MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2020 £4.50 | US $9.99, AUS $9.99, NZ $13
HOMES WINTER CHARM Chic spaces filled with cheer
Christmas tree decorating ideas and seasonal tablescapes
RECALL 02/01/20
INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PROJECT Dreamy schemes in a coastal cottage A dramatic Victorian terrace Bold colour brings a canalside flat to life
January 2020
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G R E E N E R P A S T U R E S Restoring the
original features of this Northumberland farmhouse has given it a new lease of life W I N T E R W O N D E R Intended for all seasons, this holiday home in the French Alps truly comes into its own at Christmas time C A B I N F E V E R A love of outdoor pursuits prompted one family to create a chic retreat in the snowy mountains of western Norway F E S T I V E F L A I R This listed farmhouse in Hampshire is filled with seasonal cheer B A C K T O L I F E Reviving a sprawling historic home in Hampshire was no mean
COVER STORY
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feat for these experienced renovators T H E R I G H T M O V E S A dilapidated detached in Staffordshire gave these serial developers a project to savour H A P P Y R E T U R N S Finding a gracious Grade II-listed house in Oxfordshire made moving back to the UK easy for this family L E T T H E R E B E L I G H T Combining rooms and raising the roof transformed a dark and boxy farmhouse in Warwickshire into a fresh and inviting family home M E R R Y & B R I G H T This spacious house in Surrey is designed for elegant entertaining
Antique furnishings and modern finishing touches are expertly combined in an elegant villa (page 14).
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A F A M I LY A F F A I R How an inherited old farmhouse
in Scotland was updated for 21st-century living
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T R U LY M A D LY D E E P LY Decadence and originality
is in abundance in this enchanting London terrace S O U T H E R N C O M F O R T Life’s practicalities are at the forefront of a characterful Cape Town villa U P S TA I R S D O W N S TA I R S Turning two flats in a former Italian nunnery into a home and office provided a better work-life balance for its architect owner T H E B I G G E R P I C T U R E A Victorian semi-detached in London gave one young family room to grow D R A M AT I C L I C E N C E Abigail Ahern’s dark and daring signature style provided interior inspiration for an artist’s period apartment in Edinburgh M A J E S T I C M O N O C H R O M E The two-tone palette of a Haussmannian apartment in Paris helps to highlight its grand proportions and exquisite features A C L A S S I C S Y N E R G Y Complementary colours and a cleverly curated mix of styles are the perfect partners in this Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh S E A S O N T O B E C H E E R F U L Full of fun and festive traditions, it’s the most wonderful time of the year in this terraced house in east Helsinki A S H A D E D I F F E R E N T An artist’s flair for colour and creativity comes to the fore in her Amsterdam flat
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C A L I F O R N I A D R E A M I N G It’s easy to see why
the owners of this ocean-view cottage in Carmel-by-theSea decided to make it their full-time home S I N G I N G T H E B L U E S Soft seaside shades hit just the right note in this delightful North Devon cottage B A C K T O T H E F U T U R E Buying and renovating her grandparents’ former home in County Wicklow was a fantasy fulfilled for one woman
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M O D E R N L O V E How a Sixties house in Hertfordshire
became the ideal fit for a period property-loving couple J O Y E U X N O E L Flickering candles and fairy lights bring a festive feel to a drama-filled mansion in France A L L W H I T E N O W There’s nothing at all bland about this pale and interesting property in Lincolnshire
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T R AV E L O F F E R Luxury getaways to the Gambia T R AV E L O F F E R Amazing European escorted tours W H E R E T O B U Y Find stockists listed in this issue R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month
Exceptional clean burning wood stoves @charnwoodstoves www.charnwood.com
Our kind of resolution. Shop now at swooneditions.com Pay in instalments with
Southwark chest of drawers
ÂŁ279
e d ito r ’s le t te r | 25bh 25 BEAUTIFUL
HOMES EDITORIAL
WELCOME The new year brings hopes of new beginnings, whether that’s embarking on a major home redesign, starting a room makeover or simply indulging in a big clear-out. Featuring more interiors projects than any of our competitors, 25 Beautiful Homes provides page after page of interesting ideas and real advice from homeowners. In short, we deliver inspiration in spades with every issue. As I’m considering my own plans for 2020, one standout project that’s caught my eye is Barbara Bachmann and Nicolas Commerot’s monochrome flat conversion (page 80). I love the hidden kitchen and stunning original features. As a general rule, we look to source as many case studies as possible from the UK, as we believe this resonates best with our savvy British audience. However, as this January issue brings together project tips alongside seasonal styling advice, you will find a couple more international houses in this month’s magazine than you might expect. I think this works really well to bring you lots of fresh ideas combined with original takes on festive cheer. Happy New Year! SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR SARAH SPITERI Executive Editors Kate French and Pip McCormac Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Anne Esden Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Commissioning/Interiors Editor Fiona Mace Travel and News Editor Patrick Hamilton Courtney Head of Art Operations Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Christina McQuillan Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley
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FA M I LY A F FA I R A dilapidated Forties house has been totally transformed for modern living
H O M E T O S TAY Muted shades bring a sense of calm to a Victorian London terrace
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Truly madly deeply Zany animal prints, geometric patterns and luxe touches are just some of the things to love in Kate and Simon Revere’s home FEATURE ANDRÉA CHILDS | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL RAESIDE
c it y | 25bh SITTING ROOM The couple have succeeded in creating a comfortable ambience while also indulging in luxury finishes such as brass, marble and leather. Interior design by Kate Revere. Blinds in Hackney Empire, £120m, House of Hackney. Chesterfield sofa, price on request, Pure White Lines
home truths THE PROPERTY Terraced house L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom, loft room P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in New York before moving back here,’ says Kate.
2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 9
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ate Revere and her husband Simon had been living in New York for two-anda-half years when they decided to move back to the UK. Happily, finding a new home wasn’t difficult. ‘I viewed the house once, at Christmas, and didn’t see it again until the sale was completed in May,’ says Kate. She had booked in decorators to start work the next day. ‘However, we quickly realised it was going to be a much bigger task, so the guys told us to put our stuff in storage and go away for the summer.’ A considerable amount of structural work was required. All the internal walls, ceilings and floors needed to be replaced, and the house was then rewired and replumbed. The kitchen extension was already in place, but the couple replaced the units and swapped the positions of the sink and stove. ‘I would have loved to have waited for an amazing kitchen I had my eye on but we didn’t have the time,’ says Kate. ‘I wanted the house to be finished by September, in time for the children to start school.’ Instead, the existing units were upgraded with black handles and concrete worktops. In the dining area, the brick wall was left exposed, creating an industrial feel. ‘I told the
builders to down tools – I love it as it is,’ says Kate. With completion of the building work finally in sight, Kate focused on the decor. ‘Decadent was the word bandied about when we started to do up the house,’ says Kate. ‘People think you can’t do that look with children but they love the wildness and sense of the unexpected, like the zebra-print stair runner.’ To create a sense of cohesion and flow, Kate has used the same backdrop scheme of grey walls and blue-black paintwork throughout, while skilfully adding animal prints, patterns and pops of bright colour, so that no two rooms in the house look the same. The uniform grey walls also give Kate’s children – Huxley, Acer and Piper – the chance to add personality to their rooms without straying too far from Kate’s theme. Luxe materials such as marble, brass and leather provide the finishing touches and create the decadent look Kate wanted, while still retaining the feel of a witty, happy family home. ‘We finished the house just in time to host our first New Year’s Eve here and this is a house made for a party,’ says Kate. ‘I love the celebration but the next day I take down all the decorations because I just want the house to feel like itself again.’
F A M I LY R O O M Colourful cushions and bold artworks make this space a welcoming retreat. Slowcoach sofa, from £1,195, Loaf. For a similar rug, try the Souk rug in Graphite, from £499, West Elm. Cushions, from £85 each, Timorous Beasties. Vinterior is a good source of mid-century furniture
KITCHEN Kate upgraded the cabinets with black handles and concrete worktops. ‘The bespoke splashback tiles were made by Suzanne Sullivan, a ceramicist living in Brooklyn,’ says Kate. Pull handles, £55 each, Buster & Punch. Try Smeg range cooker, £2,399, John Lewis & Partners
c it y | 25bh DINING AREA A chic industrial look is achieved with exposed brickwork and copper accents. Eames dining chairs by Vitra, £535 each; Eero Saarinen dining table, £3,972, both The Conran Shop. Copper round pendant light, £295, Tom Dixon
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H A L LWAY ‘A fancy stair runner was on my wish list,’ says Kate. ‘The kids think it’s wild and it makes going up the stairs an adventure.’ Zebra stair runner, around £110lin m, Alternative Flooring
B AT H R O O M ‘This room had weird curved walls, so we squared it off and then kept the look super-simple,’ says Kate. Matrix wall tiles, £21.99sq m, Topps Tiles. 10194 floor tiles, around £88.80sq m, Mosaic del Sur
PIPER’S BEDROOM Flowers, rainbows and pops of pink lift the grey backdrop. Jenny Lind bed, £534, Crate & Barrel. Rainbow cushion, £8.99, H&M Home, would work here
HUXLEY’S ROOM Kate wanted a room that would grow with Huxley, so she chose furnishings that could be found in any room in the house, not just a child’s bedroom. Blind in Graffiti Stripe, £150m, Timorous Beasties. For a tepee, try Molly Meg, from £115
c it y | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM Pom-poms, prints and plants add personality to the couple’s bedroom. Haven bed, from £1,699, West Elm. You Blow My Mind by Lauren Baker limited-edition screenprint, £495 unframed, Print Club London. Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball, is a similar wall colour
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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SOUTHERN
COMFORT
home truths THE PROPERTY Detached villa, built in 1908. L O C AT I O N Cape Town R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, two bedrooms (one en suite), dressing room, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 1983 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I was living in a rented flat also in Cape Town before I moved here,’ says Stephanie.
Stephanie Wolhuter’s Cape Town home is a masterclass in the art of combining old with new FEATURE JANE BOWLES | PHOTOGRAPHY WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX/LIVING INSIDE
SITTING ROOM Relaxed textures and foraged branches create a naturally welcoming feel in this comfortable space. Similar stools, from £59, Vinterior. Garden Trading giant log basket has this look, £120, Houseology. Bellagio deep-buttoned storage ottoman is a match, £604, Footstools & More. Linen cushion with bird embroidery, price on request, Stephanie Wolhuter
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ooking for the home of her dreams was a lengthy process for Stephanie Wolhuter. ‘I’d looked at many houses that I hated,’ she says. ‘Then, one day during a viewing, the estate agent said, “I wasn’t going to show you this house – I doubt you will like it.” We walked up the road, into a cul-de-sac and there sat this house, facing the sun, with a beautiful bay window and veranda. It was a typical early-20th century house, and the woman who was selling it hadn’t renovated or changed anything, which was exactly what I wanted. I loved it and I haven’t wanted to moved anywhere since.’ While Stephanie was keen to retain the house’s original features, such as its pressed ceilings, Oregon pine wooden doors and sash windows, one of her main priorities was to reconfigure the layout. ‘When I bought the house, there were several little rooms at the back, which I combined into a large kitchen-diner,’ she says. ‘I removed a drywall passage to create a living space, adding a woodburning stove for the Cape winters and a large, soft couch.’ The wooden floors were sanded and all the interior walls painted white. Stephanie drew on her family heritage when designing the interior. ‘My style
KITCHEN-DINER Freestanding fittings and vintage furniture work well together in this open-plan kitchen. Allendale cabinetry is similar, price on request, Howdens. Similar vintage stools, from £140, Pamono. Similar baskets, from £12.95, Nkuku
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i n s p i r at i o n ‘I like moving things around and I find that with a neutral base it’s easy to add or remove pieces so it still works together as a cohesive whole’
25bh | c it y MASTER BEDROOM Stephanie has mixed whites, pale neutrals and checks for a relaxing atmosphere. Try the Vintage Etienne white quilted bedspread, £140, The White Company. Similar vintage desks, from £250, Vinterior
stems from my parents’ kitchen,’ she says. ‘It had the plainest furniture – painted wooden tables and chairs, white enamel utensils, zinc baking trays, plain drinking glasses. But it was always full of the happiest people. This informs my style, which is utilitarian, practical and ordinary. I like simple pieces mixed with things I find beautiful, such as old engravings and lithographs, fabrics and embroideries and vintage furniture. My furniture is mostly old, collected over many years from second-hand shops or auctions.’ Stephanie is also a keen crafter, and birds of all kinds feature strongly in her handmade creations. ‘I’ve made most of the cushion covers in the house,’ she says. ‘I love the look and feel of handmade stitches, as they have a softness and depth that can’t be replicated by a machine.’ Christmas in Cape Town falls midsummer, and is celebrated in traditional style with friends. ‘We have bright blue skies and strong sunshine, so it’s a relaxed, lazy day, with an afternoon snooze,’ says Stephanie. ‘I have friends over for dinner on Christmas Eve, everyone makes their favourite festive dish, and I will roast a turkey. The table is laid with a white damask cloth and lit with candles and white fairy lights. It really is magical.’ 18 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
25bh | c o u ntry
home truths THE PROPERTY A 19th-century stone farmhouse L O C AT I O N Northumberland R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, study, pantry, boot room, five bedrooms (one en suite), one bathroom, shower room P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before, we lived in a farmhouse in a village,’ says Sarah-Jane.
Greener pastures This lovingly renovated farmhouse belonging to Sarah-Jane and Justin Gray is perfect for festive celebrations FEATURE HAZEL DOLAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY
SITTING ROOM
The restored fireplace has given this room character, along with the jewel-bright colours Sarah-Jane loves. Walls painted in Gardenia, £16 for 2.5L, Dulux. Roses lampshade, from £25, Velvet Thistle Home
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hristmas at Sarah-Jane and Justin Gray’s home is cosy and welcoming. Roaring fires, bracing country walks and lively gatherings of family and friends are all part of the plan, and at the heart of their celebrations is their huge kitchen and living space. With its long farmhouse table and fabulous views over the countryside, it’s where you are most likely to find the couple and their children Connie, 18, Hamish, 16, and Rory, 13, chatting and relaxing, along with their two spaniels Muckle and Baggins. It wasn’t always this way. On the wall hangs an early gift from friends: a framed
photograph, seen from the other side of the valley, of the farmhouse and its nearest neighbours, a castle and two grand halls. The jokey caption: ‘the worst house on the best street’ summed it up, says Sarah-Jane. ‘The building wasn’t very loveable. It had a modern conservatory on the front and was missing features you’d expect in a period home, like fireplaces and sash windows. The owners were delightful – farmers who had lived here until their eighties – and the building was sound, but functional.’ There was still plenty to capture the couple’s imagination, not least the beautiful location. ‘We felt there was something
hidden – that it could have character,’ says Sarah-Jane. So in a whirlwind six months after the couple took on the house, the builders restored chimneys, took down the conservatory, rewired, replumbed, stripped walls and floors, and reconfigured the ground floor to make it more open and practical. Taking the place back to its bones yielded a couple of lucky finds. ‘We discovered a load of old flagstones,’ says Sarah-Jane, ‘and realised we could reuse them in the boot room. Then, having been quoted £3,000 for a new floor for the kitchen, I just looked down and thought, “What’s wrong with these floorboards?” So
FAVOURITE FEATUR E ‘Opening up the front of the house to make a large kitchen has made the biggest difference. We love spending time there and the view is beautiful’ 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 21
KITCHEN-DINER
Each piece of furniture is chosen carefully to be in keeping with the scale of the space. Dining table, Corbridge Antique Centre. Spindle-backed chairs, Anderson & Garland. Similar faux berry wreath, £20, Sainsbury’s Home
KITCHEN
A bespoke island screens the working area of this room. Kitchen design and cabinetry, Phillip Bell Joinery. Darcey check curtains, £105 a pair, John Lewis, are a similar design
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FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
c o u ntry | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM
A work by South African artist Ann Lindsell-Stewart hangs above the bed. Kali headboard fabric, £36m, Jane Churchill. Throw, £85, Bronte by Moon
we just gave them a sand and a polish instead. The kitchen floor has odd joins and patches, but I love all that.’ Once the building work was finished, Sarah-Jane could make her mark. Against a backdrop of stone and warm grey, she has indulged her love of classic English country style with a mix of fabrics, rich in colour and print, and antique and vintage furniture. She and Justin have a tradition of marking birthdays with a gift to themselves and their
BEDROOM
Bright scatter cushions make a bold contrast with the traditional bedstead. Westminster bed, £500, The Iron Bed Company
home, and the beautiful kitchen dresser and framed seascape above the sitting room fireplace are among their favourites. Everything is spiced up by the cushions and lampshades Sarah-Jane designs and makes. ‘I love Harris tweed, particularly in bright colours,’ she says, ‘and I like adding some modern fabrics and statement pieces so it doesn’t look too old fashioned.’ The process of transforming their home gave Sarah-Jane the idea of using her passion
BATHROOM
for fabrics as a business, Velvet Thistle Home, and she now works from her studio in a converted outbuilding. But as Christmas approaches, she closes its door and celebrating with family takes priority. ‘At Christmas this house actually feels busier, more lived in,’ she says. ‘I decorate a lot with things I find in the garden – twigs, sticks and birch branches. Our Christmas tree is home to a collection of old favourites, usually with one new thing added each year, and we just love it.’
A botanical print blind adds interest to the subtle design. Blind fabric, Ferns, £89m, GP & J Baker
c it y | 25bh OFFICE MEETING ROOM
The high ceiling allows for a statement light fitting in this sophisticated monochrome scheme. Rug by Mariella Ienna Design. Try Vinterior for a vintage leather recliner, from around £895
Upstairs downstairs A medieval nunnery provided the perfect setting for both home and office for interior designer and architect Benta Wiley FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVIDE LOVATTI/LIVING INSIDE
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DINING AREA
Two industrial-style pendant lights contrast with the traditional farmhouse table and wicker chairs. Splügen Bräu pendant light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, £345, Chaplins
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Two flats in a 15th-century nunnery L O C AT I O N Italy R O O M S (Home) Hallway, sitting room, kitchen, playroom, three bedrooms, bathroom; (office) kitchen, bathroom, meeting room, workroom R E N T E D Since 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in another flat in the city,’ says Benta.
T KITCHEN
‘I always think a kitchen looks good kept simple; it’s how you fill it that gives it character,’ says Benta. Kitchen by Armony. Paint colour mixed by Benta herself using Sikkens paint
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he 15th-century Italian nunnery that was to become Benta Wiley’s home secured a place in her heart long before she moved in. ‘I used to peer in through the windows and admire the beautiful internal courtyard,’ she says. An architect and strategic communications planner, Benta had been living with her two daughters Aurora, 19, and Marisole, 14, in an apartment where she had also been working from home. When a friend tipped her off that two of the nunnery apartments in the historic centre of Reggio Emilia, midway between Milan and Bologna, had become available to rent, she moved decisively. ‘I realised I needed a separate space for work and the two apartments provided the perfect solution,’ she says. Both were similarly sized, with the one on the ground floor designated as the office space, and the third-floor apartment, with a balcony overlooking the gardens, to become the family home. For six months, Benta cast her design eye over the two apartments making minor adjustments with some internal walls, repainting doors, and redecorating and embellishing the properties with her extensive collection of furnishings, from antiques to mid-century design
c it y | 25bh HALLWAY
Benta added a marble top to the sideboard she bought in Ikea. Taraxacum ceiling light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, £1,640, Amara. Walls in All White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
icons. ‘As the building is listed, there’s structurally not much you can do, but I installed two new kitchens, as well as some built-in furniture and added all the lighting,’ she explains. And lighting, being such an important component of Benta’s design aesthetic, is one of the most extraordinary ingredients in her revival of the apartments. ‘Investing in incredible light fittings is always a good move because they will look great wherever you take them,’ she advises. In the hallway of her home, a large sci-fi-looking Flos light greets visitors on entry, together with the more traditional antique chairs and antlers mounted on the wall. For her kitchen, Benta was inspired by her grandmother. ‘The idea of having a kitchen with the crockery on display reminded me of my granny’s house,’ she says. For the backdrop, she chose a charcoal grey against which the crisp whiteness of her ceramics creates sculptural forms. Downstairs, the office apartment is a more formal space that acts as a blank canvas where Benta’s masterful eye for furnishings is displayed. ‘You should never be afraid to mix contemporary and older or high and low-end pieces, and you should never try to complete an interior look over one season or source all the items from one company,’ says Benta. Within the elegant high-ceilinged rooms, a finely tuned collection of sculptural light fittings, antiques and rugs are a testimony to her roaming eye and adventurous spirit. Benta encourages a relaxed approach to the work life in her office, often taking the large meeting table outside into the cloistered courtyard for long lunches. Two floors up, Marisole and Aurora can look over from the balcony – confirming that Benta really has been able to create the perfect work-life balance.
MASTER BEDROOM
The four-poster bed has linen curtains for a cocooning feel. Try the ceramic deer wall decor, £69.99, Wayfair
BEST BUY ‘The Flos
pendant light in the hallway. It might not make sense in the shop, but when in place it creates a big impact’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
BATHROOM
Wallpaper also covers the ceiling. Moooi Non Random pendant, from £613, Made In Design
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Winter wonder
When Nick and Lucy Addyman found the holiday home of their dreams in the French Alps, they enlisted expert help to get the decor right for all seasons FEATURE JENNIFER GOULDING | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL RAESIDE
home truths THE PROPERTY Detached five-bedroom 19th-century farmhouse L O C AT I O N French Alps R O O M S Hallway, kitchendiner/living area, five bedrooms, six bathrooms (five en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a house in London,’ says Lucy.
c o u ntry | 25bh LIVING AREA Lucy enlisted interior designer Tor Vivian and together they created an uncluttered space, with the warm wood complemented by rich-red upholstery. Canterbury footstool, ÂŁ319, Footstools & More, is similar. Blenheim coffee table, ÂŁ650, Neptune, would work here
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25bh | c o u ntry
KITCHEN Tor improved the lighting in this compact tucked-away area to make it more practical. Similar Lacanche Cluny range cooker, £4,300, Range Cookers. Lakeland’s Hahn Metro kitchen rail, £32.99, is a good match
H A L LWAY ‘Red is a colour that’s traditionally used for decorating chalets,’ says interior designer Tor. Try the Calabash Venetian Red table lamp, £175, Oka. Edinburgh large console table, £1,250, Neptune, would work well here
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appy childhood memories of frequent family skiing holidays in the French Alps inspired Nick Addyman to buy a small holiday flat there. Fast forward several years. By this time, Nick had met and married jazz singer Lucy Rathbone and the couple had two daughters. Nick’s beloved flat simply wasn’t large enough for his growing family. Determined to keep the old traditions alive, the Addymans began searching for a house where they could continue to enjoy spending time in France. Before beginning their search, Nick and Lucy both agreed it shouldn’t be a conventional ski chalet. ‘We didn’t want anything twee with gingham, or modern and sleek, but were after something a bit more quirky,’ says Lucy. ‘We started looking around the area of Megève,’ she says, ‘but couldn’t find anything large enough, so we widened our search to Combloux. It’s not far from Megève, but smaller and quieter, and has incredible views of Mont Blanc – in fact it’s called La Perle du Mont Blanc.’ Eventually the couple found a property they really liked: a substantial five-bedroom farmhouse that had been recently renovated. ‘We loved the sense of space, and we also liked the fact that it was an authentic, 19th-century Haute-Savoie house rather than a purpose-built chalet,’ says Lucy. ‘It had a really generous living area and all the bedrooms had en suite shower rooms. There was also a garden, which we wanted for the children.’ As an added bonus, all the bathrooms were newly fitted, and so too was
DINING AREA Smart contemporary chairs and animal print upholstery bring a sense of fun to this space. Julian Bowen Jazz stacking chairs in Red, ÂŁ69.95 each, Ascendi, are a good match
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EN SUITE Simple basins on a wooden vanity unit give this bathroom the traditional feel Lucy wanted. Crosswater Castellon round basin, £569, Drench. Soho teak vanity cabinet, £999, Tikamoon, would work here
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MASTER BEDROOM A fur throw, wool curtains and a luxurious rug give this bedroom a cosy yet tranquil feel. An elegant bureau (left) provides a space for Nick to work. Try Jonathan Charles for a similar mahogany bureau for around £3,500. Bespoke leather trunks, from £850, Brownrigg Interiors
the kitchen. ‘All that remained to be done was designing the interior decor: the curtains, additional lighting, furniture and accessories, which are all the bits I love.’ Lucy and Nick decided to enlist the help of interior designer Tor Vivian. ‘Tor and I have been friends for years and she helped us refurbish our first house,’ says Lucy. ‘She is wonderful at getting things done and I am very decisive, so we make a great team.’ Nick was content to leave the interior design to Lucy and Tor, but did specify the distinctive wingback chairs in the living area. One of Tor’s priorities was to highlight the interesting structural features of the farmhouse. ‘The wooden beams and high ceilings of the space are already beautiful,’ she says, ‘so we kept the decoration simple so these elements could be fully appreciated.’ Tor made minor alterations to the brand-new kitchen and bathrooms. ‘We improved the lighting in the kitchen as it was rather poor,’ she says. ‘And we also added a wooden vanity unit with simple basins to the master en-suite bathroom, as we felt it was more in keeping with the house’s style.’ Now the project is complete, Nick and Lucy have no doubt they made the right decision. ‘The views of the mountains are stunning,’ says Lucy, ‘and even though the farmhouse feels quite isolated, it’s only a five-minute walk to the town to buy croissants in the morning. In fact, we like it so much here we come in the summer as well as during the skiing season. It’s the perfect place to celebrate Christmas with our family.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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EFFORTLESS LUXURY At Homebase, exceptional design and sleek cabinetry work in tandem to create a kitchen you’ll love for years to come
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hen statement looks, brilliant design and streamlined storage come together, the result is a kitchen that really feels like the heart of the home. It’s not every day that this hard-working room gets a revamp, so it’s essential that everything is just the way you want it and that’s where Homebase can help. The first priority is getting the layout right. Is there room for an island, or would a breakfast bar work better? The scheme needs to be practical and encompass all your storage needs. Do you like things hidden away or would you prefer open display shelving for easy access?
Artisan kitchen in Peacock Blue, Homebase
P E R F E C T M AT C H
Choosing the right style for your home is essential. The expansive range of Homebase kitchen units includes fashion-forward, high-gloss, handleless designs and laid-back, luxurious, artisan panelled doors with subtly textured wood-grain finishes from the Copperbridge collection. Visit your nearest Homebase store to see the designs, get a feel for the cabinetry and experience the quality of the soft-close doors and drawers. D E S I G N D E TA I L S
FEATURE CAROLINE RODRIGUES
Check out the cupboard handles and select smooth, practical worksurfaces, along with energy-efficient appliances, flooring and lighting. You can browse online too, using the Homebase visualiser tool at homebase.co.uk, to put together a look you love. PRACTICAL ISSUES
At Homebase, you can book a free design and planning consultation with City & Guilds accredited kitchen experts who will steer you through each step of the project. Every detail, from ordering to delivery and fitting is taken care of. With a guarantee of up to 15 years and option of 0% APR interest-free credit, you’re in safe hands.
French Shaker kitchen in Light Blue, Homebase
Handleless kitchen in White, Homebase
FIND OUT MORE… Book a free design and planning appointment to discuss your ideas with the City & Guilds accredited kitchen experts at homebase.co.uk. 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 33
home truths
T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian semi-detached house L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, kitchendiner/sitting room, media room, utility room, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an end-of-terrace cottage nearby,’ says Marie-Laure.
SITTING AREA The design choices create a distinctly mid-century feel. Floating armchairs in Black oak, from €1,690 each; small table, €550; large table, €890, all Red Edition. Profile three-seater sofa, £4,860, Roche Bobois. Saraille Dusk rug, £1,045, Designers Guild
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THE BIGGER PICTURE An ambitious approach to the renovation of their family home has certainly paid off for Marie-Laure and James Parker FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BÉNÉDICTE DRUMMOND
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hen Marie-Laure first stepped through the doors of this Victorian semi, she had to think big. The structure was solid, but with its worn carpets, faded wallpapers and disjointed warren of rooms, its heyday had long passed. Creative vision was needed. Fortunately, Marie-Laure, a part-time treasurer, and her husband James, a lawyer, had that in spades. Having outgrown their previous home, the couple were looking for a property big
enough to accommodate sons Eliott, seven, Noah, five, and Arthur, three, as well as visits from James’ daughter Manon, 15. ‘We’d found an architect and couldn’t wait to start the update,’ says Marie-Laure. Plans involved extending at the rear, reconfiguring rooms and creating a more cohesive layout. Architect Emilie Mauran conceived an open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area in place of the existing galley kitchen and two separate sitting rooms. The result is a generous lateral space,
flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a large box window in the dining area and a Crittall window overlooking the hallway. A separate media room at the front of the house is ideal for homework and film nights. Upstairs, Emilie suggested re-siting the master bedroom to the rear of the house, overlooking the garden, and requisitioning an adjacent bedroom to create an adjoining bathroom and dressing area. On the top floor, the original dormer was extended to
l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘The right choice of architect and builder is crucial – we were so lucky that ours worked to such a high standard’ 38 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
c it y | 25bh KITCHEN-DINER Striking tiles and a dark blue colourway give this space a modern edge. Bespoke glass partition and cabinetry, both EMR Architecture. Cabinetry in Indigo Blue eggshell, £61 for 2.5L, Sanderson. Patisserie Hexagon floor tiles, £96sq m, European Heritage. Hooked 6.0 pendant, from £991, Buster + Punch
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incorporate a Juliet balcony and the eaves rooms were reworked to create larger bedrooms for Noah and Eliott. Practicality was key. ‘We love generous, open spaces but this had to be a functional home, too,’ says Marie-Laure. A utility room was created out of the original kitchen, with discreet access to a new garage and to the garden. ‘The children used to get home from school and discard their stuff everywhere,’ says Marie-Laure. ‘But we worked in plenty of hidden storage, including understairs
cupboards at their height. Now they can reach the hooks to hang up their coats and shoes can be easily stowed away.’ Emilie also designed joinery for every bedroom, painted to match the walls for a seamless look. With the structural work complete, the family could have fun with the design decisions. Among the more striking choices are the pendant in the kitchen, zebra-print armchairs in the sitting area and hexagonal kitchen floor tiles with midnight-blue cabinetry. ‘The details, such as brushed
brass drawer knobs and door handles, have made all the difference,’ says Marie-Laure. The couple ticked a few items off their wish list, too, including a modern bioethanol fireplace and a generous range cooker. ‘This winter, we’ll be enjoying lots of board games round the fire and hearty Sunday lunches,’ says Marie-Laure. And, after a year-long renovation, the family will be seeing in the New Year just as they’d hoped: in a home that perfectly blends form and function, with more than a sprinkling of creative flair.
f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘We love our bedroom, en suite and dressing room space – it’s practical yet so serene with lovely views over the garden’ 40 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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MASTER BEDROOM This calming scheme includes plenty of discreet storage. Volière pendant, £435, Holloways of Ludlow
DINING AREA The padded seat is a welcoming addition to the extension. Jane table, £2,590, Roche Bobois. Tekouma rug, £450, La Redoute
NOAH’S BEDROOM This cosy den adds a fun note. Kids’ teepee, £120, Tiny Land
ELIOTT’S BEDROOM The same wallpaper was used in all three boys’ rooms for a sense of cohesion. Woods & Stars wallpaper, £85 a roll, Cole & Son
EN SUITE Black frames and taps add sleek silhouettes. Cubik four-drawer basin unit, £2,970, Idea
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home truths THE PROPERTY New-build barn-style ski cabin L O C AT I O N Røldal, Norway R O O M S Hallway, sitting room/ kitchen-diner, laundry room, ski boot room, playroom, sauna, three bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms B U I LT I N 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘This is our holiday home, our main residence is a house in Stavanger,’ says Nina.
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CABIN FEVER Lars and Nina Bjellebø Wessel have created a cosy and contemporary ski retreat that family and friends flock to for the holidays FEATURE NICKY ADAMS /A DESIGN FEATURES | PHOTOGRAPHY LISE BJELLAND/A DESIGN FEATURES
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DINING AREA
‘I love to entertain in here,’ says Nina. ‘The more the merrier.’ Ella chairs, £229 each, Arighi Bianchi. See Kew 3 light pendant, £229, Lampsy
KITCHEN
The pendant light was crafted from materials left over from the build. Bloomingville wall lamps, £145 each, Nordic Nest
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ars and Nina Bjellebø Wessel’s barn-shaped cabin looks totally at home in the snowy landscapes of Røldal, a ski village in the Hardanger district of western Norway, but it actually originated in Lithuania. ‘Our cabin travelled a long way to be here,’ laughs Nina. ‘We are a large family that loves to ski, hike and be outdoors so Lars and I designed it to suit each and every one of us,’ she
HALLWAY
‘Views of the pretty village can be enjoyed from the daybed,’ says Lars. Livio grey sheepskin-effect rug, £230, La Redoute, is comparable
continues. ‘The plans were drawn up locally by Vårdal Arkitekter and then sent to Gildera House in Lithuania, which prefabricated the house and delivered it to Norway on big lorries. The walls and windows were put in place in just four days and the outside was finished in about 10 weeks.’ With the couple living and working three-and-a-half hours away in Stavanger, designing the inside of the cabin took far
longer. ‘For three years, we drove here at the weekends to decorate and furnish it,’ says Lars. Before they started, Nina scoured magazines and Pinterest to compile a mood board, which she stuck to religiously. ‘We designed the cabin with huge windows so we could enjoy the fantastic scenery, so we felt it was essential to tone down the inside with darker colours to create a cosy feel,’ she says. ‘I found all the muted wall colours and 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 43
l a s t w o r d ‘We gave ourselves plenty of time to think through every step we wallpaper, then we chose the wooden flooring and tiles for the hallway and ski boot room, which are ideal in the snowy winter months. There’s underfloor heating throughout the ground level, so we sourced suitable flooring that dries out quickly and stays warm.’ It was important to create an ideal base for skiing and hiking holidays for extended 44 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
family members and friends. ‘A ski storage and laundry room that opens from the outside was a practical addition,’ says Lars, ‘as was the ground-floor bathroom and sauna that also has direct access from the outside, so we can come in and warm up straightaway. We love to spend evenings together in the open-plan kitchen, where we
have a long dining table, and the living area has a two large sofas for relaxing on.’ Lars and Nina particularly enjoyed styling the bedrooms. ‘We decided to have three big family bedrooms with space for children’s beds as well as adults’ – one for us and one for our eldest daughter and her family on the ground floor, and one for
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MASTER EN SUITE
The microcement bath was custommade to fit the dimensions of this room. Cream rough hewn stone bowl sink, £185, The Stone Sink Company, has this look. Try Limborg round black metal convex mirror, £153, Maisons du Monde
MASTER BEDROOM
Metallic accents bring shimmer to this simply chic scheme. Decor Silver Sequin wallpaper, £22 a roll, B&Q. Bedlinen, from a selection, Høie of Scandinavia
BEDROOM
Daring dark blue walls create a warm and relaxing ambience. Hague Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball, is an equally deep, dramatic shade
SITTING AREA
Lars and Nina made the pendant and coffee table themselves. For vintage-style pendant cable sets, from £10, try Easy Lighting
have taken, which might be the reason we don’t regret any of our decisions’ our younger daughter and her family on the first floor,’ explains Lars. ‘Each bedroom is decorated to suit the taste of the occupants while also blending well with the rest of the cabin’s interior schemes. We’ve added two sleeping alcoves for guests, too.’ The style throughout is very personal to the couple and their family, with furniture FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
and accessories, collected from around the world or handed down, adding character and interest. The skull of a water buffalo found in Amsterdam now hangs on the sitting room wall, and there’s an array of beautiful carpets from Marrakech. ‘The dining table is 100 years old and was inherited from my mother,’ says Nina. ‘We have other
smaller antique and vintage pieces that look much better in here than in our main home.’ Having enjoyed one Christmas in the cabin, the family are looking forward to the next. ‘It felt so cosy, with the spectacular snowy scenes outside, and we had a huge Christmas tree that almost reached the roof,’ says Nina. ‘It truly was magical.’ 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 45
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
The charm of this Carmel cottage proved so irresistible for Noelle and John Micek that they decided to make it their permanent home FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES SALOMON
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DINING AREA Noelle’s subtle use of coastal-inspired textures and colours has created a refined finish. Custom-made dining table, price on request, Noelle Micek Interiors. Chairs, £405 each, CB2. Try Zalato ceramic jug, £14, La Redoute. Nicholas Haslam sells the Olisa rope console table (left), price on request
home truths THE PROPERTY Ocean-view cottage, built in 1912 L O C AT I O N Carmel-by-the-Sea, California R O O M S Hallway, sitting room/ kitchen-diner, three bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We owned a house nearby with no sea view,’ says Noelle.
d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘Scale and dimension are really important, and only really noticed if
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hen Noelle and John Micek went to view a potential holiday retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, they never imagined that the pretty, whimsical cottage with beautiful windows and an ocean view would one day become their permanent home. ‘We’d been vacationing in Carmel for six years and had just sold our first holiday home there when we viewed this property,’ explains Noelle, an interior designer and
owner of Noelle Micek Interiors. ‘We knew we wanted another holiday house in Carmel, because it’s such an eclectic place with an array of interesting properties, all with their individual charm. This house spoke to us the moment we saw it, and the ocean view certainly helped us make up our minds to live here full time.’ Built in 1912, the cottage had been renovated many times over the years but Noelle’s idea was to update it sympathetically and create a fully functioning family
SITTING ROOM A large blue rug brings the whole scheme together, linking the colours found in the cushions and artwork. Bespoke rug by Davis & Davis. Custom-made leather footstool, price on request, Noelle Micek Interiors. Magdelaine Italian hi-gloss coffee table, £225, Chic Paradis, has this look. Vinita rattan tray basket, £15.99, Wayfair, is an alternative
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done badly. So always ensure you buy furniture that’s the right size for your room’ home while retaining its authentic character and charm. It took two whole years before the couple and their two children, Charlotte, now nine, and Jack, six, finally moved in permanently. ‘During that time, we completely refurbished the kitchen and added another bathroom,’ explains Noelle. ‘The ground floor had very low ceilings so we added height in the kitchen by vaulting the ceiling. We used beams made from locally reclaimed wood and followed the roof line, and now it’s a lovely feature, as
well as creating the feeling of extra space and light.’ Other interesting architectural details Noelle was keen to keep were the striking windows, both upstairs and downstairs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. ‘Previously, the window in the kitchen was five inches from the floor, which restricted any worktop run along the wall, so we had to think practically as well as creatively about how to maximise the available space,’ says Noelle. ‘We decided to raise the window to take full advantage
KITCHEN-DINER ‘The ocean view is perfectly framed by the window and is a reminder every day of how lucky we are to live here,’ says Noelle. Custom-made bar stools, price on request, Noelle Micek Interiors. Source wooden beams like these at Heritage Reclamation. For Hinkley Fulton pendants in Bronze, £262 each, try Moonlight Design. Try Saatchi Art for paintings by Linda Donohue
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f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘It’s like being in a tree house in the master bedroom, with the oak of the view, and that gave us enough room underneath it for a large butler sink and worktop.’ With a preference for natural materials, Noelle favours reclaimed wood, which shows off the beauty of the grain; stone instead of tiles, and subtle shades to maximise the old-world style of Carmel. ‘I like to walk into a room that feels calm, so my approach is to use a muted palette without any colours jarring,’ she says. ‘I also want the eye to bounce from texture to texture rather than colour to
colour. When you go into the kitchen you notice the ceiling, then the shelves and the island. The flow of the three beautiful wood elements naturally leads your eye.’ Using soothing, neutral tones throughout the cottage, Noelle has intentionally created a continuous flow and no clear room definition. ‘In any home, especially a smaller one, there needs to be a cohesive feel,’ she explains. ‘Despite using the same colours throughout, I didn’t want every room to look exactly the same. The coastal touches
MASTER BEDROOM A striking rope chandelier and other textural touches introduce layers of interest to the simple, neutral palette. Andreana 5-light globe chandelier, £509, Wayfair.co.uk, would suit this setting. Botticelli armchair has this look, £491, Perch & Parrow. For a similar crochet pouffe, try Zury, £70, at Etsy. Walls in Sheep’s Wool matt emulsion, £79.50 for 3.79L, Benjamin Moore
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tree canopy filtering the light. It’s magical watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean’ I’ve chosen add individuality and give a nod to nature without being too obvious. I didn’t want to use a bunch of seashells, as I find the subtle qualities of materials such as rope, leather and linen much more interesting.’ Noelle’s creative flair and design expertise is particularly evident in Charlotte and Jack’s bedroom, which she cleverly engineered to fit a queen-size bed. ‘How you use space is very important so I always make a plan for each room and measure it out carefully,’ she
MASTER EN SUITE Using a pale palette from floor to ceiling, Noelle has created a calming space. Recreate this look with the Burlington Admiral Traditional bath, £1,234, and Vado Wentworth tall bath shower mixer, £940, both UK Bathrooms. See Carrara mosaics, £169.20sq m, Topps Tiles
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
says. ‘We had to remove the closet from the children’s room to make way for an en suite, so it was crucial to incorporate lots of storage for clothes and toys. The kids love their cosy bunk beds with little reading lights, and the queen-size bed is perfect for when we have friends to stay.’ With its wealth of history, relative to California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town where creatives gather and a certain whimsy resides. This tradition has been honoured by Noelle with her elegant and sensitive renovation.
CHILDREN’S BEDROOM ‘Careful planning was crucial to make use of every nook and cranny,’ explains Noelle. Topos hand-tufted Blue area rug, £159, Wayfair, is near-identical. Take a look at the blue and white large silk ikat cushion, £90, Kairos. Bashful Bunny soft toy, £18, Selfridges, is a match
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EXTERIOR
A porch was added to the front of the property during the renovation work
Festive flair
Jessie and Henry Ward have turned a rundown farmhouse into a cosy home that’s perfect for a family Christmas FEATURE AMY MAYNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY
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Ornate furniture provides a touch of luxe in the rustic setting. The round Callanish dining table, £1,845, and Washakie chairs, £320 each, all Oka, are comparable
home truths THE PROPERTY A 16th-century farmhouse L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Kitchen-diner, family room, sitting room, music room, library, boot room, seven bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller listed farmhouse near here,’ says Jessie.
FAMILY ROOM
Comfy armchairs, a roaring fire and traditional toys create an informal feel. The Duke armchair, from £670, Sofa.com, would work here. Try The Rocking Horse Shop for similar designs
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ith a new baby, a huge Bernese mountain dog, two cats and a growing number of horses and alpacas, Jessie and Henry Ward were beginning to feel the squeeze in their previous home. ‘When our first son, Xander, was born, the busy road we lived on started to worry me,’ explains Jessie. ‘We also needed more outside space for the animals, so the time seemed right to move. Henry and I looked at around 20 properties before we saw the farmhouse.’ The seven-bedroom listed home is set on an ancient sunken lane in the Hampshire countryside. The couple were drawn to the fact that space would, most definitely, no
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longer be an issue – included in the sale was a detached barn, cricket pitch and 38 acres. It was also ripe for renovation. Jessie and Henry were so keen to secure the property that they bid above the asking price to ensure the vendors took it off the market and, by Christmas 2014, the property was theirs. Work began on the house in 2016 and, throughout the process, the family lived out of two of the downstairs rooms and moved from bedroom to bedroom upstairs. By this time, Jessie was expecting their second son, Kit, so the pressure was on to get everything ready in time for his arrival. In order to reconfigure the downstairs, the couple had to obtain the necessary
listed-buildings consent and planning permission. This allowed them to create a kitchen-diner, boot room and large sitting room. A porch in brick and Bargate stone was then added to avoid the front door opening directly into the sitting room. Work went pretty smoothly until it neared the end of the project, when the renovation suffered a major setback. ‘The windows were a mixture of Crittall style that no longer shut properly and single glazing in timber frames that were rotting, so the house was freezing,’ says Jessie. ‘We took the decision to replace every window. The only ones the conservation officer would approve were bespoke, handmade timber designs with
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KITCHEN-DINER
The couple installed a reclaimed floor to complement the oldest part of the house. Get the look with reclaimed terracotta floor tiles, £1.58 each, Claybrook
inspir ation ‘The renovation means our home is bespoke to us and the way we live. It’s filled with things we’ve collected over time’
SITTING ROOM
Artisan accessories combine with sumptuous sofas in this cosy space. Rajasthani pot and Berber rug (on coffee table), from a selection, Wattle & Daub
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MASTER BEDROOM
FAVOURITE space
Statement pieces make for a sophisticated, grown-up scheme. Get the look with the Luna ceiling light, £415, Lombok
‘The barn – the reason it’s so charming is because it’s in its natural state’
BEDROOM
A wooden bed and wicker baskets provide a rustic feel. Bed, £597, Scumble Goosie
BATHROOM
Having the bath on a raised level gives the room a grand air. Soak’s Caitlyn bath, £800, is a good match. Basin, £400, Fired Earth
extremely narrow glazing bars. They were meant to be delivered two weeks before Christmas 2016, but they didn’t turn up until the following March. Everything had to be put on hold until they arrived. The work was finally finished in April, on the day I went into hospital to have Kit. But going back to a beautiful home with a new baby was magical.’ The farmhouse comes into its own at Christmas time when Jessie decorates each 56 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
room with winter greenery, baubles and candles. Even the ancient barn – the ideal party space – is bedecked with festive lights and candles. Jessie’s favourite tree, however, is in the music room – little manuscript scrolls pepper its branches. ‘We love this time of year,’ she says. ‘It’s Xander’s birthday on Christmas Eve, so we tend to have a family party to celebrate, and then it’s just the four of us on Christmas
morning, opening our stockings in bed. We go out to feed the animals and then come back for a hearty brunch, before opening the presents under the tree. The animals need feeding again at about 3pm, but then we are able to come in for a traditional lunch with all the trimmings at 4pm and can properly relax! ‘Our life here is very busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing,’ adds Jessie. ‘I love it.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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BARN
An array of festive lights and candles creates a stunning space for a Christmas gathering
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‘Mixing up different styles of furniture really works, and is less restricting when it comes to adding new pieces to your home,’ says Rebecca. G Plan cabinet, £60, eBay
home truths THE PROPERTY A Sixties bungalow L O C AT I O N Hertfordshire R O O M S Hallway, open-plan kitchen-diner and sitting room, home office, cloakroom, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a four-bedroom Victorian terrace nearby,’ says Rebecca.
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MODERN
love
While in search of more space, Rebecca and Keith Farquharson never imagined the house of their dreams would be a Sixties bungalow FEATURE SARAH WARD | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
HALLWAY
Bold and quirky designs add a sense of fun throughout. Flamingo wallpaper, £140 a roll, Muck N Brass. Dresser, £90, eBay. Monkey candleholder, £16, Dunelm
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ebecca and Keith Farquharson had always lived in period properties until they were persuaded to view a Sixties bungalow near their Victorian home in Hertfordshire. ‘We were looking for more space, a larger garden for our children, Conor, 13, and Nuala, ten, a garage and off-street parking – which is like gold dust in our town,’ says Rebecca. ‘I swore I’d never live in anything other than a traditional house, but when we viewed the bungalow, which is tucked
SITTING ROOM
‘I wanted a poured-concrete floor but it was expensive so I went for floor tiles instead,’ says Rebecca. Concrete floor tiles, £27sq m, Chiltern Tiles
away and very quiet, the space won me over. Period houses are generally long and thin but here, as soon as we walked in, there was a feeling of space everywhere. ‘I started scribbling plans on the backs of envelopes,’ she says. ‘I could see it would make a fantastic family home. You’re limited with the renovations you can do to a Victorian house, but we had the chance to completely reinvent this property.’ But even though the house ticked all the right boxes, Rebecca says there were still doubts. ‘Keith was unsure as it was so different to
our previous homes,’ she says. It wasn’t until the price dropped from £700,000 to £650,000 that the couple decided to make an offer – and secured the property. Although no strangers to renovation, they weren’t fully prepared for the scale of the work that their new home needed. ‘The house was purpose-built for a wheelchair user in 1967,’ says Rebecca, ‘and hadn’t been updated since. There was no upstairs at all – and there still isn’t, as the roof pitch is not steep enough.’ Instead of costly works to raise the roof, the couple decided 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 59
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KITCHEN-DINER
Metal pendants and stools nod to the industrial café trend. Kitchen, including Silestone quartz worktop, £12,264, Omega Kitchens. Pendants, £69 each, Industville
d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Take your time. I painted sheets of lining paper in different colours, then stuck them on the walls for weeks before we decided what to go for’ CLOAKROOM
A well-organised area gives the family plenty of storage space. Shoe cupboard, £40, eBay. Walls in Canton intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene
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to focus on extending downstairs. ‘Our sitting room is an extension,’ she says. ‘Previously, it was a decked, outside space, which was level with the rest of the house. The slope of the ground meant we could put in steps between this room and the kitchen-diner, which was originally a second living room with patio doors.’ The whole living area is open plan and one space flows into another, with separate zones marked out by different-coloured walls. While there is a lovely sense of flow and proportion to the house, Rebecca’s favourite part is the hallway. ‘The area was originally the dining room, but now we have a big entrance space,’ she says. During the renovations the family managed to live in the property while the building work carried on around them. ‘We blocked off half of the house and the builders worked on that side while we lived in the other half.’ Once structural work had finished three months later, the main challenge was to add personality to
the property. Rebecca wanted to avoid a white ‘clinical’ scheme, and decided to use colour to add contrast and character. ‘We wanted to save some money so decided to do the painting ourselves, which was exhausting but I’m actually really pleased with the result,’ she says. ‘Even though we have an open-plan hallway, kitchen-diner and sitting room with no doors at all, you feel like you are in different spaces.’ Rebecca’s philosophy of ‘buy what you love, not what you think would look right in a property’ also paid off in their new home. ‘All our old furniture worked,’ she says. ‘Our Victorian house was not particularly traditional inside.’ Now with the building work and decorating complete, Rebecca keeps her eye out for bargains. ‘I just keep adding, as it’s such a massive space to fill,’ she says. ‘I chop and change things around, and love buying new art for the walls. I want my home to reflect my personality and be colourful, brave and bold.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
SITTING ROOM
‘This is such a big space that we used a dark colour on the walls and ceiling to create a cosy feel.’ Walls in Basalt intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene
OFFICE
A vintage-style clock, desk and lamp combine with contemporary accessories to give a bohemian edge. Desk, £130, eBay. Beckett office chair, £156.99, Wayfair, is similar
MASTER BEDROOM
An eclectic mix of textures and dark, dramatic walls create an intimate and romantic look. For a similar macrame wall hanging, £75, try Cox & Cox. Bedside table, £300, Laura Ashley
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c it y | 25bh KITCHENDINER
Tessa opened up the old fireplace and was able to source a suitable fire surround on eBay. Havsen ceramic sink, £205, Ikea. Volières birdcage pendant lamp, £425, Graham and Green
home truths
T H E P R O P E R T Y Period apartment, built in 1853 L O C AT I O N Edinburgh R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a small apartment in Notting Hill before moving back to Edinburgh,’ says Tessa.
Dramatic licence
Deep hues and velvety fabrics combine to create a rich backdrop for Tessa MacGregor’s fantastical artworks in her eclectic Victorian home FEATURE ALISON GIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGLAS GIBB
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SITTING ROOM
This dramatic room has contemporary accents such as the Ligne Roset Togo orange corner chair, rescued from Tessa’s mother’s attic. The mirror above the mantelpiece is by Graham and Green, from £145. Chandelier, £1,955, Abigail Ahern. Walls in Bedford Brown matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Abigail Ahern at Craig & Rose
KITCHEN-DINER
Behind crumbling plaster, Tessa found brickwork – an attractive backdrop for open shelving. Italian tiles, £12sq m, B&Q. Smeg cooker, £849, Currys
EN SUITE
A gilt-framed mirror and richly coloured glasses add a decadent touch. Atlas Star Anise Pearl tiles by Neisha Crosland, £35 each, Fired Earth. Rose pink hand towel, £20, Jennifer’s Hamam
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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rtist Tessa MacGregor had enjoyed living and studying in London and her work was gaining a growing following. ‘My flat was tiny and I realised that with the capital from my Notting Hill apartment, I could buy somewhere much more spacious in my home city of Edinburgh and set up a studio,’ she says. She felt the time was right for her career, so she made the break and moved back, delighted to be near family and old friends again. She wasted no time looking for a new home and found a flat in an elegant Victorian building. ‘It wasn’t in great condition when I bought it,’ Tessa recalls, but she felt confident that she could create the home she wanted as the improvements required were mostly cosmetic. Original features, such as flagstones in the hallway and kitchen, were what particularly appealed to Tessa and she was keen to preserve them as they fitted the bohemian look she wanted to create when she made the flat her own. ‘I had been on a day-long Abigail Ahern workshop at her home, so I was brimming with ideas,’ she says. The constraints of a tight budget didn’t hold Tessa back. ‘Being on a budget makes you more creative. In fact, a good friendly builder, some junk-shop finds, a couple of inherited pieces and just a few expensive items are all you really need.’ Family heirlooms have made a great starting point and Tessa raided her mother’s attic on a several occasions. She is
Different styles combine in this dramatic space, in which the ceiling, walls, woodwork and floor have all been painted in a deep blue for a cocooning effect. Walls in Rivington Blue matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Abigail Ahern at Craig & Rose. The Malta geometric rug is similar, £59, Wayfair
Decor ating tip ‘Be bold with
colour, but limit your palette to three shades in a room and you will find you can always make it work’ also a regular visitor to her favourite shop, Graham and Green, as its quirky style combines well with the vintage pieces she has been given or bought. ‘I’m quite happy with furniture that’s a bit rough around the edges,’ she says. ‘I want my flat to have something of the look of a Lower East Side loft about it, so I don’t get hung up if things have a bit of wear.’ Walls and floorboards have been painted throughout the apartment using strong colours, and stylish antique pieces of furniture have been added, which help to acknowledge the building’s history. Tessa’s strong style is also seen in her paintings, which she displays throughout her flat. She supports friends who are artists and hangs their work, too. ‘Tim Walker’s amazing photography for Vogue is a huge inspiration,’ she reveals. ‘I love anything magical and fantastical.’ Forests and dark landscapes are her first go-to for ideas for paintings and they are also the inspiration for her interiors. Finding that she loves interior design almost as much as art has been something of a revelation. ‘It is all about the combinations of colours and contrasts for me,’ she explains. 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 65
EXTERIOR
The garden was impressively redesigned by the late renowned landscape architect John Brookes, with an extensive planting scheme by Jemima-Jane Currie
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 1780s detached country house, significantly extended in 1900 L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, morning room, dining room, kitchen, music room, library, 10 bedrooms (seven en suite) shower room, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from a home in London,’ says Alison.
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BACK TO LIFE Alison Smith has revived this historic house by deftly mixing colour and pattern with its period features FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA MURRAY
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easoned renovator Alison Smith has never been afraid to roll up her sleeves, so the prospect of starting work on a historic country house in the middle of winter didn’t faze her. ‘My husband and I completed the purchase during a chilly December, and we were so keen to spend the night here that we camped in the annexe in our
ski gear,’ she smiles. ‘I remember answering the door to carol singers while wearing wellies and Marigold gloves.’ In its heyday, this was a prominent hunting, shooting and fishing estate, but it had long since fallen into disrepair. ‘The plumbing, electricity and heating didn’t work and the house hadn’t been upgraded in decades,’ says Alison. ‘But it had a wealth of
period features, including wood panelling, parquet flooring, mullion windows and marble sinks.’ The couple, both lawyers, knew that with plenty of imagination and a sympathetic approach, they could revive the listed home for themselves and their three teenage children, plus golden retriever Eddie. Although the structure was sound, much internal work was needed. Walls were 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 67
ORANGERY
One of the last stages of the renovation was the addition of this informal living area. ‘It gives a vital connection to the garden and means that we can enjoy the view year round,’ says Alison. Tom Foolery sofa, from £1,759, Sofa Workshop. Safavieh Everly rug, £154, Only Home, is similar
l e s s o n l e a r n t ‘To save on retail prices, look for ends of rolls and discontinued stock – I sourced the kitchen flooring direct from a quarry in India’ removed to achieve a sense of flow and the layout was reconfigured to create en suites for most of the bedrooms. The second floor, formerly servants’ quarters, was largely opened up to better connect to the floor below, allowing for the installation of a double-height window and a striking spiral staircase. Downstairs, four smaller rooms made way for one large kitchen, and latterly an orangery, to maximise the light and views of the garden. ‘We wanted to make sure that there was no dead space in the house and that rooms weren’t saved for best,’ says Alison. ‘The larger living areas, such as the sitting 68 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
room, are multifunctional, lending themselves as well to hosting big gatherings as to solitary reading by the fire.’ Perhaps the trickiest moment of the renovation was the discovery that just one square inch of a beam was supporting two sets of floor joists in the ceiling of the library. After a nail-biting wait, the proper supports were put in place – and the less stressful process of decorating could begin. A love of colour, pattern and texture informs Alison’s confident design choices, but she admits that she and her husband favour different approaches. ‘We have diametrically opposing tastes,’ she smiles,
c o u ntry | 25bh KITCHEN
The blue island and vibrant pendants add pops of colour to this largely neutral space. Chichester and Suffolk units, price on request, Neptune. Island in Hague Blue estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Titan pendants in Red with Gold interior, from £259 each, Original BTC. Ingolf bar stools, £60 each, Ikea
HALLWAY AND MUSIC ROOM
The original parquet flooring, panelling and cornices have been carefully restored. Rug, Sheba Iranian Carpets
SITTING ROOM
A blend of antiques, favourite artwork and floral curtains gives this space a soft, classic feel. Curtains in Hadham in Pomegranate/ Linen, £115m, Sanderson
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MASTER BEDROOM
‘My design choices have become bolder over the years,’ says Alison, who opted for a striking wallpaper to anchor this space. Indira Charcoal wallpaper, £59 a roll, Clarke & Clarke. The bedside chests are from a souk in Dubai
referring to his fondness for symmetry and classicism and her preference for a more up-to-date look. Yet the two styles converge harmoniously throughout: pops of colour, such as the bold orange walls in the hallway, bring a modern note to the period features, while the understated seagrass wallpaper and stained oak flooring in the library have
a steadying restraint. ‘I believe the eye needs to feel comfortable,’ says Alison. ‘So we have provided areas of interest using patterned wallpaper and contemporary artwork.’ The couple took the same approach to reworking their extensive gardens. ‘We wanted to have a series of “rooms”, starting with more formal designs close to the
CLOAKROOM
With original floor tiles, this scheme is a creative mix of old and new. Pheasant wallpaper, £87 a roll, Barneby Gates. Coolie pendant, £175, Original BTC at Hoxton Lights
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house and unfolding naturally into relaxed areas, such as the wildflower gardens farther out,’ says Alison. Their joy at reviving this country home is palpable. ‘Life here with our family is chaotic, but that’s just how we wanted it,’ says Alison. ‘And after a lot of effort, we feel that the house can finally sing again.’
DAUGHTER’S EN SUITE
The reinforced step was added to take the weight of the cast-iron bath, which offers views of the garden. Astonian Rimini bath with castiron feet, £1,263, Aston Matthews
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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THE RIGHT MOVES
Experienced renovators Varinia and Paul Joyce had their work cut out to turn this unloved Victorian property into a warm and inviting home FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
home truths
KITCHEN ‘The change in flooring marks the divide between the new and original part of the house,’ explains Varinia. Try Taj Grey limestone tiles, £39.38sq m, Stone Superstore. Natural Solutions Classique Oak Rustic flooring, £58.99sq m, World of Flooring
THE PROPERTY Detached Victorian house L O C AT I O N Burton-onTrent, Staffordshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, office, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘A two-bedroom Victorian terrace near here,’ says Varinia.
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H A L LWAY A tartan carpet and patterned lampshade add interest to the neutral scheme. Braeburn carpet in Myrtle, £70m, Ulster Carpets. Fryetts Bergan Scandi lampshade is similar, £24.99, KuShade at Etsy
V
DINING AREA The hard-wearing zinc-topped table and metal chair bring an industrial feel to the open-plan space. Recreate the look with the Hampton zinc table, £750, Cox & Cox. Tolix chair, £266, Made In Design
arinia Joyce admits that she’s a ‘serial renovator’, having moved 10 times in the last 30 years with her husband, Paul. So when a neglected Victorian property near their previous home caught her eye while she was walking past it one afternoon, she couldn’t resist stopping to take a look. ‘Paul and I were aware the house had gone unsold at auction and was empty, so we had a peek through the windows and at the garden,’ she says. ‘We’d never taken on a project of this scale before and liked the idea of starting from scratch.’ The couple, who run a vehicle re-marketing business, offered the full asking price without stepping inside, but the estate agent insisted they view the property first. Duly they did – and remained unfazed by the poky layout, lack of heating and absence of a working kitchen. ‘The whole place had a nice feel to it,’ Varinia continues. ‘There was also an opportunity to create a large open-plan layout, with a kitchen and relaxed dining and living area.’ Varinia sketched out their ambitious ideas so an architect could draw up plans. As well as extending onto the footprint of the rear coal shed and converting the garage, the couple planned to extend to the side and relocate the front door and staircase. ‘We wanted the rooms to be as big as possible, and the kitchen was the most important space,’ she explains. ‘I had my heart set on a DeVoL kitchen and chose The 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 73
SITTING ROOM Tactile textures, vibrant cushions and lush greenery fill the space with personality. The antique cupboard (right) was intended for the couple’s bedroom but proved to be too heavy to carry upstairs. Mitford Lounger sofa, £3,100, John Sankey. Source a cowhide rug, £269, from Hide Rugs. Try Bullfinch cushion, from £24.99, Perkins & Morley
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EN SUITE A granite offcut from a local shop contributes to the luxurious look in the couple’s bathroom. Granite, £850, Alpha Quartz. Handmade vanity unit painted in Purbeck Stone estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
Real Shaker in a creamy grey, with a darker grey tone on the island unit. The colour scheme for the whole house unfolded from there – even for the front door.’ A visit to the Artist Residence, a boutique hotel in Brighton, turned out to be an unexpected source of inspiration when the couple spotted a vintage garage door in the reception that was fitted on runners. ‘We thought it looked great, but our builders thought we were bonkers when we asked them to do the same with our old garage doors!’ says Varinia. The reclaimed sliding doors are now in the kitchen and sitting room, while a salvaged door from the old potting shed leads into the utility room. A beam from the demolished pantry was sliced in half and upcycled by their joiner, Joe Thompson from JT Joinery. ‘He glued one piece of the oak above the new kitchen window and another above the patio doors to look like original wood lintels,’ explains Varinia. ‘It’s very effective.’ This juxtaposition of old and new is evident throughout: a contemporary woodburner takes pride of place in the sitting room, and a pair of antique Balinese doors make a striking wall feature in the master suite. Such treasures have come from auctions, exotic holidays and local artisans. Although the couple enjoy living in their newly refurbished house, the self-confessed serial renovator can’t resist keeping an eye out for her next project. ‘I would love to refurbish a Victorian farmhouse,’ Varinia admits. FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
MASTER BEDROOM ‘I bought the Balinese doors on a whim at auction,’ says Varinia. ‘They’re too small to fit a wardrobe so they’re displayed on a stud wall, behind which is our walk-in wardrobe.’ The Koi Carp cushion is a good match, £55, Amara
SITTING ROOM A palette of creams and blues, plenty of textured fabrics and generous blinds, sheers and curtains bring a luxurious coastal theme. Sofa in Pepper in Cream, £212m, Donghia. Walls in Strong White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Art & Decor Natural 0213 curtains, Alton Brooke
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian double-fronted cottage L O C AT I O N North Devon R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, study, four bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have homes in London and Scotland,’ says Katharine.
SINGING THE BLUES FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY RAY MAIN
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Interior designer Katharine Pooley spotted the potential of a run-down coastal property and turned it into a covetable beachside escape 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 77
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H A L LWAY Katharine chose practical stone flooring and a vintage console for a rustic note. Brinley wall lights, £90 each, Holloways of Ludlow
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or busy interior designer Katharine Pooley, the idea of a place to escape to has enduring appeal. So it’s no surprise she was seduced by this lime-washed Victorian house in the pretty village of Croyde, in Devon, where she knew that she could unplug from modern life along with husband Daniel and sons Jack, nine, and Charlie, seven. ‘My schedule can be a little high-octane, so coming here is something we all really look forward to.’ Her love affair with the area started when the wider family decamped here around five years ago to celebrate the life of Daniel’s grandmother, who had recently passed away. Katharine felt an immediate affinity with the landscape, made more special knowing her father had been evacuated nearby in the Second World War. ‘I kept my eye out for a property and eventually this one came up,’ she says. ‘It
EN SUITE A generous bateau bath painted blue adds a jaunty coastal mood. Bath in Stiffkey Blue estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Easthampton marble wall tiles, £10.64 each, Fired Earth
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KITCHEN Bespoke joinery creates a traditional feel in this space, which combines practical touches with a homely feel. Kitchen, Humphrey Munson. Blind in Slade Stripe, £55m, Zoe Glencross
was structurally sound, but needed attention; it was originally a three-bedroom property with a separate bedsit.’ Katharine secured planning permission to reintegrate the bedsit and build into the roof space to create a third floor. She also reconfigured the layout to accommodate four bedrooms and bathrooms. ‘Rewiring, repointing and dealing with the foundations was pretty straightforward,’ says the designer. ‘The challenge, as always, was in creating a space that could handle a family while maintaining an air of calm.’ Katharine has included features that help with this: an outdoor shower and wet room for people returning from the beach; a hidden step to allow Jack and Charlie to reach the kitchen taps; plus pull-out desks for homework in the boys’ bedroom. Fittingly, given its location, the house subtly reflects its coastal setting with a
palette of blues, creams and corals. A handful of nautical touches, including a headboard made from oars in one of the bedrooms, rope-framed mirrors, seascapes and rustic furniture, add character and texture. The designer’s eye for detail means that no stone has been left unturned – even the study chair has been altered so that it is the right height for the desk, while a concealed heater in the garden allows for outdoor dining in the winter. ‘In fact, January is one of my favourite months here,’ says Katharine. ‘It’s quiet and pub lunches are accompanied by cosy roaring fires.’ Despite the house’s many mod-cons, Katharine’s favourite addition is pleasingly low-tech. ‘I’ve just had an old-fashioned washing line fitted in the garden,’ she smiles. ‘I’m delighted with it.’ Proof if proof were needed that the designer has taken to the good life like a duck to water.
BEDROOM Coral enhances this neutral scheme in the roof space. Headboard in Vienna Velvet in Flamenco, £180m, De Le Cuona. Try Samarkand shade in Pink/Eau de Nil, £205, Soho Home
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Majestic monochrome
Barbara Bachmann and Nicolas Commerot turned two Parisienne flats into an elegant family apartment FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE & MARIO LECUYER PHOTOGRAPHY PAULINE LOGOFF/AC SCOFFONI
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LIVING AREA The mainly black and white colour scheme lets the apartment’s stunning original features stand out, while the large sofas and cosy textiles ensure the grand space still feels relaxed and inviting. Try Habitat’s Hendricks sofa in Natural, £1,500. Costes armchairs by Philippe Starck, £729 each, Made in Design. The Berber Illusia rug, £232, RugVista, is a good match
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KITCHEN-DINER Moody grey units create a dramatic feel and blend seamlessly into the dark walls behind. The island provides handy extra storage with drawers and cupboards on both sides. Walls in Railings estate emulsion, ÂŁ46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Nova units in Matt Slate, from ÂŁ1,553 for eight, Magnet
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home truths THE PROPERTY A Haussmannian apartment, built in 1870 L O C AT I O N Paris R O O M S Hallway, kitchendiner/living area, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented a property in Paris but wanted a place of our own to renovate,’ says Barbara.
A
lthough this stunning historic apartment was originally divided into two flats, interior designer Barbara Bachmann knew that with some clever reconfiguration it could become the perfect family home. ‘Architect Georges-Eugène Haussmann rebuilt Paris in the mid 19th century and made it the beautiful city it is today,’ says Barbara. ‘We adore his style of architecture and, after two years of searching for a Haussmannian property, we saw this one. With its high ceilings and original fireplaces, it was exactly what we were after.’ Barbara and her husband, Nicolas Commerot, immediately saw the potential to create their dream home. There was plenty of space – 160 square metres of it – with room to create a vast open-plan
living area with three separate bedrooms, so that the couple could entertain friends without disturbing their children. Not a single square metre of the apartment escaped Barbara’s extensive, six-month renovation. The electricity and plumbing were updated, and she had the pipes and wires run under the floor, which meant taking up and relaying the original parquet. At the heart of this project, though, was the wish to preserve the character of the apartment. ‘People want to feel the origins of a place,’ says Barbara. However, the couple had to tear down an original wall to link the kitchen with the rest of the living space. Despite it being a historic building, this didn’t require planning permission. ‘That was a difficult decision because it was a great piece of Haussmannian
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25bh | c it y H A L LWAY A local artist painted the original parquet floor in this eye-catching pattern, which is inspired by a design at the famous Grand Pigalle Hotel in Paris. The artwork cleverly resembles encaustic tiles. The Katrine White/Black floor tile, ÂŁ233.86sq m, Original Features, is a good alternative
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MASTER BEDROOM The bespoke, extra-long upholstered headboard adds width and a touch of boutique hotel chic to this elegant space. Wall in Light Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. For a similar embroidered cushion, try Perch & Parrow’s Eva, £45. Feather & Black’s Capri pillowcase, £18, would work
BEDROOM A pop of pink lifts the scheme. Cloudy wallpaper by Bien Fait, £254 a roll, Made in Design
EN SUITE Marble details add grandeur. Try Statuario marble wall tiles, from £75.87sq m, All Natural Tiles
d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Dare to mix colours, materials, and antiques with new’ history,’ says Barbara. A former chimney in the kitchen space was impossible to remove, so the fireplace and surround have become a feature. ‘I designed the kitchen to blend seamlessly with the living area, but we can also close off everything with doors,’ says Barbara. The master suite was reconfigured as a wooden ‘box’ to house a new toilet and bathroom, with a door opening into the bedroom. Barbara has used a variety of contemporary materials, such as aluminium worktops, a concrete coffee table, velvet curtains and furniture that combines wood with steel. The palette is mostly white, with grey and black, plus a few uplifting hues of blue and flashes of pattern. ‘I’ve used a strong white throughout, and dark FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
shades to create a boundary between zones,’ says Barbara. ‘When you have no dividing walls, colours and materials define the space.’ The finished apartment is exactly as Barbara imagined it. Mirrors bounce the light around, tactile rugs add comfort, and the furniture is a clever mix of design classics and flea market finds. ‘Playing with materials creates atmosphere,’ says Barbara. Last year, with the birth of their third child, Romy, a mezzanine level was built in the room their older children Paul, eight, and Zoe, five, share. ‘I put up cloud wallpaper so they sleep and dream in the sky. I also created a dedicated bathroom that they all share,’ says Barbara. ‘This really is our perfect home.’ 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 85
HAPP Y RE TUR N S A long-distance house-hunt led Pippa Norton and her family from the bright lights of Florida to the quiet beauty of the Oxfordshire countryside FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH
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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II-listed house, built circa 1800 L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire P U R C H A S E D 2016 R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, snug, media room, study, utility room, boot room, basement, wine cellar, five bedrooms, two bathrooms, shower room PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a Key West-style home in Miami,’ says Pippa.
SITTING ROOM
The magnificent bay window makes the perfect position for the family’s Christmas tree. The two armchairs placed either side reflect the symmetry of the Georgian architecture. Chantal armchair in White is similar, £1,150, Oka. Nordmann Fir Christmas tree, from £39.95, Pines and Needles. Baubles, £4 each, Burford Garden Company
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SITTING ROOM
‘We used the fireplace and a favourite painting to centralise the seating and make the room feel symmetrical,’ says Pippa. Original Pissarro artwork, price on request, Stern Pissarro Gallery. Walls in Bone China matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene
SNUG
The deep blue scheme creates an all-enveloping feel. Juicy Jute grasscloth wallcovering in Tantalizing Teal, £108 a roll, Phillip Jeffries
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eturning to the UK after living abroad for eight years, Pippa Norton and her husband were keen to make the move as seamless as possible for their sons, Max, 11, and Charlie, nine. ‘We had lived in five countries in eight years and it was time to settle down,’ says Pippa. ‘Oxfordshire had the perfect balance of excellent schools, pretty and historic market towns, beautiful countryside – and all in easy reach of London.’ As the family were previously living in Miami, house hunting was done online. ‘When we saw this property, we knew it was special,’ says Pippa. ‘Built in the 1800s, it had a wealth of traditional features, but the interior was a sea of pink and gold gilt. It couldn’t have been any more different to our modern Key West-style home but, with its full-height bay windows, original shutters and fireplaces, intricate mouldings and high ceilings, we fell in love with its charm.’ The couple wanted to restore the house to the elegant, period family home it would have once been, respecting the heritage of the building, while updating it to suit modern life. They were also keen to transform the basement from a damp cellar into a series of rooms, creating a whole new level. ‘Work began on the house before we even got on the plane,’ says Pippa. ‘Everything needed doing – the
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Formerly a dark and cold space, this room is now a warm and inviting place to relax, eat and entertain. Walls in Hardwick White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Balmoral six-seater table, £2,650, Neptune
d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘To create the cosy, cocooning ambiance in the snug, we painted the ceiling and the woodwork the same colour as the wallpaper’
KITCHEN
A large piece of artwork draws the eye with its playful, bold splashes of colour. Parrot II limited-edition giclee print by Dave White, £1,950 framed, The Drang Gallery in Padstow. Cabinetry, price on request, Andrew Lord Furniture
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Soft textures and calming tones of blue and cream create a restful sanctuary. Walls in Skylight estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Try the Bowery table lamp, £90, The White Company. Bench covered in fabric similar to Jane Churchill’s Fontaine, £69m
BATHROOM
Luxurious details transform this practical family space. Panelling in Toad eggshell, £64 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Starback Straight Arm Mini wall light in Bronze, £912, Hector Finch
l a s t w o r d ‘There is no better time to be here than Christmas, when we like taking long walks and relaxing in front of the fire’
electrics, heating, tanking the basement, new floors, bathrooms and kitchen. We rented nearby and, with our belongings in storage, lived out of suitcases. Initially, we thought the renovations would take six months, but work fell behind by three months.’ Tired of renting, the family moved into the house before work was finished. ‘It was a dusty building site, but I felt more in control by being there,’ says Pippa. With building work finished and the family’s belongings out of storage, Pippa’s attention turned to the decor. Even though she had a vision of how she wanted each room to look, she felt overwhelmed by the scale of the project. ‘I enlisted the help of Jo Calver from Isla James Interiors, who was able to help me put my ideas into action,’ says Pippa. ‘She knew where to source what I wanted and gave me a fresh perspective on rooms where I was drawing a blank. ‘This was a move and a restoration project on a grand scale,’ says Pippa. ‘I was reluctant to leave Miami, but we have breathed life back into this beautiful old house and created a home in a quintessentially English part of the world. I really do feel incredibly fortunate.’ 90 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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SHADES OF GREY
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Canadian artist Corran Brownlee leaves something for the imagination in his haunting paintings, available at Runway Gallery
fter starting out as a storyboard artist in Canada in the late Nineties, Corran Brownlee immersed himself in the British and American film industry. For two decades, he used his creativity to realise the visions of others, compiling storyboards, visual effects and concept designs on anything from Guinness adverts to James Bond film opening titles. In 2016, a trip back to his native Calgary – where he’s now based – inspired a change in career; ‘working in film, TV and advertising, I struggled to find my own voice – I could never hear it while working on other people’s dreams,’ he says. ‘Now, I focus solely on my own art; just me, some charcoal pencils and a stack of paper – it’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.’ DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE
I like my pieces to feel like a dream or a memory. I’ll leave hints of narrative but keep most of the scene covered in shadow. This way, the viewer becomes the storyteller and hopefully connects with my work on a more personal level. Some people see comedy where others see tragedy.
FEATURE TARA KING ARTWORKS CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT BADGES; PLUME; BETTA
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?
After working digitally for decades, I wanted to get back to basics and create something minimal yet impactful. I felt charcoal would be perfect as it’s one of the oldest storytelling tools. It’s very workable, too, so I have lots of opportunity to change my mind. I use black so the viewers can project their own colours; it’s more personal that way. I also like using oil paints. I love that I can leave them for hours and they remain wet – I never feel rushed to finish a painting. TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT DOMESTICATION SERIES
Moving from place to place all the time, I quickly learnt that home is not a place, but a state of mind. I explore this concept by using imagery of wild animals juxtaposed with decorative wallpaper; the familiar patterns offer a sense of
nostalgia and belonging, while the animals represent curiosity and freedom. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE?
Yes, it’s called Runaway. One cold January evening, I returned from a walk with a compulsion to draw what turned out to be the most significant piece I’ve ever created. A white hare with its back turned, leading us into unknown darkness: a simple image of hope. That was the moment I decided to devote the rest of my life to art. ANY CELEBRITY FANS?
Some very talented people who I’ve adored for years have bought my work. Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst and Jodie Whittaker to name a few. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY ARTWORK IN YOUR OWN HOME?
I’m a fan of gallery walls for smaller pieces. I’m pretty nerdy when it comes to grouping artworks – particularly my
own. I’ll build a 3D model of the space, then try out a number of different positions before I commit to the final layout. It takes patience, but it’s worth doing. I’d advise arranging your collection on the floor to get an overall sense of how it’s going to look on the wall. WHERE IS YOUR WORK BEST HUNG?
I love seeing black and white drawings hanging on colourful walls. A couple of clients have hung my work above their fireplace, which is an honour – that’s prime wall real estate! I grew up with paintings on every wall, regardless of colour, size or style. They didn’t match, but that’s a good thing in my opinion. If you try too hard to co-ordinate, you start to lose the individuality in each piece. Buy original and limited edition artworks for your home by Corran Brownlee and other contemporary artists at new online venture Runway Gallery, runway-gallery.com
COMING NEXT MONTH… Newcastle-based artist Simone Webb combines traditional and modern techniques to create her ethereal artworks. Delicate flora and fauna bloom and decay across stark backgrounds in a nod to nature’s fleeting beauty. 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 91
SITTING ROOM
Anna loves the Art Deco-style wall lights and black marble fireplace set against smoky-green walls. A dramatic rug links the two sofas. Christian Lacroix Bosquet Roseau rug, £1,195, Pad Lifestyle
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Georgian terraced townhouse L O C AT I O N Edinburgh R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room suite, kitchen-diner, four bedrooms (two en suite), cinema room, basement gym P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a similar property but it overlooked houses,’ says Anna.
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A CLASSIC
SYNERGY
Unable to resist the charm of a dated Georgian property, Anna and Haj Atwal used their experience to create a stunning home FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY DOUGLAS GIBB
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The original encaustic tiles on the floor work well with the industrial-style Crittall doors. The Olde English Grasmere Geometric floor tile is a match, from £369.18sq m, Period Property Store
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espite two Georgian townhouse renovations under their belt, Anna and Haj Atwal didn’t balk at the chance to do it all again. Opposite beautiful private gardens instead of facing other houses, their new project came complete with an abundance of period details. ‘We didn’t plan to move, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ says Anna. ‘The house has beautiful light, open views and is on our favourite street in Edinburgh. I’m hugely passionate about period property, especially Georgian. I love the scale and natural light of the rooms, the high ceilings and large windows, and the challenge of breathing new life into buildings in need of restoration.’ For the previous five years, the house had been left empty but fully furnished, so it was in a sad and dusty
state. Refurbished in the Eighties, the windows, structure and general layout were good, but the decor and fittings were dated. ‘We didn’t need to do much to the layout other than move a few doors,’ says Anna. ‘I’d have loved a huge open space from front to back but it’s a Category A listed building. I decided to integrate the kitchen with the hallway and open the entrance up to accommodate the Crittall glazing, which reveals the staircase.’ It was while they were widening the opening to the kitchen that a bit of the hallway floor became exposed – and under the laminate Anna spotted a small Victorian tile. ‘We lifted a little more of the laminate to check, and there was this stunning section of the original tiling,’ she says. Ripping up more of the laminate eventually revealed an intact, tiled floor! This is now one of the most beautiful 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 93
DINING AREA
Soft black walls make this a cosy space, warmed by Beni Ourain rugs. Off Black estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
KITCHEN
The design is clean and simple with a polished-marble worktop over pale-grey units. A huge chandelier adds drama to the high ceiling. Kitchen handmade by Roundhouse Designs in solid walnut. Wren Kitchens J Pull kitchen, from £1,800, is similar
decor ating tip ‘Don’t be too quick to decide on a scheme and if you’re
struggling, paint it all white, live in it and then start working it out from there’ aspects of the house, and it works wonderfully with the new industrial-style Crittall doors.’ Anna’s sense of style is honed by her job as owner of Pad Lifestyle, selling homewares, furniture, art, lighting, and fashion, with a new concession at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. ‘I’m a magpie for cool, collectable brands that I source and curate,’ she says. For her own home, this translates into a stunning interior with a mix of styles and eras: relaxed grandeur with a bit of glam and a touch of fun. ‘The house had felt so dark and sad, so I started by painting everything white, including the wooden floors,’ she explains. ‘Once I’d done that, we lived in it for a bit, getting used to the light in all the rooms.’ Then she started 94 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
layering on touches of colour, first adding a dark contrast to the wall below the dado rail in the hallway and up the sweeping staircase. This created a really smart base to which she added colour and personality through artworks. ‘I love pink and greens together - pink is a happy colour, and using just a sprinkling through textiles, artwork and even a sofa is not an overpowering statement. Green also has that pleasing factor, and I use soft, chalky grey accenting in various complementary tones,’ says Anna. Mirrors and twinkling crystal chandeliers bounce light and reflect the views, while cosy rugs add texture and comfort. Anna also added sculptures and unusual items throughout. ‘Spaces should not be so serious!’ she says.
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‘I wanted this to be a sanctuary to relax in, and not too formal or grand,’ says Anna. Pink Muuto Connect sofa, from £2,622 for a two-seater, is similar. Cushions from £105, Pad Lifestyle. Chimney breast in Cheviot Flannel emulsion, £48 for 2.5L, Designers Guild
EN SUITE
A stand-out wallpaper frames the roll-top bath in Anna and Haj’s private first-floor suite (above). Cole & Son Palm Jungle wallpaper in emerald, £100 per roll, Pad Lifestyle
MASTER BEDROOM
An Indonesian-style four-poster and original range-style black iron fireplace add a little romance. Homes Direct 365’s Barley Twist four poster, £849.99, has this look
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LET THERE BE LIGHT
Drawing on various design influences, Sophie Norton and husband Peter have opened up a poorly laid-out house to make an elegant home FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH
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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Built in 1750, a series of cottages were made into one in the 19th century L O C AT I O N Warwickshire P U R C H A S E D 2007 R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, utility room, boot room, study, children’s snug, wine cellar, five bedrooms, three bathrooms. PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We’d been living in an 18thcentury farmhouse,’ says Sophie.
KITCHEN
This room is now a unique open space, with light pouring through from the vaulted ceiling. Cabinetry made by Simon Woodgrayne, price on request. Moby Dick pendant lights, £875 each, Karman. Custom-stained oak flooring, around £200sq m, Lemma. Utility high stool (left), £930 each, Stellar Works. Walls painted in Skimming Stone estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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25bh | c o u ntry design objective ‘We wanted to create an area that had Art Deco elegance but with a contemporary feel that was modern and functional’
DINING ROOM
‘I could go big in the large dining space,’ says Sophie. ‘The huge ceramic table fits like a dream.’ Paralog ceramic table in Scum, price on request, Triss. Utility U dining chairs in Gamay, £589 each; Ren dining armchair in natural walnut and Green, price on request, both Stellar Works. Large sideboard repainted in a similar colour to Down Pipe estate eggshell, £68 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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SITTING ROOM
With its comfy sofa and soft lighting, this area is a perfect place for the family to relax. Casablanca sofa, £7,000, Baxter. Thread lamp base, £1,986, Porta Romana
HALLWAY
The classic mid-century Danish sofa with its pop of yellow works well in this setting. Mayor AJ5 Sofa by Arne Jacobsen in Yellow, price on request, &tradition
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hen Sophie Norton and her husband Peter first saw the 17th-century farmhouse that was to become their home, it ticked all the right boxes. Set in the Warwickshire countryside in front of a deer park, the property was spacious with a big garden and had plenty of potential. ‘The house was in good shape,’ says Sophie, ‘but spatially it didn’t really work for us or our children, George, now 18, Sebastian, 15, and Celia, 11. Apart from the beautiful hallway, everywhere was dark and closed off, so our aim was to create a more open home, filled with natural light.’
FULFILLING POTENTIAL
BATHROOM
‘We kept this space simple with diagonal marble tiles and a large, white freestanding bath,’ says Sophie. Calacatta tumbled marble floor tiles are similar, £47sq m, Mandarin Stone
Sophie and Peter decided to wait until they felt ready to tackle the work. ‘In hindsight, just living in the house made us really consider our choices,’ says Sophie. ‘And when we did finally start work five years later, we were much bolder with our plans.’ With help from the couple’s friend, interior designer Claire Nelson from Nelson Design, Sophie and Peter came up with a new layout and, in 2012, the building work began. The back of the house, which had been home to a small, dark kitchen, was extended to create a large kitchen area with a high vaulted ceiling and a spacious
favourite featur e ‘There are now no dark rooms and each space has a purpose’ MASTER BEDROOM
‘This room wasn’t changed during the renovation, but we updated it with patterned wallpaper, colourful throws and bright cushions,’ says Sophie. Umi wallpaper in Golden Yellow, £97 a roll, Zoffany. Tweedmill pure wool throw in Ink, £49.95, Hurn & Hurn
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dining area with a lantern roof. The old kitchen was turned into a pantry, utility and boiler room. ‘We had floor-to-ceiling windows fitted; the feeling of space and light in these rooms is incredible,’ says Sophie. R E C O N F I G U R E D L AY O U T
The whole house needed rewiring and replumbing, and the couple had the basement laboriously dug out to create a wine cellar for their ever-growing collection. ‘Living in the house during the renovation was certainly challenging,’ recalls Sophie. ‘However, seeing the project progress was really heartening.’ One of their most successful ideas was combining two rooms to create an L-shaped sitting room with different areas. ‘We wanted a space that had an Art Deco elegance, but with a contemporary feel,’ says Sophie. This is now where the family relax on a large, comfy sofa, while a more formal area leads into the garden for grown-up entertaining. When it came to fitting the kitchen, Sophie and Peter were brave with their choices. ‘An amazing craftsman, Simon Woodgrayne, made units that are a combination of dark wood, brass mesh and concrete, with a central island made from MDF and coated in a bronze derivative,’ says Sophie. ‘Our kitchen is completely unique, and we are delighted with the way it looks. Pendants above the island create a focal point and make all the difference to how the room feels. Taking our time over key decisions has paid off and we are so happy with our elegant family home.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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MERRY & BRIGHT
Louise and Bruce Stewart’s beautiful 19th-century home, with its light-filled modern extension, is a wonderfully atmospheric space for large gatherings at Christmas FEATURE JACKY HOBBS | PHOTOGRAPHY CLIVE NICHOLS/GAP INTERIORS
SITTING ROOM
Traditional festive decorating complements the rich, warm tones of this scheme. The garlands on the mantel are a mix of real and faux fir. Balzac armchair and stool, £4,230, SCP at Heal’s, is similar. Faux red berry and pine garlands, £39 each; faux wreath, £39, both Bloom
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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Detached Georgian house, built in 1805 L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, larder, study, laundry room, boot room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 1999 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an Edwardian semi in Wimbledon Park,’ says Louise.
BEST BUY ‘I adore the huge old elm plank and oak kitchen table with its aged patina and unique uneven surface – it is big enough to accommodate the whole family’
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KITCHEN-DINER/ LIVING AREA
The minimal sleek white units and island blend unassumingly into the kitchen extension, which was designed with everyday family living in mind. The wooden dining table is from an antiques shop; for similar, try Antique Tables & Country Furniture. For a vintage ox leather armchair with this style, try Danish Homestore. Mint bar stool in White, £49.99, Atlantic Shopping, has this look
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erendipity played an essential role in Louise and Bruce’s search for a spacious country home where their two energetic young boys and golden retrievers could run and play. Prepared to commute to their individual businesses in London, they sold their Wimbledon Park semi and started renting. ‘We deliberately positioned ourselves ready-to-buy with no chain, but in a market where prices were spiralling, little seemed affordable or available,’ recalls Louise. However a fortuitous conversation with her dentist revealed the perfect property, a former Clandon Park estate manger’s house, owned by an elderly lady. The Stewarts popped a letter through her door and just six weeks later, they moved in! ‘The house was wonderfully ramshackle and unmodernised, having not really been touched for several decades,’ explains Louise. Thankfully the couple were up for a project, having undertaken an extension and a loft conversion in their previous house. Renovation of the original footprint began inside, while the three-acre garden and tennis courts were developed and enjoyed outdoors. However, Louise harboured thoughts of her dream kitchen extension, patiently waiting 12 years until they could afford to build without compromise. ‘My vision of building on 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 103
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LIVING AREA
Adjoining the open-plan kitchen is a large family seating area centred around a glass-topped ancient well. Mezzo leather seating system, from £7,000, BoConcept. Bespoke ottoman from £1,500; scatter cushions, from £50 each, all Lena Jones Designs
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the other side of the house was to create a south-facing kitchen with views over the North Downs – a smart, contemporary design to contrast with but also complement the old house, without losing the integrity and proportionality.’ The end result is a modern entertaining space with glorious countryside views. Full-height doors and windows plus a part-glass ceiling and light wells create impact and provide brightness at all times of day. In winter, with the curtains drawn and the woodburning stove lit, the room feels more like a cosy ski chalet. The fireplace, with a slick guillotine front that can be open or closed, brings warmth and ambience to this contemporary, glass-rimmed space. A surprise discovery was also made during the construction when the builders removed a massive stone slab to reveal a 30-metre deep well, completely intact. The beautifully preserved feature was incorporated in the design of the living area and capped with a glass top, serving as a reminder of a bygone era. This open-plan space is where the family now spend most of their time. ‘We originally
envisaged ourselves reading in front of the log fire, children playing, dogs at our feet in the main sitting room,’ says Louise. However, this room is now more of a retreat – a place to escape from open-plan, communal living and regain more secluded, personal space. When it comes to Christmas, the house makes the perfect gathering place. Family and friends descend wholesale, filling bedrooms and boot room alike, and enjoying plenty of dog walks on the Downs. In the run-up to the big day, the concealed larder is filled with seasonal goodies, without cluttering up the new kitchen. On Christmas Day, Louise and Bruce both cook while their guests chat, sociably perched on the island bar stools. Younger family members lounge on the contemporary leather L-shaped sofas in front of TV while others retire to the sitting room, sinking into sofas and armchairs to doze in front of a crackling fire. The Stewarts have seamlessly blended old with new, embracing the warmth and atmosphere of their traditional Georgian home while enjoying the light and comfort of a stylish contemporary space. FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
GUEST BEDROOM
To create a simple, spacious feel throughout, Louise has decorated with neutral tones, lifted here with textural accessories and touches of blue. Coco double bed, £995; Mimi bedside table, £225, both Loaf. Cushions in Calaggio in Cerulean, £75m, Designers Guild. Wide Stripe Seersucker bedding set, from £49.50, Marks & Spencer, is a good match
MASTER BATHROOM
Toiletries are attractively displayed and conveniently to hand in the wide alcove shelf above the bath. Kyoto large rectangular basin, £84.95, Victorian Plumbing, is similar. The wooden fish is a souvenir from Sri Lanka
MASTER BEDROOM
A treasured artwork is the focal point of this scheme, which is softened by the generous upholstered bed frame. Painting by Bruce’s friend, the late artist John Alexander ‘Sandy’ Sempliner. For a similar bed, try De La Espada
LANDING
This large sash window offers tranquil views of the garden and beyond. Sovana dressing table stool, £389, Graham and Green, has a similar style
SEASON TO BE CHEERFUL Christmas can’t come soon enough for Heidi and Jani Jäkärä, knowing that all their extended family will be celebrating in their home FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY KRISTA KELTANEN/LIVING INSIDE
SITTING ROOM Pale furnishings and the abundant natural light create a feeling of space. Grey Klippan sofa, £179; Lohals rug, £80, both Ikea. Hay Hee lounge chair, £205, Cimmermann. Muuto Around coffee table, £315, Nest
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25bh | c it y KITCHEN Warm grey and silver accents add interest to the clean lines and white colour palette. Orlando White units are a good match, price on request, Wickes. GoodHome white oak-effect laminate flooring, £10sq m, B&Q DINING AREA Faux furs on the chairs create a cosy feel. Faux sheepskins, £29.99 each, Wayfair. Hektar pendant light, £22, Ikea. Hay AAC12 dining chairs, £199 each, Cimmermann
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home truths THE PROPERTY Terraced house built in 2001 L O C AT I O N East Helsinki, Finland R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, sauna, cloakroom, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2001 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from a rented apartment in the city,’ says Heidi.
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eidi and Jani Jäkärä’s delightful home in Helsinki lives up to most people’s expectations of how a Scandinavian home should look. Large windows, white floors and cosy faux fur throws create a home that seems made for Christmas. And through the large windows the couple look out on to pine trees and their neighbours’ prettily painted timber houses. ‘The surroundings were the reason Jani and I decided to move here,’ says Heidi. ‘We’re between a park and a forest conservation area.’ It’s hard to imagine this place looking anything other than idyllic, although it has had many incarnations since the pair moved in 19 years ago. However, Heidi has finally settled on a look that she feels suits her house best. ‘I like clean lines and the simple interior design that’s typical of Finland and Denmark.’ Of course, the home doesn’t look this festive all year round but for Heidi, half the fun of Christmas is the ritual of transforming it. ‘Getting the baubles and stars out of their boxes each year is magical,’ she says. Her
home’s simple white backdrop allows the beauty of the decorations to shine. ‘The glow of lights and candles is so comforting,’ says Heidi. All this creativity culminates in the custom that Heidi regards as the most significant of her festive rituals. ‘Together with our daughter Julia, 22, we spend Christmas Eve with my mother and both sets of grandparents at our house,’ she says. And on the morning of the 24th, the Jäkäräs meet up with Jani’s side of the family for a special breakfast where presents are given to the young children. ‘Then, as is the Finnish way, we go to the cemetery where we leave flowers and candles for our dear departed,’ says Heidi. Above all, though, Heidi regards Christmas as a joyful time, with the highlight being the late-afternoon lunch with extended family, which she plans weeks in advance. ‘When everyone leaves we always feel the day has gone far too quickly,’ she says, ‘but luckily we have a reason to celebrate for a few more days – my birthday is two days later, so for us, Christmas truly is the most special time of the year.’
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MASTER BEDROOM ‘Bedrooms should be calm and soothing, and this colour has that effect,’ says Heidi. Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, is a good match. The Grafton double bed is similar in style, £209, Argos H A L LWAY ‘This space is a home’s calling card – it needs to be practical, clean and simple,’ says Heidi. Fladis seagrass basket, £13 Ikea
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The 4 all inclusive Sunbeach Hotel is on a lovely long stretch of sandy beach. Facilities include a swimming pool, three bars, Wi-Fi, massage room (payable locally), buffet and à la carte dining (at a supplement), table tennis, darts, daytime and evening entertainment. Your sea view room is air-conditioned with Wi-Fi, a television and mini-fridge. 25 Beautiful Homes readers save £362 on this holiday. Use code: BHSU
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Offer available 6 January to 25 March 2020 (excluding 14 & 17 February) and the price includes: • Return flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, taxes, luggage allowance, transfers • 7 or 14 nights hotel accommodation as described in the description and price grid January
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To book or to order a free colour brochure call: 01489 866 961 quoting code BHSU, BHAP, BHCO The small print: The price is per person and subject to availability. Your holiday and your resulting contract will be with Serenity Holidays Limited who are ATOL protected (Atol 1866), a company wholly independent of TI Media Limited. All-inclusive at the Sunbeach hotel means house wine, draught beer, local spirits, soft and hot drinks are available free of charge 10am-11pm, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon snack.
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home truths THE PROPERTY Fifties bungalow L O C AT I O N Ireland R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, playroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a house in London before moving here,’ says Emma.
BACK to the FUTURE Turning her grandparents’ old home into a place fit for a young family was a labour of love for Emma Lamb and her husband Peter FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH MARIA/LIVING INSIDE
SITTING ROOM White walls provide the perfect backdrop for Emma’s collection of treasures. Jotul F105 woodburner, £1,280, Bell. For an alternative off-white rug, try the Ibsker, £229, Ikea
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he summer home of her grandparents held happy memories for Emma Lamb of childhood holidays at the seaside, and she always hoped that one day she’d live there. Then fate lent a hand: just as Emma and her husband Peter decided to leave the fast pace of London, the bungalow came up for sale. ‘This was something I’d dreamt of even though it had been sold to another family in the Nineties,’ says Emma. ‘It’s in a beautiful location on the coast of County Wicklow in Ireland, by the sea with private access to a beach. We wanted a total change of lifestyle where we could enjoy the outdoors with our children – Cleo, eight, and Hugo, five.’ However, the house needed a lot of work. ‘It was very dated and the living spaces were too cut off from each other,’ says Emma. ‘I wanted to open it up and make the most of the light. The beauty of it was that I knew the house inside out and nothing had really changed.’ The house was gutted, rewired and replumbed. Then it was reworked with a new layout. The kitchen was moved from the back of the house to the old utility room, where it now has sea views through the playroom. The dining room became the playroom, and the new dining area is where the previous kitchen was. The wall between the two was removed to create one big space. During the three-month project the family were able to live with Emma’s
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KITCHEN Tall cupboards house the pantry and cleaning equipment. ‘We couldn’t heighten the thick concrete ceiling, so we built these units to fit the space,’ says Emma. Try the Westbury painted kitchen larder pantry cupboard, £799, The Furniture Market. Portland pendant lights over table, €350 each, Lamb Design. Laguna pendant lights over island, £137.28 each, Mullan Lighting
Patisserie Sucre 2 floor tiles, £74.70sq m, Fired Earth. Try the herringbone engineered European rustic oak flooring, £79.98sq m, UK Flooring Direct
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H A L LWAY The wall colour was chosen to tie in with the Moroccan cement floor tiles. Wall in Hague Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Door in a shade similar to James traditional oil gloss, £67 for 2.5L, Little Greene
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LANDING An unusual knitted cotton wall clock creates a dramatic focal point. Diamantini & Domeniconi Gomitolo clock, from €200, Lamb Design
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B AT H R O O M Emma has given a vintage shoe last a new lease of life as a loo roll holder. Moroccan encaustic
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cement pattern 27c tiles, £2.38 each, Best Tile
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CLEO’S BEDROOM A tepee makes the perfect hideaway. The Nevada tepee, €159.95, Nobodinoz, is similar. Try the Lilly unicorn head, £25.50, Maisons du Monde. Nordic Nest’s stuffed panda head, £37, is a match
parents. ‘Thankfully, it all went smoothly because I had a detailed plan and met the builder on site every day,’ says Emma. Apart from some dry rot in the kitchen floor there were no nasty surprises, and friends and family helped paint the walls and clear the garden. The couple had previously lived in Arizona and London, and Emma had developed her simple, pared-back style of decor as she travelled. ‘I’d collected a lot of pieces and they all fitted well into the house,’ she says. ‘I love mixing old with new, and things that have some patina and history. If a room is filled with all-new items it can lack soul – old, worn objects add character.’ White walls throughout the bungalow make the most of the decor. ‘I had lots of texture in my furniture and fabrics, so I wanted the walls to be a quiet backdrop,’ says Emma. The result is an elegant mix of Scandi-meets-French country, with industrial lights, plush furnishings and rustic furniture sitting side by side. Splashes of subtle pastels add interest to the neutral spaces. ‘I favour muted tones over bright primary shades,’ says Emma. ‘They create a calmer living environment and add colour in a softer, more organic way.’ After returning to Ireland, Emma opened Lamb Design, an online store and showroom that celebrates simple, beautiful handmade items. There are still a few changes Emma wants to make in her own home. ‘We may extend, install an outdoor kitchen and make the house more eco-friendly – but we will never move, because I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.’
Inspir ation ‘I am drawn to Scandinavian architecture and design for its simplicity and link with nature’
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MASTER BEDROOM Emma has cleverly positioned the couple’s en-suite bathroom behind a freestanding wall – it can be accessed from either side of the bed. The Kelim Squares cushion, €65, Ferm Living, would also work here. The wall light is American; La Redoute’s Jameson contemporary adjustable metal wall light, £120, is a good alternative
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EN SUITE Grey grout helps the white tiles to stand out. The Metro XL flat white matt wall tiles, £19.99sq m, Tons of tiles, are similar. AY Illuminate Z5 pendant light, €350, Lamb Design
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H A L LWAY A simple wood stool and seagrass basket add rustic charm. Try the Mummy French grey-dipped belly basket, £28, Liv&Beck
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JOYEUX NOEL Agnès Chalvin’s choice of tonal greys provides a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop to the festivities FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCHIE CRISTOGATIN
SITTING ROOM
Antique, mid-century and modern pieces sit comfortably together. Vitra Eames RAR rocking chair, £505, John Lewis & Partners
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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Manor house, built in 1873 L O C AT I O N France R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchendiner, study, cloakroom, five bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a contemporary house in Ecully,’ says Agnès.
HALLWAY
Candles light the way up the elegant stone staircase. Ibride Karl raven (in front of the window), £108.19, Beut
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Black accents add a sense of drama. Try the Quad pendant light, £319, Original BTC. Otto Tiles and Design sells black zellige tiles, £1.08 each
d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Don’t be afraid to paint
W
ith its wealth of period features, open fires and palette of moody greys, Agnès Chalvin’s 19th-century French manor is an incredibly atmospheric place to spend Christmas. ‘The large scale of the rooms makes it perfect for family gatherings,’ she says. ‘I love it when it is lit with candles and fairy lights, it looks simply magical – and, of course, I never stint on the size of the tree!’ The house is located in Collongesau-Mont-d’Or, a small town near Lyon best known for the internationally renowned restaurant of chef Paul Bocuse. For many years, the property had been in the same family, who had used it as a weekend escape. ‘The interiors hadn’t been modernised, which meant that all the period details were intact,’ say Agnès. ‘It was a case of
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bringing it up to date while still celebrating the original features.’ Agnès didn’t want to make many structural changes, other than knocking together the two main living rooms on the upper ground floor to create a fabulous double reception space. ‘After I bought the house, I realised I could rent it out for private functions and this large space is ideal for social gatherings,’ she says. Although she has no formal training, Agnès is passionate about interior design. She has an eye for putting together schemes that mix antiques with mid-century designs and savvy high-street buys. ‘I love visiting flea markets and I will often give a vintage piece a new lease of life with a lick of paint,’ she says. Paint has played a key role in the manor’s reinvention and Agnès came
BEDROOM
Agnès has used affordable high-street buys to great effect, including this large cloud-like pendant light. Krusning pendant lamp shade, £10, Ikea
antiques – it can completely change a piece’ to the idea of a palette of tonal greys after a visit to the Lyon shop of French paint brand Ressource. ‘I fell in love with one particular warm grey,’ she says, ‘and the rest took off from there.’ A dark anthracite hue decorates the doors and woodwork, accentuating period details. Other original features include a beautiful mosaic floor that runs from the entrance into the reception space, as well as handsome marble fireplaces and original cast-iron radiators. Harder surfaces have been softened with textiles – deep-pile Berber-style rugs, linens, velvets, wools and natural hides. In the kitchen, Agnès opted for a pale shade of grey for the walls and bespoke cabinets, juxtaposing it with black accents. The original terracotta floor was also updated with a black finish. A similarly bold palette of
black and white was used in one of the five bedrooms, and this time, Agnès made the brave decision to paint the ceiling black. ‘It works because it visually lowers the ceiling and creates a feeling of intimacy,’ she explains. While Agnès has been mindful to preserve the manor’s original features, she has also introduced a few modern touches, which often display a sense of fun: in the hallway, a cardboard raven is suspended in front of the window; and closer inspection of a period-style portrait in the kitchen reveals that the subject is eating a bag of popcorn. At this time of year, the house is filled with friends and family, including her two grown-up children, who are now based in Paris. ‘This house is at its best when I have lots of people staying,’ says Agnès. ‘That is when it really comes to life.’
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
BATHROOM
Salvaged basins are teamed with vintage mirrors bought at a flea market. The Premier Carlton pedestal basin is a close match, £84.95, Victorian Plumbing
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Extended 500-year-old farmhouse L O C AT I O N Scotland R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, snug, sun room, laundry, boot room, cloakroom, six bedrooms (five en suite), study M O V E D I N 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a townhouse in Edinburgh,’ says Suzanne.
A family affair Suzanne Mulholland has given a period farmhouse, which once belonged to her in-laws, an elegant update with vintage touches FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES
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c o u ntry | 25bh SITTING ROOM A neutral palette and traditional furniture create a stylish, timeless look. Try the Ashbourne armchair, £800, Laura Ashley. Bowler overmantel mirror, £215, French Mirror Company
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S KITCHEN Shaker-style units and wood furniture give the space a rustic flavour. Aga range cooker, £13,825, Aga Living. Compact tractor stool seat, £184, Black Country Metalworks. Benchmarx has similar Shaker cabinets, price on request SNUG The American flag inspired the rich colour scheme as the family loves to holiday there. Walls in Cook’s Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Curtains and blinds in Cullen, £78m, Johnstons of Elgin. Leather armchair, £775, Rose & Grey
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uzanne Mulholland and her husband Peter were living a city lifestyle in Edinburgh but would often spend their free time and weekends at the farmhouse belonging to Peter’s parents, which was nestled deep in the Scottish Borders countryside. ‘The house has been in the family for generations and became our holiday home,’ says Suzanne. ‘We grew to enjoy being there so much that when Sunday night would come around, we wouldn’t want to go home. As well as loving the location, we had met so many lovely people here. So in 2010, when our children, Jake and Zara, were aged three and one, we decided to move and live here full time.’ Once they had moved in, Suzanne and Peter agreed that the farmhouse needed considerable building work to make it suitable for modern family life. ‘It was a very dark house with a small kitchen, so it wasn’t very practical,’ says Suzanne. Shortly after moving in, she and Peter embarked on a major programme of renovation and construction. ‘We decided to increase the footprint of the property by 50 per cent,’ says Suzanne. The couple extended the kitchen and added a snug onto the side of the building, as well as a laundry room and boot room. Upstairs, they added a bedroom for Zara and a study. For the duration of the build, Suzanne and Peter lived in a small house nearby, which meant they were easily able to manage the project. ‘The work took three months from start to finish and it all went smoothly,’ says Suzanne. The house was so dark that the top priority was to increase the flow of light into the main living spaces. Continuity between the new extensions and the old farmhouse was also a key factor, so when extra windows were added, Suzanne ensured they matched the existing ones. This sense of continuity is followed through in the smaller details, such as
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i n s p i r a t i o n ‘I’m influenced by eclectic details and I love to fill the house with different things that we’ve collected over the years or brought back from holidays abroad’
B R E A K FA S T ROOM A large farmhouse table is perfect for busy family meals and entertaining guests. Camargue solid oak dining chairs, £195 each, Oka. The Suffolk eight-seater dining table, £865, Neptune, has this look
25bh | c o u ntry BEDROOM Luxurious bedlinen adds a glamorous touch. Shamley chandelier, £195, Laura Ashley. Rushmere wallpaper, £66 a roll, Colefax and Fowler
last word ‘We really enjoy the privacy here on the family estate. We wouldn’t ever want to move – we’ll be in this house forever’
H A L LWAY Suzanne’s eclectic vintage finds create a characterful entrance. Cowhide rug, £310, City Cows. Try Cox & Cox for a similar deer head, £40 BEDROOM Simple iron bed frames continue the period-style theme. Walls in Ball Green estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Try the Time Living Miami bed frame, £139, Dunelm B AT H R O O M Ample storage keeps the space looking sleek and streamlined. The Elms Farmhouse sideboard, £164.97, Furniture 123, would work
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matching the door knobs and cornicing so that the old and new parts of the property blend seamlessly together. The house looks traditional but it is full of mod cons, as the couple made several 21st-century additions, including installing underfloor heating downstairs. ‘The house runs off biomass and it’s really warm and cosy,’ says Suzanne. With the radical rebuild nearing completion, Suzanne began planning the decor. Although she wanted to keep the house feeling light and bright, she was keen to avoid painting it in plain white so she used Farrow & Ball colours throughout. ‘All the walls were painted in gloss paint when we moved in, which we’ve replaced with estate emulsion,’ she says. Suzanne describes her interior style as ‘traditional with a modern twist’. ‘I wanted an eclectic look with a hint of French brocante,’ she says. ‘I also wanted each room to have an individual character, with its own different colours and wallpaper.’ Renovating the house has also led to a new career for Suzanne as the extended kitchen, now doubled in size, is where she makes the videos for her new batch cooking venture, The Batch Lady (thebatchlady.com). Now the project is complete, Suzanne and her family love their remodelled home and surroundings. ‘The whole family loves the gardens and grounds, and we all enjoy spending time together outdoors, whatever the season,’ says Suzanne. ‘We do everything from home, from canoeing and fishing in our pond in the summer, to taking lovely long walks in the beautiful countryside and skiing in the winter.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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SITTING ROOM The suit of armour was Joe’s choice, but was soon painted white and decorated. Similar armour, from £708, The Suit Of Armour Shop. Threeseater Chesterfield sofa in White is similar, £704, Maisons du Monde
ALL WHITE NOW For Bronwen Griffiths-Barrasso, a pale palette creates a calm that endures beyond the festive season
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian semi-detached house L O C AT I O N Lincolnshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, study, cloakroom, two bedrooms, family bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Georgian house in a nearby village,’ says Bronwen.
FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
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ith myriad shades of chalky white and palest cream, Bronwen GriffithsBarrasso’s home is a fitting setting for her family’s Christmas festivities. At this time of year, where some people might add winter whites in the form of faux snow and decorations, Bronwen does the
opposite, hanging jewel-coloured baubles against a perennial all-white backdrop. Bronwen lives in a Victorian house in Lincolnshire, with her husband, Joe, and daughter, Violet, 11, and her conversion to the pale side has been slow but all-encompassing. ‘Brighter pieces have been gradually weeded out, except for some special crockery,’ she 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020 | 129
says. Despite its reputation for being high-maintenance, Bronwen finds white surprisingly practical. What’s more, there’s nothing bland about her scheme. ‘Paint shades vary according to the light and the seasons. There are many versions of white in our home, but they complement one other.’ Bronwen has been fascinated by interiors and decor from a young age (she requested a dinner set for her 16th birthday), and prefers vintage over highstreet products, giving many items a new 130 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
lease of life by painting them white or re-covering them in plain cotton. ‘It’s hugely satisfying to transform old furniture into something completely fresh,’ she says. The charm of Bronwen’s home also stems from the array of her own handmade ceramics displayed on shelves, with the odd animal character peeping out from corners. She describes her work as ‘chunky china’ and it is both delicate and tactile, with indentations, bobbles and layers of decoration adding to its appeal. Everything
Bronwen creates is built by hand, rather than using a wheel. And, naturally, all her pieces are glazed in milky white or cream. In her home, Bronwen’s ceramics are always well used. ‘I hate the idea of my pottery being kept “for best” – it should be enjoyed every day,’ she says. Displayed all around the kitchen, her dishes, plates and bowls also act as a textural backdrop. Texture is a key way in which Bronwen has brought depth to her interiors style. ‘We have a modern kitchen, but I’ve contrasted it
BATHROOM Several coats of white paint helped to tone down the pink bathroom suite. Minton Hollins Chrysanthemum Decorative Field tiles are a match, £395.11sq m, Topps Tiles
i n s p i r at i o n ‘White is anything but bland – it comes in myriad shades and you can include plenty of textures to add further depth and variety’
MASTER BEDROOM Milky tones and crisp linen define this restful zone. Try the Vanilla White cane bed, from £1,187, House of Isabella. Similar dreamcatchers, from a selection, Etsy
KITCHEN-DINER Glass-fronted and open cabinets are perfect for displaying Bronwen’s ceramics. Liatorp display cabinets are similar, from £240, Ikea. Ceramics, price on request, Marigold and Lettice
with tactile surfaces,’ she says. These include a rugged painted brick wall and floor tiles that emulate the grain of white boards. A recent attempt to add a blast of bright colour, in the form of a large orange artwork wasn’t successful. ‘I ended up painting it white and adding layers of gold leaf,’ says Bronwen. ‘It’s become a running joke that if anything stays still too long in this house it ends up being painted white.’ Yet, thanks to her creative eye, white is definitely all right – and full of warmth and character, too. FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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A Shade Different
Dutch artist and designer Mariska Meijers chose a backdrop of deepest blue and greys enlivened with vibrant rainbow colours for a scheme that’s full of personality FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL MASSEY
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c it y | 25bh LIVING AREA The bespoke cabinetry can be dismantled if Mariska ever moves. ‘It slots together like a giant jigsaw puzzle,’ she says. Prêt-à-Porter Tulipa black lampshade with base, €425, Mariska Meijers. Mazarine intelligent eggshell, £64 for 2.5L, Little Greene, is a similar colour to the one on the units
home truths THE PROPERTY Waterside apartment L O C AT I O N Amsterdam R O O M S Living area/ kitchen-diner, utility room, two bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in Singapore for several years before moving here,’ says Mariska.
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25bh | c it y d e s i g n t i p ‘In an open-plan space, create a kitchen that’s chic and not a reminder of domestic chores. I wanted a glamorous feel, like a bar or restaurant’
134 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
LIVING AREA ‘I like to go for a dark background, but then bring the look back from the brink with furnishings in vibrant colours,’ says Mariska. The Bluebell sofa, from £1,450, Sofa.com, is similar. Lombok’s Arianne Graphite coffee table, £570, is a suitable alternative. The Heritage rug in Yellow, £399, iRugs UK, would also look good here
KITCHEN Pure black cabinetry creates a dramatic feel while shiny Moroccan tiles add variety and contrast. A bench covered in black and blue printed fabric ties in with the colour scheme. Mazarine absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene, is a similar colour to the one used on the wall. Black Zellige tiles, £120sq m, Mosaic del Sur. Bench (just seen) covered in Palm Beach Blue linen fabric, €129, Mariska Meijers DINING AREA Traditional upholstered seating makes this an elegant yet informal setting for meals. ‘When I have friends over, we gather round this table – it’s very relaxed,’ says Mariska. Wall in Hague Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Similar antique dining tables, from around £365, Vinterior. Try the dyed PT54 cowhide rug, £779, Funky Rugs
25bh | c it y MASTER BEDROOM Patterned wallpaper and layers of Asian-inspired silks and woven fabrics lend a bohemian feel. Silk cushions, from €96 each; Prêt-à-Porter tribal stripes lampshade, from €120, all Mariska Meijers
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i n s p i r a t i o n ‘Living in Singapore gave me so many ideas – all the colours, the fabrics, the heat, even the scents in the air’
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ike many homeowners, Mariska Meijers first began to think of moving house once her children had left home. ‘When my son Mauk and daughter Annemarth went to university, it was definitely a case of empty-nest syndrome,’ she says. ‘Our old house, where I’d seen them grow up, suddenly felt quite different and a little sad. It was time for a fresh start.’ Mariska decided to downsize and chose to move to an apartment in the centre of Amsterdam. The property is located in a former Victorian grain store, right next to the water. ‘I was drawn to this place because it has such great light,’ she says. ‘It works for me as an artist’s studio as well as a home.’ MAKING CHANGES
While Mariska loved the location of her new home, she felt there was room for improvement with the layout and decor. ‘The building had been converted some 20 years previously, and the style was still very neutral and bland,’ she says. Reconfiguring the layout was the priority. Shortly after moving in, an internal wall was removed that had been blocking the entrance, so that the sunny view over the water could be seen from the moment you walk through the front door. The existing bedroom was then divided, creating a small second area for guests to sleep. Mariska has nicknamed this area ‘the crash pad’. ‘It’s where my children can sleep,’ she says. ‘Usually, it’s my daughter who uses this room when her student house gets too noisy!’ Most of the apartment’s floor space consists of the open-plan sitting
room, which flows into the kitchen-diner. The bathroom and utility room are tucked away into the remaining space. BOLD APPROACH
With the structural works under way, Mariska turned her attention to the decor. An artist and designer by profession, she has a highly developed sense of colour. She instinctively favours a dark and dramatic palette, so it’s no surprise that her chosen background colours are inky blue and charcoal grey. ‘I painted my walls grey 10 years ago,’ she says. ‘Everyone thought I was crazy, but with the kitchen I’ve gone to the extreme – pure chic black.’ The oak cabinetry is teamed with glossy Moroccan tiles that catch the light. Throughout the apartment, dark-toned backgrounds offset vibrant leafy greens and luxuriant golds and purples that shimmer on Mariska’s fabrics and cushions, providing contrast and depth. These colours also help to show off her antique finds to best effect. ‘I love to demonstrate how antiques can be used in contemporary schemes – say, by putting a fabric shade on a lamp base,’ she says. ‘That way, they can look modern all over again.’ Mariska’s time spent living in Singapore has also had a strong influence on her decorating style. ‘It reawakened my sensibilities,’ she says and her ikat fabrics and palm tree motifs are a powerful reminder of when she lived there. Back in Amsterdam, Mariska has recreated a similar effect, surrounding herself with tropical colours for a home that’s stimulating, yet also supremely comfortable.
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
GUEST BEDROOM Cloud-print wallpaper gives this scheme a relaxing, dream-like atmosphere, while a traditional portrait and lacquered antique table add to the theatrical effect. Fornasetti Senza Tempo Nuvole wallpaper, £395 a roll, Cole & Son. Vinterior sells black lacquered tables, from £473 B AT H R O O M The combination of bold geometric floor tiles and blue walls creates a dynamic impact in this compact space. Cement floor tiles, £74m, Mosaic del Sur. Little Greene’s Route One intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, is a similar wall colour. Try the Metro flat white brick tiles, £22.99sq m, Tons of Tiles
reader offers
| 25b h
EUROPEAN ESCORTED TOURS
Fascinating European tours that take you to the iconic highlights as well as lesser-known gems.
LAKE COMO, ST MORITZ & THE BERNINA EXPRESS
LAKE GARDA, VENICE & VERONA
Eight days from £819pp
Eight days’ half-board from £699pp
Departures from April to October 2020
Departures from April to October 2020
PRICE INCLUDES ● Take a lake cruise to beautiful Bellagio on Lake Como, and visit the delightful Villa del Balbianello and its inspirational gardens ● Enjoy a full day visit to the chic resort of St Moritz, including a journey on the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular railways in the Alps ● Discover Bergamo, northern Italy’s most enchanting medieval town, on a guided tour ● Follow in the footsteps of the ‘Grand Tour’ with a visit to Lake Maggiore and the town of Stresa ● Visit Lugano, an elegant Swiss lakeside town with Italian influences ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of well located three and four star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner (stays at the Grand Hotel ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICE INCLUDES ● Enjoy a full day exploring beautiful Lake Garda, both on land and by boat ● Explore Venice, the medieval world’s richest city, on a tour with a local guide choose between the ‘classic’ and ‘undiscovered’ tours ● Walk into history among the Roman ruins of Verona, guided by a local expert choose between the ‘classic’ and ‘undiscovered’ tours ● Marvel at the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Dolomites on a full day tour ● Enjoy two free days to explore further at your leisure or relax and take in the incredible scenery ● Visit a local vineyard, with a guided tour of the cellars and a tasting of the superb wines ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three star to four star superior, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PUGLIA, LECCE & VIESTE – UNDISCOVERED ITALY
POMPEII, CAPRI & THE BAY OF NAPLES
Eight days from £899pp
Eight days from £729pp
Departures from April to October 2020
Departures from March to November 2020
PRICE INCLUDES ● Discover Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’, and its many stunning architectural gems with a local guide ● See the instantly recognisable trulli houses of Alberobello with their conical roofs, set against undulating countryside reminiscent of Tuscany ● Enjoy a guided tour of medieval Matera ● Tour the old town of Bari with a local guide and see its Romanesque cathedral ● See the beautiful Foresta Umbra nature reserve and visit the crusader church of Monte Sant’Angelo ● Learn the craft of pasta making and enjoy a light lunch at a family run osteria ● Visit one of the many revered olive oil mills ● Return flights from a selection of airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in conveniently located four star accommodation, with breakfast, 1 lunch and 6 dinners, including 2 at carefully selected local restaurants ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICE INCLUDES ● Explore the Roman town of Herculaneum with an expert local guide ● Take a boat trip to the stunning island of Capri, with the opportunity to visit the Blue Grotto ● Discover the mysteries of Pompeii on a guided tour ● Spend a full day touring the breathtaking Amalfi coast, with a visit to charming hilltop Ravello ● Stay in elegant Sorrento and enjoy a walking tour of this stylish resort ● Enjoy a walking tour of Naples old town with a local guide and enjoy a sample of the authentic Neapolitan street food ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three to four star superior, plus breakfast and dinner (stays at the Hotel Mediterraneo and the
Menaggio are on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with dining options available)
La Badia are on a bed-and-breakfast basis)
● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
Call 01283 743370 to book or for a free brochure, or visit tbhriviera.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are based on two people sharing and are correct at time of print. Single supplements may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited.
s to c k i s t s | 25bh
WHERE TO BUY Details of companies featured in the January issue
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Abigail Ahern abigailahern.com Aga Living agaliving.com All Natural Tiles allnaturaltiles.co.uk Alpha Quartz alphaquartz.co.uk Alternative Flooring alternativeflooring.com Alton Brooke alton-brooke.co.uk Amara amara.com Anderson & Garland andersonandgarland.com Andrew Lord Furniture andrewlordfurniture.co.uk Antique Tables & Country Furniture antique-tables.co.uk Argos argos.co.uk Arighi Bianchi arighibianchi.co.uk Armony armonycucine.it/en Aston Matthews astonmatthews.co.uk Atlantic Shopping atlanticshopping.co.uk B&Q diy.com Barneby Gates barnebygates.com Baxter baxterlondon.net Bell abell.co.uk Benchmarx benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Benta Wiley Architects bentawiley.com Best Tile best-tile.co.uk Beut beut.co.uk Black Country Metalworks blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk Bloom bloom.uk.com Bo Concept boconcept.com Bronte by Moon brontebymoon.co.uk Brownrigg at Home brownrigg-interiors.co.uk Burford Garden Company burford.co.uk Buster + Punch busterandpunch.com CB2 cb2.com Chaplins chaplins.co.uk Chic Paradis highglossfurniturespecialists.co.uk Chiltern Tiles chilterntiles.co.uk Cimmermann cimmermann.uk City Cows citycows.co.uk Clarke & Clarke clarke-clarke.com Claybrook claybrookstudio.co.uk Cole & Son cole-and-son.com Colefax and Fowler colefax.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Craig & Rose craigandrose.com Crate & Barrel crateandbarrel.com Currys currys.co.uk Danish Homestore danish-homestore.com Davis & Davis davisrugs.com De La Espada delaespada.com de Le Cuona delecuona.co.uk Designers Guild designersguild.com deVOL devolkitchens.co.uk Donghia donghia.com Drench drench.co.uk Dulux dulux.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com
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Easy Lighting easylighting.co.uk eBay ebay.co.uk EMR Architecture emrarchitecture.com Etsy etsy.com European Heritage europeanheritage.co.uk Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Feather & Black featherandblack.com Ferm Living fermliving.com Fired Earth firedearth.com Footstools & More footstoolsandmore.co.uk French Mirror Company french-mirror-company.co.uk Fritz Hansen fritzhansen.com Funky Rugs funkyrugs.co.uk Furniture furniture123.co.uk Gildera House gildera.lt/en Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk H&M Home hm.com Habitat habitat.co.uk Heal’s heals.co.uk Hector Finch hectorfinch.com Heritage Reclamation heritagereclamation.co.uk Hide Rugs hiderugs.co.uk Høie of Scandinavia hoie.no Holloways of Ludlow hollowaysofludlow.com Homes Direct 365 homesdirect365.co.uk House of Hackney houseofhackney.com House of Isabella houseofisabella.co.uk Houseology houseology.com Howdens howdens.com Hoxton Lights hoxtonlights.com Humphrey Munson humphreymunson.co.uk Hurn & Hurn hurnandhurn.com Idea ideagroupbathrooms.com Ikea ikea.co.uk Industville industville.co.uk iRugs UK irugs.co.uk Isla James Interiors islajamesinteriors.com Jane Churchill janechurchill.com Jemima-Jane Currie jemimajanecurrie.com Jennifer’s Hamam jennifershamam.com John Alexander Sempliner jasempliner.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com John Sankey johnsankey.co.uk Johnstons of Elgin johnstonsofelgin.com Jonathan Charles jonathancharlesfurniture.com JT Joinery jtjoinery.co.uk Kairos thekairoscollective.com Karman karmanitalia.it Katharine Pooley katharinepooley.com La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Lakeland lakeland.co.uk Lamb Design lambdesign.ie
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Lampsy lampsy.com Laura Ashley lauraashley.com Lemma pavimentilemma.it Lena Jones Designs lenajonesdesigns.com Little Greene littlegreene.com Liv&Beck livandbeck.co.uk Loaf loaf.com Lombok lombok.co.uk Lundies House lundies.scot Made in Design madeindesign.co.uk Magnet magnet.co.uk Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com Mariella Ienna Design mariellaiennadesign.com Marigold and Lettice marigoldandlettice.co.uk Mariska Meijers mariskameijers.com Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com Molly Meg mollymeg.com Moonlight Design moonlightdesign.co.uk Mosaic del Sur cement-tiles.com Mrs Stone Store mrs-stone-store.com Muck N Brass mucknbrass.com Mullan Lighting mullanlighting.com Neptune neptune.com Nicholas Haslam nicholashaslam.com Nkuku nkuku.com Nobodinoz nobodinoz.com Noelle Micek Interiors noellemicekinteriors.com Nordic Nest nordicnest.com Oka oka.com Omega Kitchens omega-kitchens.co.uk Only Home onlyhome.co.uk Original BTC originalbtc.com Original Features originalfeatures.co.uk Otto Tiles and Design ottotiles.co.uk Pad Lifestyle padlifestyle.com Pamono pamono.co.uk Perch & Parrow perchandparrow.com Period Property Store periodpropertystore.co.uk Perkins & Morley perkinsandmorley.com Phillip Jeffries phillipjeffries.com Phillip Bell Joinery phillipjamesbell.co.uk Pines and Needles pinesandneedles.com Porta Romana portaromana.co.uk Print Club London printclublondon.com Pure White Lines purewhitelines.com Range Cookers rangecookers.co.uk Red Edition rededition.com Ressource ressource-peintures.com Roche Bobois roche-bobois.com
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Rose & Grey roseandgrey.co.uk Roundhouse roundhousedesign.com Rug Vista rugvista.com Saatchi Art saatchiart.com Sanderson stylelibrary.com/sanderson Scumble Goosie scumblegoosie.co.uk Selfridges selfridges.com Sheba Iranian Carpets shebairaniancarpets.com Sikkens sikkens.com Soak soak.com Sofa Workshop sofaworkshop.com Sofa.com sofa.com Soho Home sohohome.com Stellar Works stellarworks.com Stephanie Wolhuter instagram.com/bird_dog_bokkie Stern Pisarro Gallery pissarro.art Stone Superstore stonesuperstore.co.uk The Conran Shop conranshop.co.uk The Drang Gallery thedranggallery.com The Furniture Market thefurnituremarket.co.uk The New Craftsmen thenewcraftsmen.com The Rocking Horse Shop rockinghorse.co.uk The Stone Sink Company thestonesinkcompany.com The Suit Of Armour Shop thesuitofarmourshop.com The White Company thewhitecompany.com Tikamoon tikamoon.co.uk Timorous Beasties timorousbeasties.com Tiny Land tinylandus.com Tom Dixon tomdixon.net Tons of Tiles tonsoftiles.co.uk Topps Tiles toppstiles.co.uk Triss triss.fr UK Bathrooms ukbathrooms.com UK Flooring Direct ukflooringdirect.co.uk Ulster Carpets ulstercarpets.com Vårdal Arkitekter vaardal.as Velvet Thistle Home velvetthistle.co.uk Victorian Plumbing victorianplumbing.co.uk Vinterior vinterior.co Wattle & Daub wattleanddaubhome.co.uk Wayfair wayfair.co.uk West Elm westelm.co.uk West One Bathrooms westonebathrooms.com Wickes wickes.co.uk Woodgrayne woodgrayne.co.uk World of Flooring worldofflooring.co.uk Wren Kitchens wrenkitchens.com Zoe Glencross zoeglencross.com Zoffany stylelibrary.com/zoffany
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Just for You
An advertisement feature bringing you the best value for those special purchases around your home.
To advertise, please call 0207 611 1061 or email sales@canopymedia.co.uk
THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL NEED MORE SPACE - INSTALL A GARDEN ROOM The newest innovation from Quooker: CUBE. Equipped with a CUBE the Quooker tap provides filtered chilled and sparkling water alongside 100°C boiling, cold and hot water. All from one tap. It delivers water at true 100°C, saves time, water, energy and space and now also means you no longer need to buy plastic bottled water. Great for the environment!
SMART is one of the UK’s leading garden room suppliers, o�fering a wide choice of styles, sizes and optional extras enabling you to create your perfect garden space. Boasting full thermal insulation, double glazing and professional installation in your garden in a matter of just a few days, redefining your living space has never been easier. Contact us for a catalogue or a FREE no obligation site consultation. Tel. 0800 242 5559 Web. smartgardeno�fices.co.uk Email. contactus@smartgardeno�fices.co.uk
CALLING ALL CONSERVATORY OWNERS! A Rundle & Dorey insulated conservatory ceiling will give you back the luxury living space that you dreamed of. No planning permission required and every installation is covered by a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee. Also available is the Pinnacle range of lightweight, tiled roof replacement - fully approved and building regulation certified. Save up to 25% plus FREE Internal LED Lights. Interest-free finance at 0% APR.
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For a free brochure call 0800 024 8860 or visit www.rundleanddorey.co.uk
A MODERN CLASSIC YOUR KITCHEN WORKTOPS £100 OFF STYLISH DINING TRANSFORMED IN A DAY - SEATS FOUR
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Tailormade Sofas o�fer a traditional handmade service producing sofas in their own workshop above the Showroom. All sofas are built to individual size requirements, with a choice of cushion fillings to suit, and a comprehensive range of quality fabrics available for that individual look.
Quartzize produces a beautiful quartz-stone product that overlays your existing work surfaces as if by magic. The company manufactures and installs its stunning quartz overlays to enhance your kitchen with a real stone look and feel. This is a superbly simple way to improve your work tops without the mess or fuss of removing the existing ones. Quartzize can also fit new sinks taps and hobs to give your whole kitchen a completely new high-quality look. Quartzize are hygienic, long-lasting, easy to care for and timeless.
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All companies listed are wholly independent. We recommend that you carry out your own checks before entering into any agreement. When making any purchases we would recommend that you use a credit card providing protection in the unlikely event of any issues. No part of this page maybe reproduced without the permission of Canopy Media.
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FREE DELIVERY & INSTALLATION | 10 YEAR GUARANTEE
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home improvements
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HUGE CHOICE OF STYLISH WIPEABLE TABLECLOTHS CUSTOM CUT TO SIZE
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Suppliers of natural stone, porcelain and terracotta tiles, handmade ceramic tiles and wood flooring.
To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e
ROOM ENVY Each month we bring you a hotel space that intrigues, inspires and dazzles
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little over 10 years ago, Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen founded Wildland, a conservation and sustainable development programme designed to protect some of Scotland’s most rugged, natural landscapes. Their latest venture is Lundies House, a former manse converted into a charmingly bucolic boutique hotel on the country’s northern coast. The property is a rabbit warren of hidden sitting nooks and cosy lounge spaces, such as the drawing room pictured above. This elegant but grounded salon is a lesson in how to do country cottage style without any hint of your granny’s frou-frou front room. The immediate focal point is the ivory-white fireplace; its simple, classic lines give a gentle but 142 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 2020
satisfying contrast against the sand-coloured walls, which in turn lend warmth even on gloomy afternoons. Above it, a round, frameless, bevelled mirror adds a contemporary touch, which balances the rustic vibe. On the mantelpiece an arresting black vase provides a small hit of drama; try something similar from The New Craftsmen to keep your look current. Framing the focal point are two relaxed, wingback armchairs. Though these chairs are quite different in appearance, their lines and shape share an aesthetic language. For something similar to the russet cotton number, try Jaime Hayon’s collection for Fritz Hansen. Finish the space with assorted greenery, art-themed coffee table books and a few choice candles to complete the modern country house effect. FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPH ALEX MACLEOD
Head to Lundies House in the Highlands for a wonderful restful break
*Buy now pay in 12 months finance offer is available on orders over £2,000 +VAT. Finance is subject to status, terms apply.
TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK Renovating your staircase into an exquisite feature is much easier and less costly than you’d imagine. In just 1-2 days and with no building work, we will transform the heart of your home, and add value to your property with a stunning, handcrafted staircase. All in a style to suit you and your budget.
GLASS, STEEL & TIMBER DESIGNS NO STAIRCASE TOO LARGE OR SMALL BRITISH DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP NO BUILDING WORK TYPICALLY INSTALLED IN 1-2 DAYS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE BUY NOW PAY IN 12 MONTHS*
EXCLUSIVE NEW STANZA DESIGN
visit nevillejohnson.co.uk
for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333