Wayfair’s Charlton Home candelabra, £76.99, is similar

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floors. We chose the wrong colour varnish and once it had dried, there was a terrible yellow glow throughout. A year later we re-sanded the floors and gave them a beautiful grey wash.’

Hennie and Otto did all the painting, styling and decorating themselves. The strict palette of white, grey, taupe and sand lends itself in particular to the festive period and frosty days. For many people it would take too much discipline to maintain, but not for Hennie. ‘I love colour, but too much can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Neutral tones make me feel quiet and calm,’ she says.

Strolling through French flea markets uncovering treasures for her home – from old mirrors to silver cutlery, cast-iron vases and candlesticks – is Hennie’s passion. ‘I enjoy the creative styling process,’ she says. ‘After a lot a work making mood boards and

HALL A white-painted chest of drawers and arrangement of baubles and candles brings interest to the area under the stairs.

You can buy faux resin antlers from Near and Deer at Etsy, £31.25

choosing colours, patterns and fabrics, I’m satisfied I’ve achieved an elegant country style with a mix of new, antique and vintage pieces.’

Sadly, Hennie lost her husband in 2013 to a heart attack. She now shares the house with her new partner Ton, but it is not the couple’s forever home – they have dreams of moving to a small, romantic cottage closer to the sea. For now, though, Christmas is the highlight of the year. Hennie admits she’s not much of a cook, so she discusses the menu with everyone who is spending Christmas with her and asks them to each bring a dish. ‘Together we have a delicious festive supper,’ she says. ‘Christmas is about sharing, caring and being happy together. A time to reflect about what happens in your life, and in the world. A time to remember those we’ve loved – and those we’ve lost.’

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B AT H R O O M The rustic ladder was made by Hennie’s late husband using foraged branches. It echoes the grey washed oak on the washstand (below left).

Try Maisons du Monde’s Castellane elm display case, £1,420. The Art of Nature ladder plank statue, £55.99 from Wayfair, has similar appeal

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GUEST BEDROOM A soft beige colour on the walls provides a soothing backdrop to the chalky dark grey headboard.

Farrow & Ball’s Drop Cloth estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, will create the same efect.

Find similar grey linen pillowcases at Piglet In Bed, £32 each. Wayfair’s Crompton bedspread, £44.99, is a match

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

p e r i o d fa r m h o u s e | 25bh INSPIRING

home truths

EXTERIOR The white-painted front door provides an uplifting contrast to the aged brick.

THE PROPERTY Detached 16th-century house L O C AT I O N Norfolk R O O M S Hall, dining room, sitting room, kitchen-diner, music room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (three en suite), four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 1999 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a Georgian end-of-terrace house in London,’ says John.

SITTING ROOM A collection of beautifully bound hardback books add colour and pattern.

PARTY PIECE Juliette Atkinson and her artist husband John love creating a sense of drama in their period home, especially when preparing for the festivities FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

SITTING ROOM A neutral colour scheme creates a relaxing feel and allows the original fireplace and artworks to be the focus of attention.

Walls painted in Dimity estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

Try Wesley-Barrell’s Aldsworth sofa in Floren green linen, £3,855

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DINING ROOM

This formerly dark dairy is now an elegant entertaining space.

Panelling painted in Zofany’s Paris Grey acrylic eggshell, £65 for 2.5L, Designer Paint. The Moscow dining set, £859.99 for a table, six side chairs and two carvers, Furn-On, is a good alternative

hen artist John Atkinson and his wife Juliette started house hunting in Norfolk 20 years ago, they were looking for a weekend bolthole. ‘We were living in London but wanted a country retreat, where we could have friends to stay and throw parties without upsetting the neighbours,’ says John. ‘We had no intention of moving here permanently, but after two years, that’s exactly what we did.’

The house that stole their hearts and persuaded them to leave city life behind was a 16th-century timber-framed farmhouse. Although it was over budget, dated, cold and gloomy, the property had lots of potential – particularly as the deal included seven acres of land, along with various sheds and outbuildings, keeping the couple well out of earshot of neighbours. They decided to buy it, and with the help of local builders and craftspeople, John and Juliette gradually restored and renovated the old house.

‘One of the biggest changes to the building was the windows,’ explains Juliette, who co-owns Fredricks Fine Foods, a deli/café in Diss. ‘These often-overlooked details can dramatically transform a home. Here, we’ve repaired where possible, but those that were too rotten to mend, we’ve replaced with good-quality timber frames to match the Venetian sash windows fitted in the Victorian period.’

The couple also installed new windows to brighten up the darker rooms. ‘The dining room was originally the dairy,’

KITCHEN-DINER

John and Juliette love to cook for friends, so this room had to be practical and have a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

Three-oven dual-control range cooker, from £11,020, Aga. Apples on a Blue Table (60x40cm), £500, John Atkinson

HALL

The old timber beams make a striking feature.

Try Teatree handmade terracotta floor tiles, £36.75sq m, Nustone. Door painted in Of-Black estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

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explains John. ‘Although it had already been converted into living space, it didn’t blend with the rest of the house, so in this room and the kitchen, which was also incredibly dark, we’ve added several windows to let in more light.’

‘We’ve tried to keep the electric lighting to a minimum,’ says Juliette, who wrote the words to John’s beautifully illustrated hardback book Santa Claus: All About Me. ‘When the sun goes down, this room looks really magical by candlelight, so it’s perfect for our Christmas dinners.’

And when the party is over for the night, six inviting bedrooms await, including the main suite in the converted loft. ‘We’re self-contained up there, so friends and family have the run of the floor below,’ says John, whose guests can choose from one of five refreshed bedrooms – three of which are en suite – and make use of the striking family bathroom, which has a dramatic black-and-white scheme.

‘Colour has been used sparingly throughout the house, keeping most rooms fairly neutral,’ says Juliette. ‘We have a large collection of art, and John is painting more and more; with all that to display, and many exposed beams, the rooms don’t need much embellishment – although, in December, we love to add seasonal wreaths, garlands, foliage and berries.’

‘This place definitely has the sense of drama we love for our festive gatherings,’ adds John. ‘And it’s spacious enough to accommodate our friends and family comfortably, even when our parties go on for several days.’

GUEST BEDROOM

This space is full of romance, with its blue-painted beams, bed canopy and sumptous bedding and cushions.

Caesar Rich Blue duvet cover, £75; Lodden flower cushions in Citrine, £60 each, both Liberty Fabrics & John Lewis at John Lewis

MUSIC ROOM

A star painted on the floor by John, and his Bathing Belles in two parts artwork above the inglenook, add creative touches.

Floor painted in Of-Black, Plummett and Lamp Room Gray modern eggshell, all £67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

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

BATHROOM

Sketches purchased from a student at the Royal College of Art inspired this monochrome scheme.

Victorian Plumbing’s Duke Black 1695 bath, £539.95, is similar. Try RugVista’s Kilim Nimrud rug, from £115

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COOL BUT COSY The Kolenbranders transformed an historic cowshed into a stunning family home with a very distinct sense of style – even at Christmas FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY MARGRIET HOEKSTRA / COCO FEATURES

UNIQUE

home truths THE PROPERTY Converted cowshed, built in 1928 L O C AT I O N Gouda, Holland R O O M S Hall, sitting room/ kitchen-diner, oice, stock room, utility room, storage room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Seventies house in Gouda’s city centre,’ says Andre.

SITTING ROOM A hanging chair, flufy sheepskins and mistletoe bring cosy touches to this elegant conversion.

HK Living rattan hanging egg chair, £249.95, Cuckooland. Try the Tibetan sheepskin, from £119, The Swedish Wooden Horse Company. Gold mini bunting, £4.77m, Etsy, has a similar look

c o n v e r te d c ows h e d | 25bh SITTING ROOM It took Andre and Annemarie a day to fix up the Christmas tree, which hangs dramatically from the beams in the centre of the room.

Lights wound around both the rope and tree make it feel festive.

Festoon lights, £50, Cox & Cox, are similar. Try the Kashvi Vintage rug, from £70.99, Wayfair

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or the Kolenbranders, Christmas in the family home is the culmination of a dream.

‘Our job is to create interiors that tell the story of a company,’ says Andre. ‘With this house, we could do it for ourselves, and tell our own story. That’s why Christmas here is so special.’

And Annemarie knows exactly how to bring out their converted cowshed’s best features. ‘As well as cheese, the city of Gouda is famous for its candles, which I fill the house with at Christmas,’ she says.

Hanging the Christmas tree from the beams in the ceiling was an innovative idea that perfectly suits the eclectic feel of their new home.

‘I like the simplicity of it, and the long rope of lights keeps the look natural and a bit raw,’ says Annemarie. ‘We don’t like fuss, so our tree has no

baubles. Our Christmas theme is copper with lots of greenery – it’s a good balance between cool and cosy.’

Four years ago, the couple were looking for a property to renovate when Annemarie spotted an historic, listed cowshed for sale. ‘I saw it online on Wednesday evening and by Friday, we’d put in an ofer. We hadn’t even seen it – talk about impulsive!’

The property is two kilometres from Gouda’s centre, and originally housed cows that provided milk for the famous cheese. ‘What appealed was the history and size – around 750sq m of floor space and over 6,000sq m of land – plus it gave us the chance to create something unique,’ says Annemarie.

‘We redesigned it from scratch, inside and out.’

The couple, who have two children – Jip, 16, and Lotte, 14 – rebuilt the entire space. ‘All we kept were

lesson learnt ‘You’ll never stay within your budget, but try not to let that stop you doing things. Sometimes you just have to go with your instinct’ 94 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

SITTING ROOM Underfloor heating beneath the poured concrete is topped up by an efficient woodburner, which keeps the huge, open-plan space warm and snug during winter.

The Aga Westbury woodburning stove, £1,330, Twyford Cookers, is a good option.

Termatech recycled tyre log basket, £72, Country Heat. Of-white knitted poufe footstool, £59.99, Homescapes

DINING AREA Chunky wood furniture and mismatched chairs create an earthy, rustic feel, with simple lighting dropped into place from the rafters.

Try the mega globe bulbs, £69, Olive & The Foz. Grey candles, £4 each, Willis & Co. Bimala square brass lanterns, from £14.95 each, Nkuku

SITTING ROOM The wooden Christmas tree was designed by the Kolenbranders. ‘It adds a little roughness and we love the simple style,’ says Annemarie.

The branch wall tree with battery-operated lights, £14.99, Festive Lights, is a good alternative. Ikea’s Hurdal cabinet, £200, has this look

SITTING ROOM An extra-long vintage leather sofa provides the perfect place for family and friends to relax.

The Matera three-seater sofa, from £2,499, Heal’s, is similar. Try the Terminus cofee table, £321, Maisons du Monde

JIP ’S BEDROOM Floor-to-ceiling cupboards painted dark green utilise the area under the eaves, while old leather balls and a vaulting horse make playful accessories.

Livid intelligent eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Little Greene, is a good match. Try the copper wire tabletop tree, £14.99, Festive Lights

25bh | c o n v e r te d c ows h e d the outer walls and the roof – nothing else of the old building survived the demolition,’ says Andre.

The couple run a design agency, Optie A, which develops store concepts for international brands, so they were used to creating something from nothing. But this renovation was never going to be easy. The shed was designed so that the cows would stand at the sides, with room for the farmer to walk in the middle, but Annemarie and Andre wanted to walk down the sides and live in the middle.

The shed had been owned by the local council and was only licensed for commercial purposes, not residential, so the couple also had to get permission for a change in use. That meant disconnecting the electricity, water and gas, and reconnecting it to a residential supply on the other side of a river, beneath

a main street. ‘You can imagine what a hassle that was,’ says Andre. ‘Then our concrete floor was made with the wrong mix, so we had to do it again. But we knew we could turn it into paradise.’

The family moved in during November 2015 when the shell of the building was complete, and lived with the builders working around them until the job finished in early 2017. The property is now a warm, industrial-style home with quirky vintage touches, like old vaulting horses, hanging chairs and rubbedout paintwork on rustic cupboards.

The Kolenbranders are delighted with their new home. ‘But we’re always thinking of changing things,’ admits Andre. ‘We’ll keep this place forever, though.’

Which means the family can enjoy Christmas in this unique property for many years to come.

LOTTE’S BEDROOM Painted floorboards continue the rustic theme, while Crittall-style black steel windows used as internal dividers add a chic industrial edge.

Rust-Oleum’s chalk floor paint in Winter Grey, £29.99 for 2.5L, Homebase, is a good alternative

design tip ‘We like to set up contrasts: leather with wool, concrete and steel teamed with wood, or copper and greenery with candles’ 96 | 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018

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

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WINTER WONDERLAND

Biddy and Rick Barrington reworked their house to create a spacious home that’s ideal for entertaining family and friends at Christmas FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

SITTING ROOM ‘Our favourite place to chill and chat as a family is grouped around the woodburning stove,’ says Biddy.

Sofa, £1,200, Heal’s. Ottoman upholstered in Devon Stripe fabric, £27.50m, Ian Mankin. Glory Red cushion, £75, Andrew Martin

c o u ntry n e w b u i l d | 25bh

INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached house, built in 2008 L O C AT I O N Herefordshire P U R C H A S E D 2016 R O O M S Hall, sitting room/ kitchen-diner/family room, utility, four bedrooms, three bathrooms PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in a terraced townhouse in Kingston upon Thames,’ says Biddy.

F A M I LY R O O M A dresser-cum-drinks cabinet makes this space ideal for entertaining.

Six foot snowy imperial pine artificial Christmas tree, £59.99, Whitestores, is a similar style. Cofee table, £450, Wyebridge Interiors

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25bh | c o u ntry n e w b u i l d KITCHEN Biddy adds a few festive touches to each room to carry the Christmas theme throughout the house.

Kitchen units painted in Bone modern eggshell, ÂŁ67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Robin tea towel, ÂŁ5, Marks & Spencer, is a similar style

DINING AREA ‘We recovered our old dining chairs to suit their new rural location,’ says Biddy.

Dining chairs upholstered in Sufolk Check Bluebell, £27.50m, Ian Mankin. Antler light fitting, £125, Next Home, is a match. Echo dining chairs, £220 each, Oka, are similar

Decor ating advice ‘Never follow trends too seriously as they can soon look dated’

R

ick and Biddy Barrington’s Christmas season oicially kicks of when the carol singers knock at their front door.

‘That’s the signal to start dowsing the Christmas pudding with brandy,’ says Rick, the natural chef in the family.

Biddy sets of with Otto, their spaniel, in search of fir branches that have blown of the trees in nearby woods, which she uses for Christmas garlands.

It will be the couple’s third Christmas in Herefordshire, the county they often dreamt they would move to one day. ‘Rick used to come here to shoot and fish, and whenever I accompanied him I was struck by how friendly people in the village were,’ explains Biddy.

While on their honeymoon, looking through estate agents’ windows, they spotted the village house they now live in. ‘Within

seconds of walking through the front door we looked at each other thinking we could do something with this house,’ says Biddy.

Rick was at a point in his profession as a property manager when another London traic jam would have been one too many. Forging a new life in the country sounded positively liberating. ‘Our only question,’ Rick recalls, ‘was not being farmers, cheesemakers or wine growers, what would we do for a living? We realised that with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this house was large enough to have the entire family to stay at Christmas and for the rest of the year we could run it as a bed and breakfast.’

As soon as the couple established that there was no restriction on taking down internal walls, three small rooms on the ground floor became one big L-shaped space. It houses the kitchen-diner, 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 101

25bh | c o u ntry n e w b u i l d design tip ‘Pops of bright colour add interest and give a lift to rooms that are predominantly neutral’

sitting room and family room. Next, the wall in the corridor hall was taken out to make a larger space with room for a desk and bookcase. The kitchen was already a good size and the units only required a lick of soft grey paint to lighten the space. Tired carpets were replaced with new, while radiator covers were used to conceal some unsightly Nineties designs.

The pair took a radical approach when it came to reinventing some of their antique furniture. ‘We decided not to care if people thought we were philistines and happily painted chalk paint onto some of our antiques,’ says Biddy. ‘Our elegantly shaped chairs, desk and bookcase look so much better now.’ Biddy also themed her lamps: a design made out of antler horns hangs above the dining table and the wall lamps have antler-shaped brackets.

This Christmas, Biddy has invested in some new ikat cushions to add hits of bold colour. ‘I think they revitalise the muted backdrop, which is visually peaceful but every now and then I feel needs a lift.’ Following Biddy’s directions, Rick and her two boys, Jamie and Mathew, position Biddy’s decorations for her. ‘Just as well they’re all tall as I like to place garlands on top of dressers and mirrors where they catch your eye,’ says Biddy.

The living areas are skilfully divided by a sofa and console table that define two diferent seating spaces. ‘Despite the option to spread ourselves around, we tend to crowd together around the woodburning stove,’ says Biddy. ‘I use trays to protect the upholstered ottoman, which we use as a cofee table.’ And on Christmas Day, Rick will be doing all the cooking. ‘We’ll probably eat goose with all the trimmings. There are always a few surprises, too. We can’t wait.’

MAIN BEDROOM A muted colour scheme makes this room feel like a peaceful haven.

Bedside lamp with rose shade, £120, Butler & Sweatman.

Deacon blanket box, £199, Dreams, is similar

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B AT H R O O M Laying a large rug in the bathroom protects bare feet from cold floors on winter mornings.

Garland, £22, Three Shires Garden Centre.

For a similar rug, try the Vindum high-pile rug, from £80, Ikea

GUEST ROOM Although the room is compact, Biddy chose a four-poster bed, plus a quilt, for a snug feel.

Navaho red cushion, £99, Andrew Martin.

Belledorm wild rose bedspread, £130, Wayfair, is a match

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

arty style, smarty prices decorative lighting from pooky.com

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p e r i o d s e m i | 25bh

Making memories Putting their own stamp on a renovated home gave Abbie and Toby Smith a chance to create new traditions at this time of year FEATURE AMANDER MEADE | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Edwardian semi L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, six bedrooms, bathroom, wet room P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before buying this home, we lived in a two-bedroom flat nearby,’ says Abbie.

SITTING ROOM A real tree and plenty of fresh foliage create a traditional atmosphere for a family Christmas.

Mirror, price on request, Ines Cole. Hana bookcase, £995; Ella U cofee table, £395, both Graham and Green. Beni Ourain Berber rug, £1,250, Tate and Darby

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KITCHEN-DINER The previous owners installed the kitchen units and large marble-topped island, which Abbie loves. ‘It’s exactly what I would have chosen,’ she says.

Bar stools, £99 each, Swoon. Original BTC Hector ceiling pendants, £159 each, John Lewis. Camargue bistro dining chairs, £189 each, Oka

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MAIN BEDROOM Plantation shutters allow light to flood in while maintaining privacy. White walls and a relaxing pale pastel colour palette add to the tranquil feel.

Classic French rattan bed, £1,050, The French Furniture Company. Try the Flump chair in Pastel Pink, £745, Loaf

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GUEST EN SUITE The large skylight adds a sense of height and space while all-white walls and furnishings help to bounce light around the room.

Sanitaryware, price on request, Victorian Plumbing. Shanxi bench, £135, Lombok

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bbie and Toby Smith were happy in their spacious flat in south London and even after baby Hector, now three, came along, they were determined not to move.

‘However, the lack of guest space created a challenge,’ says Abbie. ‘Both our families were keen to visit more often after Hector arrived and we struggled to accommodate them.’ While out walking with the pram, Abbie spotted a fully renovated family home for sale and, on viewing, the couple realised it could be the solution to their problem.

Meticulously modernised and finished by the previous owners, the property had plenty of bedrooms with ample space for guests, yet remained a decorative blank canvas waiting to be personalised.

Abbie has always loved interiors and having been frequently asked to design and manage projects for friends, she eventually launched her own company, Abbie Smith Design (abbiesmithdesign.co.uk). She planned the decor of her new home, using a room-by-room approach, but didn’t make a start for about six months. ‘I wanted to get a real feel for how we would use each room,’ she says. ‘As we spent most of our time in the kitchen and snug, I decided to begin there.’ The kitchen fittings were already

installed but Abbie bought a contemporary dining table and chairs, changed the lighting and extended the central island.

The kitchen-diner, snug and sitting room are open-plan and run through the full depth of the house. Light pours in from the large bay window to the front and the garden doors to the rear. The snug is where the family relax and unwind, with the sitting room providing a more grown-up space. ‘Everyone suggested we put doors between the sitting room and snug, but we have always lived in open-plan spaces, so closing of rooms didn’t feel right to us.’

Abbie describes her style as Scandi inspired, full of warmth and character. ‘I love to layer items, and play around with scale, space, light, fabric and colour,’ she says.

At Christmas, she goes all out with extra fur throws, foliage, flowers, berries and wreaths.

‘I love a traditional look,’ she says. ‘There are ornaments on our tree that I made as a child, as well as those I have made with Hector. Now that there are three of us, we are keen to create our own traditions. This year we’ll have a peaceful time relaxing together with good food and good wine. Our families will join us after Christmas day for lots of noisy games and long walks. We are so lucky to enjoy the best of both worlds.’

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

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d e s i g n t i p ‘If you opt for a white room, make sure you use some soft shades in layers to add warmth and avoid the scheme looking too clinical’

GUEST BEDROOM Abbie’s parents stay in this room when they visit, so personal touches like family photographs have been added to make them feel at home.

The Joelle bed would work here, £1,145, Loaf.

Gloss storage unit, £499, Dwell

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SLEEP EASIER Give yourself the gift of a great night’s sleep by choosing the perfect mattress for you at Bensons for Beds

SLEEP & STORE A divan bed not only looks smart, but gives you somewhere to store spare bedlinen.

Sensaform memory active 3000 divan bed set with Comfort 3 mattress, £749

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t’s easy to take sleep for granted, until you’re not getting enough of it. Only then do you realise how sleep afects every aspect of your life, from your general health and wellbeing to your energy levels and outlook on life. This is why it’s so important to take your time when it comes to choosing a new bed to ensure you find the right one for you, with a mattress that will give you the right level of comfort and support.

Bensons for Beds can help take the guesswork out of mattress shopping. Its exclusive in-store sleepPRO technology analyses the positions you sleep in to suggest the mattress type most suited to you. It’s easy to try sleepPRO in-store – simply lie back on the innovative sleepPRO mattress to experience five diferent comfort levels, from soft to extra firm. Then as you move through your favourite sleeping positions, body-tracking sensors in the mattress will record how these positions afect the type of support you need.

By combining this information, sleepPRO can then create your personal sleep profile to identify your recommended comfort rating. So whether you like sleeping on a bed as soft 110 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

as a cloud or you prefer a firmer orthopaedic mattress, Bensons for Beds’ sleepPRO technology will help you discover the perfect mattress for you, so you can start having that great night’s sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

Visit your nearest Bensons for Beds store and try the exclusive sleepPRO technology. Find out more at bensonsforbeds.co.uk

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M I X ’ N ’ M AT C H Pair your choice of bed frame with the right mattress for you.

Bergamo upholstered bed frame with USB charging, £349

PREMIUM CHOICE Layers of natural bamboo, alpaca, pashmina and British Highland wool ensure a good night’s sleep is on the cards every night with this luxurious mattress exclusive to Bensons for Beds.

Pure indulgence mattress, £1,249

JUST RIGHT Regulate your temperature all night long with the right mattress. iGel Pegasus divan bed set with Comfort 4 mattress, £1,299

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ALL THAT GLITTERS As co-founder of a stylish interiors emporium, Lucy St George is surrounded by sparkle and luxury, so it is no surprise that she is in her element at this time of year FEATURE LOLA BORG | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDER JAMES

DISTINCTIVE

home truths

FORMAL SITTING ROOM Many of the decorative elements here are permanent features in Lucy’s scheme.

Walls painted in Hague Blue estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Atkin and Thyme’s Gatsby cofee table, £399, is similar. Vegaz Style large metal letter with LED lights, £350; Rockett St George

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THE PROPERTY Victorian semi-detached house L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Hall, formal sitting room, sitting room, kitchen-diner, study, games room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in a Victorian house nearby,’ says Lucy.

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SITTING ROOM ‘We have a horseshoe-shaped sofa, so everyone can fit on it,’ says Lucy.

Try the Monterosso sofa in Walnut brown leather, £2,299, Made.com.

Maison De Marrakech’s gold Moroccan ottoman poufe, £95.99, is similar. Birdy wall lights, £245 each, Rockett St George, are a match

HALL A garland winding up the banister sets a festive tone. ‘It’s faux, but looks incredible,’ says Lucy.

Beehive antique bronze chain pendant is similar, £95; vintage black metal star, £39, both Rockett St George

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lashes of gold, glitter and sequins adorn the interior of Lucy St George’s home in London. ‘It’s always Christmas in our house,’ she says. ‘There are some baubles in the kitchen that have been up for a couple of years. I have stars and fairy lights in here all the time – it satisfies my inner disco queen.’

As one half of furniture and accessories emporium Rockett St George, Lucy is naturally adept at dressing an interior, and her year-round festive decorations give her home the subtle sparkle she loves so much.

But greenery has its place, too, which is where Lucy’s former incarnation as a florist proves particularly useful. ‘It taught me how to create impact in a room,’ she says. ‘You can introduce plants and flowers, which makes the entire place come alive.

Our home is filled with a mix

of real and faux plants, which is more practical with three children to look after.’

Lucy and her partner Paul, a property developer, bought the house five years ago, having been sold on it thanks to the large rear communal garden, ideal for their children Ella, now 20, Grace, 15, and Ollie, 12, to run around in. The couple instantly saw the potential of the Victorian house to be a comfortable, sociable space for their family and friends.

Once the property was theirs, they ripped out the old conservatory, got rid of the Eighties decor and fittings, then opened up the top floors to maximise the panoramic views of north London. The kitchen was replanned, with a central island unit designed to make the chef feel part of the action.

The building work took a year to complete – ‘we felt like we

KITCHEN ‘We wanted a plain brick wall, but because the bricks didn’t match, we painted them black,’ says Lucy.

Lee Broom crystal bulb and pendants, £240 each, Houseology. Beaded star ultimate Christmas decoration, £65, The White Company

DINING AREA ‘I bought the vintage trainreversing mirror from an antiques dealer,’ says Lucy. ‘It was covered in rust but he said it would look amazing – fortunately, he was right.’

Vitra Eames DSW white chair, £365; black armchair, £455, both Cimmermann. Try the Pure Black cowhide rug, £289, City Cows

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v i c to r i a n s e m i | 25bh OLLIE’S BEDROOM The couple’s son helped plan the look of this edgy space.

Mr Perswall Line Up Skateboards wallpaper, £220 a roll, Rockett St George

DINING AREA ‘This house is made up of objects that we love,’ says Lucy.

Vintage sweet-shop cabinet, price on request, Eras of Style. Try the Zebra Head wall art, £95, Rockett St George

were glamping in our own home during that time,’ says Lucy.

From the exterior, the solid Victorian property belies its bohemian interior. Beyond the front door, the decor is testament to Lucy’s global rock ’n’ roll aesthetic – greenery, dark hues, round or convex mirrors in virtually every room, glinting lights, faux birds and a touch of Morocco here and there. Lucy has an evident eye for collating objects and a talent for upcycled bargains, and loves nothing better than spending weekends hunting for homeware treasures.

‘I’m always on the lookout for unique items,’ she says.

This magpie instinct served Lucy well when Rockett St George began life in 2007, after she met her business partner Jane Rockett at a party and realised they were kindred spirits, design-wise. Their brief for each item they sell is to

choose pieces that they both love, are afordable and are not widely available. ‘We travel the world to source pieces, so Christmas is strictly reserved for family time – the children won’t have it any other way,’ says Lucy. ‘We work until Christmas Eve, which leaves me exhausted, so my mum helps prepare our Christmas dinner.’ In the run up to the holiday season, Lucy’s job – not surprisingly – is to make the house look festive, and decorations are squeezed in around the demands of work.

But when lunch is over, the presents are opened and darkness falls, Lucy relishes the chance to sit back and be enveloped in the home she has so carefully curated, where the dramatic colours, witty touches, verdant accents and perennial fairy lights add up to a family home that is stylish, sparkling and just a little seductive.

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MAIN BEDROOM ‘I wanted this space to be dark so the focus would be on the outside view,’ says Lucy.

Wall painted in Pitch Black estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.

Moroccan wedding blanket, £200; pineapple table lamp, £120, both Rockett St George

R A I S I N G THE ROOF After an extensive and stressful renovation, Tania and Andrew Hayward are finally able to make a toast to the successful fruits of their labour FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROB SANDERSON

INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY 19th-century detached property L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Formal sitting room, sitting room, kitchen-diner, den, music room, study, eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, one-bedroom annexe P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from an Edwardian house in Surrey,’ says Tania.

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DINING AREA This bespoke dark wood table is the spot where the family likes to gather together.

ByronChairinChaseErwinUltrasuedeTaupewithMulberry piping,priceonrequest,TheSofa&ChairCompany.Wallspainted in Pavilion Gray estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

p e r i o d d e tac h e d | 25bh SITTING ROOM An oversized rug defines the seating area.

Try the Georgian Range GEO-ZE97, £16,000, Chesneys. Black Lacquer Opium cofee table, £1,895, Orchid. Bespoke armchairs in Nice Chopper Natural, C&C Milano

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imple, pared-back festive decorations are the order of the day in Tania and Andrew Hayward’s serene home. But they are no less striking for that.

Mantelpieces are decorated with twinkling lights, a tree dressed in gold and silver takes centre stage and the air is scented with zesty orange and cinnamon.

It is fair to say the journey to this beloved family house wasn’t always so calm. Tania and Andrew initially had very diferent criteria when looking for their forever home.

‘Andrew is a perfectionist who was drawn to the idea of a modern house, but I’m strictly a period property girl,’ says Tania. ‘Needless to say, our search was not an easy one.’

KITCHEN Splashes of red add interest to this otherwise neutral scheme.

Bernard bar stools in Chase Erwin Ultrasuede Mulberry, price on request, The Sofa & Chair Company

PERIOD DRAMA

‘We’d been looking for a large country property for a long time,’ recalls Tania, ‘but every building that we viewed involved making so many compromises.’ Finally, they found a detached property that seemed to fit the bill. ‘This was the first house we could see ourselves and our four children living in,’ says Tania, a property manager. ‘It’s spacious and close enough to other neighbours not to feel too isolated.’

But the couple soon realised that there was a significant problem. ‘We discovered that the whole roof needed replacing, which was a huge, extra expense,’ says Tania.

‘We’d had problems with leaks before, which made us cautious, but we loved the house so much that we took the cost of the work on the chin.’ With the roof needing to be replaced, the couple estimated they had about a year’s worth 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018 | 117

25bh | p e r i o d d e tac h e d last wor d ‘This house has a contemporary feel despite being an older property’

MAIN BEDROOM ‘I love crisp cotton sheets and deliberately buy slightly less expensive ones so I can replace them every 12 months or so,’ says Tania.

Headboard covered in Velours Opera Vert De Gris, £65m, Pierre Frey; with Royan Rose piping, Manuel Canovas

B AT H R O O M The vanity provides plenty of storage, which keeps the room clutter free.

Walls painted in Slipper Satin estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

of renovation before they could move in. ‘Fortunately, we still had our old house, so we could live there during the work,’ says Tania. This was just as well considering the other issues that arose after they signed on the dotted line. ‘There were so many hidden problems that weren’t apparent initially, including asbestos, damp and shoddy plumbing.’

DESIGNING THE DECOR

Once the house was ready to decorate, Tania approached interior designer Emma Hooton for help. ‘I like interior design and I enjoy coming up with ideas, but a house of this size felt daunting,’ she explains. Together, Tania and Emma worked out a design that included complementary shades with splashes of colour to punctuate the schemes and add interest. ‘We’ve used grey as a backdrop, combined variously with purple, mustard, red and orange – in fact, I never knew how much I loved grey until we moved here,’ says Tania.

Now that the house is finally completed, Tania is enjoying turning it into a family home. ‘It’s a wonderful house in every season, but during the winter it is something special,’ she says. ‘We spend hours decorating the tree – or redecorating it after our twins, Violet and Jakimo, seven, have had a try.’ Digby, 15, and Felix, 12, like to assist too.

‘This year, I’ve moved away from my usual antique gold and red theme to antique gold and silver,’ continues Tania.

‘I have a new colour scheme each year and spend every evening in the run-up to Christmas decorating packages and attaching tags. Even though the children are growing up, I hope we will always retain the magic of Christmas.’

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OASIS OF CALM Pip and Matt Chawner were faced with purple walls and patterned carpets when they moved into their now serene home FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROB SANDERSON

DINING AREA Part of the extension the couple added, this space is given a period feel thanks to the French cabinet.

For a similar sideboard try Jet side table, £195, Oka. Find French cabinets at Maison Artefact

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INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY A double-fronted Edwardian house LOCATION Southeast London R O O M S Hall, sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility, laundry, playroom, cloakroom, six bedrooms, four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a terraced house nearby,’ says Pip.

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ENTRANCE

KITCHEN

The radiator cover provides a home for the lanterns Pip and Matt bought in Japan.

For a similar garland, try the Christmas garland, £21.99, Lights4fun.co.uk. Try India Jane for similar lanterns

Designed and made by the builders, the handle-free units create a sleek look.

Benchmarx has comparable kitchens. Walls painted in Stone IV, £54.59 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library

SITTING ROOM Pops of bright colour punctuate the neutral palette used throughout the house.

Trimmed cushions, £150 each; and trimmed throw, £250, all Philippa London

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design advice ‘I believe in waiting for the right piece to turn up – this ensures you achieve the style you want’ When Pip and Matt Chawner moved to East Dulwich, London, thirteen years ago with their three children, Fergus, then five, Béa, then three, and Dylan just three weeks old, some of their friends asked: ‘Where on earth is that?’ ‘The area wasn’t well known and it was a bit run-down,’ reminisces Pip. ‘But, ironically, many of our friends have now moved in.’ Pip was enthusiastic about the potential of their new home. She saw past the purple walls and patterned carpets, and fell in love with the generously sized rooms, high ceilings and bay windows.

Time for a change ‘Only the layout was strange,’ Pip explains. ‘The boot room and boiler were placed to overlook the garden, with only one tiny window in the old kitchen enjoying the view outside. I wasn’t keen on not being able to see the kids playing. I’m amazed that we lived in the house for six years before making changes.’ Aided by her sister-in-law, Tifany Ogden, an interior designer, Matt and Pip drew up plans. With the help of an excellent builder, the back of the house was extended, the kitchen upgraded, bathrooms modernised and bulky Edwardian fireplaces were changed for contemporary styles.

After the builders left, Pip was horrified to receive a £20,000 estimate for curtains and soft furnishings. ‘So I decided to go on a soft furnishings course called All Sewn Up.’ Having studied at the London College of Fashion, Pip quickly picked up the skills and ended up making all the blinds and curtains herself. ‘I soon realised the quote was reasonable,’ says Pip. ‘Quality curtains are a labour of love!’

BATHROOM

A sculpted bath is a true showstopper.

Verona bath by Bette, £449.94, Luxury Bathroom Solutions. Wreath, £22, One World

MAIN BEDROOM

The dark wood of the bed acts as a foil to the pale walls.

Sleigh bed, £2,500, Simon Horn, is comparable

Bright idea One memorable Christmas Day in 2014, Pip threw her vintage mink jacket onto a chair and had a eureka moment. ‘I realised what a great cushion it would make,’ she says. She made up the cushion and from there her business grew. Pip now restyles vintage fur coats and out of the leftovers makes fur-trimmed velvet cushions and fur-edged throws, many of which adorn the sitting room and bedrooms.

Never one to compromise, Pip made it her policy to only buy the best for her house whatever the cost, such as the Murano glass light fitting she insisted on buying for the sitting room. However, to compensate, she fortunately found some rare bargains on eBay and French chairs for £5 in a junk shop. From past fashion trips, she had already collected exotic pieces of furniture, which were happily added to the mix.

At Christmas time the house sparkles with lights layered on shelves and intertwined with fir branches and lanterns. A large Christmas tree shimmers in the bay window, with presents piled up beneath ‘We all love Christmas,’ says Pip. ‘Snuggled under a cosy throw, there’s nothing like sipping a glass of bubbly in front of the fire with friends and family.’

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Natural touch

INSPIRING

As Christmas approaches, Lucy Marsh loves to embellish her home in swathes of foraged foliage and rustic ornaments FEATURE FELICITY HAYLES | PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA MURRAY

home truths THE PROPERTY Parsonage built in 1858 L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom, shower room P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Victorian house in south London,’ says Lucy.

DINING ROOM ‘I dress the festive table with sprigs of holly, eucalyptus and silver-sprayed twigs,’ says Lucy.

Herons wallpaper, £85 a roll, GP&J Baker.

Belleville chandelier, £2,790, Vaughan.

Union mirror, £507, Robert Langford.

Curtains made in Lucerne silk, £55m, Colefax and Fowler

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mbracing the festive season comes easy to Lucy Marsh, so when December rolls around, she can be found adorning her family home with foraged foliage, twinkling lights and rustic decorations. ‘I like to use natural elements – pine cones, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, which I display in storm lanterns,’ she says. ‘I also love wrapping candles in birch bark for a Nordic feel.’

Originally a parsonage, this enchanting property dates from the 1800s and includes decorative Arts and Crafts features. Now it is home to Lucy, her husband Jim, their two sons, Alfie, eight, Barney, seven, and their dog, Ember.

When the couple first viewed the property, they fell in love with it, despite its dilapidated condition.

Ancient electrics and

plumbing, rotten floors and a collapsed ceiling rendered it unsafe for them to move in. Luckily, they were able to rent locally during the renovation. ‘We had just six months to complete the work, as we had a short rental contract,’ recalls Lucy.

‘To encourage my contractor to work faster, I’d bring him home-made brownies along with the paint schedules.’

The property’s Grade ll listing meant the couple had to ensure the renovation met with regulations. ‘It was only when I showed that I was able to push a pen through the rotten window frames, that the planners allowed me to replace them,’ says Lucy, who managed the renovation project herself.

The new windows had to be hand made, using traditional methods and materials. ‘Luckily, being an interior designer, I have a network of trusted

KITCHEN The neutral scheme lets the wood beams become a focal point.

Bespoke units in Cashmir, price on request, Anthony Downes. Curved top stool in Charcoal, £195, Cox & Cox. Blind made in Tregony Indigo, £139m, GP&J Baker

EXTERIOR A pretty wreath on the door adds a rural touch and gives a festive welcome.

Bespoke wreath, from a selection, Susie Babington SITTING ROOM ‘I love to hang glass baubles, beaded stars and knitted figures on the tree – all in a traditional palette of white, gold, silver and red,’ says Lucy.

Signature footstool, from £1,940, George Smith. Runes mirror, £1,716, Porta Romana

FAVOURITE ROOM ‘I love the dining room as I feel this particular part of a house always benefits from having a bold colour or dramatic statement wallpaper’ 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 125

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BARNEY’S BEDROOM The simple red, white and blue colour scheme creates a clean, classic look and can easily be updated as Barney gets older.

Charterhouse bunk bed in Prussian Blue, £799, Aspace. Bi-plane wall shelf, £68; Union Jack rug, £175, both Great Little Trading Company.

Coloured bunting, from a selection, Notonthehighstreet. com. The Birch Tree pendant shade, £30, Lampshade Parade, has a similar look to this

MAIN BEDROOM Embroidered silks with floral and Oriental prints bring a luxurious feel to this elegant, restful space.

Narbonne wall light, £648, Vaughan.

Headboard in Keros, £60m, Sanderson.

Bedside tables, £750 each, Christopher Clark. Bespoke throw in Persian Garden, £166m, Osborne & Little

LESSON LEARNT ‘Spend your money wisely; most of our renovation budget was spent on fundamentals such as electrics, plumbing and flooring’ 126 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

craftsmen who were able to take on the work,’ says Lucy.

Her team fitted new insulation, plumbing and electrics to meet with modern standards, while meticulously preserving the building’s original features.

When designing the room schemes, Lucy treated her family as she would a client, presenting them with sketches and sample boards.

‘I wanted it to be their house, not a showpiece for my work,’ she says.

Lucy used soft neutral shades on the walls, ceilings and woodwork to create a unified feel throughout the property. Her favourite wallpaper in the dining room, a homage to her husband’s love of Oriental design, is teamed with family heirlooms and silk curtains to create a sense of drama. ‘This is the perfect space for hosting our family lunch on Christmas Eve,’

she says. ‘I fill it with elegant glassware, chargers and storm lanterns filled with mirrored decorations.

I also bring in some festive fragrance using scented candles and oil difusers.’

Upstairs, Lucy has added more visual interest with eye-catching wallpapers and textiles.

‘I love it when a door is open and you catch a glimpse of pattern,’ she says. The decor also reflects the house’s rural setting as it features wood and stone flooring softened by traditional floral-print textiles and whimsical wallpapers, which complement the property’s historical roots.

‘I find the house becomes enticingly magical at this time of year,’ says Lucy. ‘After such a huge renovation process, to be able to enjoy hosting a family Christmas here is especially wonderful.’

EN SUITE ‘I used a romantic wallpaper in the lobby outside to add character,’ says Lucy.

Oriental Tree wallpaper, £98 a roll, GP&J Baker. Blind made in Sari silk, £86.40m, Pierre Frey

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

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GIV E YOUR HOME AN A RT Y TOUCH

Express your individuality with contemporary artworks that fuse fashion and art, from the new Runway Gallery online ARTIST PROFILE: LOUISE DEAR

‘ MY L OV E O F L I F E I S R E F L E C T ED IN MY PA IN T ING S ’ Louise Dear has commissions from celebrities, such as Elton John and Rick Stein, and her work hangs in homes, restaurants and galleries worldwide. Her pieces are filled with vibrant blooms and beautiful women. Decorated with gold leaf, glitter and Swarovski crystals, they exude a sensual eroticism that’s both provocative and demure.

We talked to Louise about her paintings and what inspires her, plus some of her current projects…

The Love Afair by Louise Dear

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uying a piece of art shouldn’t be any more diicult than a new rug, sofa or curtains – if it looks great and you like it, you buy it.

That’s exactly what artist SYRETT had in mind when he launched Runway Gallery – a new digital platform to showcase and sell artworks from 14 major contemporary artists. Runway Gallery’s line-up includes SYRETT, Louise Dear, Dara Vandoor, Astrid Vos and Bruce Atherton, all of whom have exhibited internationally and boast a dedicated following.

What also unites many of these artists is they’re part of a movement inspired by fashion, called XIII Untitled.

Original artworks and limited edition prints from these and

more can now be yours at the click of a button, with prices starting at £200 for a print.

SYRETT is also keen to bring artists and art enthusiasts together through his monthly Soho Salon Supper Club in London. Each event includes an artist’s talk, the opportunity to do a short, guided life-drawing session, plus a three-course supper at Soho’s hottest new restaurant Scarlett Green. It’s a great way to meet artists and find out about their artworks, plus if you make a purchase on the night, you’ll get a discount.

To view work by XIII Untitled, go to runwaygallery.com. Book your tickets for the Soho Salon Supper Club on Jan 30, £45 each, at designmynight.com.

What’s your process for creating a painting?

I sand the aluminium, sprinkle it with water, then throw paint at it in vibrant, clashing colours. I love the way the water disperses oil-based paints and the materials evolve on their own. I also use metallic paint, glitter and sequined shapes.

This rather chaotic stage needs several days to dry.

The next stage is much more ordered. Measuring, ruling and masking the panels, I rub in oil pigments and gilt creams, creating stripes to order and define the chaos. Fine lines of 24-carat gold leaf are also overlaid – they’re so fine they’re barely noticeable until set alight by a shard of sunlight.

Finally, I’ll choose an image to project onto the panel and render it in enamels, applied with a sable brush.

How do people react to your art?

Happily, people love them. They’re created with passion and I think that shows. My biggest collectors have up to 18 pieces in their home.

What projects are you working on now?

I’m working with bathroom specialists Victoria Plum to create a bespoke Louise Dear Collection of baths, basins and shower screens. I also work with Daisy Green Collection and have just completed a series of new works for Scarlett Green, a new restaurant in the heart of Soho, and there more new restaurants planned for next year.

Do you have any words of advice for people who’d like to buy art for their home?

Buy from the heart and buy what you love.

You’ll be looking at it every day so have something that makes you feel good.

A STAR IS BORN

With its verdant rural views and crackling woodburner, Sarah Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s converted barn comes into its own in winter FEATURE VIVIENNE AYRES | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES

128 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

b a r n c o n v e r s i o n | 25bh INSPIRING

home truths THE PROPERTY Converted barn L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M S Hall, kitchen-diner, garden room, snug, study, den, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, shower room, gym P U R C H A S E D 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in a new build in Worcestershire,’ says Sarah.

GARDEN ROOM An abundance of seating and a roaring woodburner ensure this light, open space feels cosy for festive get-togethers.

Try the Aspen scatter-back sofa, from £1,050; and the Valentin storage footstool, from £380, both Sofa.com.

For a similar woodburner, try Hwam, price on request

2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018 | 129

favo u r i t e f e at u r e ‘Our woodburner was the best thing we bought.

It makes our home so cosy during the winter’

T DINING AREA Benches provide plenty of seating and are a great option for this informal scheme.

Dining table, benches, star, floor lamp, all price on request, Vintage Barn Interiors

he interiors of Sarah Nelson’s rustic barn are the epitome of Christmas chic at this time of year, with roaring fires, flickering candles and reindeer decorations. ‘It’s cosy and it comes to life during the festive period,’ says Sarah.

The move to the barn came some 18 years ago. The family was living in Worcestershire when Sarah’s husband Mark got a job in London. ‘This barn in Oxfordshire was listed for sale online,’ says Sarah. There were just two problems: Mark didn’t want to live in a barn and it wasn’t a detached property, which had been at the top of the couple’s wish list. ‘I drove up to it and almost drove away again – it looked so small,’ Sarah recalls. ‘But then I spotted the paddock and the outlook, both of which I loved. Also, I’d grown up nearby, and being here felt like coming home.’

L O V E AT F I R S T S I G H T

KITCHEN An Aga and fire surround provide a stylish focal point.

Cabinets painted in Pavilion Gray estate eggshell, £60 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Five-oven Total Control, from £13,825, Aga

130 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

As it turned out, there was plenty of space inside, which was essential, as the couple’s children, Dan, now 22, and Chloe, now 20, needed room to run around. ‘I fell for the place there and then, so I took Mark along to see it,’ says Sarah. ‘He took one look at the paddock and said, “This is great – we’ll buy it.”

He didn’t even need to look inside.’

Initially, the Nelsons didn’t carry out any work to the barn, partly as it had recently been converted. However, after three years they decided to build a green oak garden room. ‘Because of where the house was situated we only had one window that looked out over the fields,’

b a r n c o n v e r s i o n | 25bh ANNEXE A place for the kids to hang out, this space was built at the back of the house.

Zennor right corner sofa, £2,359, Sofa Workshop, is a close match

HALL Tactile fabrics make this an inviting space to curl up with a book.

Reindeer rug, price on request, Vintage Barn Interiors

says Sarah. ‘Adding the garden room meant we could see the view all around.’

Sarah and Mark also turned the sitting room, which was adjacent to the garden room, into a kitchen. ‘The space works brilliantly now,’ says Sarah.

‘Everyone used to gather in the sitting room while I was cooking, and I felt left out, but now they sit in the kitchen or the garden room, so it’s much more sociable.’

Sarah had very clear ideas about the look of her new kitchen. ‘I was keen to have painted cabinetry so I could change the colour whenever I wanted to,’ she says.

‘I chose an Aga with a fire surround as a focal point. I also installed a large island with a sink so I can look out to the front and back gardens while I cook.’

MAIN BEDROOM Sarah found the elegant sleigh bed in an antiques shop.

The Manoir bed, £3,650, And So To Bed, is similar. The Endon Lighting Lullaby five-light candle style chandelier, £120.99, Wayfair, is comparable

OLD MEETS NEW

Sarah’s signature interior style seamlessly blends Scandi and French influences with older pieces. ‘I love new things but prefer to mix them with pre-loved furniture,’ she explains. ‘Running my own interior design and homewares company, Vintage Barn Interiors, I often bring clients back to our home so the look has to be just right. Above all, though, it was important that this be an easy-going family home and not look too precious.’

The barn definitely comes into its own at Yuletide. ‘The children are home and we invite friends around. We wait until Dan’s birthday on 18 December is over, and the next day we buy the tree and put it in the garden room where there’s a woodburner. Then we enjoy mulled wine while we decorate it. It really is a special time of year.’

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

2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018 | 131

INSPIRING

Branching out A beautifully decorated tree sets the scene at Sarah Jane Humphrey and Jon Coleman’s home FEATURE KATHERINE SORRELL / NARRATIVES | PHOTOGRAPHY ANYA RICE / NARRATIVES

home truths THE PROPERTY Edwardian terrace L O C AT I O N Cornwall R O O M S Two sitting rooms, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, oice, attic studio P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘It was a similar but smaller house nearby,’ says Sarah Jane.

132 | 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018

O

ne special tradition marks the start of the festive season for botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey and her family.

‘Every winter we drive to a nearby pine forest and tie a wooden tag to our favourite tree,’ she says. ‘Then, on the first weekend in December, the farmer cuts our tree down for us and when we get back with it I’ll put on some Frank Sinatra, light the fire and start

decorating it. An aunt in Vancouver used to send me brass decorations engraved with the date and a message, and when I hang them it always takes me back to my childhood.’

Sarah Jane lives with her partner Jon and her three children, Harvey, 17, Freddy, 13, and Isla, eight. Having owned the house for a decade, she has gradually transformed it from a beautifully proportioned but relatively plain property to a timelessly appealing family

e dwa r d i a n te r r ac e | 25bh

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Test sample pots of paint on different walls before deciding which shade to use. Colours can vary depending on the light’

SITTING ROOM The room’s focal point is a huge tree to welcome guests. The decorations are a mix of old and new, with some collected over the years on holidays abroad and some that were gifts.

Hemnes bookcases, £95 (narrow), and £115 (wide), both Ikea.

The Emdé sunburst mirror, £126.99, Wayfair, is similar.

Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath modern emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

DINING ROOM Sarah Jane sanded, stained and varnished the floorboards soon after moving in. The fireplace is one of 11 in the house.

The Kura lampshade, £40, Habitat, is similar. Hanging metal stars, from £7.95 each, Willow & Stone. Botanical print, £85, Sarah Jane Humphrey

home. ‘Over the years, I’ve taken virtually every room back to its bare bones,’ she says.

‘I sanded the floorboards, replastered everywhere and fitted new fireplaces using locally cut stone. I also replaced the kitchen and bathroom, and added an en suite to the main bedroom. There are still things I’d like to do here, but recently I’ve been getting ready to open my new shop, Botanical Atelier, in Falmouth, where I’ll hold workshops and sell home accessories, plants and my own artwork.’

Sarah Jane’s decoration is a chic mix of old and new, pieces from French brocantes mingling with high-street finds. ‘I would call it a blend of contemporary and traditional,’ she says. Not afraid of a bit of DIY, Sarah Jane has bought old items of furniture and upcycled them, made her own Roman blinds and, of course, has decorated using her own 134 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

drawings and cushions that are inspired by the beautiful plants in her garden.

Natural colours have also inspired the interior of the house, with paint shades that reflect those of the sea and Cornish skies. ‘I’ve chosen the colours with great care,’ says Sarah Jane. ‘The walls in Isla’s room, for example, are painted in Mizzle, which means “light rain”, something we’re pretty used to here in Cornwall.’

Meanwhile, a palette of natural textures form the backbone in every room, with sheepskin rugs and real log fires adding to the cosy feel. On Christmas Day, after opening their presents, Sarah Jane and Jon join in with a mass dip in the cold Cornish waters of nearby Gyllyngvase beach. ‘We love the seaside lifestyle,’ says Sarah Jane. ‘What could be nicer than coming home to a hot toddy by a roaring fire?’

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

e dwa r d i a n te r r ac e | 25bh

FAVOURITE ITEM ‘Our bed, which has a fabulous hand-made mattress. Lazy mornings are a luxury and it was a great investment’

KITCHEN A deep blue wall adds drama, while the vintage oak table was a find from a local antiques shop.

Wall painted in Stiffkey Blue modern emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

MAIN BEDROOM Grey carpet and of-white walls enhance the room’s tranquil feel.

The Antoinette bed, £1,095, Loaf, is similar.

BATHROOM Lighting a fire in the bathroom is the ultimate luxury.

Cambridge bath, £699, Bathstore

ISLA’S ROOM The daybed from Ikea doubles as an afternoon hangout.

Walls painted in Mizzle modern emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

REAR HALL Exposed brickwork lends a rustic feel.

Ivy and pussy willow wreath, from £40, The White Company

A NEW PHASE With its long, narrow layout, this outdated house did not lend itself to modern family living until Laura and Mark Stubbs began to work their magic FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY KATIE LEE

KITCHEN The couple chose classic Shaker-style units for their timeless appeal. The pale colours enhance the original stonework.

Rusty metal NOEL letters, £5 each, RE. Ogilvy rise-and-fall pendant, £79, Made.com

m i l l h o u s e | 25bh DINING AREA

INSPIRING

Laura made the dining table herself using raw-edge wood and reclaimed cast-iron legs.

Kartell Masters black dining chairs, £162 each, Connox. Carbone handwoven jute rug, £149, La Redoute. Vie Naturelle grey 16-piece dinnerware set, £160, Traditional and Vintage Dining

home truths THE PROPERTY Semi-detached 17th-century mill house and adjoining barn L O C AT I O N East Yorkshire R O O M S Two halls, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, playroom, oice, utility room, five bedrooms, (two en suite), family bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a Thirties detached house,’ says Laura.

2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 137

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Choose your colours carefully – if you’re not fan of vivid hues, SITTING ROOM

‘I love fresh foliage at Christmas, and quite often we’ll have two trees,’ says Laura.

Woodcroft colonial grey balustrade cofee table, £1,795, Hadley Rose, is a close match. Large Crumpet sofa in cobble fabric, £1,395, Loaf, is similar. Floral arrangement, price on request, Bloom & Bridal

W

hen Laura and Mark Stubbs first viewed their dilapidated mill house, it had been on the market for six years, and the one-acre garden was so overgrown they couldn’t even get to it. ‘We knew we could transform it into something special but the vendors weren’t willing to negotiate on the price,’ says Laura, who runs interior design company Epitome Styling.

‘In the end, we paid slightly over the odds because we loved the house so much.’

The couple had renovated their previous home, and this time decided on a phased approach. They also rented a house before phase one of the 18-month project began.

‘Rethinking the long and thin layout to make it flow better was key,’ says Laura.

‘At the start, we had plans drawn up for a radical open-plan design but, in the end, we felt it wasn’t quite right, as there were 138 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018

some original stone walls, which we were really keen to preserve.’

Previously, the front door led straight into the sitting room, so the pair created a separate hall, while the kitchen was moved to the front of the house and opened up to a dining room. The conservatory was knocked down and three outbuildings were joined together form a large sitting room and rear hall leading to a playroom, oice and garage.

Gutting and renovating the entire house was very challenging, especially with baby Charlotte, now four, in tow. But Laura and Mark managed to make the place habitable just in time for Christmas. ‘The range cooker was fitted on 22nd December and we hosted 14 for dinner that year,’ Laura smiles.

‘It helped that we worked well together, as it was totally consuming and a lot of pressure,’ continues Laura. ‘We have slightly diferent approaches – Mark is more

conventional while I’m a bit more daring, but we can always reach a compromise.’

The second phase, which involved converting the barn, and creating two extra bedrooms and bathrooms over the garage, was completed just in time for the arrival of baby Jack, now one. Then, after a brief respite to gather ideas and finances, the final phase got underway, which included creating a main bedroom and en suite in the loft above the end barn. ‘This is now my favourite room as the glazed gable end gives fantastic views over the garden,’ says Laura.

With the major works now complete, the family can enjoy a more relaxed Christmas this time round. ‘I love dressing the rooms,’ Laura enthuses. ‘This year my decorations are mostly white and black, with lots of greenery.’

Next, the pair want to create a studio for Laura’s business. ‘We’ll never be finished,’ she laughs. ‘This house is always evolving.’

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

m i l l h o u s e | 25bh create interest with beautiful furniture, fabrics and lighting in neutral shades instead’ MAIN BEDROOM ‘The sunlight is just beautiful in here,’ says Laura. ‘I spend as much time enjoying it as I can.’

Alseda banana fibre stools, £25 each, Ikea, are comparable. For similar rattan lampshades, try Zolan, £89, Graham and Green. See more of Laura’s interior designs at epitomestyling.co.uk

BATHROOM

MAIN BEDROOM

An upcycled second-hand console works well as a double basin unit.

Mirrors, £9.99 each, The Range. Candle, £32, The Little Yorkshire Candle Company

Bespoke MDF wardrobes and engineered oak flooring create a sleek, seamless finish.

Afaw Berber-style rug, from £99, La Redoute. Throw, £35, Dunelm

GUEST BEDROOM A barn door and vintage crates lend an industrial feel.

Star LED neon wall light, £14.95, Cult Furniture, is similar

2 5 B H D EC E M B E R 2018 | 139

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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.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS WITH w w w. l a u r a c a r o l i n e f i n e f u r n i t u r e . c o . u k

W E ’ V E O F F I C I A L LY L A U N C H E D & we can’t wait to meet you!

Laura Caroline Fine Furniture is an independent online provider of Luxury Home Interiors.

Based in Cheshire, Laura Caroline provides quality furniture and accessories.

Christmas Gifts & Stocking Fillers

Alton White Marble Effect Coasters £25

Pumpkin Spice Christmas Candal £25

Iris Triangular Mantel Clock £105

AKE /FF 9OUR &IRST /RDER 5SE #ODE

Sydney Flower Petal T-Light Holder Qty 4 £35

/24,%33 9 #

Contact Us | 0161 537 2000 | info@lc-ff.co.uk

Ananas Cloud Pouch £20

s to c k i s t s | 25bh

WHERE TO BUY Details of companies featured in the December issue

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Abigail Ahern abigailahern.com Aga agaliving.com Alexander & Pearl alexanderandpearl.co.uk Amara amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk And So To Bed andsotobed.co.uk Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk Anthony Downes anthonydownes.com Aspace aspace.co.uk Aston Matthews astonmatthews.co.uk Atkin & Thyme atkinandthyme.co.uk B&Q diy.com Balmain and› Balmain balmainandbalmain.com Bathstore bathstore.com Beautiful Halo beautifulhalo.com Belle & Boo belleandboo.com Beltrami beltrami.co.uk Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Black Edition blackedition.com Blinds 2 Go blinds-2go.co.uk Bloom & Bridal 07856 766628 Brintons brintons.co.uk Butler & Sweatman butlerandsweatman.co.uk C&C Milano cec-milano.com Calacatta Marble calacattamarble.co.uk Carpetright carpetright.co.uk Casa Bella Furniture casabellafurniture.co.uk Chesneys chesneys.co.uk Christopher Clark christopherclark.uk Cimmermann cimmermann.uk City Cows citycows.co.uk Coach House coachhouse.com Colefax and Fowler colefax.com Concreate concreate.net/uk Connox connox.co.uk Country Heat countryheatdirect.co.uk Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Cuckooland cuckooland.com Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com David Hunt Lighting davidhuntlighting.co.uk De Le Cuona delecuona.co.uk Dedar dedar.com Designer Paint designerpaint.com Designers Guild designersguild.com DFS dfs.co.uk Dining Chair Company diningchair.co.uk DIY Shutters diyshutters.co.uk Dougfield Plumbers Supplies dougfields.co.uk Dreams dreams.co.uk Drummonds drummonds-uk.com Dual Designs dualdesigns.co.uk Dulux dulux.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com Dwell dwell.co.uk eBay ebay.co.uk Ella James ellajames.co.uk Emma Hooton emmahooton.com Eras of Style erasofstyle.com

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Etsy etsy.com Exclusive Mirrors exclusivemirrors.co.uk 4Living 4living.co.uk Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Farthing thefarthing.co.uk Feather & Black featherandblack.com Festive Lights festive-lights.com Flora Furniture florafurniture.co.uk French Soaps frenchsoaps.co.uk Furn-On furn-on.com George Smith georgesmith.co.uk Glowing Embers glowing-embers.co.uk GP&J Baker gpjbaker.com Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk Great Little Trading Company gltc.co.uk Greige greige.co.uk Gustavian gustavian.com H&M Home hm.com Habitat habitat.co.uk Hadley Rose hadleyrose.co.uk Hamilton Stone Design hamiltonstonedesign.com Harvey Jones harveyjones.com Heal’s heals.co.uk Hector Finch hectorfinch.com Henderson & Redfearn hendersonandredfearn.co.uk Hibou Home hibouhome.com Homebase homebase.co.uk Homescapes homescapesonline.com HomeSense homesense.com House Doctor housedoctor.dk House of Oak houseofoak.co.uk Houseology houseology.com Howdens howdens.com Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk Ikea ikea.co.uk India Jane indiajane.co.uk Industville industville.co.uk Ines Cole inescole.com JD Williams jdwilliams.co.uk Jennifer Merredew jennifermerredew.com John Atkinson johnatkinson-artist.com John Lewis johnlewis.com La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Lampshade Parade lampshadeparade.co.uk Laura Ashley lauraashley.com Lexington lexingtoncompany.com Liberty liberty.co.uk Light Up North lightupnorth.com Lighting Direct lighting-direct.co.uk Lighting Lighting lightinglighting.co.uk Lights4Fun lights4fun.co.uk Little Greene littlegreene.com Loaf loaf.com Lombok lombok.co.uk Luxury Bathroom Solutions luxurybathroomsolutions.co.uk Macpherson macphersontrade.co.uk Made in Design madeindesign.co.uk Maison Artefact maisonartefact.com

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Maison De Marrakech maisondemarrakech.com Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com Manuel Canovas manuelcanovas.com Marcus Kenyon marcuskenyon.co.uk Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com MC Stone Kitchens mcstone.co.uk Neptune neptune.com Next next.co.uk Nkuku nkuku.com Norfolk Fender Seats norfolkfenderseats.co.uk Nustone nustone.co.uk Oka oka.com Olive & the Fox oliveandthefox.co.uk Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com One World one.world Online Carpets onlinecarpets.co.uk Optie A optiea.com Orchid orchidfurniture.co.uk Original BTC originalbtc.com Osborne & Little osborneandlittle.com Out of Wood outofwood.co.uk Paint & Paper Library paintandpaperlibrary.com Paperchase paperchase.co.uk Parna parna.co.uk Period Property Store periodpropertystore.co.uk Petersham Nurseries petershamnurseries.com Philippa London philippalondon.com Pierre Frey pierrefrey.com Piglet in Bed pigletinbed.com Plantation Rug Company plantationrug.co.uk Plumo plumo.com Pooky pooky.com Porta Romana portaromana.co.uk Ralph Lauren Home ralphlauren.co.uk RE re-foundobjects.com Redbubble redbubble.com Robert Langford robertlangford.co.uk Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk Room 17 room17.nl Rosanna Lonsdale rosannalonsdale.com RugVista rugvista.com Sanderson stylelibrary.com/sanderson Sara Miller saramiller.london Sarah Jane Humphrey sarahjanehumphrey.com Savoy & Snook savoyandsnook.co.uk Scartop scartop.com Simon Horn simonhorn.com Skinflint skinflintdesign.com Sophie Conran sophieconran.com Style Our Home styleourhome.com Susie Babington susiebabingtongardens.co.uk Swoon swooneditions.com

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3 Shires Garden Centre bluediamond.gg/garden-centre/ 3-shires-garden-centre Tate & Darby tateanddarby.com The Baby Cot Shop thebabycotshop.com The British Blanket Company thebritishblanketcompany.com The Cotswold Company cotswoldco.com The Fireplace Shop the-fireplace-shop.co.uk The French Furniture Company thefrenchfurniturecompany.co.uk The Light Shack 07766 700568 The LillianDaph Store lilliandaph.co.uk TheLinenWorksthelinenworks.co.uk The Little Yorkshire Candle Company thelittleyorkshire candlecompany.co.uk The Original Bed Company obc-uk.net The Range therange.co.uk The Rug Seller therugseller.co.uk The Scandinavian Shop scandinavianshop.co.uk The Sofa & Chair Company thesofaandchair.co.uk The Swedish Wooden Horse Company theswedishwoodenhorse.com The Weird & Wonderful theweirdandwonderful.com The White Company thewhitecompany.com This Modern Life thismodernlife.co.uk Time & Tide timeandtidestores.co.uk Tissino tissino.co.uk Titchmarsh & Goodwin titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk TK Maxx tkmaxx.com Tom Faulkner tomfaulkner.co.uk Traditional and Vintage Dining tandvdining.co.uk Turnbull & Thomas turnbullandthomas.co.uk Twyford Cookers twyford-cookers.com UKAA ukaa.com Vaughan vaughandesigns.com Victoria Plum victoriaplum.com Victorian Plumbing victorianplumbing.co.uk Vinterior vinterior.co Wayfair wayfair.co.uk Wesley-Barrell wesley-barrell.co.uk West Elm westelm.co.uk Whitestores whitestores.co.uk Wickes wickes.co.uk Willis & Co willisandco.co.uk Willow & Stone willowandstone.co.uk Woodpecker Interiors woodpeckerinteriors.co.uk Worktop Express worktop-express.co.uk Wren Kitchens wrenkitchens.com Wyebridge Interiors presentsR4U.com ZaZa Homes zazahomes.co.uk

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2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018 | 143

Just for You

An advertisement feature bringing you the best value for those special purchases around your home.

To advertise, please call 0207 611 1061 or email sales@canopymedia.co.uk

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SŠǢŝƿ ƪơƢƿĹ&#x201A;Ĺ&#x201A;ĹŚÄŠ ơŝ ĆŞÄŠÄŠ Ć&#x;ƢĹ&#x17D;Źơ Ä&#x203A;ŌĊÞƢŌǢ ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠĹą ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠĆŞÄŠ ÞƢĊ Ç&#x153;Ĺ&#x2030;Þơ Ǣŝƿ ŹĊĊĢ ƿŌơƢÞ Ĺ&#x2030;Ĺ&#x17D;Ĺ&#x201A;Ĺ&#x2030; ĢĊČ&#x20AC;ĹąĹ&#x17D;ơĹ&#x17D;ŝŹ ƢĊÞĢĹ&#x17D;ĹąĹ&#x201A; ŌÞůĆ&#x;ĆŞ Ä&#x161;Ǣ ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠ ƢÞǟơŌĹ&#x17D;Ĺ&#x201A;Ĺ&#x2030;ơ ŝůĆ&#x;ÞŹǢ ÞŹĢ ĢĊƪĹ&#x17D;Ĺ&#x201A;ŹĊĢ Ĺ&#x17D;Ĺą ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠ Ă&#x192;f ÂŚĂžĹ&#x17D;ĆŞĹ&#x17D;ĹąĹ&#x201A; ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠ Ä&#x203A;ŝŹơƢÞƪơ ơŝ ůÞţĊ ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠ Ä&#x161;ĹŚĂžÄ&#x203A;ĹŁ ĂžĆ&#x;Ć&#x;ĊÞƢ Ä&#x161;ĹŚĂžÄ&#x203A;ţĊƢ ÞŹĢ ơĹ&#x2030;ÄŠ Ä&#x161;ĂžÄ&#x203A;ĹŁĹ&#x201A;ƢŝƿŹĢ Ç&#x153;Ĺ&#x2030;Ĺ&#x17D;ơĊƢ Þƪ Ç&#x153;ÄŠĹŚĹŚ Þƪ ůŝƢĊ Ç&#x203A;Ĺ&#x17D;Ä&#x161;ƢÞŹơ Ä&#x203A;ŝŌŝƿƢ Ç&#x153;Ĺ&#x17D;ơĹ&#x2030; Ä&#x161;ĊơơĊƢ ĆŞÄŠĆ&#x;ÞƢÞơĹ&#x17D;ŝŹ Sơ+ĆŞ ĹŚĹ&#x17D;ĹŁÄŠ Ĺ&#x2030;ĂžÇ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x17D;ĹąĹ&#x201A; Ăž ŹĊÇ&#x153; Ć&#x;ĂžĹ&#x17D;Ƣ ŝŠĊǢĊƪ £ƢĹ&#x17D;Ä&#x203A;ÄŠĆŞ ƪơÞƢơ Þơ ,-â&#x20AC;Ť (Ú&#x2DC; Ú&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;ŹĹ ŝƢ ǴŌŝŝƢ ŌÞůĆ&#x;ĆŞ

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All companies listed are wholly independent. We recommend that you carry out your own checks before entering into any agreement. When making any purchases we would recommend that you use a credit card providing protection in the unlikely event of any issues. No part of this page maybe reproduced without the permission of Canopy Media.

Marketplace Looking to buy something for your home? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find it in our easy-to-follow guide

MARKETPLACE CATEGORIES 148 Bathrooms

149 Gardens

149 Beds & Bedding

149 Garden Furniture

149 Floor Coverings

147 Sofas & Sofa Beds

146 Furniture

147 Windows

Why not visit our online interiors directory at housetohome. co.uk/directory

Marketplace FURNITURE

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Marketplace GARDENS

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ROOM ENVY

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

B

arcelona bursts with a playful energy fuelled by colour, culture and world-class design. If you are heading there for a long winter weekend, the Cotton House Hotel is a worthy place to retreat to. Situated in a magnificent 19th-century neoclassical building that was once home to the local cotton guild, the hotel is a favourite with lovers of glamorous design.

The Cotton House Hotel’s masterful look was overseen by Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, who has paid homage to the property’s original elegance, while updating it with a stunning mix of contemporary art and vivid colour schemes.

Most glorious of all the hotel’s spaces is its decadently styled library, a spot that is perfect for quiet contemplation over an 150 | 2 5 B H DEC E MBER 2018

espresso or mid-afternoon martini. The exquisite marquetry floors, opulent carved ceiling and towering doors are all original 19thcentury features from when the room was used as a social club for guild members. Lázaro brought in the striking, cloud-like ceiling pendant and turquoise leather lounge chairs, and arranged specially made custom rugs that tie the space together. The postbox-red canvas hanging above the black mantelpiece provides a daring splash of colour and came from Lázaro’s private art collection.

After a hectic day of sightseeing around Barcelona, make your way back to the hotel and rest your head in one of its lavish bedrooms, named after fabrics such as damask and tafeta, which reflect the property’s proud textiles trade heritage.

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY STANDARD DOUBLES FROM £160, HOTELCOTTONHOUSE.COM

The library at the Cotton House Hotel is a stunning mix of period features and contemporary styling

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