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MO RE INSPIRA TI O N AL H OM E S THAN AN Y OTH ER MA GAZINE

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES FRESH & BRIGHT Style ideas for a new season

‘Our new-look home was worth all the hard work’ SEE INSIDE THE WINNING READER AWARDS HOUSE

ROOMS IN FOCUS Designing a kitchen from scratch Creating a cosy seating area Adding f lair to a bedroom suite

APRIL 2022

Bring spaces to life

Clever and creative schemes to inspire you

APRIL 2022

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES MORE IN SPIRATIO NAL H O M E S TH AN AN Y OTHE R M AG AZINE

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The relocation of a four-storey staircase has transformed this period property (p16)

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Buying a house online is a risk but this Australian purchase worked out beautifully (p23)

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A sitting room update in An architect couple this former village post demonstrate their office retains a host of design skills in their own historic features (p46) new-build home (p49)

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A side and rear extension gave this 1950s townhouse so much potential (p28)

A spacious modern kitchen in a classic design is perfectly fit for entertaining (p54)

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Colour and pattern were the priority when it came to reviving this Victorian terrace (p9)

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Timeless and classic A year of careful were the design planning turned a dated chalet bungalow into a watchwords for this chic Los Angeles pad (p41) stylish abode (p36)

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Period features and modern touches are perfectly blended in this Georgian house (p59)

Creating comfortable spaces was the aim when updating this family retreat (p64)

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The winners of our Vintage finds and bold This historic house is the Reader Awards braved contemporary pieces fill perfect backdrop for the a lockdown renovation this townhouse with owners’ collection of art with great results (p71) and antiques (p83) personality (p78)

This San Francisco Crisp Scandi lines and house has been infused characterful vintage with a dash of fresh East pieces combine in this Coast style (p101) 1970s bungalow (p107)

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A city house with roomy interiors that feels comfortable and considered (p115)

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A monochrome palette An art deco apartment Redesigning an and Eastern influences awkward loft space into has been brought back inspired the decor of this an inviting en suite was to life with a dramatic terraced house (p127) layout change (p134) a huge success (p132)

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A new but traditional style kitchen suits the property’s country setting (p90)

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When renovating their Victorian home, the owners stayed true to the original features (p94)

The main bedroom of a A cohesive yet vibrant style is achieved in this penthouse suite has been given a luxurious previously unmodernised Victorian home (p122) makeover (p120)

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This couple relocated to the coast to move into their dream new build home (p138)

Room Envy

Enjoy Luke Edward Hall’s colourful designs at Hotel Les Deux Gares in Paris (p146)

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EDITOR’S LET TER

| 25bh

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rhoda Parry Homes Editor Fiona Mace Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor/Production Editor Jennifer Spaeth Group Art Director Alison Walter Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Group Production Editor Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Carly Rigley Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley

MANAGEMENT Senior Vice President, Womens, Homes & Country Sophie Wybrew-Bond Managing Director of Homes Jason Orme Finance Director Mags & Subs Dan Jotcham SVP Global Operations & Marketforce Adrian Hughes

SYNDICATION Sales Executive Eﬁ Mandrides (eﬁ.mandrides@futurenet.com)

CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Justine Lazauskas (justine.lazauskas@futurenet.com)

ADVERTISING Commercial Director Rob Biagioni (rob.biagioni@futurenet.com) Head of Homes Nicola Ponting (nicola.ponting@futurenet.com) Sales Manager Kelly James (kelly.james@futurenet.com) International/Luxury Accounts Manager Carole Bunce (carole.bunce@futurenet.com) Classiﬁed Advertising Enquiries Simone Adams (simone.adams@futurenet.com)

WELCOME If you’re looking for one rule to follow when embarking on a renovation, you could do worse than taking a leaf out of Spencer and Emma Guy’s book. ‘Keep things simple and get the bones right’ is the mantra the couple stuck to when they set out to build their striking house (p49). Also completing a major project were our Reader Awards winners, Micaela and Tom Baker, who managed to overcome the challenges of moving and building during lockdown with the most spectacular results(p71). Overcoming challenges is a common theme in this issue and we were so impressed to read how Alice and Charlie Huntingford decided to start from scratch after a devastating ﬁre had destroyed their home – their story is amazing (p90). We hope the houses we feature provide inspiration and encouragement and if you’re coming to the end of your own project, get in touch as we’d love to see it. FIONA MACE, HOMES EDITOR

INSERT SALES Canopy Media Michael Davie (020 7611 1062) Insert Sales Manager Katherine Brown (07464 544375)

PRODUCTION Head of Art Production Nicola Tillman Art Production Designers Chris Saggers and Phil Dunk Group Production Manager Clare Scott Production Controller Bill Argent Advertising Production Manager Nick Williams (nick.williams@futurenet.com) Senior Ad Production Manager Jo Crosby

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INTERNATIONAL LICENSING 25 Beautiful Homes is available for licensing. To ﬁnd our more contact us at licensing@futurenet.com or view our available content at www.futurecontenthub.com Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw

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BACK ISSUES Magazines Direct help@magazinesdirect.com (+44(0)330 333 1113) magazinesdirect.com Vol 25 No 4 ISSN 1369529 © Future PLC, 2022. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR (020 3787 9001)

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Shining style

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Everything about Valeriia Voshchevska’s home is splendid – from the chic furnishings to the cool colours FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY MARY WADSWORTH STYLIST MILLY BRUCE

D I N I N G S PAC E The lava stone table makes a strong foil for the brilliance of teal velvet. Pale pink walls help to reflect the light. Clay lava stone table, £5,983, Desalto at Heal’s. Vintage rosewood dining chairs by Robert Heritage, Vinterior. Walls in Peignoir estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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SITTING ROOM A custom-made sofa acts as a divider between this space and the entrance. Bespoke sofa by Linea Luxe. Gubi Epic Round coffee table, £2,140, Royal Design

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room/ dining area, kitchen, office, cloakroom, two bedrooms (both en suite), roof terrace P U R C H A S E D 2020 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a flat with no outdoor space about five minutes away,’ Valeriia says.

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OFFICE Chunky walnut and black steel strike a business-like modern vibe, while a whimsical leopard wallpaper breaks up the cupboard doors and blends them with the walls. Cole & Son Leopard Walk wallpaper , £107 a roll, Naken Interiors. Bespoke desk, Konk Furniture. Bespoke shelving, End Grain. Hayes Linear chandelier, £459, West Elm

aleriia Voshchevska has always been a devotee of colour and pattern. While not a British national, the Ukrainian has come to adore the interior style in her adopted country. ‘I love the bold and sometimes eclectic aesthetic of British townhouses and British design in general,’ she says. Valeriia had always dreamed of owning a ‘little townhouse on a cute London street,’ and when the first lockdown hit she realised that her gardenless flat had

become insufficient for her needs. ‘When I saw this Victorian property with a roof terrace on the market I didn’t hesitate,’ she explains. ‘Apart from the kitchen, the house hadn’t been touched for about 10 years so I knew I would have to redo it from the inside out, but I saw it as a great opportunity to represent myself and my style through a new interior scheme.’ With a clear goal to create a characterful and vibrant home, Valeriia enlisted Pia Pelkonen of sustainable interior firm Pia Design (piadesign.co.uk) to help. 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 11

KITCHEN The zellige tiles have a gentle light-reflecting quality, as do the brass fittings. The contrast between dark and light here is striking. Fairford kitchen in Dark Green, price on request, Howdens. T-Bar handles in brass, £47 each, Buster + Punch. Artisan zellige tiles, price on request, Blueprint Ceramics. Bespoke extractor fan cabinetry, End Grain. Vintage bamboo and rattan swivel stool (right), Etsy

‘Our remit was originally quite small as Val was already working with an architect on a planning application. But the more we got involved, the more it kept growing, going into increasing detail,’ says Pia. ‘Val had strong ideas about what she liked but she was also prone to changing her mind a lot and couldn’t settle on one colour. That’s how the pink and green scheme came together.’ While a multitude of green tones are found throughout the house, there is a wide variety of other shades elsewhere. ‘Every 12 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

space we designed Val wanted to be a different colour. You peep through from one room to the next and you see a different combination,’ Pia explains. With the property being located in a built-up area it lacked natural light so Pia cleverly used paint to trick the eye. ‘It’s a fairly dark house but when you’re there you don’t really notice because the colour scheme makes it feel sunny and vibrant. By painting the ceiling in the main bedroom, we were able to make a cocooning and cosy vibe and the rich colour actually

FAVO U R ITE FE AT U R E

‘I love the layering of colours throughout, especially the various shades of green that tie it all together’

S TA I R C A S E A vibrant pink trim adds interest to this practical stair runner set against contrasting dark woodwork. Iconic Herringbone Carpet with pink cotton trim edging, £77.15sq m, Alternative Flooring. Staircase and balustrade in Railings estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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BEDROOM The citrus hues are softened by the pale pinks. Cole & Son Seville Orange Blossom wallpaper, £125 a roll, Naken Interiors. King winged upholstered headboard in Turmeric House velvet, £449, Sueno

B AT H R O O M A coat of clear matt varnish will protect wallpaper. Mutina Tex floor tiles, from £334sq m, Casa Ceramica. Aqua wall tiles, price on request, Blueprint Ceramics. Bespoke vanity, End Grain. Clearwater Formoso ClearStone bath (left), £1,699.96, Victorian Plumbing. Morris & Co Willow Bough Minor wallpaper, £79 a roll, Jane Clayton

LAST WORD

‘This is a naturally dark house but you don’t notice that because the colours and patterns are so vibrant and sunny’

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MAIN BEDROOM Hand-painted wallpaper and a velvet wall-to-wall headboard board were chosen for a double dose of luxury. Portobello Chinoiserie on Blue Grey dyed silk, from £857 a panel (915mm width), de Gournay. Curtains and cushion in Morny Bleu Canard fabric, £155m, Manuel Canovas. Smoked glass lantern light, £455, Rothschild & Bickers

distracts from how close the ceiling is,’ Pia explains. The ground floor was also opened up and supported by steel to allow more of a flow of light, making the volumes feel larger. The new kitchen was a last-minute change of plan. ‘Val had intended to keep the existing gloss black units but six months into the project asked us how quickly we could design a new one. By then we were stretched on budget so chose Howdens but switched it up a bit creating a brass extractor hood, adding walnut shelves and brass handles,’ Pia explains.

While the pandemic slowed the renovation’s progress, Valeriia displayed admirable patience. ‘We were hit with various delays – from plaster being out of stock to doors and radiator deliveries being late. The project was started in March 2020 and Val didn’t move in until May 2021,’ Pia reveals. Now happily installed in her new home, the difficulties of the renovation have become a distant memory. ‘I absolutely love all the different wallpapers and my guests always comment on the design details,’ says Valeriia. ‘It really was worth the wait.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 15

ON ANOTHER LEVEL Architect Andrew Mulroy explains how he took an ordinary Victorian townhouse to new style heights

FEATURE CHARLOTTE LUXFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY DAN GLASSER

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HOME TRUTHS D E S I G N E R Andrew Mulroy, founder and lead architect, Mulroy Architects (mulroyarchitects.com) H O U S E A large double-fronted Victorian home in north London W O R K Adding a lower-ground floor extension and roof terrace to connect the main living spaces to the outdoors. Also moving the narrow staircase and removing a floor to create a double-height atrium.

DINING/LIVING AREA This breathtaking atrium space was created by removing a floor/ceiling and what was a basement is now a light-filled room. The informal lounge next door sits within an airy and open-plan rear extension. Masters chairs, £182 each, Philippe Starck for Kartell. Curiousa & Curiousa four-drop chandelier, from £1,500, Holloways of Ludlow, is similar. Pillar coffee table, £419, West Elm

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DESIGN ADVICE

‘A staircase that isn’t enclosed lets light flow and

KITCHEN The basement-level cook space is flooded with natural light thanks to the replacement stairwell, large roof light and sliding patio doors. Urbo handleless kitchen cabinetry, from £35,000, Roundhouse. Jura Grey limestone flooring, from £82sq m, London Stone. Glazing, supplied by Cortizo. The DSW-style bar stool, £346, Swivel UK, is similar

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can be a striking architectural feature in a space’

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H O W D I D YO U C O M E T O B E I N VO LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? The homeowners knew about

our work in the area and previously had a consultation with us on an earlier potential project. They were moving back to London and I think that the local knowledge was important.

H O W I N VO LV E D W E R E T H E O W N E R S ?

The clients were very engaged and yet – importantly – didn’t feel the need to do the designing. This is the recipe for the best renovations. Most homeowners have an idea in their mind but don’t know how to express or realise it. An architect’s job is to create something that is beyond their dreams. We were very lucky as the clients were receptive to new and sometimes radical ideas.

DESCRIBE THE HOMEOWNER’S STYLE.

SITTING ROOM Using three colours on the bay window wall has added a unique touch. Rug is Christian Lacroix Maison for Designers Guild, now discontinued. Walls in a similar colour to Hague Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

When we first met, we discussed pattern and colour a lot, not just the functionality of the building. Their scrapbook was full of rich velvets, Designers Guild patterns and marble. It was refreshing not to be shown a picture of a mediocre building and be asked to copy it. AND THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES FOR Y O U R C L I E N T S ? The main aim was to create

wonderful living areas connected to the garden, which was also at basement level to the rear of the house. The goal was essentially to make a basement not feel like a basement.

W H AT WA S T H E H O U S E L I K E B E F O R E ?

The double-fronted house looked amazing from the front, but the rooms at the rear were small, badly configured and disconnected from the lower ground-floor garden. T H E I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E P R O J E C T ?

MAIN BEDROOM The bespoke wardrobe and adjoining cubbyholes maximise every inch of storage space. Quill fabric in Duck Egg, £68m, Designers Guild. For a similar pendant light, try the Toledo, £126.60, Dusk Lighting. Bespoke wardrobes, Greg R & Son. For a similar paint colour, try Tiru, £42 for 2.5ltr, Graham & Brown

There were two key points of reference in the design. The 19th-century Sir John Soane’s Museum, comprising a wonderful collection of rooms with tiny atriums that let light into the basement. The second is the late 1950s Los Angeles Case Study houses with their blue pools and colourful gardens, which were the antithesis of the existing dark Victorian architecture. W H AT WA S T H E B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E ?

Moving the huge four-storey staircase and losing a floor – two things that may seem counter-intuitive when you’ve just spent a lot of money buying a new home. However, by doing this we created a dramatic atrium that provides clear views of the main living rooms in the basement and lets light flood into the new dining area overlooking the stunning garden with its pools and terraces. The original staircase was hidden and did not provide an obvious or convenient route to the garden, so the new design allowed for direct access while making the rear rooms bigger in the process. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOUR P A L E T T E A N D M A T E R I A L S ? From the

outset it was clear that the house was going to have a colourful fit-out and so the timber panelling to the dining room, grey limestone floor and polished white brickwork act as a neutral backdrop to this.

A D V I C E F O R C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ? Concentrate on explaining what your

problems are to your architect, not how you think you should solve them. The best solution is often not the most obvious. Let your architect lead you to explore new ideas to achieve your goals. 20 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

MAIN EN SUITE Taking the white of the ceiling down to the walls keeps things airy in this bold scheme. Manhattan Arabascato marble washstand with hammered countertop basins, £11,928; English Extended Swan brass basin mixers, £936 each, all Catchpole & Rye. Parisian Café Tri Black floor tiles, £62sq m, Ca’ Pietra. Flos IC C/W1 wall lights, £365 each, Holloways of Ludlow

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached house, built in the 1970s L O C AT I O N Near Melbourne, Australia R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, dining area, fireside nook, cloakroom, utility room, pantry, four bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living and working in San Francisco,’ says Kelli.

LEAP OF FAITH

Having been brave enough to buy a house after viewing it via video link, Kelli and David Lundberg set about updating it to reflect their love of coastal and rustic style FEATURE AND STYLING JULIA GREEN | STYLING ASSISTANT JESS RETALLACK PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB/LIVING INSIDE

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H A L LWAY One wall was covered in a custom leather textile to bring richness to the airy space. Tan leather fabric, from £150m, Upholstery Leather, has this look. Similar recycled oak bench, £120, Maisons du Monde. Spider chandelier pendant, price on request, Porcelain Bear

DINING AREA Panelling the ceiling added further interest. Try Balmoral table, £3,215, Neptune. See Pamono for ladder-back chairs, £600 for six FIRESIDE NOOK The fire acts a divider between the hall and this space, which is part of the dining area.

Interior design by Kate Walker Design. Abe armchair, £995, Nkuku, has this look TERRACE Two sculptural structures define the lounging area. Chantos outdoor chaise sofa set, £2,250, Cox & Cox, would work here

ot every prospective homebuyer would be willing to buy a house they’d only seen via a video link, but for Kelli and David Lundberg, it was a case of trusting their instincts and taking the plunge. ‘We were living and working in San Francisco when we decided to move back to our native Australia,’ explains Kelli. ‘We felt it was time to come home – the only problem was, we weren’t entirely sure where home was. We sat down with a map and drew a circle around Melbourne. In California, David had about an hour’s commute, so we figured we could live within a similar distance of his office-to-be in Melbourne.’ Undaunted by the prospect of moving a family of four – the couple have two sons, Jack, now 20, and Sam,17 – almost

8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean, Kelli began house hunting online. When she caught sight of a 1970s property nestling in the foothills of Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, she paused the footage frame by frame to see whether the family’s furniture and extensive collection of artworks would fit. Despite never having seen the property, she felt it ticked all the boxes – happily, David agreed. With its generous footprint, spacious light-filled rooms and high ceilings, the property was ideally suited to the family’s lifestyle. Kelli and David both agreed, however, that the interior was in urgent need of updating. ‘There were clear signs of the home’s original era, plus a rather dated extension, built around 2000,’ says Kelli. She and David decided to team

KITCHEN

‘I chose this marble because the patterns reminded me of the mountains,’ says Kelli. Down Pipe estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, is a similar cabinetry paint colour. Try Baldwin bar stool, £129, Cult Furniture

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EXTERIOR A generously sized lap pool sits alongside one of several decks that surround the house. The Douglas Fir Chunky sun lounger, £415, Sustainable Furniture, would suit this space

MAIN BEDROOM Soft blue bedding and accessories team beautifully with the warm wooden tones. Bronx wooden bed, £699, Next, is similar. Try Tariku wooden mirror, £595, Nkuku. Kardish glass lamps, £135, Pooky, have a similar look

JACK’S BEDROOM A Banksy print is a modern touch. Provence Element 1 table lamp, £174, Lighting Room, is a good alternative. Similar Oxford bed, from £490, Get Laid Beds. Peppercorn linen duvet cover, from £139, Secret Linen Store, would suit this scheme

MAIN EN SUITE The impressive bathing zone with shower (below left) built into the wall continues the naturalistic schemes. Picasso Grigio free-standing bathtub, £1,995, Lusso Stone, has this look. Try Bahya solo wooden mirror, £145, Tikamoon. Try Flume wall light, £588, J Adams & Co

up with interior designer Kate Walker to tweak the layout, update the decor and help curate a home that truly represented their family’s personalities and needs. The makeover began as a modest plan to update the house’s chrome door handles, but evolved into a larger-scale renovation. Removing a few interior walls and redecorating in a palette of neutrals and earthy tones initiated a chain reaction of renovation. ‘The project took about two years to complete,’ says Kelli. ‘By the end, no room was left untouched.’ Kelli and Kate worked on redesigning the decor together, creating schemes for every room that reflected the family’s love of coastal living and alpine regions. These two signature themes were seamlessly combined in an interior that makes

this truly a home for all seasons. Careful selections of earthy hues and natural textures have been chosen to layer the house with warmth and cosiness for winter. Outside, sprawling decks allow the family to bask in the sun when summertime rolls around. Statement features such as luxurious stonework and the custom leather-clad fireplace give this family home a highly individualistic feel, while carefully curated artwork and accessories add visual impact throughout. Now that the project is complete, the house reflects the lifestyle of this well-travelled, style-savvy family. ‘We’re happy to call Australia home for now,’ says Kelli. ‘We’ve made this our place. It’s taken us 10 years to work out how we really want to live in it. And now this is us.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 2 7

DAR I N G TO BE D I F F E RE N T

Helena and Dan Archer took their tired 1950s terrace and dramatically refigured it with an unusual layout, bold hues and reclaimed finishes FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY NICK SMITH

KITCHEN ‘What I love about the brass island top is that it gets better with age,’ says Helena. Kitchen cabinets in RAL 7026, £70.80 for 2.5ltr, Brewers. Brass island top, price on application, LPE Designs. Där Academy ceiling light, £240, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Victoria metal bar kitchen stool, £99, Cult Furniture, has this look

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A 1950s townhouse L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Sitting area/kitchen/ dining area, study/boot room, cloakroom, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Chelsea,’ says Helena.

DINING AREA Keeping the brickwork exposed has added to this space’s depth of character. Dining table, price on request, Coach House. Similar Madrid antique brass floor lamp, £108, The Lighting Company. Alex Mindi wooden display cabinet, £789, Tikamoon, has this look. Wishbone chair, £129, byKallevig, is a close match

f there’s one design feature that really stands out in Helena and Dan Archer’s 1950s terrace house, it’s the unexpected layout on the ground floor that is a far cry from the way it looked when the couple first viewed it. ‘Initially, the house felt very poky and dark with lots of small rooms as it hadn’t been renovated for over 30 years,’ explains Helena, who was more enamoured with the area than the actual house. ‘When Dan and I viewed it a second time, we could see that with a thoughtful layout, more suited to our way of living, we could open up the space and create a much lighter and more harmonious environment.’ Working with interior designer Lily Paulson-Ellis, owner and founder of LPE Designs, and building company Broseley, they came to the conclusion that a large entrance hallway incorporating boot room joinery and a study space would be the most practical use of the small front room. ‘Lily was fundamental in our decision to create a multifunctional area at the front of the house to free up the rest of the ground floor for our open-plan living area,’ remembers Helena. ‘She describes it as the “engine room” of the house where we can work from home at the comfortable desk and leave shoes, coats and general clutter in the floor-to-ceiling cabinets. She also managed to fit in a generous cloakroom with our much-loved extra-large reclaimed basin and taps.’

INSPIRATION

‘Sustainability is important to us so we even sourced old bricks for the building work’ 3 0 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

SITTING AREA A large comfy sofa and Spanish-style patterned cushions all add to the relaxed mood in this room. ‘We love holidaying in Menorca and this part of the room has a little nod to our love of beach-club life.’ Long Island sofa, from £605, Sofa.com. Cream cushions with tassels, £19.99, H&M Home, are similar. Vintage aeroplane triptych, £146.69, Etsy

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BEST BUY ‘We’ve collected lots of animal and bird prints on our travels and we enjoy displaying them around the house as they bring back lovely memories’

DESIGN TIP ‘Practicality must

come first when planning a home and that’s why we focused on the layout – once we’d got that right, everything else fell into place’ MAIN BEDROOM A dressing area with island unit is situated between the sleep space and en suite. Blind in Paper Leaf Coral linen blend, £53m, Zoe Glencross

EN SUITE Polished plaster walls contribute to the room’s industrial-style look. Noir twin handle mixer tap, £180, Bathstore. Polished plaster walls, price on application, Broseley

BEDROOM Helena likes to displays things she’s collected over time for a homely look. Try the Tropical Bird II print, £165, John Lewis & Partners

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A side and rear extension have been added to the back of the house to square off a dog leg and maximise the sitting area with a double-height window allowing extra light to flood into the ground floor. ‘Our brief to Lily was comfortable and not formal and we wanted all the areas to flow effortlessly,’ explains Helena. ‘It’s also important to us to be environmentally friendly and Lily’s help was invaluable on that front. She sourced old bricks for building work and encouraged us to leave exposed brick walls for added character.’ Practicality was also a priority, so there’s plenty of storage in the kitchen, a good sized dining table for entertaining and big comfy sofas with lots of cushions for relaxing. Colour choices have been made in an organic way. ‘I knew I wanted a dark blue kitchen which we carried through to the boot room cabinets,’ says Helena. ‘The brass island top was suggested by Lily and is quite unusual as it’s a living finish and is developing a lovely patina that really warms up the scheme.’ Upstairs, the main bedroom suite covers the entire top floor and includes a generous dressing area with an island unit and a spacious en-suite bathroom. ‘We took a long time to work out the layout on the top floor,’ says Helena. ‘There were so many options but Lily’s final design is practical, stylish and comfortable, just like the rest of the house.’

CLOAKROOM The reclaimed basin and taps and the vintage decorative signs are key pieces in this retro scheme. Walls in Bancha estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

GARDEN Claire designed a coastal garden with rustic textures, wildflowers and grasses

THE LONG VIEW

After a year of careful planning, Annette Pisani and Claire Winchester began work to turn their dated chalet bungalow into a chic seaside abode FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR

KITCHEN ‘I re-drew the plans after buying the bargain ex-display units,’ says Annette. Lightweight vinyl floor tiles were used to decorate the back of the peninsula unit. Try Norwich Perla porcelain tiles, £53.94sq m, Acorn Tiles. Avenue’s Bubblegum & Liquorice tiles in Sagres Black, £15.30sq m, Floor Mart

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LIVING/DINING AREA A coastal palette of stone, pale greys and soft blues form a subtle backdrop to the ever-changing sea views. Squishmeister chaise sofa in Winter Sky is similar, £3,185, Loaf. Wever & Ducre’s Wiro 6.1 ceiling pendants, £311 each, DM Lights

t the start of Annette Pisani’s house-hunting journey with her partner Claire Winchester, affording a home with a sea view seemed like an impossible dream as they wanted to stay close to Brighton’s city centre. After months of looking, they were delighted to find a dated chalet bungalow along a clifftop road. ‘Nothing obscured the sea views, the outlook was amazing,’ recalls Annette. ‘It felt a bit like being in Cornwall, yet Brighton was only an eight-minute drive away.’ However, the dream almost slipped from the couple’s hands when their offer was refused. But some months later, they

noticed the property still hadn’t sold and boldly knocked on the door. ‘The owners were keen and the timing turned out to be uncanny as we received an offer on our home later that afternoon,’ says Annette. Annette and Claire moved in and hunkered down for a year to save up for what would be a major renovation. As well as living with sticky carpets, old bathrooms and broken kitchen cupboards, it became evident a major flaw in the layout was the sitting room extension at the front. ‘The add-on had a porch slap bang in the middle that protruded onto the drive and made parking difficult,’ says Annette. ‘But more importantly, it blocked our lovely coastal

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY 1920s chalet bungalow L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Open-plan kitchen-diner/living area, office, cloakroom, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a terraced fisherman’s cottage in the centre of Brighton,’ says Annette.

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OFFICE Direct views onto the garden provide the perfect set-up for garden designer Claire. Try the Taylor chair, £139, Cult Furniture

BEDROOM Annette’s own painting prompted the colour scheme. Cache table, £40, Futon Company EN SUITE Combining hexagon and chevron tiles brings a unique touch. Kronos hexagon tiles, £41.97sq m, Master Tiles

BEDROOM A simple dressing area was created with a chair, mirror and one of Annette’s paintings. Mustard Jerry chair is similar, £120, Habitat

MAIN BEDROOM ‘The hotel-style headboard was a great solution to the tricky layout, anchoring the bed in the middle of the room to face the view,’ says Annette. Walls in Worsted modern emulsion, £56 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

B AT H R O O M ‘Textured tiles with a rustic surface catch the light – we were inspired by a visit to the Alhambra in Spain,’ says Annette. Chiffon Handcrafted Metro tiles are similar, £35.95sq m, Walls and Floors. Orchard Wharf freestanding bath, £799, Victoria Plum. Asayo stool has this look, £79.20, La Redoute

‘We didn’t want the decoration to fight with the sea views and light so we kept everything simple’

I N S PI R ATI O N

outlook – we could only see the sea if we looked out of windows to the left and right.’ The couple are veteran renovators, working on their own and clients’ homes – Annette’s an interior designer and Claire was a property developer before becoming a landscape and garden designer. Annette’s big idea was to open up the kitchen, sitting room and family room – controversially she proposed demolishing the extension. Claire wasn’t sure at first. ‘I couldn’t get my head around why removing space would be a

good idea,’ she says. ‘But when I saw the sketch of the new open-plan room with floor-to-ceiling windows, it all made sense.’ The couple moved into a flat while work got underway with Claire managing the renovations and Annette planning the interiors. Inspired by the coastal location, they settled on a light touch of blue-greys and wood textures. ‘We didn’t want the decoration to fight with the view and light,’ Annette explains. ‘We wanted a calm, relaxing home inspired by the colours in

Brighton’s pebble beaches and the colour changes we see in the sea and sky every day.’ After the couple moved back in, Claire got stuck into the garden. She also took cues from the coastal location in the planting and use of weathered oak sleepers and earthy Corten steel. ‘We love the garden, we love our home and we’re pleased with all the decisions we’ve made,’ says Annette. ‘It was well worth spending a year planning. We feel like we’re living in a brand new house, with, of course, the most amazing sea views.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 3 9

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T I M E L E S S R E V I VA L Designer Mollie Ranize was determined to give this Los Angeles period property a look that would never age FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BETHANY NAUERT

SITTING ROOM These statement sofas bring a strong accent colour that combines beautifully with the warm brass. Full length curtains hung just under the ceiling give an impression of height. Midhurst sofa, from £1,431, Sofas & Stuff, would work here. Camino vintage chandelier, $2,700, Restoration Hardware

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HOME TRUTHS D E S I G N E R Mollie Ranize, founder of Dmar Interiors H O U S E A Tudor revival home in Los Angeles built in 1923 W O R K Kitchen and bathroom redesign and redecoration of the whole house, including designing window treatments and restoration of floorboards

H O W D I D YO U C O M E T O B E I N VO LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? My client was actually my husband’s

roommate when they first moved to LA. We met socially and I began to view properties with him as he looked for somewhere to buy. After searching for over three years and finding only over-developed homes, we walked into this one and immediately knew this was it. It had been modernised badly and the colours were dark and overbearing but I saw the potential.

H O W I N VO LV E D WA S T H E H O M E O W N E R ?

This client has a strong sense of what he likes and doesn’t like, so the design process was very concise. He shared a couple of images that he really responded to, so immediately I knew a

chic country club vibe mixed with historic charm would hit the right note. He liked the bones of the house and the property itself but wanted it to look less dated and oppressive. We did a full presentation and his feedback was positive so we only had to make a few minor modifications.

HOW DID YOU FUTURE PROOF YOUR D E S I G N F O R T H E H O M E ? My client was single

when we started the project but I wanted to create a home that a female partner could picture herself living in. I never make a ‘bachelor pad’ feel overly masculine and I don’t tailor it completely to the individual. I always think about the life cycle of design and try to imagine what the house is going to look

DEsign tip ‘Every decision should be mapped out – problems can arise when you try to make choices as you go’

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KITCHEN Statement lighting and seating elevate the more traditional cabinetry. Hicks large pendant light in brass, £1,025, Andrew Martin. For similar shaker doors, try Howdens. Duda counter stool, from $1,310, Sossego. Stork wall light, £175, Pooky, has a similar look TV SNUG The cabinetry pulls the focus away from the TV. Source a vintage Turkish Oushak at London House Rugs. Iggy corner sofa, from, £1,593, Sofa.com, is a good alternative. Serrano coffee table, $1,963, Dovetail at Memoky DINING ROOM This heirloom antique table was given to the owner by his mother. It’s been updated with modern chairs and a bench, which allows more guests to be seated. Similar antique table and bench, 1stDibs. Remington chandelier, $2,145, Arteriors Home

like in years to come. The client has since got married and his wife now lives in this house with him and loves the home.

A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ? Before any project,

S C H E M E ? My main thought was, how can we make this

make sure you spend time planning – I think every decision needs to be mapped out visually and in the budget. Problems come up when you’re trying to make decisions as you go.

W H AT ’ S YO U R A D V I C E F O R C R E AT I N G

homeowners see the building work progressing, they never see the furnishings, window treatments and styling until we’re done. We install everything on one day and we style every surface so it gives our clients a real sense of before and after. When I see my client’s reaction to the completed space, it makes all the hard work worth it.

W H AT WA S YO U R I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E

house look as close to the day it was built as possible? In taking the lead from the architecture, the house began to design itself from the moment we walked in. We wanted to take out all the modernisations and keep things timeless. I introduced vintage rugs and textural wallpapers for warmth and injected colour and pattern where they would have the most impact for the longest amount of time but be easy and not too costly to change.

W H AT WA S T H E M O S T S AT I S F Y I N G A S P E C T O F T H E P R O J E C T ? While the

decor atig TIP ‘Use textured finishes on walls to add interest – I chose dark stone wall tiles to give the chimney breast in the main bedroom weight and structure’

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M A I N B AT H R O O M Choosing two shapes for the mirrors brought further interest to the space. The Carrara white marble oblong hexagon wall tiles, £69.99sq m, Stone Deals are similar. Try West Elm’s bronze arched mirrors, £335. Small Stefan sconce, $600, Arteriors Home at Lightology MAIN BEDROOM A contemporary statement chandelier draws attention to the vaulted ceiling. Nuevo Atom 8 pendant light, $825, Modern Essentials. Distrikt armchair, $2,936, Rouse Home. Luko side table, £140, Graham and Green, is similar BEDROOM Black steel detailing and striped fabrics add weight to the creamy pale tones. Holly super king size bed frame, £995, Button & Sprung, is similar. The Churwell table lamp, £135, The White Company, has this look

SITTING ROOM FOCUS

SPECIAL DELIVERY

A former post office that was once the centre of village life is now a home that has a living space which is the centre of family life for Bee Osborn FEATURE CATHERINE WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R Bee Osborn H O U S E A three-bedroom cottage in the Cotswolds. Formerly the village post office, it dates back to 1530 in parts W O R K A complete restoration of the building, incorporating a large stone barn at the back of the house

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nterior designer Bee Osborn (studio-osborn.com) discovered her Cotswolds cottage when she spotted the for sale sign in the undergrowth when she stopped off on her way back to London. She was immediately captivated by the property, which reminded her of her childhood home, and put an offer in then and there. Despite its abundance of rural charm, the original two-up two-down cottage was tired and in need of renovation, and one of the main priorities was to create a comfortable sitting room where Bee could relax with her daughters.

THE BRIEF

I wanted to create a restful TV room with impact. I felt it was important to keep the integrity and authenticity of the original stone walls, yet bring the structure up to date for modern living. I also wanted this room to be in contrast to the rest of the cottage. I had a dark office a couple of years ago, which felt so dramatic and yet warm, and I was determined to recreate this feeling. I love how dark rooms are both powerful and cosy at the same time. DESIGN SOLUTIONS

I started with the walls as I wanted a particular shade of navy to create the bold look I was after. While most of the furniture came with me from my previous home, the sofa bed was made specially. My main concern was that the fabric on the chairs and sofa was in contrast to the walls. I think it works best if you use contrasting coloured furniture to lift the mood in the space. FINISHING TOUCHES

I started collecting round mirrors years ago and I have a thing for mirrors of all different sizes on a wall. When I decorated I painted all the frames in our paint colour Cotswold Cottage to create unity. That colour combined with the light from the mirrors works well against the dark walls. I like to create statement art walls with collections of mirrors, baskets and hats – inexpensive but impactful. LESSONS LEARNT

Getting the new sofa bed that I had made into the room was quite a challenge! It was too big to fit through the door. Luckily we were updating the window so we had to wait until they were both ready and synchronise this so the sofa bed could get through the opening when the window was removed. One thing is for sure – it won’t be leaving that room!

FULL OF CHARACTER

‘I love how rooms with dark colours are both powerful and cosy at the same time,’ says Bee. A display of mirrors looks striking and bounces light around the room. The window is where the post office horses would have stepped up to have their saddle bags loaded with post but now is home to a lovely window seat. Walls in Sea Henge pure matt, £50 for 2.5ltr, Fenwick & Tilbrook. Similar Anna Clay vases, £325 each, Design Vintage. Find similar mirrors at John Lewis & Partners. Curtains, sofa bed, chair, cushions and basket-style tray, all price on request, Studio Osborn. Oak coffee table, £249, La Redoute, has this look. Large jute braided rug, £275, The Conran Shop, would suit this room

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H A L LWAY Vertical structures emphasise the height here. The hall is open to a small chill-out spot, perfect for taking in views of the garden, which has a swimming pond. ‘We wanted the interior to feel like a series of terraces,’ says Spencer. Bespoke oak daybed, £2,000, Mark Williamson Furniture

LIGHT FANTASTIC

Emma and Spencer Guy’s unique home has expanses of glass on all sides to let the light and views in FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached contemporary home L O C AT I O N Buckinghamshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, two offices, four bedrooms (one en suite), dressing room, bathroom P U R C H A S E D Land purchased 2009, moved in 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented a semi nearby for a year,’ says Spencer.

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KITCHEN Off-the-shelf units have been customised with quality surfaces. Metod/Veddinge units, £51 for 60cm base unit, Ikea. Carrara marble worktops, £3,000, Mega Marble

DINING AREA In here, and throughout the house, the wood panels on the ceiling bring a beautiful warmth to the open, light-filled rooms. Fritz Hansen Ro easy chair, £2,735, Heal’s. Vitra Eames segmented table, £1,490, Innes. Wishbone dining chairs, £159 each, byKallevig. PH5 pendant light, £705, Skandium

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ike many professional architects, Spencer and Emma Guy had ambitions to build their own home. The dream started to become a reality when they decided to move out of London after their first child, James, now 15, was born. ‘Our house sold almost immediately, so we had to spring into action,’ recalls Spencer, ‘A plot in Buckinghamshire that ticked all our boxes came up, so we went for it, and then everything fell into place quite quickly.’ The plot was part of a large agricultural complex overlooking the Chiltern Hills. It was a mass of nettles and brambles, with a derelict barn on site, but planning permission for a five-bedroom house was in place. ‘That design wasn’t to our taste, but we felt confident that we could change things and build the house we wanted,’ says Spencer. Over the next two years, during which their daughter Olivia, now 12, was born, Spencer and Emma lived first with relatives and then in a rented home, while they cleared the site and finalised their plan. They visualised a pared-back, contemporary home, appropriately constructed using the local red bricks and black-stained timber cladding typical of the nearby agricultural buildings. The house would include expanses of glass on all sides, connecting it to the outdoors and creating different vistas around the interior. ‘We were keen on an open-plan layout, but with the flexibility to close off rooms to make it more cosy in winter,’ says Spencer. The house consists of two oblong structures, with one sitting at an angle to the other, as if a wedge had been pushed between them. In the centre, the double-height entrance hall sets the tone, with a back wall of glass that overlooks the garden, swimming pond and greenery beyond. The roomy sitting room and family-friendly kitchendiner are to either side, and simple wooden stairs lead up to the bedrooms and bathrooms. Vertical lines and utilitarian finishes including brickwork, white-washed spruce, oak and concrete are repeated throughout, linking the separate zones. ‘The design itself is pretty straightforward, as we didn’t have an unlimited budget,’ says Spencer, ‘We like a Scandinavian, mid-century feel, but most of the interior interest comes from the architecture itself, rather than decoration. We did want it to feel homely though, so we’ve got a lot of artwork, some inherited furniture and personal things around.’ Although the family has now lived here for 10 years, the house was only completed within the last five. Additions like the swimming pond are more recent and there is still work in progress in the gardens. ‘It’s been a long-term project and we lived with a building site for ages,’ says Spencer, ‘That said, we’re glad we made the move when we did. Our children have had the benefits of growing up here and now we’re just watching as the house and gardens mature and get even better.’ 5 2 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

H A L LWAY A mix of brick, glass and timbers creates the wow factor. ‘The interest in our house comes from the architecture itself rather than the decoration,’ says Spencer. Granolithic concrete flooring, approximately £100sq m, Steyson Granolithic Contractors

SITTING ROOM The unusual low and long picture window was a clever design decision. Vintage Parker Knoll chair in Aralia, around £270m, Svenskt Tenn

MAIN BEDROOM The beautiful covered balcony can be used all year round. Walls in Slipper Satin modern emulsion, £56 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

‘Keep things simple and get the bones right. You can always add detail and complexity later, but you can’t go the other way around’

DESIGN TIP

EN SUITE Bespoke angular mirrored cabinets boost light and style here. Siesta pre-finished Hard Wax cork flooring, £26.40sq m, Siesta Cork

O L I V I A’ S B E D R O O M Custom-built fitted furniture makes the most of the space. Try the Catherine Lansfield Dotty duvet cover set, £20, Next

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FORM AND FUNCTION ‘We decided to paint the walls, cabinetry and architectural features in one of our off-white paints to create a seamless look from floor to ceiling,’ says Louisa Eggleston of Humphrey Munson. The layout was reworked, too, and there is now a separate utility and laundry space through a small walkway. Bespoke handmade kitchen by Humphrey Munson, Nickleby Design cabinetry interior is Classic Oak, similar kitchens priced from £60,000

KITCHEN FOCUS

THINKING BIG By reworking the layout of their once-cramped cook space, Annabel and Ian Williams now have a beautifully spacious hub of the home FEATURE SALLY SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL CRAIG

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ired of their existing kitchen with its cramped layout and separate dining room, Annabel and Ian Williams knew the space needed a complete rethink so they could enjoy entertaining their extended family. The project involved widening the kitchen and creating a double opening to connect it to the dining area. The back kitchen was also revamped to become a fully equipped utility and laundry room.

THE BRIEF

Impressed by Humphrey Munson’s portfolio, Annabel contacted Louisa Eggleston, the creative director. ‘The couple wanted a spacious modern kitchen in a classic English design but mixed with a hint of East Coast charm,’ explains Louisa. ‘A Lacanche range cooker was a must, along with an abundance of storage. It was important to the clients that the dining room became an integral part of the scheme and all the appliances were hidden from view.’ DESIGN SOLUTIONS

‘Annabel wanted the layout to be instinctive and easy to use for anyone in the kitchen. We built the island to serve as a food prep area and a breakfast bar for the family to use in the morning,’ explains Louisa. A dedicated cooking run includes countertop units and a series of drawers to store pans and accessories. ‘We also incorporated an extra large Miele MasterCool integrated fridge and freezer.’ M AT E R I A L S U S E D

Louisa has skilfully mixed metals, using Humphrey Munson’s Pip and Rudge bespoke hardware in a mid antique brass waxed finish on the cabinetry to tie in beautifully with the brass trim on the range cooker in stainless steel, adding warmth to this spacious kitchen. The Caesarstone worktops in Empira White quartz add a modern dimension, complementing the more traditional Shaker-style cabinetry. FINISHING TOUCHES

This is first and foremost a practical kitchen but the colour and finishes work really well. The island is painted in dark blue, cleverly linking the kitchen and dining space by picking up the blue palette in the stunning wallpaper. The globe pendants are striking and they neatly echo the brass trim and the handles. LESSONS LEARNT

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R S Annabel and Ian Williams H O U S E Five-bedroom, detached double-fronted house W O R K To design a brand new kitchen and dining space to open up the ground floor of the property

‘It’s one of a few projects where I’ve never actually met the clients face to face,’ says Louisa. ‘Annabel was living overseas at the time and trusted us completely. We agreed on the entire scheme, shared our designs and real-time progress of the kitchen online. I have to say it’s been a joy to work on and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Annabel was over the moon when she saw it and I know she is especially thrilled with how truly unique and homely it feels.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 5 5

HIDDEN DEPTHS

Most of the appliances were integrated behind the bespoke cabinetry and the extraction unit was built into the existing chimney breast to keep the focus on the beauty of the units. Bespoke handmade kitchen by Humphrey Munson, Nickleby Design cabinetry interior is Classic Oak, similar kitchens priced from £60,000. Walls and perimeter cabinetry in Mainsail paint; island in Brolly Blue paint, both exclusive to Humphrey Munson. Cluny 100cm range cooker, £4,370, Lacanche. Cache 900 integrated extraction unit, £896, Westin. Dishwasher, £1,299, Miele. Farmhouse double ceramic sink, £402, Villeroy & Boch. 3-1 boiling tap, £1,299.60, Quooker. Bridge tap, £1,299.60, Barber Wilsons. Integrated fridge 76cm wide, £7,160.40; side by side integrated 76cm freezer with ice maker, £7,622.40, both from the MasterCool range, Miele. Glass globe pendants in antique-burnished brass, £2,747 each, Visual Comfort. Havisham counter stools, £4,776 for four; Pip knobs and Rudge handles in mid aged brass wax, all Humphrey Munson. Similar antique-effect mirrored splashback, price on request, Mirrorworks. Quartz worktops in Empira White 5151, price on request, Caesarstone. Sinhala Sidewall wallpaper, price on request, Schumacher. Similar June dining chairs upholstered in Oatmeal fabric, £495 for two; Palma acacia and marble dining table, £1,150, all Perch & Parrow

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OPEN FEEL Widening the opening between the kitchen and dining area has created a seamless connection between the two spaces. The island was painted blue to tie in with the wallpaper. Sinhala Sidewall wallpaper, price on request, Schumacher

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IN HARMONY

A modern classic aesthetic is perfectly in tune with both the period and contemporary features of Sarah and Rupert Davis’ listed house FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR

SITTING ROOM This space is in the extension, which has a striking ceiling with long skylight. Melrose Grand sofas in Sophie Storm, £1,999 each; Camford leather armchairs in Buffalo Antique, £1,099 each, all John Lewis & Partners. Carter coffee table, £625, Neptune

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‘Our sitting room is full of natural light, even on cloudy days, because of the wonderful glazed doors’

FAVOURITE RO OM

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached Georgian house built in 1836 L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M S Sitting/dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, study, snug, utility room, cloakroom, three bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a military house overseas,’ says Sarah.

DINING AREA Space was made for a table in the sitting room. ‘We wanted a large table for entertaining,’ says Sarah. Harrogate dining table in Fog, £1,740; Calverston chairs in Clara Parchment, £310 each, all Neptune

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KITCHEN The glazed decorative wall units are full of character and feel like an original feature. Suffolk glazed cabinet, from £1,410, Neptune B R E A K FA S T R O O M A local joiner made cupboards to hide the boiler and create storage. Doors in Smoke eggshell, £58 for 2.5ltr, Neptune

fter over a decade of living in military housing, both here and abroad, Sarah and Rupert Davis were ready to put down roots for their daughter, Grace, now 10, and buy their first home. ‘I served as an RAF officer for 21 years and military houses don’t change much, wherever you live, so we’d had the same furniture for ages because everything fitted,’ says Sarah. ‘I wanted to get away from blank magnolia walls and I couldn’t wait to apply my creative style in our own home.’ The couple had lived in Oxfordshire before but struggled to find the right property at the right price before moving to Cyprus for Sarah’s overseas assignment. During a family visit back to the area a couple of years later, they took a detour off the motorway. ‘We missed the scent of freshly cut grass and went the long way through

the Oxfordshire countryside,’ Sarah recalls. ‘A Grade II-listed Georgian house caught my eye and then I spotted it was for sale.’ Within 24 hours Sarah had flown back to Cyprus with Grace, but Rupert was able to stay and view the property. ‘He showed me a video walk-through of lovely big rooms with high ceilings, sash windows and lots of natural light,’ says Sarah. ‘From the outside, the symmetrical appearance was like the doll’s house I’d drawn as a child – it was exactly the home we wanted.’ The couple bought the house while Sarah was still abroad and she used the time before moving back to Oxfordshire to start the project. Formerly a farmhouse with outbuildings, the property had remained pretty much unchanged over time. The couple were keen to create a home with en-suite bedrooms and open-plan entertaining 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 61

‘Using a colour consultant was one of the best things we did as we picked the right colours for each room’ D E C O R ATI N G TI P

MAIN BEDROOM ‘My friend has this curtain fabric in maroon and I’ve always loved the print,’ says Sarah. ‘I bought the blue colourway and that inspired blue for the walls.’ Curtains in Botanical Bird in Natural Blue, £12.50m, John Lewis & Partners. Walls painted in Pitch Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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space – the sort of home they’d never had before. So plans were soon put in place for an extension that needed careful consideration for conservation planning approval. ‘Architectural symmetry at the front is part of the listed status so we couldn’t extend to the side,’ Sarah explains. ‘Our architect, Oliver Margison from Uchi +Soto, designed a glazed rear extension, accessed through a link hallway creating an architectural bridge between the old and new.’ Merging the two eras was an important part of Sarah’s interior vision, too. ‘I wanted a modern classic look that would work with the contemporary extension but still be sympathetic to the heritage of the house,’ she says. ‘With a military background in organisation, I was clear everything should have a place and purpose with a comfortable flow between all the rooms.’

Sarah was drawn to Neptune’s Suffolk kitchen and furniture for the design simplicity and found blue sofas in John Lewis & Partners and Loaf. ‘I was like a child in a sweet shop with all the different paint colours,’ she adds. ‘I wanted muted blues and greys, which the Farrow & Ball colour consultant helped me choose.’ Though after decorating the guest bedroom, Sarah had a change of heart. ‘Our house is used for location shoots (houseonthegreen. com) and after seeing the photographs by Peagreen Locations, I realised the colour didn’t contrast well with the oak furniture. I redecorated it in a wonderful shade of green by Farrow & Ball. ‘After years of looking, we still can’t believe we chanced upon this beautiful house and it became our first home, says Sarah. ‘We pull up on the drive and feel very lucky to live here.’

MAIN EN SUITE A modern bath was chosen to make a statement and the basin was picked for its traditional looks. Duravit’s Cape Cod bath, £2,250; Burlington Edwardian basin, £600, both UK Bathroom Warehouse. Ava glass pendant, £161, Jim Lawrence GUEST BEDROOM ‘Green was a popular Georgian decorating colour and looks lovely with the oak furniture,’ says Sarah. Walls painted in Calke Green estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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OPEN TO CHANGE

This classic American home was in need of a makeover and it was interior designer Mel Bean who guided the transformation – here, she reveals all FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY LAUREY GLENN

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BOOT ROOM A selection of cubbyholes helps to keep things orderly. Cabinetry in Plummett modern eggshell, £77 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

F A M I LY A R E A Just a few vibrant textiles lift the scheme. Ottoman in Sayat fabric by Zak & Fox, price on request, George Spencer Designs LAUNDRY ROOM The wallpaper makes this space fun. For a similar unit colour try Hague Blue estate eggshell, £77 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Tibet wallpaper, price on request, Clarence House

HOME TRUTHS D E S I G N E R Mel Bean H O U S E Detached house in Oklahoma built in 2008 W O R K Total renovation, including new fittings and furnishings

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FAVO U R ITE FE AT U R E

‘It was amazing to witness how dramatic a change could

KITCHEN Small details make all the difference – like the drinks area in the far corner. Similar cabinetry, price on request, Plain English. Conrad bar stools, price on request, Palecek. Stanton pendant lights are similar, £280 each, Jim Lawrence

H O W D I D YO U C O M E T O B E I N VO LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? Stephanie and Jarred Bennett loved what

W H AT W E R E T H E B I G G E S T P R I O R I T I E S F O R T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? First and foremost, they wanted

I did on a previous home of theirs, so when they bought this new build nearby they asked if I could do the interior design. Although they knew it would need lots of updates to fit their style, the layout and location perfectly suited their family needs, having three young children, Kamryn, Dylan and Max.

the home to be a great entertaining space. With a games room, theatre and two family rooms, there are plenty of places for family and friends to get together. Another important factor was privacy and Stephanie and Jarred wanted their main bedroom suite to be a haven away from the rest of the house.

Having worked with us before, Stephanie and Jarred trusted us to give us the freedom to pull the full design concept together, but they loved being a part of the decision-making process, too.

by the architecture, which in this case was a new build with simple and classic forms. The furniture and a lot of the materials we chose

H O W I N VO LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ?

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W H E R E D I D YO U F I N D I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E L O O K O F T H E H O U S E ? Our designs are always informed

be achieved by simply altering the colours of the existing kitchen cabinets’ MAIN EN SUITE Using decorative lighting in a bathroom gives a functional space a more sophisticated look. Visual Comfort Liaison chandelier, £1,938, Lightsource. Heathfield Casablanca wall light, £303, Decolight, has this look. Elm floor tiles, price on request, Ann Sacks

MAIN BEDROOM The wallpaper adds another layer of rich texture. Thibaut wallpaper, £243 a roll, Graham Sanderson Interiors

were equally unfussy, but we did include certain focal points of drama, such as the splashback in the kitchen, the curtains in the family area and the fun wallpaper in the laundry room.

T H E I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E C O L O U R P A L E T T E ? Each room is unique, colourwise, although it was

very important that the key spaces had continuity. The choice of the gorgeous kitchen splashback tiling guided us to the colour scheme for the rest of the open-plan living space. It also helped us narrow down our selection of the cabinet colour, curtain fabric, counter stools and rug in the adjacent breakfast area. W H AT WA S T H E M O S T S AT I S F Y I N G A S P E C T

O F T H I S P R O J E C T ? The dramatic transformation of the

‘before and after’ of the home is so pleasing to see.

W H AT I S YO U R A D V I C E F O R C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ? Consider continuity between

spaces and incorporate natural materials of various textures. Whether that be a beautiful stone worktop next to a bold splashback or a beautiful leather sofa next to vibrant curtains. Materiality as well as art helped inspire the overall colour palette.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE?

Yes, I’d move in myself! Surrounded by nature and epic views, this is a peaceful haven for an awesome family. 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 67

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25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES READER AWA R D S

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KITCHEN This part of the cook space is an extension. ‘We didn’t use an architect – we hired a draftsman to submit drawings to the council.’ Oscar bar stools, £160 each, Reside Living

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Micaela and Tom Baker overcame various obstacles to achieve their dream home and become the overall winners in our Reader Awards

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25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES READER AWA R D S

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Victorian semi-detached house L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchendiner/sitting area, office, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, garden room P U R C H A S E D 2020 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a similar smaller period property with a less sizable garden,’ says Micaela.

KITCHEN The rattan bar stools bring a relaxed and informal feel to the classic Victorian-inspired design. Fairford Charcoal kitchen, price of request, Howdens. Oscar bar stools, £160 each, Reside Living. Där Dara bar ceiling light, £238.80, John Lewis & Partners

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DINING AREA A statement light fitting takes centre stage here. Steel-framed doors allow light to flow between the two reception rooms. Nyah large natural pendant, £300, Reside Living. Similar chairs, £69 each, Cult Furniture

oving the entire contents of one family home to another is a daunting task at the best of times, but during lockdown, with no removal men available, the scale of such a job is a great deal more challenging. This was the situation Micaela Baker and her husband Tom were faced with in the spring of 2020. ‘In the end, we hired a van and Tom and I moved everything ourselves. It was a huge undertaking,’ Micaela recalls. The reason for moving at such a difficult time was the purchase of a large family home ripe for renovation and highly sought after. ‘There were other people interested so we felt very lucky to get it,’ Micaela says. The Victorian property was a probate sale and had been lived in by one elderly man for decades. ‘You could tell it had been really well-loved back in the 70s,’ she says. ‘It had these amazing retro orange tiles, a blue bathroom and a pink bedroom.’ The new property was a stone’s throw from both Micaela’s office and the school their sons, George, nine, and Toby, six, attend. And this new house offered more square footage and a larger garden. ‘Because I’ve seen so many properties locally through my work as a lettings agent, I know what works and I immediately saw what we could do to improve the house,’

BEST BUY

‘The dining table – I picked it up from a second-hand store for about £50’

SITTING ROOM The rich tones of the velvet sofas pair beautifully with the deep blue walls. Hendricks sofas, £1,400 each, Habitat.

25 BEAUTIFUL

SITTING ROOM Painting the alcove shelving the same colour as the walls adds to the opulent look. Walls in Stiffkey Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try the gold coffee table,£280, Joe Browns. Pendant, £265, Reside Living

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HOMES READER AWA R D S

TOBY’S BEDROOM Two tone walls look great and can be changed easily. Hanson bed, from £275, Next. HKliving Jungle wallhanging, £89, Trouva

MAIN BEDROOM The warmth of antique wood is striking against the dark walls and cabinetry. Walls in Inchyra Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Holjes pendant, £25, Ikea

Micaela says. ‘We didn’t use an architect but instead hired a draftsman to submit drawings to the local council.’ The couple decided to build into the loft adding two bedrooms and a bathroom as well as increasing the size of the kitchen. ‘As soon as we were able to, we left the keys with the builders while we went on holiday to Cornwall,’ Micaela explains. ‘When we came back we took our mattresses out of storage and moved in but the back of the house was completely open so it was an interesting time.’ At one point, the ground floor was just rubble and the family were living in the loft and doing the washing up in a bath tub with no running water. Despite these difficult circumstances, the couple had chosen reliable and efficient builders who completed the work in three months. ‘I can still taste the dust but it was worth it!’ Micaela adds. The newly decorated home is very much a reflection of the family’s love of travel. ‘I’m originally from Australia and when we visit we always stop in Bali on the way back and stock up on home accessories. We’ve just had a container arrive full of furnishings and are setting up an online business, Reside Living,’ says Micaela. Large beaded chandeliers make a strong feature in many rooms, creating a breezy, tropical mood. A blue theme is prominent throughout, while the lower half of the bedroom walls have been given clear colour identity against which furniture sings. The huge steel windows and doors in the kitchen offer a great connection with the garden. ‘The house is especially lovely in summertime,’ says Micaela. We get the sun in the afternoon and evening and it feels like we are on holiday.’

M A I N B AT H R O O M The herringbone application of the tiles brings an original twist to this scheme. Artisau gloss pink tiles, £69.60sq m, Topps Tiles

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES READER AWA R D S

DESIGN TIP

‘Decide where radiators will go early in the planning stage – they’re often an afterthought’

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GUEST BEDROOM Painted panelling grounds this scheme and provides a striking backdrop for the low-hung glass pendant light. Panelling in Sulking Room Pink estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Oxford sleigh bed, from £769, Time4Sleep. Hanging pendant light and chandelier, both price on request, Reside Living

no.

Creative force Maya Hendrix’s house is a lesson in the art of combining pastel hues and vintage finds with cool architectural details FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MERRELL STYLING MARY WEAVER

SITTING ROOM

This space if full of character with its striking artwork and statement pieces. Pooky’s bow tie six-arm chandelier in White, £480, would also suit this space. Eames tall lounge chair, £6,135, Vitra at Heal’s. Skull artwork, Damien Hirst

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, garden room, snug, utility room, cloakroom, playroom, three bedrooms (two with mezzanines), two bathrooms M O V E D I N 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I was living and working in Paris before relocating to London,’ says Maya.

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hen jewellery designer and teacher Maya Hendrix relocated to London from Paris with her daughter Nina, 10, she moved into a handsome London townhouse that required little renovation – or so she thought. ‘At first it didn’t seem like there was much to do,’ says Maya. ‘But once I started to peel back the layers, I discovered an awful lot that needed updating. The electrics and plumbing were due an upgrade and there was damp in the basement. I thought, “OK, if we’re doing that, let’s go for a complete overhaul.”’ Maya didn’t want to tackle the work single-handed, so she enlisted the help of Emilie Mauran, founder of EMR Architecture (emrarchitecture.com), to work with her on the project. ‘I wanted someone with vision who would work collaboratively and I found her in Emilie,’ she says. As well as updating the infrastructure of the house, Emilie also tweaked the layout. Although the house is Grade II listed, Maya was able to obtain planning permission to extend the basement. The house also boasts myriad creative glazing solutions. Roof lights illuminate the bedrooms while on the ground floor, the garden room’s steel-framed glazing lets natural light into the kitchen in the centre of this level. ‘Initially I wanted an art deco style, but then we circled back to something far simpler. This

DESIGN TIP

‘A white backdrop lets you mix styles without colours clashing’

DINING ROOM

Retro chairs add bright pops of colour. Eames DSW chairs, from £410 each, Vitra at Heal’s. Try the Radius dining table, from £695, Habitat

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KITCHEN

‘I had seen these lights before and loved their creative ethos,’ says Maya. Eperara Siapidara cluster of lights, £836, Holloways of Ludlow. Bespoke kitchen, EMR Architecture. Mono Hex Porcelain Daisy floor tiles, £155sq m, Artisans of Devizes

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HALLWAY

design is modern yet timeless and it suits the house’s Victorian architecture,’ explains Maya. As well as the contemporary-but-classic garden room, Emilie added an impressive array of smart storage and space-maximising ideas. ‘I have a lot of clothes, handbags and shoes – I mean a lot, so the more places to put them, the better,’ says Maya. Emilie also added mezzanines to both bedrooms – Maya’s is used for clothes and Nina’s is used for sleepovers. Not an inch is wasted: even the steps leading up to the mezzanines incorporate drawers. When it came to the decor, Maya favoured a softly softly approach. ‘I love colour, but I didn’t want to be jolted awake every morning,’ she says. Instead, she chose pastels that are gentle on the eye but still have visual impact, ranging from blush pink to pistachio and aquamarine to ochre. ‘I could have put colour on the walls, but I think it’s more flexible doing it this way.’ The house has a carefully calculated balance between its white background and pastel colours, vintage finds and airy space. ‘Yes, it’s uncluttered now, but just wait until I get to go shopping in Paris on the Eurostar again,’ says Maya with a smile. ‘My favourite thing is browsing in the fantastic vintage shops there – I always end up struggling back with something huge but wonderful.’

A convex railway mirror, one of Maya’s Parisian finds, reflects light back into the space. Vintage mirror, Super Vintage Paris

DESIGN TIP

‘Mezzanines are a great way to add extra space and functionality’

BATHROOM

A mid-century cabinet has been customised as a vanity unit. ‘I like a mix of eras and materials,’ says Maya. Pamono sells similar vintage chests, from around £1,650

NINA’S BEDROOM

Storage has been built into steps leading up to the mezzanine. Bespoke bed, mezzanine and storage, EMR Architecture. Similar bunting, £13.50, The Cotton Bunting Company

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H A L LWAY ‘We’re both very hands-on and we restored the Victorian tiles in the hallway ourselves,’ says Ambrice. Try The Vintage Floor Tile Company for similar reclaimed Victorian floor tiles

LABOUR OF LOVE

Ambrice Miller and her husband Ben Joyce crafted an inviting country home from a 17th-century listed house that was desperate for attention and care FEATURE IFE ADEDEJI | PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN CHUNG

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed, 17th-century former malt master’s house L O C AT I O N Suffolk R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, dining room, snug, utility room, six bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms, studio, gym P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were renting a flat in north London before,’ says Ambrice.

DINING ROOM Ambrice and Ben opted for neutral walls and flooring so their distinctive artworks and antiques stand out. Dibble pendant light, £165, Pooky, has this look. Try handmade Persian runner, from £370, Rugs of London. Original artwork by various artists, Ambrice Miller at Relic Interiors

KITCHEN This space is a delightful mix of old and new, with some salvaged and some custom-made fittings. Ambrice bought the Lacanche range cooker secondhand from the manufacturer. ‘It’s my favourite thing in the house because it will cook a 20lb turkey in two hours.’ Similar Piscola modular floor tiles, £49.97sq m, Topps Tiles

hen Alabama-born Ambrice Miller first visited England, it made such a deep impression on her that she promised herself that one day she’d return. ‘I was 20 years old when I first came to London, and I was blown away by the city,’ she says. ‘I loved the way it was a true melting pot and from that day forward, I was pining to go back.’ Three years later, the opportunity came up for Ambrice to move to London for work. ‘I didn’t

hesitate for a second,’ she says. Fast-forward four years… ‘After moving here, I met my husband-to-be Ben Joyce and we rented a flat together. It was a reasonable commute, but when the landlord decided to sell, it was time to buy a house of our own.’ They were keen to relocate to the country, and began house-hunting within a 50-mile radius, so they could still travel to London for work. Then fate took a hand. ‘We were driving back from a viewing in Somerset when we were given the details for this property in Suffolk, a former malt master’s house,’ says 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 8 5

SITTING ROOM An antique wooden display cabinet creates a focal point in this welcoming space. Try Varese velvet in Cerulean, £79m, Designers Guild, for a similar upholstery fabric. Musso coffee table in brushed brass, £1,416, Liang & Eimil, has this look

Ambrice. ‘We fell in love with it as soon as we saw the ivy-covered facade. We were charmed by the idea that the house was so steeped in history.’ The couple soon learned, however, why so many others had been put off buying it. ‘The house had been rented to lodgers and was in a state of disrepair. The floors were covered in shabby carpet and there was orange embossed wallpaper. We did feel slightly daunted by how much there was to do.’ Happily, there was little structural work required, apart from refitting the kitchen and bathrooms, so 8 6 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

Ambrice and Ben decided to go ahead. ‘Although this was our first project, we’re self-confessed DIY addicts, so we were keen to do a lot of the work ourselves,’ Ambrice says. As soon as she and Ben moved in, they began stripping out the kitchen and removing the linoleum floor. A longstanding damp problem was fixed with dehumidifiers and the couple then laid a new kitchen floor themselves. ‘Airing out the house and removing all the old carpets made the world of difference,’ says Ambrice. ‘We then sanded and refinished the wooden floorboards

BEDROOM A richly textured sofa and a medley of patterned cushions make this the ideal spot to get cosy and relax. Interior design and artwork, Ambrice Miller at Relic Interiors. Bellagio deep storage ottoman, £779, Footstools & More, would work in this scheme

BEDROOM ‘I designed this room around the silk suzani tapestry,’ says Ambrice. Try Breakfast Room Green estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, for a similar wall colour B AT H R O O M The marble flooring elevates the neutral scheme. Duke traditional roll top bath, £429.95, Victorian Plumbing, has this look. Similar Calacatta Viola polished marble tiles, from £92.33sq m, Mandarin Stone

throughout.’ The couple also repaired walls and tiles and redecorated the house from top to toe. Next, it was time to do the kitchen. ‘When we thought about our style, we decided to put the kitchen together piecemeal, as we’re both collectors and love the eclectic look,’ she says. The space now combines old and new, featuring salvaged pieces alongside cabinets made by a local carpenter. ‘What we saved on doing the work ourselves we’ve spent on quality finishes and materials,’ says Ambrice. One of the outbuildings has now been converted into a studio,

from which Ambrice runs her art and antiques business, Relic Interiors (relicinteriors.com). Ambrice and Ben’s renovated house is now the perfect backdrop for their collection of art and antiques. ‘We’ve used our home as an experiment where each room has a different theme or aesthetic. We especially love finding pieces from artists of under-represented heritages,’ explains Ambrice. ‘Given my African-American heritage and Ben’s English-Welsh heritage, it makes for some interesting combinations of traditional and modern.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 8 9

KITCHEN FOCUS

NEW BEGINNINGS This amazing kitchen represents Alice and Charlie Huntingford’s positivity and resilience when faced with adversity FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PETE HELME

BOLD MOVES The couple wanted a timeless look but nothing bland so the green was chosen for its standout good looks, along with the striking copper worktop and integrated sink on the island. Bespoke kitchen, price on request, Hush Kitchens; painted in Jewel Beetle intelligent eggshell, £72 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Nirvana bar stools in natural rattan, £99 each, Dunelm

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P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R S Alice and Charlie Huntingford and their children Wilbur and Mabel H O U S E A five-bedroom new build in the Cotswolds P R O J E C T Complete rebuild, featuring an open-plan kitchen with dining and living area, plus adjoining pantry and boot room

n December 2016, just two weeks before Alice and Charlie Huntingford were getting married at their home, an idyllic country farmhouse where Alice grew up, it went up in flames. Luckily the couple, and then five-month-old son Wilbur, were out for lunch but the electrical fault devastated the property and they lost pretty much everything, including Alice’s wedding dress. ‘The farm was bought by my maternal grandfather in 1955. We decided to go ahead with the wedding in a marquee, with the charred shell of the building as the backdrop,’ says Alice. With typical positivity and resilience, Alice and Charlie reframed their misfortune as an opportunity to achieve their dream family home. ‘We’d always planned to remodel the old-fashioned interior, especially the kitchen,’ explains Alice. But instead of just taking a few walls out or extending, the couple got to start from scratch.

THE BRIEF

During the process, the couple met kitchen-maker Chris Spink of Hush Kitchens (hushkitchens.co.uk) while visiting nearby Beswick Stone. ‘We knew we wanted to use a local company, but we also liked that Chris was willing to try new ideas,’ recalls Charlie. From the outside, they wanted the house to still look traditional, but inside they were keen to have the kitchen in the biggest, lightest room, overlooking the farmland. Alice and Charlie asked Hush Kitchens to design a look that was timeless without being bland and that would be suitable for a busy young family. DESIGN SOLUTIONS

The heart of the kitchen is an L-shape run of units, with tall cabinets on one elevation. The island also contains a steam oven and microwave-combi oven. They chose simple Shaker cabinetry painted in Little Greene’s striking Jewel Beetle. ‘When it first went in, we panicked because it felt way brighter than we had expected,’ says Charlie. ‘But we soon realised that it’s an uplifting colour that works so well against the views of the fields.’ M AT E R I A L S U S E D

To complement the solid wood cabinetry, a section of copper worktop with an integrated sink was chosen to add warmth and richness to the island unit. ‘The more you use it, the better it gets,’ says Charlie, ‘but it does help to know that it can always be refinished if anything drastic happens.’ FINISHING TOUCHES

While the couple lost an incredible amount in the fire, they did manage to salvage a few precious items, like the original butler’s bell buttons, enamelware and pottery belonging to Alice’s mother and grandmother. These personal touches contributed to the lived-in feel of the new kitchen. LESSONS LEARNT

‘We never planned to be self-builders, especially with two very small children in tow, but we couldn’t be happier with how it’s all turned out,’ says Alice. ‘The new layout is so much better for modern family life.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 9 1

A L L I N T H E D E TA I L

The rich patina of the copper worktop on the island is echoed in the taps, lighting, cookware and the handles of the shaker-style cabinetry. Bespoke kitchen, price on request, painted in Little Greene’s Jewel Beetle intelligent eggshell, £72 for 2.5ltr; Neo Calacatta quartz, from £400sq m; aged zinc splashback and worktops, £950sq m, all Hush Kitchens. Castile heavy tumbled limestone flooring, £54sq m, Beswick Stone. Walls in Slaked Lime absolute matt emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr; woodwork in Slaked Lime Deep intelligent eggshell, £72 for 2.5ltr, both Little Greene. Two oven electric Aga in Oyster White, £7,925 (for a new model), reconditioned by Midland Cookers. B57CS24H0B Pyrolytic oven, £1,159; B47FS34H0B Slide & Hide oven with steam, £1,499; D57MH56N0B canopy extractor, £629; T26DA59N0 gas hob, £439; S517T80D6E dishwasher, £1,189, all Neff. RS90A1 French door integrated fridge-freezer, £3,435, Fisher & Paykel. Ionian mixer taps (at main sink) in aged brass, £658; Parthian mini hot tap in aged brass, £1,158; Mayan deck mounted taps in aged brass (at island sink), £440.64; Mayan deck mounted taps in chrome (granite sink), £324.36, all Perrin & Rowe. Classic double bowl (main sink) 800, £707, Shaws of Darwen. Island sink in bespoke moulded aged copper, £2,000 including worktops, Hush Kitchens. Yorkshire granite sink was £400 from eBay. Frezoli five-lamp pendant light, £460, supplied by Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors

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D E C O R AT I V E C H O I C E S Finishing the tall cabinetry with cornicing adds to the room’s period-style look. The extractor hood is hidden behind the cornicing over the Aga, which also provides shelf space for art and personalised pieces

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Rich pickings A sense of interest and warmth is found in every corner of Lucy and Conor Fitzgerald’s characterful Victorian townhouse

FEATURE EMMA J PAGE AND HANNAH TIER | PHOTOGRAPHY MARY WADSWORTH

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HOME TRUTHS T H E P R O P E R T Y Doublefronted townhouse, built in 1853 L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, music room, library, kitchen, five bedrooms (four en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a similar property in the local area,’ says Lucy.

SITTING ROOM It’s not just colour that brings vibrancy here – pieces with intriguing shapes are full of interest, too. Bespoke resin chandelier, Margit Wittig. Bespoke footstool in Teal leather, Yarwood Leather. Fig chair, from £2,000, Julian Chichester; upholstered in Fresco, £200m, Christopher Farr Cloth

LIBRARY The scalloped circular rug highlights the sculptural design of the table. Try Beut for a similar table. Scallop rug, £310, Jennifer Manners. Beetle chairs, from £680, Gubi. Wantage floor lamp, £798, Vaughan. Modernist Gemma chandelier, £396, Etsy

daptable and striking were the inspiration points for Lucy and Conor Fitzgerald’s renovation of their Victorian home. A buzzing family with three boys aged between eight and 12, the Fitzgeralds set out with the goal to make their forever home a space as unique as they are. ‘We weren’t looking for a top-to-bottom refurbishment, but we wanted to improve flow and eliminate dead space,’ says Lucy. To stay true to the original period features, architects Fraher & Findlay were brought on board to rework the space, renovating the loft to allow for en-suite bedrooms for two of the children. The challenges associated with removing the roof paid off, rewarding the family with views of the west London skyline from their newly installed roof deck. Turning then to the interior design, Lucy sought advice from Alice Leigh (aliceleigh.co.uk), whose creative eye helped curate her vision. ‘I love colour and pattern, but I suspect I would have ended up with numerous clashes without someone to help refine my ideas,’ Lucy says. Jewel-bright chandeliers by artist Margit Wittig bring vibrant colour bursts to the sitting and music rooms, while deep green cabinetry in the library and kitchen are a grounded nod to the Fitzgeralds’ Irish roots. ‘We wanted to be adventurous in our design choices, while creating schemes that were both practical and timeless,’ says Alice. ‘Very quickly, we knew that meant championing handcrafted pieces, beautiful but sturdy fabrics, standout lighting and bold silhouettes.’ Subtly hard-working and practical, the house is optimised for the family’s lifestyle. Touches such as

S E AT I N G A R E A ‘Pause points’ throughout the house become natural family gathering places. Rapeseed oil painting by Lucy du Sautoy. Chagal sofa, from £4,000, Julian Chichester; upholstered in Orchestra, £206m, Christopher Farr Cloth KITCHEN Painted cabinetry and a herringbone tile splashback bring new life into the kitchen. Island in Harley Green intelligent eggshell, £77 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Splashback in Raku Tokyo tiles, £199.50sq m, Claybrook MUSIC ROOM An original marble fireplace complements the vibrant chaise. Chaise lounge upholstered in Span, £215m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Lamp, £920, Paolo Moschino. Table, £802, Naken Interiors, is similar

FAVOURITE ITEM

‘Our three boys like to congregate on the wood-framed sofa in the kitchen overlooking the garden’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 9 7

BEDROOM Taking the wallpaper up onto the ceiling is a dramatic design choice and increases the sense of height in here. Vintage wall lamp, £349, Anglepoise. Bedside cabinet, £129, Mustard MAIN EN SUITE This clean and serene room provides an oasis away from the bustle of family life. Beaton double-ended bath, £5,500, Lefroy Brooks. Blind in Kemble linen in Portland, £94.48m, Lewis & Wood; with Avalon trim, price on request, Samuel & Sons

DECORATING TIP

‘We went for indoor/outdoor upholstery on the sofas as it can stand up to family life’ 98 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

Scotchgarded rugs and indoor-outdoor sofa and cushion upholstery safeguard the bespoke features and furnishings against the perils of life with three young boys. As all the children are keen musicians – playing the guitar, piano, trumpet and oboe – the open-plan design of the ground floor means Conor and Lucy’s home working soundtrack is often a combination of the four instruments. Linen curtains and heavy-woven sisal flooring improve acoustics in the music room, while also keeping the neighbours happy by reducing the noise levels. A wool-on-canvas triptych in the sitting room, grasscloth wallcovering in the main bedroom and rattan rugs weave texture throughout, a fundamental feature of Lucy’s vision for the house. ‘It’s important to us that this isn’t a show home,’ says Lucy. ‘I want to be able to use everything, every day.’ The hardest working areas of the house remain largely out of sight. Behind the kitchen runs a generous utility area, and the understairs storage space houses a cloakroom. The library, now Conor’s work-from-home space, combines a serene colour palette with playful features. The scalloped rug alongside the industrial round table brings a practical but fun feel to the room. ‘It means that although the house contains neutral elements, there is always a sense of interest and warmth to be found,’ says Alice. With thoughtfully sourced art, bespoke furnishings and hard-wearing fabrics, Alice helped the couple achieve their long-lasting but vibrant goal for their home. ‘We’ve always wanted our home to feel relaxed and informal. Now we have a place where we can offer an open-door policy to friends and family and that makes us immensely happy.’

MAIN BEDROOM The neutral colour palette is enhanced with all the textural elements, including the wallpaper. Sequin wallpaper, price on request, ABA Interiors at Altfield. Bedside table, price on request, Chelsea Textiles. Lamp, price on request, Palecek. Similar linen covered stool (below, far left), £120, Swyft

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FAMILY ROOM

This custom-made bookcase has a TV screen that pops up. Bespoke media cabinet, ABD Studio

DEN

In the lower level of the house, sofas in this teenage space are covered in leather for durability as well as comfort. Togo modular settee, from £2,165 for a small sofa, Ligne Roset. Round coffee table, £3,550, Nickey Kehoe

OPPOSITES ATTRACT Tracy Falconer’s love of East Coast style is fully reflected in the sensitive renovation of her elegant San Francisco home FEATURE AMELIA THORPE | PHOTOGRAPHY BETH FRIDAY

DINING ROOM

Tracy lights the fire every morning in winter. ‘There’s a famous saying, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”,’ says Tracy. ‘That tells you how chilly it gets here.’

SITTING ROOM

A series of framed intaglios, owned by Tracy for many years, were re-hung on the wall in an eye-catching group. Try the white zig zag vase, £14, Habitat

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Three-storey house, built in 1886 L O C AT I O N San Francisco R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, family room, kitchen-diner, den, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two dressing rooms P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller property in San Francisco,’ says Tracy.

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fter spending many summers on Nantucket, the tiny island off Cape Cod on the East Coast of America, Tracy and Cameron Falconer were eager to reflect its historic charm in their home. ‘It is a thread that runs through our lives,’ says Tracy, whose son Jake, now 18, and daughter, Peyton, 16, have grown up visiting Nantucket every year since they were born. Their home, however, is three thousand miles away in San Francisco on America’s West Coast. After enlisting the help of California-based interior designer Brittany Haines of ABD Studio to renovate their property, Tracy discovered that Brittany has a similar soft spot for the New England

island – and will celebrate her wedding there this autumn. ‘It was immediately apparent that Brittany’s aesthetic was so in line with mine,’ says Tracy. ‘I knew we’d be a great match.’ After buying the three-storey house in 2002 to raise their family, Tracy and Cameron recently decided the property was due a refresh. ‘We wanted to make the house more reflective of us and the way we live now, prompted by the kids becoming young adults,’ explains Tracy. Moving Jake’s bedroom to the lower level of the house, with an adjacent den, allowed for two bedrooms on the top floor to be converted into dressing rooms for Tracy and Cameron. Rethinking the furniture and decoration

KITCHEN DINING ROOM

‘I love cooking and spending time in here,’ says Tracy, who had the existing Shaker-style cabinetry repainted in a historic dark blue-green colour, named after the East Coast town of Narragansett. Units in Narragansett Green aura eggshell, £31.50 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Iron and rolled counter stools, £2,068 each, Thomas Hayes Studio. Lattice chandelier, from £5,350, De La Espada. Henry brass kitchen mixer tap set, from £2,448, Waterworks

Walls in a deep, rich shade of grey create a moody backdrop to a sculptural chandelier. ‘It finishes the room like a piece of jewellery,’ says Brittany. Walls in Anchor Gray regal select flat paint, £24.50 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Custom-made Kingdom chandelier, Lindsey Adelman Studio

SITTING ROOM

Neutral tones enhance the elegant feel of this space. Custom-made curtains in Bamako Shea, Zak + Fox. Cushions in Offset Parchment, £158.50m, Mark Alexander

DRESSING ROOM

BATHROOM

MAIN BEDROOM

PEYTON’S BEDROOM

Cameron’s dressing room was once Jake’s bedroom, now relocated to the lower level of the house. Pendant lights, price on request, Natalie Page. Try Saint Germain Hemp wallcovering, £57 a yard, Phillip Jeffries ‘The colours and the painted window frames remind me of cottages on Nantucket,’ says Tracy. Window frames in Asphalt aura eggshell, £31.50 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Custom lampshades, £140m, Fermoie

A brass wall mirror and sconce add warm touches to this room, as does the informal grouping of paintings. Orbit wall sconce, £740, Workstead. Julia basin mixer tap, from £1,695, Waterworks. Mirror, from £270, Rejuvenation A cactus is teamed with a handwoven wall hanging from Palm Springs for a dose of desert chic. Agnes bedside lamps, £525 each, Victoria Morris Pottery. Franco Albini ottoman, £535, Shoppe Amber Interiors

‘Sometimes you’ll find ideas for great colour combinations by looking at your clothes and jewellery’

D E S I G N I N S PI R ATI O N

for each room also focussed on creating warm, inviting spaces, suited to the family’s style and love of relaxed entertaining, from dinner parties to evenings spent playing dominoes with friends. ‘We looked at the whole house in its entirety, so that we could achieve a cohesive result,’ she says. At the same time as introducing some of the charm of Nantucket with a palette of natural colours pulled from the coastal surroundings and antique pieces that echo the historic mood of the area, the family were also keen to make the most of California’s abundant sunlight: the sitting room at the front of the house, for example,

is bathed in natural light with layers of white and cream to reflect its simple beauty. ‘We were also keen to retain the original features of the house, which was built in 1886 by a Welsh immigrant involved in the construction of the new San Francisco cable car line,’ says Tracy. The property has well-preserved symmetrical sash windows with original handmade glass, a hitching post for horses in the garage and even a secret door to an external pie cupboard, once used for keeping food cool before the days of refrigeration. Respect for the old combined with exciting contemporary finds became a hallmark of the project: Tracy

found the antique French kitchen table and mid-century Arne Norell Ari chairs, while dramatic modern chandeliers came from sourcing trips to Los Angeles with Brittany. ‘Tracy’s love of fashion was very evident, as she would often pull a scarf, a pair of shoes or a piece of jewellery from her closet to show us a texture or a colour as inspiration for the interiors, which made the whole process collaborative,’ recalls Brittany. ‘We were able to work together to blend East Coast and West Coast style, old and new, to deliver a result which feels much more connected to Tracy and her family.’ ABD Studio, abd-studio.com 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 105

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A PERFECT HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY 1970s extended bungalow L O C AT I O N Buckinghamshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen, dining area/sunroom, utility, cloakroom, three bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented for five years in a nearby village while we developed our business,’ says Cathrine.

BLEND

Scandi clean lines and pre-loved vintage finds come together in Cathrine Tjore and Simon Keeley’s beautiful bungalow, united by natural materials and earthy colours FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

SITTING ROOM Reclaimed scaffold boards clad the walls and light pours into the room through a roof window put in by the previous owners. The Ottawa Chevron coffee table, £169, Cult Furniture, has this look. Green wool throw, £80, NORSK

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KITCHEN Reclaimed scaffold board cladding repeats in the kitchen and sits nicely with the rustic brick wall (right) found beneath the plaster. Striking metal-framed glazing gives a glimpse into the utility area/pantry. Cupboards in Stiffkey Blue estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Imo oak bar stools, £395 each, Pinch. Barazza Lab sunken hob, from £1,140, Arredatutto. Oak antique floor planks, £65sq m, Oakley Wood Timber

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t’s not often you can say a house was inspired by great coffee or that a 1970s bungalow was redesigned for Nordic living, but that was the case for Cathrine Tjore and her husband, Simon Keeley, founders of café and homeware shop NORSK and the Little Italy Espresso Bars – their home is a true expression of all passions. ‘Simon’s precious about the coffee, while the interiors are one hundred per cent me,’ says Cathrine, who’s from Norway. ‘We like classic, clean Scandi lines, but not complete perfection. I’ve mixed new designs with vintage to create relaxing warmth.’ The couple’s home was built as a bungalow in the 70s by the artist owners who favoured big windows and plenty of natural light. ‘As a Norwegian, being connected to outside is important to me – and to Simon, as well,’ says Cathrine. ‘We loved the spacious rooms and amazing light. I was also astonished to see their Norwegian log burner was exactly like the one in my parents’ home, it felt like a sign!’ The couple decorated everywhere in white to begin with then put their energy back into growing their coffee business. A few years on, the first

SITTING ROOM The plaid chair fabric blends Nordic and British styles and brings a touch of pattern to the room. Abraham Moon’s Skye Check in Cocoa is a similar upholstery fabric, £59.96m, British Made Interiors

SITTING ROOM Simon’s collection of photographic art makes a striking gallery. Wall in Green Smoke estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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project evolved from a straightforward guest bedroom above the garage, which has become a mini house for visiting family and friends, and can now be rented out (norsklifestyle.com). ‘It suddenly dawned on me, why not design the garage like a traditional Norwegian summer house?’ says Cathrine. ‘We used weatherboarding and painted the inside wood cladding white then decorated in layered neutrals to encourage light and space.’ Turning their attention back to their own home, the couple wanted to add more bedrooms and to improve the downstairs layout, so decided to convert the loft and extend to the side. The changes made space for a staircase, a new front entrance hall and a bigger kitchen. ‘We removed the doors downstairs too, creating a more open-plan feel though rooms retain their distinct space,’ adds Cathrine. ‘Then we extended again, creating a sunken sunroom on the back with floor-to-ceiling glazing, which unconsciously hints at 60s and 70s architectural style like the original bungalow.’ Wood textures and tones layer rooms with depth and warmth with reclaimed scaffold boards

OFFICE Customised vintage school desks fit the landing nook beneath the new roof dormer. Similar Original 1930s Anglepoise lamp, £475, 1stDibs. Vintage 1950s Tolix stools are similar, £580 for a set of four, Vinterior

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DINING AREA ‘Oak cladding conceals storage and adds texture and warmth alongside the polished concrete floor,’ says Cathrine. The pleated curtains almost look like an architectural feature. Brass LP lamps, £190 each, NORSK

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LANDING Painted wood cladding is a Nordic look and Simon’s love for music and photography is illustrated in bold black and white photos. Twiggy, 1966 by Barry Lategan, £400, King & McGaw MAIN BEDROOM ‘The blue-grey tone is calm and cocooning so it made sense to paint the ceiling the same colour as the walls,’ says Cathrine. Walls and ceiling in Juniper Ash absolute matt emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Bunad blanket in Norland, £240, Really Well Made

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used as wall cladding and, upstairs, wood panelling painted white like the summer house. ‘I grew up holidaying in our island summer house, which was rustic and basic and the complete opposite to our family home decorated in Laura Ashley prints,’ recalls Cathrine. ‘I love the textural look of raw materials and it’s what I look for when I’m buying homeware for NORSK. I’d never choose anything I wouldn’t want to have in my own home.’ Furniture and lighting are mostly classic vintage, delivering the loved and lived-in look that Cathrine values, but has been careful to balance with new pieces that impart the same artisan qualities. ‘I look for timeless pieces with standout designs and quality craftsmanship, whether I’m searching eBay for an old school desk or designing the new coffee table with the builder,’ she says. Simon’s black-and-white photographic collection showcases iconic British artists and makes a striking impact against walls decorated in earthy greens, taupes, golden yellow. ‘I love these warm tones as they help to create a relaxed feel, says Cathrine, ‘and that is partly why we both love living here.’

BEDROOM Blending the shelf into the wall keeps eyes on the black-and-white framed prints. Sunnmore Bunad cushion by Andreas Engesvik, $199.95, Sweater Chalet. Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini desk lamp, £109, Heal’s

EN SUITE ‘I took the cupboard out of my friend’s skip to make the vanity,’ says Cathrine. Picasso countertop stone basin, £198, Lusso Stone, has this look

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ARTFUL APPROACH

Interior designer Andrew Hodgkinson’s appreciation of contemporary art has brought a modern counterpoint to his timeless interiors FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY TOM ST AUBYN

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian house L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, library, study, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, utility room, five bedrooms (three en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from a late Victorian terrace in Notting Hill,’ says Andrew.

SITTING ROOM The striped rug and generously sized coffee table elongate this space’s proportions. The mirror was found in a skip and restored and reglazed. Charles sofas, £5,279 each, B&B Italia. Railway carpet Paper Yarn and Cotton, from £943.81, Woodnotes. The coffee table was bought from a collector

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H A L LWAY A striking glass and Perspex hanging installation by Andrew and a framed artwork by Mariann introduce a personal note. The couple’s collection of artefacts is studded throughout this home. Flax honed limestone flooring, £77.97sq m, Mandarin Stone

DINING AREA The generous oak dining table, designed by Andrew, takes centre stage in this newly created space, which is flooded with light thanks to the overhead roof lantern. CH24 Wishbone dining chairs, £685 each, Hans J Wegner at Carl Hansen & Søn. Sycamore ceiling installation by Andrew

KITCHEN An exposed brick wall delineates this area, while streamlined, handleless cabinetry introduces a contemporary note. Leicht kitchen, price on request, Vogue Kitchens

‘Instead of going fully open plan we have doorways that are generous in height and width that feel open or can be closed off’

DESIGN ADVICE

t’s not often that a staircase is thought of as a game changer, but when it came to the renovation of Andrew Hodgkinson’s London home, the redesign of this pivotal element prompted everything to fall into place. ‘The staircase is the backbone of a home and we knew that repositioning it would unlock the interiors for us,’ says Andrew, an interior designer (hodgkinson-design.co.uk) who lives here with his wife Mariann and daughters Freya, 23, and Lucia, 19. ‘So we moved it to the far left of the hallway, enabling an unobtrusive view from front to back.’ Once that decision had been made, the rest of the renovation was easy to envisage. The new staircase would connect all three floors, where previously a narrower, separate set of stairs had led from the first floor to the loft. A generous pitched-roof rear extension now houses the kitchen-diner, bedrooms on the first floor are all en suite and the top floor was reworked to

accommodate two additional rooms and a bathroom. ‘We salvaged the original fireplaces and front window shutters,’ says Andrew, ‘but apart from that, all we were left with was four walls and a roof.’ Luckily, the designer, whose eponymous firm has conceived numerous retail spaces, including for Nicole Farhi, French Connection and Space NK, remained unfazed. ‘It’s probably a perk of the job,’ he says. ‘I’m used to dealing with scale and knowing how to create uncluttered schemes.’ Both of those skills translated to this project, which has resulted in roomy interiors that feel comfortable and considered. ‘I think the key with any renovation is to spend time analysing your needs as a family,’ says Andrew. ‘Mariann is Danish and so she has a Scandi approach that I enjoy too – for us that meant creating elegant, off-white schemes, introducing plenty of natural materials such as oak, limestone and marble, adding lots of storage and paying attention to the light.’ 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 117

STUDY The trio of bulb pendant lights and a mid-centuryinspired desk creates a graphic silhouette. Nomos rectangular desk by Sir Norman Foster for Tecno, £3,125, Artemest. Edge chair, £350, Novague Design. Various artwork by Andrew Hodgkinson and by Jack Miller

EN SUITE A deeply veined marble splashback and shower enclosure add a sense of luxury. Calacatta polished marble, £84sq m, Mandarin Stone. Pendant light with Romeo fabric shade, £185, Flos

MAIN BEDROOM Textured artwork and fabrics combine with the graphic silhouette of the bedside light to create bold shaping in this otherwise simple scheme. Artwork, Mariann Hodgkinson. Luceplan Mod D12 Berenice bedside light, £338, All Square Lighting

‘The texture and craftsmanship of African sculpture have shaped the look and feel of our interiors over the years’

I N S PI R ATI O N

The lynchpin was the addition of the rear extension, topped by a generous lantern window. The couple were keen to create a space that looked as though it had always been there, so instead of introducing swathes of glass, they opted for a string of elegant double doors leading to the garden, and introduced an exposed brick wall to the kitchen which adds a softly contemporary edge. Instead of opting for a fully open-plan look, doorways are generous in height throughout. ‘Downstairs, that means we can open things right up when we’re entertaining or close off some rooms when privacy is required,’ says Andrew. Throughout, the couple’s love of art and sculpture provides a modern counterpoint to these classic interiors. A standout piece is the hanging Perspex and glass installation in the hallway, inspired by the work of British abstract artist Victor Pasmore, which cleverly draws the eye along the space from the front of the house to

the rear. Elsewhere, there’s plenty of evidence of Andrew’s love of African ethnographic sculptures. ‘I always loved Picasso’s work, much of which took inspiration from tribal art,’ he reflects. ‘I couldn’t afford a Picasso, so instead I collected some of the pieces that would have inspired him.’ Added to the mix are several artworks by Mariann, a keen artist. ‘We enjoy that juxtaposition of old and new,’ says Andrew. ‘Plus, our modern pieces are a way of introducing character to schemes that are essentially quite simple and minimal.’ Classic mid-century and contemporary furniture, warm woods and a limestone floor in an elegant monochrome diamond pattern all contribute to a sense of longevity in this renovation – and it’s clear that the family is here to stay. ‘I call this a “healthy” home,’ says Andrew, ‘and by that, I mean that it seems to contribute to a state of relaxed wellbeing.’ Surely, there can be no greater gift a home can bestow. 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2 | 119

BEDROOM FOCUS

COMFORT ZONE The penthouse apartment of a former hotel has been rebuilt to include a sumptuous en-suite bedroom FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY EMMA STACK

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S D E S I G N E R Alexander James Interiors P R O P E R T Y New-build apartment in Berkshire W O R K Top-to-bottom penthouse redesign with the emphasis on elegance

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fter running this building in Ascot, Berkshire, as a hotel for several years, the owner decided to rebuild it as apartments, including this three-bedroom penthouse, and he approached Alexander James Interiors (aji.co.uk) to carry out the work. After redesigning and fitting a new staircase, balustrades and wall panels plus adding new interior doors, ironmongery and specified flooring and finishes elsewhere, attention turned to the main bedroom.

THE BRIEF

‘The owner provided quite a broad brief but knew he wanted to achieve a feel that combined modernity with one of luxury and opulence,’ says Alexander James’ MD and project manager Robert Walker. ‘Having previous experience of our work and style, he was happy for us to take the lead and he approved everything on presentation of our designs.’ DESIGN SOLUTIONS

‘The interior architects had already worked out the best layout for this room, together with its adjacent en suite and dressing room, at which point the design team stepped in to work their magic,’ says interior architect Susan De Glanville. ‘The property is surrounded by lush greenery, so deep tones and textures were key, giving a luxurious feel and look and complementing the area’s rich depth and history.’ FINISHING TOUCHES

‘The crackle-glazed pendant lighting in antique burnished brass is both practical and beautiful and proved to be the perfect choice, reflecting the linear style of the headboard wall and providing a quality of light that adds an all-important element of warmth to this space,’ says head of strategic partnerships Julie Clifford. ‘There’s also a bespoke bench with bolster cushions, adding an extra element of comfort.’ LESSONS LEARNT

‘Attention to detail is always important,’ says Robert. ‘When choosing fabrics, the colour, texture and quality – not to mention reliable suppliers – are always among our main considerations.’

C A R E F U L C O N S I D E R AT I O N

The symmetry of the design enhances the room’s luxury look and the use of different wall finishes increases the plush feel. Headboard in Matara Fern by Designers Guild, £46m, Hope End Design. Long bespoke seat, Alter London. Bolster cushions in Martello fabric in Harvest, £20m, Clarke & Clarke. Liaison pendant lights, £579 each, Andrew Martin. Glass-topped table, price on request, Hanbel Monpas. Oculaire Combine wallpaper by Arte, £144.44m, Jane Clayton

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P R O J E C T D E TA I L S D E S I G N E R Abbie de Bunsen (abbiedebunsen.com) H O U S E A late Victorian, unmodernised home in London W O R K A reworking of the ground-floor living rooms and a basement utility room

IN THE

PINK

Interior designer Abbie de Bunsen tells us how she used colour and upcycling to make a dated house something quite wonderful FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY BROTHERTON-LOCK

DINING AREA The different tones of pink are grounded by the introduction of black accents – from the chairs to the picture frames. Dresser in Red Earth estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Walls in Little Greene’s Clay matt emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr. Similar chunky table, Rustic Eaton, £2,999, Hicks & Hicks GARDEN ROOM Inside, the space is used to watch TV and play games and the outside seating areas are ideal for summer entertaining. Try Rockett St George’s black metal outdoor table and chair bistro set, £325

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HOW DID YOU COME TO BE I N VO LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ?

This spacious southwest London house had not been modernised for 40 years when the current owners moved in in 2009. They wanted to update their new home and make it a warm, original and vibrant place that functioned more effectively. I’m friends with the family so they asked me to help them achieve this.

H O W I N VO LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? It was a collaborative

process to ensure the house reflected their personalities and individuality.

W H AT W E R E T H E B I G G E S T PRIORITIES FOR THE H O M E O W N E R S ? My original brief

was to design a garden room and a basement utility room. The project expanded to include redesigning the snug and looking at the design of the other ground-floor rooms and staircase. We wanted to re-use as much as we could, so we made some adaptations such as adding longer legs and new cushions to the Chesterfield sofa in the sitting room – the change in proportion made it sit perfectly in the tall-ceilinged room.

W H AT WA S YO U R I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E S C H E M E ? Having spent part

of my childhood in Paris, I am innately drawn to European style and love the colour and eclecticism that comes with it. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE C O L O U R P A L E T T E ? We wanted to

make the spaces feel individual with strong, vibrant colours, but also work cohesively. The snug has duck green walls and cabinetry but a ceiling wallpaper brings in the pinks and corals used elsewhere. It keeps the room feeling warm with a nod to mid-century Hollywood Regency.

A N D W H AT WA S T H E B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E ? Tying the existing white

gloss kitchen cabinetry in with the rest of the scheme, which we did by adding diagonal stripes in coral to the wall above. This created interest and added a bit of sass!

W H AT WA S T H E M O S T S AT I S F Y I N G A S P E C T O F T H I S P R O J E C T ? I love how there’s now a flow

throughout the house, and how the new pieces and colours create a fresh context to the existing pieces we reused. YO U R A D V I C E F O R C R E AT I N G SUCCESSFUL AND INDIVIDUAL S C H E M E ? Design with your instinct and

your heart to create spaces that are unique but mean something to you.

W H AT D I D T H E H O M E O W N E R S T H I N K O F T H E R E S U L T ? They were

very happy that the scheme flows from one space to the next and that we managed to build a new look around existing furniture. 12 4 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

KITCHEN The wallpaper was chosen as a cool way to introduce the new colour scheme into the cook space. Try the Thibaut Summer Stripe wallpaper, £81 per roll, Jane Clayton SITTING ROOM Subtle curves in key pieces bring another layer of decoration to the design. Canework screen, price on request, HKliving H A L LWAY Olive green walls make a striking entrance. Walls in Camo 7 absolute matt emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Papers and Paints MAIN BEDROOM Lighting throughout the house has a vintage vibe to evoke a wonderful lived-in look. Wall light similar to White coolie milk glass light, from £110, Old School Electric SNUG The dark green walls are vibrant and modern. Bespoke sofa and footstool, both Abbie de Bunsen

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SITTING ROOM Introducing glass pieces adds a light touch to the rich monochrome scheme. Walls in French Grey Dark absolute emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Libra Orion six pendant, £349, Ocean Lighting, has this look

Class of its own Emily Wilton and her husband Matt’s terrace is a shining example of why a sophisticated monochrome palette is first class FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY KATIE LEE

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DINING ROOM In here, Emily decided to introduce natural features, such as the foliage and throw, for an organic element. Similar Harley black dining table, £1,341, Liang & Eimil. Try Wycombe black dining bench, £281, House of Isabella

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Victorian terraced house L O C AT I O N Sunderland R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, basement P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I was living locally and Matt was in Leeds before we got married and bought this house,’ says Emily.

hen Emily Wilton and her husband Matt first viewed their present home, they lost no time in deciding to buy it. ‘I’d made up my mind before I viewed it,’ says Emily. ‘My childhood home was Victorian, so I felt that connection straight away. The Victorians really knew how to make a statement with their architecture and it was the beautiful period details that drew me to the house. I was blown away by the grandeur, so I could see past the dreary decor and old-fashioned wallpaper.’ Right from the start of the project, Emily had a clear sense of how she wanted the interior of her new home to look (@number_4_on_the_park). ‘Regardless of outside influences and trends, I’ve always had a strong idea of what my taste is,’ she says. ‘I’m not a fully committed minimalist, but I do like a neutral palette, which I team with Eastern influences inspired by my travels and monochrome fashion photography. I also like to add warmth and texture by adding brass and velvet finishes.’ Emily cheerfully admits that doing up the house involved a good deal of trial and error and she didn’t always get things right first time. ‘It took a year to get the sitting room how I wanted it,’ she says. ‘But I’m a great believer that your house should evolve organically, so I didn’t mind taking my time. Matt and I certainly didn’t try to do everything at

K I TC H E N / B R E A K FA S T R O O M ‘The kitchen is all about minimal clean lines,’ says Emily. ‘Even the handles on the oven are retractable.’ Bespoke cabinetry, price on request, Matthew McCrossan. Smeg Dolce Stil Novo oven, £1,609, AO.com. The Totem dining table, £1,099, Heal’s, is similar. Try the Malin dining chairs, £139 each, Barker and Stonehouse

DESIGN TIP

‘I thought we couldn’t afford a bespoke kitchen but we found a wonderful local artisan who created and installed it’

once. We also had a couple of attempts at decorating the main bedroom. I originally painted it black, but it looked hideous. Now it’s a very simple, calm sanctuary, with clean and sharp art deco lines.’ In addition to updating the decor, there was a good deal of structural work to be done on the house, especially in the kitchen. ‘When we moved in, there were cottage-style cabinets, beige travertine tiles and black granite worktops that sucked all the light out of the space,’ says Emily. ‘We’d intended to wait five years, but replaced it after a year as we both hated being in there.’ Emily knew exactly how she wanted the kitchen to look, but didn’t think it was achievable within her budget. ‘I thought we couldn’t afford a bespoke kitchen, but then Matt explained it’s just a series of boxes. I wanted simple dark units with marble worktops, and he totally nailed my vision.’ The first step of the kitchen transformation was to remove the faux chimney breast and install black aluminium windows. New cabinetry and worktops were then created and installed by local artisan Matthew McCrossan (matthewmccrossan.co.uk) ‘For the level of craftsmanship and love that went into the kitchen, it was an absolute bargain,’ says Emily. Now that the project is complete, Emily and Matt are delighted with the fruits of their labours. ‘We have the perfect location, the perfect house and the perfect neighbours,’ says Emily. Yet she also feels that the house is unlikely to be their last. ‘Unfortunately, we don’t have a garden – so that will probably be the reason we eventually move.’

MAIN BEDROOM ‘I chose Eastern-inspired pieces to remind me of my travels,’ says Emily. Blissford four-poster bed, £460, Habitat, has the same look. Walls in Mole’s Breath estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball BEDROOM ‘The cabinets were bought second-hand and were originally a red mahogany colour, which I painted black,’ says Emily. Similar Ezra bed, £1,160, Living It Up. Try the Jaipur Silver throw, from £98, Christy B AT H R O O M Beautiful plants bring just the right amount of colour. Try Cleargreen Freefortis freestanding bath, £1,090, Drench

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B AT H R O O M F O C U S

STYLISH SANCTUARY Jessica and Christopher Davies turned their awkward loft bathroom into a sublime en suite by blending existing fixtures with fundamental design and decor changes FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R S Jessica Davies, her husband Christopher and their two children H O U S E A detached, four-bedroom Victorian house in Kent W O R K The reworking of the en suite in the converted loft

SECOND TIME LUCKY

The bathroom’s basic structure was kept, but standout tiling, rich colour and a statement vanity made with an Ikea frame and existing basins give this space the wow factor. Marrakech Design Kimono cement floor tiles in Laurel + Pure White, £155sq m; large round mirror, £275; bespoke washstand, all Mink Interiors. Walls in Inchyra Blue modern emulsion, £56 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Alsace Honed marble wall tiles, £89.60sq m, Mandarin Stone. Luxe floorstanding brushed gold bath shower mixer tap, £595, Lusso Stone

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aving converted their loft into a bedroom suite about nine years ago, Jessica and Christopher Davis never felt it worked as well as it could. The steep sloping ceilings and tricky angles made it an awkward space and the white walls were uncomfortably bright. THE BRIEF

The couple approached Samantha Saunders at Mink Interiors (minkinteriors.com) to redesign the space. ‘I wanted warmth, colour and interest, and for the bathroom to feel more cosy and comfortable,’ says Jessica. DESIGN SOLUTIONS

In terms of the budget, it made sense to reuse the bath, WC, basins and existing plumbing where possible, and the couple were happy with the layout of the separate wet room. Samantha suggested a glass wall to divide the bathroom from the bedroom. ‘The dividing wall works very well,’ says Jessica, ‘although getting a perfect fit with the slanting ceilings was a huge challenge, as was positioning the door with enough height to open easily. I was so pleased we could include the bath in the new design, as it looks great and it’s incredibly heavy so would have been difficult to remove.’ FINISHING TOUCHES

Finding the right washstand to fit the space was impossible, so Samantha had a cost-effective piece built for the space. She customised an Ikea frame, incorporating the existing basins with bespoke joinery, brass legs and knobs, a white Carrara marble top and a spray-painted finish. Samantha also guided the couple toward the patterned floor tiles, which are the standout feature. In the shower area, the cement floor tiles have been sealed to make them suitable for a wet room. The shiny chrome taps were updated with brushed gold ones, which look warm and luxurious, and work well with the marble touches. Choosing the same shade for the paintwork on the ceilings, walls and woodwork smooths the angles to create a seamless look. LESSONS LEARNT

‘I was surprised at how long some processes took,’ says Jessica. ‘It was three months to design, template and install the bespoke steel and glass screen. There was a lot of work in getting it right, and it couldn’t be rushed. We had to be patient. Rethinking this space turned out to be a more complex project than we’d perhaps expected, but I’m really pleased with the results. We’ve now got the inviting sanctuary we always wanted.’

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Age of GLAMOUR By using gleaming metallics and luxurious marble, Marie Soliman has reimagined the glorious past of this art-deco apartment FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA STATHAKI | STYLING MARY WEAVER

KITCHEN

The marble used to clad the kitchen island is like a work of art in its own right, and its colours help to draw together the earthy tones of this open-plan space. Island in Dedalus marble, Kreoo. Aurore retro wall lights, £99 each, La Redoute. Porcelain 000 pendant light and vase, prices on request, Ula Saniawa at Unit 89

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A 1920s apartment L O C AT I O N Central London R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, cloakroom, two bedrooms (both en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before buying this apartment, the owner used to live in the Middle East,’ says Marie.

DINING AREA

A row of five lights is a simple way to make a statement, while the dining chairs with brass accents reflect the apartment’s heritage. Iggy dining chairs, from £2,300 each, Blackberg Collection for Bergman Design House. Bizzo ceiling lights in brass, £134 each, Belid at Royal Design. For similar parquet flooring, try Element 7. Curtains, price on request, Concept Contract Furnishings

LIVING AREA

‘Colour doesn’t need to shout,’ says Marie. ‘I used rich yet muted shades to create a sense of calm.’ Panda coffee table, from £8,000, Blackberg Collection for Bergman Design House. Fireplace in Black Marquina marble, Kreoo

pdating a period property always requires a great deal of vision, and bringing this art deco apartment back to life was no exception. For interior designer Marie Soliman it was a case of focusing on luxury and longevity. ‘We wanted to take the building’s identity and reinterpret it in a very contemporary way,’ she says. Located on the fourth floor of a handsome Mayfair building dating from 1929, the apartment had retained plenty of period flourishes, but it was hampered by a dated and impractical layout. ‘There was a skinny kitchen near the front door, separate sitting and dining rooms at the other end and the only bathroom led off the dining room,’ says Marie. To 13 6 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

create a more practical layout, Marie removed a dividing wall so there is now a light-filled open-plan living space. She also carved out en suites for the two bedrooms, plus a chic cloakroom. ‘The layout change was dramatic, but then I began thinking about textures and materials,’ explains Marie, who created this interior for Waleed Almarzooq, founder of Premier Estates. Taking inspiration from the building’s deco roots, marble features prominently, from the slabs made into basins to a kitchen island in Dedalus marble. To soften this glossy base, textures such as velvet, burr wood and bronze have been layered throughout. ‘Waleed is well versed in luxury property and loves gleaming metallics,

which were very much part of art deco design, but we decided to keep the effect subtle,’ says Marie. So in the bathroom, taps and handles are in an antiqued bronze with a dulled finish that exudes gleam rather than glare. Similarly, in the main en suite and the kitchen, lengths of marble are broken up with fluted detailing, which conjures up the iconic hotel lobbies and ocean liner design of the deco period. ‘The colour is also reminiscent of the shades of ivory favoured during that time,’ Marie says. Marie was also keen to include work by up-and-coming artists and ceramicists. A painting by Cece Philips decorates the main bedroom and Ula Saniawa’s sculptural light hangs over the kitchen

island. Marie is an artist herself, and created the painting in the dining area that draws together the colours within the space. As co-founder of Bergman Design House (bergman designhouse.com), Marie also had a hand in the apartment’s furniture, so the pieces fit the space perfectly, with their curves and colours complementing the updated deco theme. ‘There’s often an assumption that luxurious interiors always have to err towards white, ivory and taupe, but I wanted to explore the power of rich shades,’ says Marie. Having drawn on the building’s past but redesigned the rooms with a contemporary eye, Marie has successfully created a home that is now ready for its new era of glamour.

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3 1 HALLWAY Marie cleverly reclaimed some of the floor space for the bedrooms. For similar parquet flooring, try Element 7

2 & 5 MAIN BEDROOM ‘This design speaks the language of art deco but takes it in a new direction,’ says Marie. Paralett bed, from £3,000; pop-up TV unit, from £5,980, both Blackberg Collection for Bergman Design House. Artwork, Cece Philips 3 EN SUITE The basin with shelf is both practical and striking. Blue Roma marble, Kreoo 4 & 6 MAIN EN SUITE A fluted splashback breaks up all the marble. Inciso tap in warm bronze, price on request, Gessi 7 BEDROOM ‘I love how this pendant light combines gleaming brass with mid-century shapes,’ says Marie. Try the Leaf ceiling light, £195, John Lewis & Partners 8 KITCHEN Metallic lines complement the elegant scheme. Iggy bar stool, from £2,100, Blackberg Collection for Bergman Design House

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25 OUT OF THE ORDINARY A chance find while holidaying in Devon was the start of a new chapter for Patricia and John Landing in this spectacular new-build home FEATURE RICHARD WEBBER | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

DINING AREA The views are the star of the show. The sliding fabric panels at the windows layer up plain and patterned voiles that can be moved around for differing effects. Anthology Kiyoshi in Copper and Charcoal fabric panels, £106m, Harlequin. Industry cement porcelain floor tiles, £38.40sq m, Mandarin Stone

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Contemporary detached house L O C AT I O N North Devon R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, cinema room, two conservatories, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a five-bed Victorian house in Surrey,’ says Patricia.

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‘The large kitchen area – it’s the focus of the house not only when it’s just the two of us but when we have friends here too’

FAVOURITE RO OM

KITCHEN Geometrical mesh pendants with their large open structure illuminate the surfaces below and elegantly occupy the vast space. Foscarini Spoke pendants, from £936 each, Heal’s. H-Line kitchen units by Masterclass in deco copper oxide and Caesarstone Quartz 20mm thick worktop, price on request, Atlantic Kitchens. Cherner stools, £833 each, Aram

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S E AT I N G A R E A Patricia and John wanted to create the wow factor so chose a luminescent teal and silver cork wallpaper to highlight the feature staircase. Cork fabric wallpaper, £72m, Ashton House Design. Foscarini Twiggy floor lamp, £1,183, Heal’s. Pols Potten artificial marble oval coffee table, £675, Amara. Try the Reno swivel chair, BoConcept, for similar

BEDROOM A spindle oak bed frame coordinates beautifully with the cylindrical bedside units. Bedside tables, £395 each, Ashton House Design

MAIN BEDROOM Teal tones accentuate the coastal theme. Headboard fabric in Bassano, £138m, Manuel Canovas

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hen Patricia and John Landing first set eyes on what would become their dream home, it was nothing more than a frame in the middle of a building plot. But, fortunately, they had the foresight to realise that once finished it would become the perfect place to live. ‘We were holidaying in Appledore, on the North Devon coast, in 2019 and I stopped at an estate agent’s window to check out the local property prices,’ says Patricia, who noticed the property in nearby Instow. The Landings viewed the site that day and were taken with the coastal views as well as the quality of the build. ‘We put an offer in straight away and, luckily, the builders, Anderson & Evans Ltd, accepted,’ says Patricia. Within five months, the Landings had sold their Surrey property and moved to rented accommodation close to the building site. Joining them were their three dogs – Bryn, a Weimaraner, Esme, a vizsla, and a whippet called Bobby – plus four cats. So when it came to kitting out the house, Patricia and John were adamant that it had to be pet-friendly. ‘This was a priority when we commissioned Ashton House Design (ashtonhousedesign.co.uk) to take care of the interior design,’ says Patricia. ‘They researched items such as fabrics to ensure they were durable and wouldn’t get scratched by the cats.’ Inside the four-bedroom property, the rooms are light, airy and exude contemporary appeal. But it’s in the spacious kitchen-diner where Patricia and John spend much of their time. ‘It’s upstairs and the hub of the house, partly because it opens onto a balcony with views over the estuary and the Atlantic beyond,’ explains Patricia. Throughout the house, lighting plays an important role. ‘There are some fabulous fittings, like the cluster of lighting over the central island in the kitchen or what we call the “Olympic Rings” in the sitting room. They fill a large void and make a real statement.’ Deciding upon colours and styles was a collaborative exercise between the couple and Ashton House Design. ‘We shared our thoughts with the designers then visited the company’s studio where they brought the vision to life with potential fabrics and wallpapers.’ Now, fully settled in their home, the couple are enjoying life to the full. ‘We love where we live,’ smiles Patricia. ‘Our previous property was traditional with every room separate. Here, we have so much more open living space.’ That sense of freedom is accentuated by the views they wake up to each morning in addition to the spacious garden running around the house – ‘we couldn’t ask for more’.

SITTING ROOM The chimney breast has niches for the logs and is tiled to make it a feature. Forge oxide porcelain tiles, £50.40sq m, Mandarin Stone CLOAKROOM A mix of marble and metallike tiles is complemented by the hewn basin. Verdi Honed Marble Hexagon mosaics, £195sq m, Starel Stones. Forzalaqua Laguna basin and worktop, £1,713, Westcountry Tile & Bathroom

LOWER C O N S E R VAT O R Y A printed botanical wallpaper offers a panoramic backdrop to Patricia’s study. Avalon wallpaper in Shield, £158.89 a roll, Arte B AT H R O O M Striking wall tiles provide a contemporary feel to this high-ceiling bathroom. Zellige Nouveau ceramic wall tiles in Ocean matt and White gloss, £52.65sq m, Mandarin Stone

IDEAS TO SHARE

A charming and colourful hotel with Luke Edward Hall’s signature aesthetic, hoteldeuxgares.com

ROOM ENVY

estled between two stations and tucked down a narrow alley in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, you’ll see what the owners describe as a bourgeois edifice – a railway station hotel once abandoned and forgotten by time. Luckily, thanks to a little imagination and the vibrant stylings of English designer Luke Edward Hall, Hotel Les Deux Gares is once again welcoming guests into its colourful surroundings. Stepping in from the street, you’ll be greeted by vibrant emerald walls, blackand-white chevron marble floors, oversized mirrors and decorative exhibition posters in a style that borrows ideas from multiple eras. 14 6 | 2 5 B H A PRIL 202 2

Head upstairs to one of the 40 striking rooms and you’ll find mismatched rugs, fringed chairs, sumptuous velvet and bold stripes alongside 1970s-inspired light fixtures and Luke’s own artistic flourishes drawn out as wall art or on lampshades. Downstairs in the basement is the chic fitness room, where Svenskt Tenn wallpaper and a red-and-white chequerboard floor form the backdrop for your workout. Across the street, the hotel’s cafe will entice you in with natural wines and a selection of fermented and pickled dishes. If colour lifts the spirits, then a little time spent in this hotel’s exuberant surroundings will be good for the soul.

FEATURE LAURA VINDEN PHOTOGRAPH BENOÎT LINERO

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

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