RESIDENCE Alice Gaskell shows us around her stylish Bathwick home

Alice is a massive fan of Deluxe Home Improvements Ltd, who she worked with on her most recent renovations

PICTURE PERFECT

Alice Gaskell invites us to explore her Bathwick Home Words by Lydia Tewkesbury Photographs by Alice Gaskell

Alice Gaskell’s house isn’t just her cosy What was your vision for the décor of the interior? retreat from the world – it is the ever- We bought a new house because we wanted to avoid the ongoing changing backdrop for her content upkeep costs experienced previously with older properties. Although photography, where she creates for brands they had the beautiful period features I love, it always felt like something including Soho Home and Neptune. It’s needed fixing! By adding some traditional features into our current also the canvass on which she has created home such as panelling and a fireplace, we are going some way to her own brand, her Instagram account achieving a nice balance. @alicesgrace_, where she has amassed over 35,000 followers with her beautifully What do you think are some of the common pitfalls that people styled photographs, design tips and fall into when redecorating? renovation projects. I am very much a spontaneous decorator. I get an idea in my head often inspired by a picture or home I have seen in a magazine and make plans How long have you lived in your house and what did it look like that I can regret. I feel like there is so much inspiration out there it can when you bought it? often be overwhelming. I would certainly suggest stepping back and We moved into our house in spring 2018. It’s a new build so it was taking time to collate mood boards or a collection of images that inspire completely neutral and very much a blank canvas. Ironically since the and gradually working your way to achieving a look you want over initial decorating we did, I have actually come back round full circle time, perhaps updating with a few seasonal changes. I also find that and have recently added some lighter tones to the house after originally quick fixes just don’t last – saving for something more special allows you adding quite a bit of pattern and darker shades. to avoid buying or decorating multiple times.

“I am very much a spontaneous decorator”

Alice treated her new build home like a blank canvas

The house is thoughtfully curated to exude a cosy and welcoming feel

“...the reality is with a little one running about they never tend to last longer than it takes to capture a few photographs”

In your opinion, which room should you start with when redecorating and why? Personally I would suggest starting with the rooms that will hopefully take the least time so you feel like you are getting somewhere. There is a sense of accomplishment when you can metaphorically ‘close the door’ on a room and that boost is sometimes just what you need when you have set yourself a big project. I know others would say it is a good idea to get the hub of your home done first where you may spend the majority of your time.

Who or what are your décor inspirations? The list is endless! I draw upon the Instagram accounts I follow, Pinterest and a few of my favourite interior books and magazines. As I have started styling and photography for brands, I also often find myself saving and pinning photos taken for brochures and new collections. I like styling corners of my home as if they might be used for these purposes – although the reality is with a little one running about they never tend to last longer than it takes to capture a few photographs.

Did you source much locally? Most of these items in our home were already fitted so it was simply a case of sourcing decorative paints, wallpapers, some furniture and accessories. We were lucky the house was fitted with a Neptune kitchen painted in their ‘Lily’ which allowed me to have a base colour to match with. Their paint colours are really beautiful and easy to use, so they are throughout our home. I love wandering around their Bath store for colour and styling ideas, as well as Oka on Milsom Street, which is just a treasure trove of inspiration.

above: Neptune paints appear throughout; left: The dining area is one of Alice’s favourites

What are your favourite homeware shops in Bath? Bath is so full of beautiful interior shops – we are very lucky. Walcot Street has wonderful stores such as Graham & Green, The Salcombe Trading Company for beautifully made accessories and furniture, and Katherine Fraser’s handwoven textiles are just lovely, unique pieces. Rossiters also has such a great range, and I recently came across the Bath Artist Printmakers shop in Larkhall which sells beautiful prints.

What part of the house are you proudest of? During lockdown, I roped my husband into doing some home DIY projects with me so I would say that we are particularly proud of those as we designed and made them ourselves. More recently, I worked with a local joiner to design our new dining and kitchen area to make it both functional and beautiful at the same time. I feel like the space we have created is relatively unique and expresses my style perfectly, and I’m proud of that.

What was the most challenging room to design? Our downstairs has been tricky as it is open-plan and I feel this isn’t always easy to work out. It isn’t a big space but has to accommodate all of our living and working requirements. It needed to be functional for everyday life with an active toddler as well as a space that I can use for my photography work. I have moved things around countless times but I think we are finally there – I know my husband will be particularly pleased about this!

What do you want people to feel when they enter your home? I would love to think that our friends and visitors would feel like it is now a warm and homely space. I have poured a lot of time and love into it, so I think it exudes a welcoming and cosy feel. If I’m honest, it certainly hasn’t always felt like this – it is only recently since our latest updates that everything now properly works and has its place. There have been times when it has been too cluttered, or a sofa has been in the way of our son and his friend’s indoor ‘race track’ for example.

What did you learn from designing your own home? I’ve learnt that the balance between practical and aesthetic isn’t easy to achieve. Having my son’s toys accessible without taking over has been hard, particularly with limited storage space. Until recently, I lacked the confidence to get stuck into interior projects myself but if you are trying to save money, you sometimes have no choice. We had a quote for built-in storage which was completely out of our price range, so instead we completed an Ikea bookcase hack, which was such a great decision as it has been extremely functional whilst simultaneously keeping costs down. We then had our joiner build some doors to hide the contents – I definitely feel better if the mess is hidden away.

Whose house would you like to have a snoop around? Very good question and a tricky one to answer! The first one that comes to mind is Paula Sutton’s home. I follow her and her gorgeous Instagram account (@paulasuttonvintage) and I can’t think of a more wonderfully English home full of antiques and vintage finds to investigate. She had been an inspiration for a while, so she would have to be there to regale me with her stories and just generally exude her wonderfully creative and encouraging self.

above, left: Sentimental objects scattered throughout the home create a picture of the lives of the family living there

Does the interior of your home reflect your personality? It definitely does. Our home design is pretty traditional, stylish and considered. I am very particular so every corner is thoroughly thought out with great attention to detail, and if I had my way, always neat and tidy. I think over time we have built up a collection of belongings that tell stories and reflect different times in our life all of which create a picture of the people we are – I value sentimental objects throughout my home.

Does your work on social media and as a content photographer impact on your home at all or how you have decorated? Very much so. I have to make use of every little space as cleverly as I can. We have definitely done more interior updates than we would have had I not been running an Instagram account that needs a continual supply of fresh content. Growing my page has taken considerable time, and followers love to see regular transformations and styling ideas, so I am forever updating and rearranging for new content. I would also say that designing a range of different areas in my home has also been influenced by my photography work – I require a variety of sets which themselves need to be continually rearranged so I’d say each area has to be flexible to accommodate this.

Finally, what’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your home? Since being a part of the incredibly supportive interiors Instagram community, I have been overwhelmed with the support and kindness for our home. It has been described as elegant and beautiful – and I don’t think I can top that.

Got an amazing local home? Want it to feature in Residence? Contact lydia.tewkesbury @mediaclash.co.uk

“I have to make use of every little space as cleverly as I can”

Every corner is thought out with attention to detail

FOR THE HOME Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for winter

KUTCHENHAUS Kutchenhaus have opened a brand new showroom in the heart of Bath bringing their beautifully designed and highly engineered German kitchens to the city. Owner Rob Cash and his experienced and talented team look after every customer through the journey from enquiry to completion, creating kitchens of the highest standard at affordable prices. 5 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR; Tel: 01225 634025; www.kutchenhaus.co.uk/showroom/bath

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731 www.clairstrong.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS Working from her beautiful showroom and with over 15 years’ experience in the kitchen industry, Kelly Marie has built a strong reputation. She combines technical aspects of design with an intrinsic creativity, producing functional yet beautiful spaces. Her portfolio includes luxury German made kitchens and Italian painted shaker kitchens. Full design and installation service. Tel: 01225 481881 www.kellymariekitchens.com

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

ETONS OF BATH Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space. Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

WESTSIDE DESIGN Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors. Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk www.westsidedesign.co.uk CHEVERELL Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722; www.cheverell.co.uk

BONITI Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com