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M ORE I NSPI R A TI O NA L H OM ES TH A N A N Y OT HE R M A G AZI N E

HOMES BRIGHT NEW START Be inspired to breathe fresh energy into your space

STATEMENT DESIGN

Wood, steel and glass combine to create striking schemes GLORIOUS COLOUR & PATTERN

A terrace full of lively touches

JANUARY 2021

January 2021

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N AT U R A L W O N D E R Reclaimed

weathered wood and sleek glass and steel create a bold contrast in this spectacular new-build chalet in the French Alps R O O M T O G R O W For one couple in need of space for their expanding family, this Kent rectory offered the perfect solution T W O B E C O M E O N E How a pair of ancient thatched cottages in Hampshire were combined to create one stunning home P E R S O N A L T O U C H The owners put their own unique stamp on a historic Essex house while retaining its period character

COVER STORY

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R U S T I C C H A R M With beautiful

ďŹ replaces and plenty of treasured antiques, this rural Oxfordshire farmhouse is the ultimate cosy retreat in winter B R I G H T O U T L O O K Bold and colourful choices have transformed this bland Devon house into a stylish showcase W H E R E O L D M E E T S N E W An eclectic mix of vintage and upcycled pieces are displayed with aplomb in this Surrey cottage P E R F E C T T I M I N G Finding a plot at just the right moment was a stroke of luck for these Herefordshire self-builders

Beautiful colours and patterns have given this Victorian townhouse new energy (p89).

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T H E N AT U R A L L O O K Displays of festive greenery

and simple, Scandi-style touches set the soothing, relaxed tone in this Nottinghamshire new-build O N C E & F O R A L L These renters were delighted to buy their Gloucestershire home and finally call it their own R E C L A I M E D B E A U T Y Carefully curated furniture and a sensitive decorative touch have revived the special ambience of this historic Surrey cottage

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C I T Y C H I C A Parisian-inspired makeover has given this

renovated London townhouse some much-needed ‘ooh la la’ C H A R A C T E R P I E C E A soulless London terrace received a joyful dose of colour and personality B A C K T O T H E F U T U R E The seamless blend of classic and contemporary in a Victorian terrace in London has resulted in a home that’s perfect for family living R A I S I N G T H E B A R A converted pub in the capital has been given a generous measure of style to create a beautiful home that’s guaranteed to lift the spirits L E V E L B E S T Reconfiguring the layout of a London house gave this couple the light and space they craved D R E A M T E A M Expert help was required to rejuvenate an unloved Georgian terrace in Bath T R A D I T I O N W I T H A T W I S T Interior designer Kate Guinness used her distinctive approach to refresh the decor in this period townhouse in London A L A B O U R O F L O V E Undaunted by its run-down state, two homeowners took on the major renovation of an Edwardian semi in London with glorious results W O R T H T H E WA I T Patience paid off for one couple who had been living abroad, when they finally moved into the dream house in London they bought a decade previously A S M A R T M O V E Remodelling a modest London semi into a polished pad proved a masterstroke for this pair M A D E T O M E A S U R E Careful planning and bespoke furniture gave the owner of this Copenhagen apartment a home that meets all the needs of his family

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W I L D AT H E A R T Strings of fairy lights, plants and

earthy decorations bring an indoor-outdoor feel to this quirky home in The Netherlands C L E A R V I S I O N Clean lines and pleasing symmetry brought balance and calm to an East Sussex semi

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P U R E & S I M P L E The pale palette and pared-back

furnishings in this light-filled Danish apartment show off its elegant period features to striking effect

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R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month

Exceptional British made wood stoves for the home.

01983 537780 • @charnwoodstoves • www.charnwood.com

A Staircase Renovation From Neville Johnson Can Really Make an Entrance We can transform your existing staircase into something you can’t wait to come home to, in as little as 48 hours, with no mess, no fuss and no building work.

for our latest brochure

nevillejohnson.co.uk | 0161 873 8333

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

HOMES EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR SARAH SPITERI Executive Editors Pip McCormac and Kate French Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers Acting Commercial Editorial Operations Director Lizzie Hudson Brand Development Editor Laura Crombie Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Commissioning/Interiors Editor Fiona Mace Associate Art Hub Director Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Hannah Bennewitz Thanks to Mel Algar and Lara Evans Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Carly Rigley Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley

MANAGEMENT

Group Managing Director Andrea Davies Managing Director of Homes Jason Orme Managing Director of eCommerce Aaron Asadi Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham Commercial Finance Director Simon Fish

WELCOME I hope you enjoy our January issue, the first of 2021 – a year full of promise. I found two houses particularly uplifting when editing these pages. I love the use of colour and pattern in Michael Parsons’ London home by interior designer Kate Guinness that you see on the cover. Bright pops of turquoise and hot pink combine with lively wallpapers to transform this classic townhouse. I also like the use of materials – steel,

S Y N D I C AT I O N

concrete and glass – in Victoria Wolf ’s Alpine chalet. Her

C I R C U L AT I O N

style is very chic, but her home feels warm and welcoming

MARKETING

thanks to all of the texture. Finally, I find joy in the many

Sales Executive Efi Mandrides (efi.mandrides@futurenet.com) Circulation Manager Alan Edwards (020 3787 9161) Head of Marketing Sian Cupid (sian.cupid@futurenet.com) Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms (laura.timms@futurenet.com)

ADVERTISING

Publisher and Head of Homes Joanne O’Hara (joanne.o’hara@futurenet.com) Brand Director Sharon Goode (sharon.goode@futurenet.com) International/Luxury Accounts Manager Carole Bunce (carole.bunce@futurenet.com) Head of Agency Partnerships Jon Restall (jon.restall@futurenet.com) Classified Senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett (charlotte.beckett@futurenet.com)

Christmassy touches that appear in these pages. From stocking-lined mantelpieces to twinkly, decoration-clad trees, there are dozens of charming ideas for finishing touches, whether your gathering is going to be large or small.

SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

REGIONAL ADVERTISING

Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison (0161 601 3720) Regional Business Director Kim Milroy (07967 590362)

INSERT SALES

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

PRODUCTION

Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman Deputy Editorial Production Manager Clare Willetts Art Production Designers Chris Saggers and Phil Dunk Group Production Manager Steve Twort Production Controller Bill Argent Advertising Production Manager Nick Williams (nick.williams@futurenet.com)

I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I C E N S I N G

25 Beautiful Homes is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities.

Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw (licensing@futurenet.com)

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TERRACE This space segues with the snow-covered meadow, where deer and foxes are regular visitors.

Cuba chairs, €65 each; Blooma low tables, €35 each, all Castorama. Alpaca throw, £270.93, Brun de Vian-Tiran

NATURAL WONDER

Victoria Wolf juxtaposed reclaimed wood with sleek materials such as glass and steel to create this breathtaking Alpine chalet FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | STYLING MARIE-MAUD LEVRON PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLAS MATHEUS/AC SCOFFONI

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LIVING AREA A contemporary fireplace creates a striking focal point.

Ray sofa, from £7,180; Ray chaise, from £6,746, both B&B Italia. LCW chairs by Charles and Ray Eames, £1,270 each, Vitra. Red Zig Zag stool, £221, Pols Potten at Made in Design.

Schwung brass RD15 chandelier, £4,172, Inspyer Lighting. Grade rug, £1,209, Ligne Pure at Woven

home truths THE PROPERTY New-build chalet L O C AT I O N France R O O M S Living area, TV area, kitchen-diner/bar, cloakroom, seven bedrooms (all en suite) B U I LT 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a farmhouse five minutes outside Geneva,’ says Victoria.

KITCHEN A peninsular unit in striking veined granite offers a streamlined counterpoint to the rustic wooden beams.

Piramide stools by Ruud-Jan Kokke for Spoinq, from €337 each, Matea

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DINING AREA Victoria used a reclaimed farmhouse door to create the table top, which is mounted on a steel base. An Indian headdress lends a decorative touch.

X-Silla rope chairs, €370.50 each, Xedra at DLaguna. Long Kennedy five pendant, from €1,220, Rubn

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t was the desire to see their three young daughters grow up surrounded by nature that prompted Victoria Wolf and her husband, Julien, to move from Geneva to the ski resort village of Megève in the French Alps. ‘We already knew Megève very well: before we met, we both had chalets here and it was also the place where we chose to get married,’ recalls Victoria, who as an interior designer had a clear vision for the home she hoped to create (follow her interior design firm on Instagram @maisonvictoriawolf). ‘As this would be our permanent family base, I dreamed of building a chalet from scratch. That way we could completely tailor the design to our needs,’ she explains.

Victoria, who is French, and Julien, who is FrancoSwiss, were fortunate to find a plot of land with

breathtaking views across the mountains, and Victoria set about designing the house in collaboration with architectural firm Atelier-S. From the front, the building resembles a traditional timber chalet, while at the rear, huge glazed openings offer views across the meadows with woodland beyond. ‘We are privy to daily visits from foxes and deer,’ says Victoria. ‘Julien and I both have very busy work lives so this sense of a connection with nature was vitally important. It is very soothing.’

The layout was devised so that the sleeping quarters for the guests and children (Manon is nine, Louise, seven, and Romane, four) are located on the entrance level with the sociable spaces on the floor above – which, due to the incline of the plot, sits level with the meadows at the rear of the house. The couple’s master 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1 | 11

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ROMANE’S BEDROOM A partition separates the play area from the cabin-like sleeping area, where reclaimed wood was used to make a built-in bed and storage.

Linen bedspread, €158, Le Monde Sauvage. Try the Ivory sheepskin rug, £85, Celtic & Co

suite and study occupy the entire top floor. ‘We have a lot of visitors but we are often working when they are staying, so it was important to have our own space that we can retreat to,’ Victoria explains.

The interiors feature a clever mix of contemporary materials, including steel, glass and concrete, with weathered timber, which has been reclaimed from old farmhouses. Separations between the bedrooms and bathrooms have been created using partitions fashioned from horizontal timber planks that feature gaps allowing the light to travel through the spaces. ‘I loved the idea of mixing the rustic planks with much more refined materials, such as marble,’ says Victoria.

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century pieces, with furniture crafted from raw wood – the dining table, for example, is made from an old timber door mounted on a base made from blackened steel, while the coffee tables are reclaimed farmhouse pieces. Natural materials add to the tactile quality of the interiors, and include alpaca, linen, cashmere, suede and leather.

Victoria’s favourite space is the vast open-plan living area that comprises a double-height sitting room, a television area, a bar, kitchen and dining space.

‘I love the fact that we can all be in the same room together, yet doing our own different things,’ she says. ‘The room is bathed in light and whenever we can, we slide open the doors to the terrace – the outdoors really does become part of this house.’

MASTER BEDROOM The glazed half wall gives the master suite a bright, open look.

Framework Brown rug, from £1,209, Ligne Pure at Woven.

Cappuccino rattan chair, €370, Pomax. Maddox faux fur cushions, from £55, Soho Home

DESIGN TIP ‘When designing a house, I would advise using a limited number of materials’

MASTER EN SUITE Porcelain tiles mimicking honed Calacatta marble and a curved bath bring luxurious touches.

Ago bath in Cristalplant by Mario Ferrarini for Antonio Lupi, £7,398.39, TattaHome. Carrara Blanco Natural porcelain tiles, £82.14sq m, Porcelanosa, have this look

Room to grow Jessica and Charlie Henderson have transformed an unloved rectory in Kent into the idyllic home they wanted for their expanding family FEATURE AMY MAYNARD | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY/NARRATIVES

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SITTING ROOM Ornate and rustic pieces result in a relaxed yet sophisticated look.

Albane mirror, £330, Maisons du Monde.

Belvès coffee table, £2,095, Oka, is a good match. Lampshade in Blue Marden, £165, Fermoie, is similar.

Mimosa lamp base, £128, Där Lighting, has this look. Sofia linen chair, £329, Dunelm, is a good match

home truths THE PROPERTY Six-bedroom Regency rectory L O C AT I O N Kent R O O M S Sitting room, conservatory/dining room, snug, kitchen, office, six bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a small west London apartment,’ says Jessica.

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ent, the ‘Garden of England’, is truly magical in wintertime. Hedgerows sparkle with an icy glaze and the low sun skims the frosty fields.

It’s easy to understand why the Hendersons fell under its spell. Jewellery and knitwear designer (Instagram @mrshendersons_shop), Jessica Henderson grew up in rural France then lived in London for years, but always yearned for a return to the bucolic lifestyle.

‘In January 2016, my husband Charlie was online when he saw a former rectory in Kent for sale,’ says Jessica.

‘We drove down from London as soon as we could and saw its potential immediately, says Jessica. ‘I had been longing for a more outdoor lifestyle for the children and to be able to just open the back door and let them roam without having to walk to a park.’

The Ranch, as Jessica affectionately calls it, ticked all the boxes, with its large garden complete with woodland.

What’s more, it’s only a short drive to the high-speed London train link at Ashford, meaning that Charlie could easily commute to the capital. ‘We had lunch in the cosy local pub then put an offer in on our way back to London.’

Fast forward two months, when son Phoenix was just four weeks old and daughter Farleigh was 18 months, and the family upped sticks from their small west London flat and moved into the dilapidated home. Relocating with a newborn and a toddler into a property that requires a massive overhaul is not for the faint-hearted, but Jessica and Charlie were undaunted.

C O N S E R VAT O R Y / DINING ROOM With its ironwork and stained-glass details, this room is one of Jessica’s favourites.

Table, price on request, Eastburn Country Furniture. Elm dining chairs, £230 per pair, Hicks & Hicks, are a good match KITCHEN An antique pine dresser and traditional painted cupboards delivered the classic country look Jessica wanted.

Units, price on request, Wren Kitchens. Bamboo pendants, £65 each, Graham and Green, would work here

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S TA I R W E L L AND LANDING The high walls are the perfect canvas for a bold print.

Beech wallpaper, £70.81m, Lewis & Wood B AT H R O O M Jessica had the original cast-iron bath re-enamelled and the floor underneath it reinforced.

Provence rug, from £40, Weaver Green. Charlie beaded mirror, £115, Graham and Green, is a good match. Similar Hammam towel, £24, Notonthehighstreet.com, has the same style

favo u r i t e f e at u r e ‘We love the fact that the children have the entire run of the top floor so they can build their own world of fun up there’ 18 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

‘It had been on the market for a while, but no one else was crazy enough to take on the project,’ Jessica laughs. The couple enlisted the help of local tradesmen to completely redecorate, the lion’s share of which was completed by husband-and-wife team Me & Mrs Jones.

Jessica has opted for a classic scheme with a twist.

The muted and calm wall tones show off the architectural details beautifully, while colour has been added with jewel-bright rugs in blues and reds covering the wooden floors and patterned wallpapers and fabrics. The huge windows allow light to flood in and offer views of the verdant surroundings.

Jessica has a knack for sourcing vintage pieces from bric-a-brac stores and markets and the result is utterly charming. The house is bedecked with foliage and spruce at Christmas time, with the stunning conservatory the ideal setting for a festive family lunch.

For Jessica, Christmas is all about family, which now include twins, Lockie and Star. ‘In the morning, the children come into our room to open their stockings.

Then Charlie’s parents come for lunch, and we sit by the fire with a mulled wine,’ says Jessica.

However, it is the prep for the big day that Jessica loves almost as much as the main event. ‘I love the build-up to Christmas Day as much as anything,’ she says. ‘Farleigh loves going through my endless cookbooks while sitting on the island with Phoenix, watching me cook. I really enjoy those times.’

BEDROOM A velvet upholstered bed and mirrored accessories make this an inviting retreat.

Evelyn bed, ÂŁ1,595, Graham and Green, is a good match. Large Artur lamp base, ÂŁ142, Pooky

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CIT Y CHIC

By pooling their design skills, Chelsea Dixon and Robert Bühler now have a home with a distinctly Parisian feel FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL RAESIDE

SITTING ROOM The bookshelves were designed to accentuate the height of the 19th-century interior and to help define the large open-plan space. The piano is a family heirloom.

Bookshelves in Livid intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Painting by Arrigo Wittler, Artfinder

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian semi-detached house L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen diner/living area, wine cellar, cloakroom, five bedrooms (three en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were in another property in west London,’ says Chelsea.

LIVING AREA ‘We transformed the house by opening up the wall between the front and back of the house and installing lost details like the fireplace and cornicing,’ says Chelsea.

Similar chandelier, price on request, JRM French Interiors.

Art photographs by Isabelle van Zeijl and Amber Grace Dixon

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INSPIR ATION

‘French interiors – I love the way they can be both classical and minimal at the same time’

KITCHEN-DINER Rob and Chelsea designed the space in the new extension, which is enhanced by floor-to-ceiling glazing.

Bespoke kitchen cabinetry, price on request, Richard Dixon at Vada Collective. Marble worktops, price on request, Verona Marble.

Try Vinterior for a similar mirror, from around £650. Bespoke glazed doors, Maxlight. Bellucci dining chairs, £129.99 each, My Furniture, have this look. Interior design by Vada Collective

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helsea Dixon and her husband Robert Lars Bühler were starting a family when they began to think of moving house. ‘I’d just come out of hospital after having our son Forest, when I spotted an ad for the house in an auction catalogue,’ says Chelsea. ‘It was a essentially a seven-bedroom bedsit in pretty ropy condition. But it was unusually large for a London townhouse and I’ve always loved this street so I knew we could do something special with it. A week later, Rob rang to tell me: “I’ve bought the house. Now we have to find the deposit!”’

Chelsea and Rob were instantly attracted to the scale of the house, which reminded them of the Parisian interiors they both love.

Since the couple share a background in design – Chelsea is an interior designer and Robert is an architect – they were able to draw on their

experience with their business Vada Collective, to create the template for a top-to-toe renovation. ‘I’ll do the spatial layout, working out where everything goes,’ says Chelsea, ‘and Rob will do the 3D design; it really helps with problem-solving early on in a project.’

The plan for the renovation reflected the couple’s shared priorities. While the decoration is simple – grey and white walls, subdued linen curtains – the emphasis is on architectural detailing.

‘It’s a Victorian house with Georgian proportions, which is one of the reasons we bought it,’ says Chelsea. ‘Purely contemporary interiors date quickly, but if you define rooms with traditional features it makes everything timeless.’

Tall double doors lead to the sitting room, which then flows into the kitchen. At the back, a spacious extension with floor-to-ceiling

H A L LWAY Wooden floors and white walls set the scene for the rest of the house.

Traditional radiator, from £189.95, Victorian Plumbing

DRESSING AREA This was designed as a functional but comfortable space.

Bespoke fitted wardrobes, Vada Collective. Find a similar green velvet sofa at Susan Osbourne Interiors. Eichholtz large Martinez chandelier, £1,680, Sweetpea & Willow

BEDROOM Dark walls add to the sense of drama and cosiness.

Painting by Pamela Izzard. Walls in Railings estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try Pamono for a similar vintage table, from around £500

MASTER EN SUITE A former kitchen was turned into the master bathroom; the glazed wall echoes the back wall of the downstairs extension.

Marble basin surround, price on request, Verona Marble

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glazed doors, resembling a translucent wall, links the well tended garden to the interior rooms. Thanks to a skilful co-design by Robert and Chelsea, this impressive space feels more like a grand French salon where ceilings rise, uninterrupted by beams or lintels, to an imposing height of three-and-a-half metres.

Chelsea’s father Richard, an accomplished amateur joiner on the Isle of Man where Chelsea grew up, made new doors for the house, their panelling designed to echo 19th-century proportions. He also made the cabinetry in the kitchen, where the La Cornue cooker and tall mirror continue the classical-meets-modern Parisian look, and he built the sturdy glass-topped dining table.

With the structural works complete, Chelsea and Rob were free to focus on revisioning the decor, which now features plenty

of on-a-shoestring touches. ‘You have to be creative if you want to create an aesthetic without spending lots of money,’ says Chelsea.

The set of blush-pink dining chairs was an eBay steal. In the living area, Rob and Chelsea designed the marble coffee table using an off-cut from a now-defunct workshop across the road. And a pair of voluptuous art deco-style armchairs are a high street buy. Elsewhere, silvered mirrors – snapped up at auction – underline the feel of this home: chic, relaxed and thoroughly Parisian.

‘My perfect Christmas getaway is going back to the Isle of Man, which we do every year,’ says Chelsea. ‘I still put out carrots and mince pies for Father Christmas and read The Night Before Christmas… luckily I now have two small children so I have someone to do it with me!’

MASTER BEDROOM A bath in the bedroom is a luxurious choice, while a four-poster bed frame makes a statement.

St Ives white canopy bed frame, £799, John Lewis & Partners.

Side table, price on request, DI Designs. The Millbrook doubleended bath, £1,170, The Cast Iron Bath Company, has this look

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TWO BECOME ONE

Sarah Freethy and Phil Nockles turned two ancient thatched cottages into one large house that celebrates the past while providing the ideal setting for their future together FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

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H A L LWAY / M U S I C R O O M The old hallway is one of the cosiest areas thanks to the large fireplace with its wood-burning stove. During the Christmas period, the family spend a lot of time in here.

Sternzeit Retrostar chair, £315; footstool, £170, both Bombinate. Walls in Woad intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Agna rug, £175, Cox & Cox

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II cottage, built around 1500 L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Hallway/music room, sitting room, playroom, kitchen-diner, study, boot room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Phil was based in Southampton and I lived in Devon,’ says Sarah.

D

eep, comforting colours, and the warmth of aged wood create a timeless feel in this old thatched cottage, which comes into its own during winter and looks incredibly welcoming adorned with freshly cut foliage for the festive period. ‘I enjoy all the seasons,’ says Sarah Freethy, a TV producer and keen photographer (peonyandpraxis.com). ‘But these shorter days make me really appreciate just how cosy this house is: I love to sit in the kitchen watching the weather rolling down the valley towards me, yet still be perfectly safe and warm.’

Although Sarah and her partner Phil Nockles feel very much at home here now, they had to travel a fair distance to arrive at this special place.

‘Phil and I needed to find a location that would work for both of us,’ says Sarah. ‘He was living in Southampton when we met and I was in Devon, so a house in Hampshire with its abundance of beautiful villages and excellent transport links seemed ideal.’

The home the couple now share with their nine-year-old daughter Esme and a lurcher called Martha is not quite the home they bought back in 2009.

‘It was built around 500 years ago as one cottage that was later extended before being turned into two separate dwellings. We bought one of them initially but dreamed that one day the other would come up for sale so we

KITCHEN-DINER Sarah chose to paint the beams in the dining area to visually lift the ceiling.

Kitchen, £25,000, Glyn Bennett. Try the Sauveur table in reclaimed pine, £650, Perch & Parrow.

Longworth chairs, £180 each, Garden Trading

SITTING ROOM This comfortable space is situated in what was the second cottage the couple bought.

Soufflé sofas, from £1,145 each, Loaf.

Cole & Son Nuvole large panel wallpaper mural, £775, Kensington Design

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B AT H R O O M This space has a cheery green scheme and features one of Phil’s treasured music posters.

Evesham roll-top bath with black feet, £575, Bathstore.

Braided rug, from £32, The Braided Rug Company.

Cinema Lincoln wall tiles, £52.50sq m, Fired Earth

MASTER BEDROOM ‘I love wallpaper, but knew it would be very hard to put up in rooms with walls as uneven as these,’ says Sarah.

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

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ESME’S ROOM The neutral backdrop is brought to life with colourful accessories and decorations.

Aela bed, £280, La Redoute, is a close match.

Try Etsy for a crochet blanket, from £35.99. Rag rug, from £20.99, Trend Carpet, has this look

i n s p i r at i o n ‘We both love art, folklore, music and nature and we wanted our home to reflect that; it is also filled with much-treasured family heirlooms’ could turn it back into a spacious family home,’ says Sarah. ‘We were thrilled when, shortly after Esme arrived, that opportunity arose.’

Unfortunately, merging the pair of listed properties was not at all straightforward. ‘We had to go through a very long planning process,’ Sarah explains, ‘so we brought in architect David Gregory (davidgregoryarchitects. co.uk) to guide us through it and help us redesign the internal layout so that it would feel cohesive throughout.’

David also designed a new oak-framed extension at the end of the house to replace one dating from the 1960s and introduced them to the building team at IW Payne & Co, who specialise in extending period houses.

With all that structural work to contend with, plus a kitchen and two bathrooms to refit, Sarah and Phil were pleased that the other rooms only needed redecoration.

‘Esme’s room was lime green and pink when we moved in,’ says Sarah.

‘Needless to say, we soon painted over all that and the rest of the house. I felt each of the rooms could have their own colour and character, but they had to work alongside one another, so all the adjoining rooms now have palettes that harmonise.’ Phil’s mid-century furniture and music posters work well with Sarah’s growing collection of art and vintage finds. ‘That combination has added to the organic feel we were after to celebrate the history of the building,’ says Sarah, ‘while reflecting all of our passions, too.

‘We love this house more than we ever thought possible,’ she continues.

‘And I love taking pictures of all the different corners as the sun moves round the house; winter’s light is particularly magical – it definitely adds another beautiful element to our wonderful old home.’

SITTING ROOM

Modern designs, such as the coffee table, fit beautifully in this 16th-century home as they are timeless pieces.

For an alternative coffee table, try the Temple, price on request, Julian Chichester.

UKPrinted on Etsy makes personalised Christmas stockings, from £5.95 each

PERSONAL TOUCH When Lynsey and Paul Cross found their ideal country house, they put their own mark on it while preserving its character FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES

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DINING AREA

The table is rustic, but the ornate legs give it a contemporary feel.

The Charlie table, ÂŁ1,895, Andrew Martin, would suit this space. Wychwood Design DC2052 dining chairs, price on request, Alexander James Interiors. Bellatrix voile curtain fabric is similar, ÂŁ31.60m, Couture Living

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home truths THE PROPERTY A 16th-century country house L O C AT I O N Essex R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, snug, cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a new-build a few miles away,’ says Lynsey.

KITCHEN

Plentiful seating makes this area a magnet for family gatherings.

Walls in Elephant’s Breath estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try the cone glass ceiling pendants, £90 each, Lighting Direct.

Vinterior sells industrial bar stools, from £60 each.

Christmas puddings, £4.50 each, The Carved Angel

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ynsey and Paul Cross weren’t particularly looking to move house, but when they spotted an idyllic property in a nearby town in Essex, they decided to view it and instantly fell in love with it. ‘We just had a good feeling about it,’ says Lynsey. The previous family had lived there for 30 years and had treated it with love – as well as a renovation. ‘They wanted another family to cherish it,’ explains Lynsey. ‘It obviously contained a lot of happy memories, and we thought it would be the perfect home for our children, Nathaniel, 18, twins Lucas and Isabella, eight, and Leonardo, six.’

Although the property had been well cared for, Lynsey and Paul wanted to put their own stamp on it. ‘We were keen to keep the original features, such as the meat hooks that game was once hung on, the wooden beams and the solid timber doors, but we wanted to decorate it in our own style,’ explains Lynsey. They enlisted the help of Alexander James Interiors with a brief to create a country feel that was sympathetic to the period of the house and its features, but with a modern look to suit a young family. ‘Designer Marina Demarchuk spent a lot of time understanding our style and did an amazing job,’ says Lynsey.

The project took a year and the house was reduced to a shell, with new heating installed and floors laid. ‘We lived in one half of the house with the other half screened off while the work was being done,’ says Lynsey. Among the priorities were a new kitchen and bathrooms, but the project wasn’t

without its mishaps. The previous owners had found a pair of child’s boots dating from Victorian times and stored them in a glass case in the house. ‘They warned us to keep the boots in the house,’ says Lynsey. ‘But during the renovations we moved them into the pool house – at which point everything started to go wrong. A gas pipe was ruptured and the house nearly blew up, an electricity cable was severed, our kitchen units went missing in Italy – all in the space of a week. I’m not usually superstitious but we moved the boots back inside and everything was fine again.’

Work began in October 2016 and Lynsey wanted the first half of it – the sitting room, snug and children’s bedrooms – finished for Christmas, with the rest completed by Easter. ‘The sitting room was still a shell when I went away on business,’ says Lynsey. ‘When I came back, the room was finished and decorated with a Christmas tree, and I burst into tears because it looked so magical – an idyllic family room like out of one of the books I used to read as a child.’

The rest of the house was treated with the same love and care, with a neutral palette that created a sense of flow throughout, while sumptuous fabrics and furnishings helped give the modern country interior a luxurious feel.

The house provides the perfect backdrop for the festivities.

‘Our grounds are lovely to walk around in wintertime, and we have lots of holly bushes outside,’ says Lynsey. ‘And best of all, it’s perfect for having people round at Christmas.’

d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘Think about going neutral on bigger items such as sofas – then you can easily change the look and feel with soft furnishings’ MASTER EN SUITE

The tiles are just one of the standout features.

Danby bath, £1,502, April Products. Leaf pattern mosaic tiles, £137.90 for 0.88sq m, E-MosaicTile.com

BEDROOM

Characterlightingaddsdrama.

Try the The White Company’s Savoy bed linen, from £20 for a pillowcase. RV Astley Bara Cognac table lamp, £182, House of Isabella

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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, study area, snug, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a one-bedroom, Georgian conversion flat near central London,’ says Rachel.

SITTING ROOM

Rachel has lifted the scheme with different colours and contemporary pieces of furniture.

Similar Althaea corner sofa in Ink, £2,099, Swoon.

Alaia Arc chandelier pendant light, £199, Made

STUDY AREA

A mid-century desk by the giant window allows the couple to enjoy the view of the garden.

The Glenn dark stain oak desk, £399, Made, has a similar look

Character PIECE

The main objective for Rachel and Mark Forshaw when they bought their Victorian terrace was to fill it with personality FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

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SITTING ROOM

The walls have been painted in a warm neutral grey that changes in different lights.

Walls in Light Gray estate emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Artwork by Eteri Chkadua

LANDING

A focal point has been created with a mini feature wall displaying some of Rachel’s favourite framed prints and a black stag’s head – a gift from her mother

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achel and Mark Forshaw had been living in Rachel’s one-bedroom Georgian conversion flat, a stone’s throw from central London, for three years. The flat was becoming a squeeze, and in order to find something bigger, they looked further out of town.

Both have an inherent love of characterful, period properties and not long into their search, they found a charming, three-bedroom, three storey, Victorian terrace. ‘We loved the look of the house straight away,’ says Rachel.

‘Its three floors made it different from

other properties in the area and it was bigger than we thought we could afford, which was a lovely surprise. It also had a huge back garden, perfect for our cat Claude to explore.’

The house had been in a poor state when the previous owners moved in, so much of the restoration work had been done then, including a new kitchen and bathroom. Apart from damp proofing and redecorating, the couple didn’t need to do much in the way of building work. ‘The floors had all been sanded, there were new sash windows throughout and a large 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1 | 3 9

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KITCHEN

The space has been given a simple but effective makeover with dark walls and pink metro tiles.

Artesano tiles in Rose Mallow, £38sq m, Tons of Tiles

DINING ROOM

As keen entertainers, Rachel and Mark were keen to fit in a big extendable table.

Calia extending dining table in oak, £899, John Lewis & Partners

window had been fitted in the study area, which stretched almost to the width of the room, adding a cool, modern feature that complemented the style of the house,’ says Rachel.

The couple moved in January 2018 and, aside from taking a couple of months to plan their wedding, they spent most of their spare time redecorating. With demanding, full-time jobs, this often meant working into the night and weekends.

‘Injecting colour and personality into the house was our main objective,’ says Rachel. ‘Every room had been painted 4 0 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

a cold grey, which didn’t suit the character of the property.’ Starting with the living room, the couple painted the walls in a warmer grey, adding colour with an indigo sofa, pastel armchairs and soft furnishings.

As the spaces flowed together, they painted the dining area the same colour, but introduced splashes of black to give it an industrial feel. A rich green has been added to the study walls with a mid-century style desk now in prime location next to the giant window.

With a strict budget, replacing the kitchen was not an option, so the pair

MASTER BEDROOM

Blue walls work harmoniously with the headboard and bedside light.

Walls in Oval Room estate emulsion, £47.95, Farrow & Ball. Roscoe bed in Aegean Blue, £449; Starkey wall light, £59, both Made

BATHROOM

Rachel reuses stylish brown bottles.

Bottles, £2 each, Baldwins. Metro Dove tiles, £15sq m, Topps Tiles

transformed the space with dark paint and pink tiles. ‘We originally wanted a teal metro tile and tried many samples, but when we saw this pink tile, we had to have it! Even the plain white cabinets and grey worktops work well in this scheme,’ says Rachel.

The pair are keen travellers and vibrant, Middle Eastern influences can be seen all over their home, from Turkish rugs to paintings by Rachel’s favourite Georgian artist, Eteri Chkadua. ‘It makes me smile how our eclectic mix of furniture and artwork sit so well alongside

our more contemporary fixtures and holidays finds. They all combine to make our home unique to us,’ she says.

Rachel and Mark’s home is now a warm and inviting haven of colour, showcasing a range of different influences, while exuding a quietly cool style which she has captured on her Instagram account (@claudeandthehouse). ‘We’ve come a long way since our one-bed flat,’ she says. ‘I’m delighted with everything we have achieved so far and we’re both looking forward to the next stage of our journey.’

RUSTIC CHARM

Lieset Elshout’s farmhouse captures a wonderfully cosy Christmas atmosphere FEATURE SIAN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES

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home truths THE PROPERTY A 16th-century farmhouse set in two acres of gardens L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M S Sitting room, snug, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, utility room, study, five bedrooms (two en suite), two bathrooms, gym/games room P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a 17th-century barn conversion nearby,’ says Lieset.

SITTING ROOM

Treasured pieces of furniture make this a space that the family always love to retreat to.

Find a similar Biedermeier chaise, from £5,102, Pamono. Similar Julius armchair, £1,295, Curiosity Interiors. Large Carter coffee table, £915, Neptune, has this look. Susie Watson Designs’ Gustavian armoire, £2,850, is similar

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or the Elshout family, Christmas is a magical time. Both Lieset, who runs the furniture company thedutchhouse.org, and Andre lead busy lives looking after their two children, Chloe and Louis, and working between home and offices in Kingham.

‘It’s a good time to switch off from the pressures of everyday life and really enjoy the festivities with people we love,’ says Lieset.

Their Oxfordshire farmhouse, originally a 16th-century cottage, had various outbuildings that have gradually been connected over the years. When they first bought it they completely changed the layout, resulting in larger rooms and extra bathrooms with a better flow from one space to the next.

Lieset tailored the house to the

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family’s needs but still wanted to keep the cottage feel, even though it had been expanded.

‘The natural colours, along with the low ceilings, have given the illusion that the house is smaller and cosier,’ she says.

Every detail has been carefully considered in this house. Much of the flooring, the fireplaces and the tiles have been reclaimed from salvage yards in the UK or shipped in from Belgium, where Dutchborn Lieset previously lived for 10 years. Her beautiful and authentic furniture, accumulated from previous homes, sits well in the new room schemes. ‘I never like to completely start afresh with a new house,’ she says.

Having grown fond of things she has collected over the years she simply makes them work within

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DINING ROOM

Lieset has created a relaxed look that still manages to be full of character thanks to the large dresser and striking distressed blue table.

Provence dresser, £1,595, Cox & Cox, has this look. Valois aged rug, £5,995, Oka. Similar Marsh rustic reclaimed wood table, £1,250, Etsy. Find Gustavian dining chairs, from £854 each, Pamono

festive TIP ‘At Christmas time, use

conifer, holly, ivy and mistletoe to make wreaths and garlands – not only do they ooze festive charm, they smell gorgeous too’

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KITCHEN

Collections of glass dome jars and antique plates make this space feel homely.

Similar Deco kitchen units, from £35,000, Martin Moore.

Central island in Oval Room Blue estate eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

HALLWAY

The Belgian fireplace provides a warm welcome.

Similar distressed 18th-century Swedish clock, from £1,000, Pamono

BATHROOM

Lieset designed the cupboards with a local joiner to ensure maximum storage space.

Similar Caversham fitted bathroom range, from £115.25, Victorian Plumbing

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MASTER BEDROOM

A mix of contrasting antique and modern styles is in keeping with Lieset’s modern country theme.

Hypnos Aspen Natural Supreme double divan bed set, £1,625, Now To Bed. Similar Chateauneuf rustic bedside table, £295, The French Bedroom Company

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her new environment. Where necessary, Lieset has had bespoke carpentry built for her by a local joiner, including the kitchen units, which were designed and handmade in Hungary, and the bathroom cabinets.

Lieset’s simple no-fuss approach, using only what is necessary, stems from her Dutch origins. ‘Dutch style is calm, practical and very simple – ideally suited to family life,’ she says. This calm approach extends upstairs into the bedrooms, where metallic wool throws and cushions shimmer in the flickering light, giving the classic bed linen a modern twist, while a willow and moss wreath and angel candlestick add to the Christmas spirit.

Decorations fill the rooms at

this time of year – Lieset finds the bigger and more plentiful the decorations are the better. Her collection has accumulated over the years and now fills every shelf, table and mantel. Lanterns, candles, clusters of baubles and paper ribbons are always on display. ‘Each year I take a trip to the local florist as I like to add lots of natural foliage and big wreaths to the doors,’ she says.

A huge Christmas tree in the sitting room is filled with beautiful silver and white baubles and in the kitchen, lots of fairy lights, scented candles and colourful glass decorations sprawl across the work surfaces. ‘We just love this time of year,’ says Lieset.

‘And being in this house always makes it seem extra special.’

BEDROOM

The exposed beams have been sanded and distressed to give the room a light, open feel.

Danish Crafts-Povl Kjer rocking sheep, £356, Smallable, would work here. Try the Montpellier Blanc three-drawer chest, £580.49, Homesdirect 365

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Back to the FUTURE The period details of Johnny Lovett’s Victorian home have been reinstated with schemes that combine the classic and the contemporary with aplomb FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES

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SITTING ROOM

Touches of blue enliven the pale palette, as do the black accents of the doors, picture frames and the contemporary chandeliers.

Hayes six-light chandeliers in Dark Bronze, £549 each, West Elm. Try the Stella three-seater sofa, from £1,395, Sofa.com.

Markle sideboard in brass, £549, Made.

Try the Milton coffee table in dark oak and antiqued mirror, £1,291, Furnish.co.uk

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DINING AREA

A glazed roof lends a resolutely modern feel and floods the space with light.

Construction and development, Morningside. Venezia extending dining table, £939, Barker and Stonehouse.

Austin dining chairs, £49.99 each, Atlantic Shopping. Chicago engineered wood flooring, £72sq m, The Floor Shop

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home truths THE PROPERTY Terraced Victorian house L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, media room, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We owned a Victorian house in north London,’ says Johnny.

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he last makeover of this Victorian terraced house in west London took place in the 1960s, when the previous owners removed the period bay and sash windows to replace them with smaller, uPVC versions that were typical of the era. The same went for the interiors: every handsome detail was diligently stripped out, leaving the rooms bereft of any of their original character.

As the director of a construction and property development company, Morningside Group, its new owner, Johnny Lovett, was not to be deterred. ‘I knew that if we reinstated the traditional features we could restore the house to its former glory,’ he states, adding, ‘I could also see how the house could be extended, to turn it from a two-bed property to a four-bedroom family home.’

Johnny worked with an architect to devise the plans, which included a side extension on the ground floor that provided a dining area for the kitchen, and an entirely new basement level accommodating a utility room and media space. On the second and third floors, a rear pod and a loft extension created the extra bedrooms Johnny required. ‘I was able to nearly double the size of the house, from 1,100 to 2,100 square feet,’ he explains.

It was through Instagram that Johnny came across Sue Ellinas and Zophia Amey of interior design firm Minnie & Grouse. ‘I liked the way they combine classic and contemporary elements, which I think really works

KITCHEN

The smart design features cabinets in a soft, pinkish hue teamed with worktops in a marble-effect quartz.

A contemporary pendant makes a bold statement.

Kitchen cabinets and quartz worktops, all Eternal Kitchen.

Hayes linear chandelier, £399, West Elm

ENTRANCE

Reflective materials such as brass and antiqued mirror add a sense of lightness.

Kendall mirrored console table, £165, Sweetpea & Willow, is comparable.

Try the Mezzano glass and brass lamp base, £395, Oka

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for a house like this,’ he recounts. As well as devising room schemes, the pair also worked on the interior architecture, suggesting black-framed doors between the sitting room and the kitchen – which enable light to travel through the ground floor of the house – and coming up with the idea of demolishing part of the wall in the hallway. ‘The entrances in these houses can often appear cramped so this immediately created a sense of openness,’ explains Sue, who together with Zophia reinstated many of the lost features, such as cornicing and deep skirting boards.

The palette for the interiors is predominantly pale, punctuated with touches of blue and burnt orange. ‘We like to include reflective materials, particularly mirrors which can do wonderful things to a home,’ notes Sue. The pair have also favoured statement lighting: ‘The ceilings on the ground and first floors have a good height, so we sourced quite bold designs featuring black accents that tie in with the new doors,’ explains Zophia.

A dark stained oak herringbone floor runs through the ground and basement levels, helping to anchor the knocked-back schemes and adding a sense of luxury; in the bathrooms, marble tiles were used to capture the feel of an indulgent boutique hotel. Johnny is full of admiration for the finished result. ‘The house now feels welcoming and full of character,’ he says. ‘We have succeeded in celebrating its Victorian history while making it perfect for modern family living. I would say we have achieved the best of both worlds.’

MASTER BEDROOM

A cloud-like chandelier brings a playful touch.

Large bubble chandelier, £399.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

MASTER BATHROOM

Natural marble tiles create a luxurious feel.

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Carrara honed marble tiles, £80.95sq m, Topps Tiles.

Icon basins, £282.04 each, Saneux at UK Bathroom Store

WALK-THROUGH DRESSING AREA

Inspired by boutique hotels, this walk-through space features bespoke storage in a chic wood veneer

Dream KITCHENS. MADE REAL.

Choose from over 50 beautiful styles, all with up to 5 years interest free finance and backed by a guarantee of up to 15 years.

Book your free virtual or instore design consultation at homebase.co.uk

BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Having spent years living in bland army quarters, ex-officer Karen Cummings knows exactly how to bring colour and life to neutral spaces FEATURE NAOMI JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES

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he rich colours and sumptuous textures of the exotic rugs, unusual cushions and ornate antiques are the first clues to the unique personality of the owner of this Devon home. ‘I definitely love changing things round to celebrate the different seasons,’ says Karen Cummings. ‘But I always stick to a neutral background palette, which means you can do this very easily.’

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with her husband John immediately after they moved in in 2002 with their two now grown-up daughters, Harriet and Georgina.

Then, a gift to herself for her 50th birthday, a few years ago, the former army officer decided to transform the sitting room with British-made furniture and accessories, mementoes from past travels overseas, stacks of her favourite interiors magazines and the quirky pieces that show her fun side. ‘I try to buy as much as I can from local suppliers and craftspeople,’ she says,

‘and when I visit my friends in Glasgow, I often do a bit of shopping up there, too – I particularly love Timorous Beasties for their incredible fabrics.’

With Karen’s talent for sourcing interesting objects to create stylish yet laid-back interiors, it comes as no surprise that she’s had a fair bit of practise over the years. ‘I first met my husband as a fellow army officer in Berlin,’ she explains. ‘John and I have lived in lots of different houses all over the world that we knew would only

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SITTING ROOM

The glass coffee table was chosen so that you can still appreciate the beautiful Persian rug below, which was bought in Oman 25 years ago.

Customisable coffee table, from £1,510, Tom Faulkner. The Iggy armchair in Seashell House Herringbone Weave, from £620, Sofa.com, would work. For a similar purple chesterfield, take a look at the Winston three-seater sofa in Aubergine Easy Velvet, £1,899, Swoon

HALLWAY

A bold arrangement of pheasant feathers is displayed instead of flowers.

Burlington crystal vase lamps with Lucile lampshades, from £250 each, Neptune.

Try the Conservatoire mirror with gold mouldings, £373, Maisons du Monde

home truths THE PROPERTY A 400-year-old cob house L O C AT I O N Devon R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, snug, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, boot room, five bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘A 200-year-old cottage nearby, which we renovated,’ says Karen.

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Before buying something new, consider upcycling an old piece or moving that piece into a new room to give it a new lease of life’ be temporary, but I insisted on making each one feel like home, adding personality to the magnolia-painted properties with plenty of art and accessories.’

Those early marital homes may have been short-lived, but the couple had a lot longer to think about how to transform this one. ‘I knew this house and this area well,’ says John, ‘My grandfather bought the 400-year-old part in the 20s, and he extended the two-up, two-down dwelling to 6 0 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

create a five-bedroom home. It was later handed down to my father, but when he passed away my mother no longer felt comfortable living here, so in 2002, Karen and I took it on.’ The couple had left the army at this stage and were living with their daughters in a cottage nearby. ‘We felt that we couldn’t miss out on transforming the home that held so many memories,’ says Karen.

With military precision, the couple set about planning how to modernise the 1970s

interior and open up the kitchen into a modern family room. ‘We’d had plenty of time to come up with ideas,’ says Karen, ‘so it was just a case of putting them into action, then we could get back to enjoying life, appreciating outdoors pursuits in the fresh Devon air.’

Clearly, Karen has come to love this part of the world, too. ‘I couldn’t imagine living in another house now or another part of the world – I believe that’s something we should all feel about our home.’

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Bold artwork and ceramics give the space a one-of-a-kind feel.

Kitchen units and island, around £15,000, Colystock Kitchens. Antique terracotta flooring, £89sq m, Style Ideas Direct, is similar. Try Salisbury rustic oak cross-leg table, £889, and Sherwood oak dining chairs, £189 each, both Oak World

MASTER BEDROOM

The painted skull is by Karen’s artist brother Douglas Moffat.

Painted skull, £975, Skulldouggery. White feather pendant shade, £44, Maisons du Monde, has the same look

BATHROOM

Travertine is used on the walls and floor to create a unified look.

Ivory travertine tiles, from £22.99sq m, Travertine Tiles UK

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KITCHEN

Vintage finds add unique character.

Glass carboy, £110; wooden Turkish baker’s boards, £85 each, all Louisa Grace Interiors

DINING AREA

An old sign lends a fun touch.

Colman’s sign, £280, Ardingly Antiques Fair. Chest of drawers, £400, Louisa Grace Interiors

Where old meets new Claire McFadyen has achieved the perfect blend of vintage pieces, modern touches and lush greenery FEATURE KAY PRESTNEY | PHOTOGRAPHY JEMMA WATTS

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DINING AREA

‘I had to commission the three-metre long table as I couldn’t find a vintage one that was big enough for the space,’ says Claire.

Table, £900, Brightling Antiques; legs in Graphite chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Chapel chairs, £65 each, Antique Church Furnishings

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KITCHEN

Statement lighting is a key ingredient in this showstopper room.

Chandelier, £495; green factory lights, £180 each; vintage counter, £1,200, all Louisa Grace Interiors. Glazing by Crittall Windows, price on request, Urban & Grey. Walls in School House White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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home truths THE PROPERTY A Victorian cottage built in 1890, with a recent modern extension L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Entrance room, sitting room, kitchen-diner, office, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in an Edwardian semi nearby,’ says Claire.

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SITTING ROOM

Sticking to pale colours has made this room feel light and spacious.

Gower sofa, £1,099, Dfs. Cushion covers, from £6.50 each, Ikea.

Wood burner, £300, Firefox Stoves

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ow home to Claire and Jamie McFadyen and their two daughters Maisy, nine, and Mollie, seven, this property began life as kennels for the surrounding estate where the hunt dogs lived with their master. As you enter the Victorian house through the porch, a black dog-shaped plaque offers a clue to this former use. ‘We love interiors with a sense of history,’ says Claire, who runs Louisa Grace Interiors with husband Jamie.

‘Our business involves sourcing and selling vintage pieces that tell a story and we wanted this to be reflected in our home as well.’

In many homes, visitors are greeted with the sight of coats and shoes, but here you are immediately transported into a welcoming room reminiscent of the ‘salons’ of times past. To avoid the entrance feeling like a walk-through space, Claire has created areas of interest from a beautiful vintage sofa to an antique cupboard with a display of fascinating pieces, such as stunning butterflies in an old bell jar and a dried wreath, which bring a feeling of nature to the room.

Throughout the house, Claire has added a lush botanical feel, layering plants in interesting pots and baskets from floor to ceiling to bring colour and texture to rooms. ‘I keep walls pale and let the pieces do the talking – that way I can easily change the style of a room without having to completely redecorate’ says Claire.

One of the triumphs of this home is the perfect mix of old and new. Claire and Jamie have highlighted period features in the Victorian part of the house, such as the open fireplaces, stripped

ENTRANCE ROOM

An antique mirror bounces light around.

Vintage mirror, from £300; butterflies in bell jar, £390; vintage cupboard, £395, all Louisa Grace Interiors

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A canopy over the French-style bed gives this space a magical feel.

Bed canopy, £135, Cottage Toys & Interiors. Bed, £495; wooden chest of drawers, £295, both Louisa Grace Interiors. Pink rug, £29.99, H&M Home

BATHROOM

Dark grouting mirrors the window and shower screen.

Metro wall tiles, £20sq m; Henley Fog floor tiles, £36sq m, both Topps Tiles. Shower screen, £229, Victoria Plum

wooden stairs and old floorboards, but have contrasted this with a new double-height modern kitchen-diner. With its soaring ceiling and huge statement window, this unexpected, almost chapel-like, space makes a striking impression on visitors as they come through the cottage. ‘I’m so glad that we ignored our builders who kept telling us that it was a waste of space and we should create an extra bedroom,’ says Claire. This room looks out over fields where horses graze. ‘When we bought the house, I fell in love with the view,’ says Claire. ‘I’ve always wanted horses and to be able to watch them in the meadow makes me so happy.’

The couple share a passion for upcycling and their kitchen comprises vintage pieces that have been cleverly repurposed into units, worktops and an island. Regular visitors to antiques fairs for their business, they have brought many favourite finds into their home. In the dining area, a large French pigeon hole unit provides the perfect storage solution for glassware. ‘One of my favourite things in this space is the lighting,’ says Claire. ‘Jamie found the wooden beam in a reclamation yard and had it wired up so we could hang three of our French industrial green lights over the table.’

Claire is already dreaming of their next project, which is to continue the stone flooring of the kitchen out onto a new patio area, create an outdoor room with a huge 300-year-old olive tree, a pizza oven and built-in seating made from salvaged beams. ‘I really can’t wait to get started on that,’ she says, smiling.

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RAISING THE BAR Owen Pacey’s passion for unique design helped him make a derelict pub a magnificent and one-of-a-kind place FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY GRAHAM ATKINS-HUGHES

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y A flat in a renovated pub L O C AT I O N East London R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms (one en suite), dressing room, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 1995 P R E V I O U S H O M E ‘I lived in a flat in Islington before moving here,’ says Owen.

KITCHEN The simplicity of the kitchen is in stark contrast to the rest of Owen’s highly decorative home.

Walls in Elephant’s Breath estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Charles Ghost bar stools by Philippe Starck, £204 each, Kartell at Heal’s. Olympus Spring tap, £264, Franke, has this look

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DINING ROOM Owen hadn’t planned on a round table but found this unusual 70s-style piece that fits perfectly in the corner.

Find a similar 1970s-style round dining table, price on application, 1stDibs. Late 19th-century Italian travertine surround, £7,000, Renaissance London H A L LWAY The chandelier is a dramatic feature.

Original Venini chandelier, £6,000, Renaissance London

SITTING ROOM ‘There’s so much grandeur in this room and yet it doesn’t feel over the top,’ says Owen.

Find a similar gold leaf table at 1stDibs. Shell armchairs, £650 each; art by Calum Colvin, price on request, all Renaissance London. Similar vintage Sputnik pendant, £4,940, Pamono

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ntique fireplace specialist Owen Pacey found his unusual home through a combination of good and bad luck. ‘I’d just left hospital after treatment on a very painful eye and I looked up and spotted a To Let sign on a derelict pub,’ remembers Owen, the founder and owner of Renaissance London (follow the company on Instagram @renaissancelondon. ‘That was 25 years ago when east London was a very run-down area but there was something about it that intrigued me. I was looking for bigger premises for my restoration business with a flat above to live in and once I’d viewed it, not only did I rent it, I eventually had the good fortune to buy it.’

Owen has been sourcing antique fireplaces and architectural salvage and lighting from around Europe for 30 years. An expert 6 8 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

in his field, his uniquely decorative home is an extension of his magnificent showroom on the ground floor where his passion for history and unique pieces is evident. ‘It’s really hard to resist the temptation to keep everything for myself,’ confesses Owen. ‘All the pieces I buy have a story behind them and that for me is what brings a piece alive. I bought a fabulous Venini chandelier from an old lady in Paris many years ago and she had an extraordinary eye for beautiful lighting. She drove a hard bargain but I think she liked me because I was so young and eager.

She’d take me around the back of her shop and show me her secret stock and I’d always come away with something really special.’

Transforming the space above the pub has been a labour of love with Owen stamping his signature decorative style

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BEDROOM Despite his love of decorative pieces, Owen is reserved in his use of accessories, preferring statement pieces to dominate the space.

Leather wingback chair, £2,000, Munna Design EN SUITE Contemporary artwork provides a splash of colour in this pared-down bathroom.

Ceramic floor tiles, price on application, Tower Ceramics. Artwork by Calum Colvin, price on request, Renaissance London

MASTER BEDROOM Owen’s love of decorative furniture is evident here, where the gold carved bed takes centre stage.

Gold Louis XIV bed, £8,000, La Maison London. French Art Nouveau chandelier by Hector Guimard, £3,500; pair of signed Italian table lamps by RG Rida, £6,000, all Renaissance London

throughout the four-bedroom flat. ‘The high ceilings and elegant features of the old pub work equally well in a home.’

Reclaimed oak floorboards, replacement wooden windows and muted grey walls provide Owen’s preferred neutral backdrop.

‘I discovered Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath a long time ago and I’ve used it throughout the flat as a blank canvas,’ he says.

‘It works well with everything and it’s a colour I use time and time again. I prefer to experiment in an unusually creative way rather than following trends. It’s much more interesting.’

Owen also believes you should trust your judgement and not be afraid of experimenting with everything, from colour and texture to era and size. ‘I don’t really plan too much as I like to try things – I’m always moving pieces around and trying out new ideas – and

if something doesn’t look right, I’ll change it around again.’

Typical of Owen’s unique sense of style is the 1970s-style circular dining table, bought from an Italian dealer in Rome, which sits effortlessly alongside the late 19th-century Italian travertine fireplace in the airy dining room.

‘I consciously clash antique fireplaces with 1970s furniture and contemporary art,’ enthuses Owen. ‘It’s that unpredictable mix of old and new that really appeals to me.’

Owen is so at home here now after all these years that it seems hard to imagine that this once run-down pub was such an unusual choice of home. ‘All the rooms have high ceilings and big windows, which always make me happy,’ he says. ‘I just love the fact that every room is so unique and full of history.’

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LIVING AREA

This family-sized sofa comes into its own when the couple’s children return from university.

Long Island chaise sofa, from £575, Sofa.com, is comparable. Try Hempy jute rug, from £140, La Redoute. Crow print, €49.95, Malou Kalay

WILD AT HEART Almost everything about Loet and Martijn van der Hert’s amazing renovation was influenced by nature FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BART BRUSSEE/COCO FEATURES

2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1 | 7 1

DINING AREA

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Detached house built in the late 1990s L O C AT I O N Hoorn, The Netherlands R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, cloakroom, study, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a smaller semi just across the street,’ says Loet.

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Wooden pieces, like these vintage drawers, sit well with white-painted furniture, including the antique bench Loet found in Amsterdam.

For similar pendants, from £228, try Trinity Marine.

Café chairs, £229.99 a pair, Woods Furniture, are a match. Gustavian sofa, from £829, Scumble Goosie, would work here

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he festive season starts early at Loet and Martijn van der Hert’s house. On 11 November, they festoon the exterior and the garden with fairy lights in preparation for the Dutch winter festival of Saint Martin. ‘This is when the neighbourhood children go up and down the streets singing and collecting sweets,’ Loet explains. ‘It was while Martijn and I were living in the US that we got into the habit of decorating the outside of the house for Christmas. Now, all of our neighbours do the same.’

Loet and Martijn, who is a pilot, live in the small harbour city of Hoorn which lies 22 miles north of Amsterdam. Before they bought this house, the couple lived in a smaller semi-detached property on the other side of the street with their two children, Floortje and Wolf, who are both studying at university. ‘We used to come over here for neighbourhood drinks parties and we always dreamt of owning the house because it is detached and has a large garden,’ Loet says. ‘Nine years ago, the owners called us to say they were selling it and they wanted to offer us first refusal.’

Even though they loved the property, which was built in the late 1990s, the van der Herts wanted to make considerable changes to it, including knocking down a partition wall on the ground floor to create a large open-plan living area and adding glazed doors at the rear to open up the space to the garden. The work

DINING AREA

Loet dresses her table with foliage collected from her garden to enhance natural textures, such as linen, rattan and wood. A glazed cabinet adds to the eclectic feel.

Try Avignon cabinet, £692, Maisons du Monde. Cotton ball lights, from £29.95 for 20, Cable & Cotton

KITCHEN

The cooking area was moved to the front of the house and fitted with sleek contemporary units.

Luna Matt White cabinets, from £2,364, Magnet, are comparable. Try the Highland Mimosa rug, £195, Skyeskyns

i n s p i r a t i o n ‘I get a lot of ideas from magazines but some of the best ones come from nature, particularly colour palettes’ 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1 | 7 3

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STUDY

A pure-white scheme shows off vintage pieces.

Try Industrial mango swivel stool, £120, Design Vintage

BATHROOM

This modern space is given a festive touch.

Carrera bath, £799.99, Beliani, is similar. Try the Astonian round stone basin, £397.44, Aston Matthews. Spaces Bruges tiles, £51.94sq m, Topps Tiles, are comparable

OUTDOOR AREA

Loet made the table by upcycling old pallets.

Similar Jerry In & Outdoor rug in Black and White, from £32.95, Benuta

d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Fairy lights are one of the easiest ways to give your rooms a sense of magic and they aren’t just for the holidays’ 74 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

took three months and during that time, Loet and Martijn were able to simply cross the road each day to inspect the progress. ‘All our neighbours were happy that we had bought the house and many of them helped us with tasks, such as clearing some huge trees that had taken over the garden.’

Until recently, Loet worked for the Dutch homewares brand Basiclabel – sold in the UK under the name de Eekhoorn – and has incorporated a number of these key pieces into the house, along with weathered vintage items and industrial finds. ‘We like a mix of styles and when it comes to the palette, I would say that we are really inspired by nature – by trips to the beach and time spent in the garden,’ Loet says. The couple’s love of the outdoors is also borne out by their choice of materials: reclaimed timber, jute and soft sheepskins all contribute to the tactile, convivial spaces that invite relaxation in their home.

Loet and Martijn love being in the garden so much that they added a pavilion so that they can enjoy the fresh air yet still be sheltered from the wind and rain. It is furnished with a rustic sofa, coffee table and outdoor rug, and heated with a log burner. ‘We use it all year round. In the winter we sit outside on piles of sheepskin rugs with our family and friends and drink glühwein,’ says Loet. ‘With the log burner and twinkling lights, you don’t need a TV – its lovely to sit here and chat.’

MASTER BEDROOM

The wooden headboard and leather gym horse bench lend earthy accents to this pale, peaceful scheme.

Similar gym horse bench, £1,180, Timothy Oulton.

Pom-pom throw, £105, Luks Linen at Wolf & Badger, would work here.

Block rug, from £27, House Doctor at Nordic Nest, is comparable

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LEVEL BEST

Reconfiguring their terrace was a challenge for Jenna and Ben Choate James but the end result is amazing FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA RODRIGUEZ

KITCHEN Generous use of gold accents add glamour.

Cabinetry custom made by Hansford’s Joinery. Quartz worktops, price on request, Planet Marble. Voronoi pendant lights, £100 each, Tala. Engineered oak flooring, from £30.90sq m, Wood and Beyond TV ROOM ‘This room makes me feel tucked in,’ says Jenna.

Moroccan lounge mattresses, from £140 each, Abigail Ahern. Large artwork by Sue Williams A’Court. Design Project 045 wall light, £60, John Lewis & Partners. Lien Rope mirror, £85, La Redoute

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian end of terrace L O C AT I O N North London P U R C H A S E D 2017 R O O M S Sitting room, TV room, mezzanine lounge, kitchen-diner, office, three bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a flat in north London,’ says Jenna.

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eing an interior designer, Jenna Choate James quickly saw the possibilities when she and her husband Ben viewed a north London end of terrace. And there was more to be excited about. ‘There was a big garden so we realised we could extend and create an amazing place for entertaining,’ says Jenna.

However, building an extension at the rear was far from easy as the house had so many levels and differences in ceiling height. ‘The answer was to call in MAP Architecture, who did a fantastic job of helping with the tricky bits that we couldn’t have come up with on our own,’ says Jenna. And one of the major triumphs was the distinctive mezzanine lounge above the space that used to be the kitchen – now the couple’s cosy TV room.

‘Being a Victorian house, there were limitations to the flow of the space and the

width of the walkways,’ says Jenna. ‘But raising some of the door openings and rerouting the layout of the space, which included repositioning the main staircase, really helped modernise it without taking away its identity.’

The resulting effect was a wonderful infusion of light, thanks largely to a virtual wall of glass leading out to the garden – which was by no means accidental. ‘I am from Texas originally and I grew up with a lot of sunshine and bright, open spaces, so I can’t deny that it has influenced the look of this place,’ says Jenna. ‘The relaxed boho-luxe vibes coming out of California, Australia and Ibiza paired with the sophistication and cool of Amsterdam, Brooklyn and London, describe my melting pot of design.’

Upstairs, the structural changes were of the more orthodox kind – knocking through from

DINING AREA ‘I love making cocktails, hence the separate bar,’ says Jenna.

Bespoke dining table, AxoMan Design. Heather faux leather dining chairs, £89 each, Cult Furniture.

Wall backrest in Lee Jofa Graffito, £117m, TM Interiors.

Double-arm wall sconce, from £94, Spark & Bell. Open shelving, made to order, Tilia

2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1 | 7 7

INSPIR ATION ‘I love the Cali-cool aesthetic with a dash of European style’ SITTING ROOM Black window frames match the shutters and fire.

Starburst chandelier by Inscapes Design, £369, Etsy.

Long Island sofa, from £579, Sofa.com. Lazytime Plus armchairs, £1,275 each, Camerich. Tyler coffee table would suit this space, £95, Habitat. Rattan-door cabinet, £299, H&M Home

78 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

the master bedroom to the adjacent box room was the first step in creating a walk-in closet and en suite. Next, the massive family bathroom was turned into a guest bedroom, again with it own en suite, after which these rooms were furnished with the cool sophistication that has become the hallmark of Interior Fox, the interior design company that Jenna co-founded.

But which considerations took precedence – practical or aesthetic? ‘It has to be both, in equal measures, or it’s a flop,’ says Jenna. But in one instance it was no contest. ‘When choosing between carpeting because it feels nice or bare wood for its looks, it had to be stripped floors, as they just look way better.’ While being responsible

for the aesthetics of the home and general function of the space, Jenna says she can’t claim all the credit for the success of the project. ‘Ben’s really good with layouts and floor plans, so we complemented each other,’ she says.

And most importantly, the finished result was a house that both of them feel is ideal for socialising – whether that’s for entertaining in the cool patio and garden area they created, or for welcoming family from both sides of the Atlantic. ‘We always get compliments about the kitchen when we open up the doors to the outside, creating that perfect indoor/outdoor living moment,’ says Jenna. ‘That’s when we know the hard work was definitely worth it.’

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OFFICE Jenna loves the mix of wall panelling and wallpaper.

Azteca wallpaper, from $167 roll, Drop It Modern MASTER BEDROOM The vibe is boutique hotel.

Bespoke curtains, Loom & Last EN SUITE A monochrome scheme is a dramatic choice.

Sorrento floor tiles, £99.80sq m, Fired Earth GUEST BEDROOM Warm colours provide a welcoming feel for visitors.

Christobelle Piped bed in Velvet Dijon, from £1,106, Love Your Home

SITTING ROOM Carefully arranged furniture makes for a sociable feel.

Armchairs upholstered in Harrington Ombre by Hodsoll McKenzie, £120m, Jane Clayton. Cushions (on armchairs) in Villars, £135m, Manuel Canovas. Pouffe in Capella faux leather, price on request, Sekers. Cushions (on sofa) in Joropo Peony, £125m, Romo. Stone Tile rug, from £399, West Elm, is a close match. Circular wall mirror, £170, Woodhouse & Law

DINING AREA ‘The pendants are a standout elegant feature,’ says Jenny.

Conker dining table, £845, Loaf. Calverston dining chairs, £290 each, Neptune. Pumpkin pendant lights, £300 each, Hector Finch

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DREAM TEAM

In their quest to turn an unloved home into a weekend retreat, Jenny and Mark Gordon called on some expert help FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY EMMA LEWIS/WOODHOUSE & LAW

home truths THE PROPERTY Georgian terrace L O C AT I O N Bath R O O M S Sitting room/dining area, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Our main home is a detached house in Oxford,’ says Jenny.

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i n s p i r a t i o n ‘In keeping with the feel of the house, we’ve used a warm, neutral palette with splashes of colour on top’

fter viewing a Georgian cottage in Bath, Jenny and Mark Gordon knew it had the potential to be the weekend retreat they were hankering for. ‘But we did have to see past its numerous shortcomings,’ says Jenny. ‘It felt unloved and had exposed central heating pipes, wobbly floors and had generally been done out to a poor standard.

But it had character and was a good size and layout.’

Mark admits that they underestimated the work involved and says: ‘We thought we could move the kitchen and give the place a lick of paint. But we soon realised that transforming the house was going to take a bit more than that.’ With the main objective of opening up the ground floor and allowing more light in to what was quite a dark space, the couple called in an architect.

‘For a while it looked like we wouldn’t be able to extend due to planning rules, but thanks to the exhaustive efforts of the architects, Nash Partnership, we obtained permission to build out at the back,’ says Mark. Subsequently, a light-filled kitchen-diner was added at the rear and the house underwent a refurbishment.

A PLACE TO RELAX

Early on in the process, the Gordons began looking for advice on the interior design front. ‘We could see on their website that local firm Woodhouse & Law reflected the style we were looking for,’ says Mark. ‘They have a modern touch but with a finger on the traditional.’ And knowing the company specialised in exteriors as well as interiors, Jenny and Mark were confident the house and garden would be designed with a sense of flow.

The relationship between owners and designers quickly proved a fruitful one. ‘We 8 2 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

c it y | 25bh MASTER BEDROOM Rich hues and tactile textures create a sumptuous air.

Headboard in Taya, £95m, Manuel Canovas. Anya table lamp, £757 (including shade), Heathfield & Co. Mid century upholstered chair, £329, West Elm. For a similar mirror, try the Arles, £139, Made

explained the feel we were after,’ says Jenny. ‘We had an idea of the colours we wanted – greys, blues and beiges – a palette that helps create a calm vibe, in contrast to the edgier styling of our other home in Oxford.’

Given that brief, John Law, a co-founder of the firm, went away and came back with a selection of designs for each room. ‘He was also aware of the everyday practicalities that make all the difference to a home,’ says Jenny. ‘From the sensible positioning of the lights, to the dog gate that prevents our muddy-pawed spaniel, Amber, coming in the back door and scampering straight through the house.’

H O M E LY V I B E S

As helpful as it was to have someone to help them furnish the house, the couple still faced the challenge of making it their own, so the solution was to have at least one item in each room that they brought with them.

And a space that most certainly has that personal touch is the master bedroom, situated on the first floor. ‘As well as being a light, bright room it has a soft, warm feel to it,’ says Jenny.

‘But then you could say that about the whole house,’ adds Mark, who believes the secret to success is keeping it simple, using good-quality materials and perhaps the most important element – good teamwork.

BEDROOM Shots of colour provide contrast.

Walls in Aubusson elite emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Zoffany. For a similar wall light, try the Chiswick, £40, Garden Trading. Tria side table, £125, Loaf, would work here

B R E A K FA S T A R E A This space is tailor-made to sit for a morning coffee.

Bespoke armchairs, Woodhouse & Law; upholstered in Miro Coconut, £43.50m, Romo.

Sheldrake two-seater table, £555, Neptune. Pelham wall lights, £65 each, Garden Trading B AT H R O O M A metal-framed shower door adds a contemporary touch.

Odyssey Nestor floor and wall tiles, £34sq m, Fired Earth. Vanity unit, bespoke, Woodhouse & Law. Similar Matki One wet room panel, price on request, West One Bathrooms

2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1 | 8 3

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PERFECT TIMING Finding a plot at just the right moment gave Wendy and Steven Hunter the opportunity to build a large home for their growing family FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES

home truths THE PROPERTY Barn-style self-build L O C AT I O N Herefordshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, garage loft room P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a self-built cottage in the same county,’ says Wendy.

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aking on a self-build project is a brave move for most, but for Wendy and Steven Hunter, who had done it once before, it was the logical choice. ‘My in-laws built their own home when Steven was a child,’ says Wendy. ‘The idea of buying land and working hard at building your own place was in Steven’s DNA. With both homes, Steven’s parents have helped us – we took on the majority of the work while Border Oak did the watertight shell,’ says Wendy.

The decision to build their second home was to prove fortuitous, as Wendy became pregnant during the project. ‘At that point we realised that we definitely needed more space than our cottage afforded us,’ she explains. ‘So when we found a plot with

planning approval for a weatherboarded barn, it seemed like perfect timing for us.’

Wendy and Steven were able to make some small changes to the original plans, such as moving the dining room from its central location to the end of the kitchen.

Wendy also removed the downstairs doors to create an open-plan feel. ‘I like more of a flow – it reminds me of houses in America, where I grew up,’ she says.

When it came to the interior decoration, Wendy plumped for a neutral backdrop ‘I’m a bright, white girl – it’s a California thing,’ she says. ‘I like white walls mixed with natural textures – that way the home can really speak for itself. I didn’t want the house to be overstated, so I went for lots of pale tones.’ Wendy says she paid homage to

KITCHENDINER Wooden furniture complements this rustic-style room.

Similar Sauveur dining table, £650; Theodore dining chairs, £195 a pair, all Perch & Parrow.

Soare place mats, £4 each, Ikea. The aged dome pendants, £67 each, Beautiful Halo, look like these.

Engineered oak flooring, price on request, White Hall Flagstones. Shaker kitchen, from £12,000, deVOL. Maloux bar stools, £20 each, B&Q

SITTING ROOM ‘This space feels really cosy while still being big enough to accommodate everyone,’ says Wendy.

Ektorp two-seater sofa, £279, Ikea.

Recycled elm coffee table, £486, Maisons du Monde. Dunelm’s chunky jute woven rug, £99, is a similar design. Milan cushion, £59.95, Bronte by Moon.

Nordmann Fir Christmas tree, £77.95, Pines and Needles

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d e c o r at i n g t i p ‘Don’t overthink things – do what makes you happy in your space and never compromise on quality’

British classics with Shaker-style kitchen cabinets, heritage colours and blacksmith ironmongery as well as natural oak flooring, ‘I’ve also paid a lot of attention to the taps – they’re like the jewellery of your home and should feel good, so we’ve spent a bit more on them,’ she says.

According to Wendy the property has proved the perfect place for bringing up the couple’s daughters Sadie, seven, and Millie, five. ‘It’s a great house for the girls – it works for us and in a way we love it back for that very reason,’ she says. ‘The village school is only a five-minute walk away and we have a nature reserve, a lake and two pubs within walking distance; with the woods behind us and fields of cows as our morning view. It makes us feel like we’re 8 8 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

raising our children in a pure, simplistic way.’

And the surroundings and amount of guest space mean the house works particularly well at Christmas. ‘I like to create little arrangements such as floral festive displays, and we have evergreen trees all around us so I line the windows with foliage I’ve collected from the garden,’ says Wendy.

‘Last year, we had 12 visitors with my American family and my in-laws. We decorated at the back of the property with lots of hanging lights and had open fires outside and people were in and out of the house all the time. We put an extra table in the dining space to accommodate everyone for a big festive dinner and then we all went to the local pub afterwards. That’s what I call the perfect Christmas!’

MILLIE’S BEDROOM Simple decorations add a touch of festive magic.

Juliette daybed, £248, Maisons du Monde, would work.

Kallax storage unit, from £19, Ikea.

Numero 74 bunting, £16, Molly Meg B AT H R O O M A green-painted washstand is a fresh addition.

Washstand in Village Green eggshell, price on request, deVOL. Albion matt white ceramic wall tiles, from £14.93sq m,

Mandarin Stone.

The Haumea small acacia bathroom bench, £55, La Redoute, is similar MASTER BEDROOM ‘Layering up warm blankets and cushions makes for an inviting feel,’ says Wendy.

Deep button headboard, from £399, Marks & Spencer. Welsh wool Coldatnight blanket, £245, Fforest General Stores.

Herringbone throw, £85, Bronte by Moon

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TR ADITION WITH A TWIST Michael Parsons’ classic townhouse now has a bold and colourful side thanks to designer Kate Guinness FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | STYLING KATRIN CARGILL PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON BROWN

SITTING ROOM/LIBRARY

The pale-blue wall colour enhances the sense of light and space in this open-plan room.

Walls in Ethereal Blue emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Edward Bulmer.

Coffee table and side table, both Howe London. Rug, from a selection, Hemghar. Crillon leather armchair, Soane Britain

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II-listed Victorian townhouse L O C AT I O N Central London R O O M S Sitting room/library, dining room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, study, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in an apartment in Notting Hill,’ says Michael.

DINING ROOM

To create an indoor-outdoor feel, interior designer Kate Guinness chose botanical wallpaper and matching curtain fabric.

Scrolling Fern Frond wallpaper, £500 a roll; Scrolling Fern Frond fabric, £220m; chairs in Old Flax in Watermelon, £140m, all Soane Britain. Cornice linen tablecloth, £245, Summerill & Bishop

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anting to upsize from his central London apartment, Michael Parsons had been house hunting for some time when he happened upon the perfect property – a Grade II-listed brick and stucco-fronted townhouse tucked away in a leafy cul-de-sac. ‘Although this street is only minutes from a main road with lorries thundering by, it feels as calm as a country lane,’ says Michael. ‘Everyone nods to each other when they meet; it has a proper community feel.’

Michael was drawn to the traditional townhouse because of its period aesthetic, high ceilings and large windows. ‘It’s technically Victorian, but feels distinctly Georgian,’ he says. Previous owners had made various improvements, such as knocking through small parlours to create a large open-plan sitting room/ library and installing a country-style kitchen and new

bathrooms. Yet Michael felt the decor – in various shades of beige and an uninspiring yellow – left much to be desired. Wanting to create a lighter, brighter, more colourful feel, he began by painting the sitting room/library walls, bookcases and shutters in ‘an ethereal shade of blue – not cold, not too green’. He then ran out of energy and inspiration, so he decided to enlist the help of interior designer Kate Guinness.

‘I liked Kate’s approach,’ says Michael. ‘Like her, I grew up with traditional decoration, but I wanted it to have a little bit more bite.’

Since the previous owner had undertaken such recent renovations, Michael was reluctant to jettison the existing kitchen and bathrooms. Instead, he and Kate embarked upon a top-to-toe revisioning of the interior decor, aimed at mixing new patterns and colours to create a jewel-box feel. ‘As a designer,

DESIGN TIP ‘To make an interior look like it’s evolved over time, make sure the basics – walls, floors, curtains and larger pieces of furniture – are in place before adding to them’

KITCHEN

Michael chose a strong mid-blue shade to revive the solid, handmade cabinetry installed by the previous owner.

Cabinets in Ultra Marine Blue estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Glasses, from £15 each, Summerill & Bishop

KITCHEN CABINET

The striking deep-pink shade links this space to the chairs in the dining room and echoes the vivid colours of the artwork.

Cabinet in Della Robbia Red HC107 eggshell, £67.50 for 2.5ltr, Papers and Paints. Painting by Molly van Amerongen

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I’ve been taught to work with what’s already there,’ Kate says. Starting with the kitchen, she repainted the huge existing larder cabinet in a vibrant shade of pink. She then echoed this colour in the upholstery of the Victorian chairs in the dining room. This scheme was brought to life by the botanical overscaled wallpaper, which wraps around walls and beams in the ceiling. Kate repeated the pattern with the fabric used for the curtains to create an all-enveloping feel. ‘I like the way it brings the garden inside,’ says Michael. A variety of family heirlooms, such as the cabinet in this room which houses a collection of gold-rimmed tableware, work well with the new interiors.

The two bathrooms were also redecorated using bespoke wallpapers and fabrics. ‘The main bathroom now has vivid blue-and-white wallpaper with a pattern that’s so abstract it feels hand-drawn,’ he says. The

second bathroom has multicoloured marbled wallpaper alongside glossy-green metro tiles, which creates the illusion of more space. Bold wallpaper has also been used in the entrance porch, where the design resembles the spines of Michael’s book collection.

Lively patterns and colours were also mixed together in the tranquil sitting room/library. One faded armchair was re-covered in a traditional African Kente cloth, while another was transformed with a softer, painterly print. A high-backed bespoke sofa is placed nearby, opposite the fireplace festooned with festive Christmas greenery. The overall effect is welcoming and congenial. ‘My aunt, who loved doing up houses, once said that you should arrange your chairs so that they look like they’re having a friendly conversation,’ says Michael. ‘It’s certainly a lesson that Kate and I have tried to put into practice here.’

DECOR ATING TIP ‘Don’t be afraid to mix styles and furniture from different periods for a look that will perfectly reflect your personality’

HALLWAY

This bold wallpaper creates a striking first impression, giving the Victorian property the air of a house that has evolved over time.

Tulip Field wallpaper, £155 a roll, Ottoline. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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MAIN BATHROOM

Contrasting wallpaper and upholstery in strong colours ensures this space has an exuberant new feel.

Zig Zag wallpaper, £153.60 a roll, Knowles & Christou. Chair covered in Kenya, £264m (minimum 3m), Pierre Frey

MASTER BEDROOM

A pleasing mix of colours, prints and heirlooms has transformed this tranquil interior.

Interior design by Kate Guinness. Walls in Pigeon estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Headboard covered in Les Ecailles, £312m (minimum 3m), Pierre Frey. Lampshade, from £80, Penny Morrison. Bedside table and lamp, price on request, Robert Kime

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A L ABOUR OF LOVE Pip Jenkins just couldn’t say no when she saw this run-down semi in her favourite area – despite the challenges it would entail FEATURE MANDI MILLAR | PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA WALKER ARNOTT

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home truths THE PROPERTY Edwardian semi L O C AT I O N North London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, family room, five bedrooms, four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in three other houses in London over the previous three years before buying this,’ says Pip.

SITTING ROOM The curve of the beautiful bay window is echoed in the sofa, coffee table and rug.

Sofa (part of a set), £18,000, Roche Bobois. Anatole coffee table, £469, Tikamoon, has a similar look. The Merino rug, £225, Nordic Nest, is a good alternative

25bh | c it y SITTING ROOM Pip’s love of art is clear.

Portrait by Neil Helyard. Similar vintage sideboard, £1,750, Vinterior. Pacha chair by Gubi, £1,744, Twentytwentyone

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fter three house moves in 36 months, Pip Jenkins thought she was settled at last. But when her husband spotted this Edwardian semi for sale, it was time to pack up, again. ‘When it comes to properties, we do have history,’ says Pip, laughing. But even she was not sure if they should tackle what would be a major renovation and extension with two young children in tow. ‘This was a great opportunity to live in an area we both

loved with great links to the city and super schools,’ she says. ‘With few doer-uppers left in the area, we couldn’t let it pass.’

Having lived in the house for six years ‘posh camping’, as Pip says, the couple had a good idea of what they wanted to do. ‘Our builder came highly recommended and although we were very hands-on with the design of the single-storey extension at the back, we used a friend, Amber Short of AS Design, to ensure our drawings would be

DINING AREA Alivingwallisadynamicchoice.

Kriptonite Krossing shelving, £1,300, The Conran Shop

F A M I LY R O O M This chesterfield-style sofa lends a retro flavour.

Bagsie sofa, £1,800, Loaf. Cairo wall light, £250, Mullan Lighting

accepted by planners,’ says Pip, who also project-managed, working from home on what was at times a building site. ‘We knocked through a large opening from the dining room and extended out, excavating the garden in the process, which was big enough that we could lose a fair chunk.’

As the house has four storeys and the couple were willing to take their time, they lived in the house throughout the 16-month build. ‘We did the work in two stages on

KITCHEN Lively patterns deliver a statement look.

Units, from £14,000, The Olive Branch Kitchens; in Dock Blue intelligent eggshell, £66 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

two floors at a time, living on the other floors while it was going on. We even had a makeshift kitchen fitted in what became a bedroom,’ explains Pip. Almost everything in the house was replaced, including the four bathrooms, the windows, roof and flooring. ‘Because it was such a massive project we needed to keep an eye on the budget, otherwise it could have got out of hand,’ says Pip. And after many years of having to exercise the greatest

MASTER BEDROOM The mid-century theme throughout the house goes hand in hand with bold geometric prints.

Headboard in Velatura fabric, £140m, Osborne & Little

patience, she was eventually able to focus on her favourite element – sourcing furniture and styling the rooms. Not having much financial wriggle room, Pip turned haggling into an art form. ‘If you can buy in bulk, it helps with deals – we bought the four bathroom suites together and saved there,’ she says. Pip’s years of experience of doing up other properties has meant that she has built up good relationships with suppliers. ‘I don’t mind how much time I spend sourcing

just the right item, like the 1950s opaline bathroom lights, which were a bargain,’ she says. ‘I love colour, pattern and shape, too.’

Now that she can finally enjoy the fruits of her hard labour, Pip is reluctant to think about relocating in the future. ‘I doubt that we’ll move again, but with the knowledge I’ve gained, I compare home renovation to childbirth – while going through it, you think, never again! But you’re so happy with the result that you just might!’

B AT H R O O M Chevron wall tiles add a contemporary twist.

Try the Rotterdam Calacatta tiles, £58.29sq m, Artisans Of Devizes. Thinn his and hers vanity unit, £795, Lusso Stone

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The natural look

During the festive season Diana Ablewhite decorates with understated greenery, which is perfectly in tune with her pared-back Scandi look FEATURE JACKY HOBBS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICK NUNN

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Georgian style, new-build detached house L O C AT I O N Nottinghamshire R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/living area, atrium, office, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, garden room P U R C H A S E D 2003 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a small house in the same village,’ says Diana.

HALLWAY

The all-white entrance is simply adorned with a fragrant Christmas tree and branches tied to the staircase. (left) Ultimate green and berry wreath, £135, The White Company, is a close match.

Similar Bimala brass lanterns, from £26.95, Nkuku

ATRIUM

A former narrow corridor was widened to create a quiet niche for relaxation and contemplation away from the hubbub of the main house.

Swedish-style wooden settle, £150, Newark Antiques Fair; in Pavilion Gray estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

SITTING ROOM

Diana used a palette of white and creams for the decor, punctuated with dramatic highlights of charcoal and midnight blue.

Cream linen sofa, £1,500, Dfs. Lamb’s wool throw, £85; cushions, £60 each, all Bronte

by Moon. Try the Branagh large ottoman in Anthracite Grey, £299, Made

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ven though they loved the Nottinghamshire village they lived in, Diana and Peter Ablewhite’s former home was simply too small for them. When they discovered a larger, albeit run-down 70s, riverside property was coming to the market in the same village, they immediately saw its potential.

‘Originally we planned to renovate the tumbledown property, but it was not structurally sound so, instead, we demolished it, giving ourselves free rein to design and build from scratch,’ recalls Diana, who project-managed the build herself.

B E A U T I F U L F E AT U R E S

Diana had her heart set on creating light-filled spaces with wall-to-ceiling windows that could reveal the ‘great vistas of uninterrupted countryside and river frontage’. The triple-height entrance hall (the budget prevented the intended glass-floored, mezzanine library) is flooded with light from the uppermost skylight. Downstairs the eye travels through the open space, past the glassdoored dining room to reveal the view of the

KITCHEN

An abundance of foliage and a line of delicate lanterns bring Christmas cheer.

Kitchen, price on request, Hill Farm Furniture; in Lamp Room Gray and Cornforth White estate emulsion, both £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Foliage and berry wreath, price on request, Adore My Door

countryside beyond. A glass atrium straddles the main house and garage, deftly converting a would-be corridor into a light-filled nook.

Here a Scandinavian-style settle invites you to do just that. Similarly upstairs, a spacious glass bay window, which replicates an enclosed winter balcony, gives the couple further wonderful views along the river.

Elsewhere the house imitates various elements of Georgian design. ‘I spent quite a while looking at other houses in the village and borrowed ideas from the local listed, Georgian-style properties,’ says Diana. ‘One day I caught a glimpse of a sweeping stairway through an open manor house door. I knew I wanted to use something similar and pared it down, creating the half-turn staircase with an oak-stained mahogany top rail to achieve the look without breaking the budget.’

A COSY CHRISTMAS

During winter months, the house is warm and cosy, nested with feathered cushions, aglow with fire and candlelight. Underfloor heating in the natural stone-flagged hallway, ‘radiates warmth throughout the entire

house,’ says Diana, and avoids the need for unsightly, space-consuming radiators.

Rooms are pared back and painted white with smudges of grey. ‘At Christmas flashes of red add warmth, but I generally work with a simple, natural palette,’ explains Diana, who also furnishes her home using natural materials; stone, wood, linen and wool. Pine-scented Christmas trees, eucalyptus and fresh sage wreaths create naturally scented seasonal decorations, which complement other foraged finds.

A summer house-cum-winter cabin draws the family outside. ‘We love the outdoors. On Christmas Eve, the family all come home and we snuggle down together in warm, sheepskin rugs and chat by the firepit, roasting chestnuts or toasting marshmallows,’ she says. Christmas dinner is served in the Scandinavian-style dining room with open views of the winter-frosted countryside.

Each guest has a bespoke, initialled place setting. The scattering of silvered stars and the shimmer and shine of crystal stemware, white china and polished silver are all that is needed to complete this festive table.

DINING ROOM

Snow-white table linen and china coupled with crystal stemware create an elegant, pared-back winter setting.

White organic linen tablecloth, £75, John Lewis & Partners. Linen table runner, £30, Next. Monogrammed grey linen napkins, £10 each, Joyful Living

BEDROOM

Diana adds piles of luxurious cushions, throws and bedcovers to welcome her guests in this calm and neutral space.

Similar Scenario quilted throw in Grey-Green, from £40, La Redoute. Rose print cushions, £20 each, Next. Rattan breakfast tray, £79, Kosmopolitan Baskets, has this look

GARDEN ROOM

The family transform the summer house into a winter cabin with cosy throws and metres of fairy lights.

Cabin in Wild Thyme, from £15 for 2.5ltr, Cuprinol Garden Shades. Rectangular metal firepit, £80, Cox & Cox. Sheepskin throws, £50 each, John Lewis & Partners

MASTER BEDROOM

The floor-to-ceiling glass window allows light to spill into this beautiful room. The seating area maximises the opportunity to take in the spectacular views.

Circular mirror, £150, Cox & Cox. Ariel bench with bolsters, £665, Furniture Village, has the same look

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ONCE & FOR ALL

SITTING ROOM

Chairs are arranged around the fireplace for a warm, inviting feel.

Footstool in Jane Churchill Fontane fabric, ÂŁ72m, Colefax and Fowler. Part of the farmhouse is rented out through Airbnb under the name Woodmancote Manor

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c o u ntry | 25bh Jeannie and Ross Aldridge grew to love their rented farmhouse – even more so when they became its proud owners FEATURE CAROLINE FOSTER | STYLING PIPPA BLENKINSOP & KAREN DARLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY KASIA FISZER

home truths THE PROPERTY A 17th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse L O C AT I O N Gloucestershire R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, six bedrooms (three en suite) P U R C H A S E D 1996 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a small period cottage nearby,’ says Jeannie.

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A classic range cooker is the striking centrepiece of this traditional room.

R5 series five-oven range cooker, £12,875, Aga Living. Harvey Jones makes similar Shaker-style cabinets, price on request

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eannie and Ross Aldridge were looking for a Cotswolds property to buy but when they saw a 17th-century manor house for rent, they were both smitten. ‘I just couldn’t believe my eyes,’ says Jeannie.

‘I had always wanted to live in a period house and, for me, it was like discovering my very own Howards End.’ The couple subsequently moved in, though Jeannie tried hard not to get too attached to the place. ‘But it was impossible not to, as it pulled on my heartstrings and had such charm,’ she says. ‘So when we were told it was going up for sale, we didn’t think twice about making an offer.’

Although the interior was in good order, Jeannie set to work changing the colour scheme to one that reflected the styles she and Ross preferred. ‘I didn’t want an entirely traditional feel, and I’d been inspired by a visit to friends in Long Island, NY,’ says Jeannie. ‘Their home had quite a colonial style, which I liked, and Ross and I had some beautiful furniture handed down that I wanted to include.’

Of all the various changes the couple wanted to make, by far the most important for Jeannie was having a new kitchen. ‘My must-have item was a large island that we could huddle round with family and friends, with solid wooden cabinets in a traditional style that would look at ease within a period property,’ she explains. ‘I wanted to recreate a dresser-style unit, so we used tongue-and-groove panelling to connect the wall and floor units.’

Jeannie turned to her interior designer friend Jane Lanyon of JH Designs for colour inspiration. ‘She encouraged me to be more confident and we chose bold colour tones in key areas throughout the house to give each

DINING ROOM

‘It took about a dozen attempts to get the right wall colour,’ says Jeannie.

Walls in Eating Room Red estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Find antique French oak tables at Vinterior. Vincent Sheppard Edward dining chairs, from £390 each, Lagoon

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Rustic and chic combine beautifully here.

Coco bed, £995, Loaf. Marilyn throw in Mink, £40, Walton. Try Ikea’s Lindelse rug, £99.

Fulbourn pendant light, £159, Jim Lawrence

BEDROOM

A toile de Jouy wallpaper evokes a charming pastoral feel here.

Vauxhall Gardens wallpaper, £86.82 a roll, Lewis & Wood. The Sleepy Gingham cushion cover, £25, The White Company, is a good alternative

decor ating ADVICE ‘Aim to

make rooms feel as restful as possible, then embellish them with interesting artwork and sculptures’

EN SUITE

‘I styled the guest suite to look uncluttered and fresh,’ says Jeannie.

Try Bathstore’s Kingham bath, £775. Vinterior sells Lloyd Loom chairs, from £165 each

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room a statement accent,’ says Jeannie. A key room was the large sitting room, where Jeannie was keen to create a classic English look, but with a contemporary twist.

‘I didn’t want the sitting room to be the room we never used, so it couldn’t be too formal and I didn’t want all the furnishings to match slavishly either,’ she says. ‘I tried to approach the room with confidence, but there was a bit of trial and error, too. I would group things together, moving them around until they looked right, and added the odd cushion in an unexpected and exciting fabric.’

An attic conversion created a luxurious guest suite with a master bedroom and bathroom. Jeannie has allowed the exposed eaves beams to do the talking by stripping them back to their natural tone and painting the sloped ceilings white. ‘I think the bathroom exemplifies this simple approach and is the reason a Lloyd Loom chair can look at ease next to a giant faux cactus,’ says Jeannie.

Having now refurbished the farmhouse from top to toe, Jeannie says, ‘You never really finish working on a period house – they require constant care and attention, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else. One day we may decide to downsize, but I love our home so much that I think I will have to be carried out!’

c it y | 25bh DINING AREA Colourful abstract artwork makes a bold impact against the pure white wall.

Paper collages by Caroline Attan at Northcote Gallery. Try the Oslo dining table, from £2,209, Heal’s. Hans J Wegner CH24 wishbone chairs, £798 each, Holloways of Ludlow

WORT H T H E WAI T

Years after buying her dream house, and following a successful long-distance refurbishment, Gail Jackson and her family were finally able to move in FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY NICK SMITH

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TV ROOM Glazed internal doors bring much-needed extra light into this lower-ground-floor space, while a mix of prints adds a playful touch.

Walls in Bone China Blue absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.

Lazytime four-seater sofa, £2,535, Camerich. Ottoman in Schumacher Chenonceau linen, £1,200, Grove Interiors.

Workstead wall lights, £965 each, Holloways of Ludlow KITCHEN-DINER ‘Don’t be afraid to be

adventurous in your choice of lighting as it really can make such a statement in any room,’ says Gail.

Cocoon pendant light, £2,172; medium orb pendant light, £1,092, both Porta Romana.

Cabinetry, around £65,000, DesignSpace London

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hen Gail and Stuart Jackson bought their first house in 2005, they didn’t expect to wait a decade before they could move in and create the family home they wanted. ‘We bought this place just before we got married and it took everything we had to make the purchase,’ explains Gail. ‘We lived around the corner and we had always admired the architecture in this particular road and just couldn’t let the property go once it was up for sale.’ Built as part of the Great Exhibition,

the house features all the styles of the day, including Gothic gables and lovely bay windows.

Work took the couple to Hong Kong for 10 years, during which time the house was rented out. It was only when it was time to return to the UK along with their children, Neve, 14, Cate, 12 and Tom, 11, that Gail and Stuart could finally think about their dream home.

‘We managed the renovation while we were still abroad and I had three site visits in total and lots of phone calls in between,’ recalls Gail.

‘We were fortunate to find Grove Interiors,

home truths THE PROPERTY A Victorian terrace, built in 1851 L O C AT I O N South London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, TV room, study, utility room, two cloakrooms, four bedrooms, dressing room, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS HOME ‘We lived in a house in a converted church hall,’ says Gail.

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who were wonderful collaborators and they took away a lot of the anxiety we felt about making expensive decisions about the house.

Our builder Mark from Foxbury Building was also very experienced and our faith was rewarded with his professional ethic.’

Moving the kitchen into the basement was a key element when refiguring the house. ‘We moved the staircase to open up the lower ground and divided the space between the kitchen and the TV room,’ explains Gail. ‘We opted for windows and doors from Crittall 110 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

Windows to create as much light as possible and, unexpectedly, they really reduce the noise from the other rooms. The couple has favoured a more contemporary look here as there were no period features to consider, and have accessorised with colourful art and unusual ceiling lights. ‘We had planned to have three lights across the island but when I found the two globes, I loved them so much that the plans were altered to accommodate them,’ says Gail.

With so few opportunities to visit the site in person during the renovations, Gail’s

design tip ‘You don’t have to use dividing walls.

We added a study area to our sitting room, which isn’t boxed in, so the space still feels big’

SITTING ROOM ‘The floors had taken a lot of wear while the house was rented so we replaced them with parquet,’ says Gail.

Aspen raw herringbone parquet floor, from £70sq m, Havwoods. Lymington chandelier, from £810,

Vaughan. Hockney sofa, around £2,800, The Sofa & Chair Company. Finn armchairs, around £900 each, Robert Langford STUDY AREA The inherited desk is a beloved piece and it set the

gentlemen’s club tone here, prompting Gail to add the traditional leather chairs.

1stDibs sells similar antique desks, from £2,000. Ensemble London Hutton club chairs, price on request, Fox Linton.

Clan nest tables, £465, The Painthouse, are similar

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decisiveness played a key role in the success of the long-distance project. ‘I knew that changing my mind would add to the cost,’ she says, ‘but I had such sound advice from Claire at Grove Interiors that nothing needed changing. Even her suggestion for green walls to warm up the hallway, which did alarm me at first, was spot on and now it’s a colour that I absolutely love.’

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have friends over and also wanted the desk to be part of the overall scheme. ‘This is the room where I was most indecisive because the two chandeliers were such statement pieces that I worried I might not like them once they were in place. But I think they look wonderful – even though they take a lot of light bulbs!’

Gail’s determination and patience has certainly been rewarded. ‘This home really was worth waiting for,’ she says ‘and I feel very fortunate that the whole experience was such a pleasant and memorable one.’

MASTER BEDROOM A mix of textures adds interest.

Headboard in Belle Pelle Denim semi aniline distressed Italian leather, from £3,000, Grove Interiors B AT H R O O M Marble surfaces exude luxury.

Try Mandarin Stone’s Carrara honed marble, from £71.98sq m C AT E ’ S B E D R O O M Pink tones lift the muted palette.

Curtains in Pale Rose Varese velvet, £75sq m, Designers Guild

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Pure & simple Clean, uncomplicated schemes enhance the beauty of the exquisite features found in Mette and Rasmus Klüwer-Brøndgaard’s apartment FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY ANITTA BEHRENDT/LIVING INSIDE

DINING ROOM ‘The panelling had been taken down by the previous owner, but we had it restored based on original drawings that we found,’ says Mette.

Find Hans J Wegner Wishbone chairs at Heal’s

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home truths THE PROPERTY A renovated apartment built in 1841 L O C AT I O N Frederiksberg, Denmark R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, storage room, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We only lived 2km away in a smaller apartment,’ says Mette.

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ed and white are the colours of Christmas in Denmark, and it’s a mix that Mette KlüwerBrøndgaard loves to use every year in her apartment. ‘Christmas is my favourite time,’ says Mette. ‘We normally fill December with family and friends. We have several Christmas lunches, kids’ baking days and a cocktail night with mulled wine, all of which gather together friends and family.’

Mette and Rasmus have the perfect home for celebrating, filled with light from their big windows.

When they found this apartment in Frederiksberg, they had long had their eye on this historic area. ‘It’s a small oasis just 800 meters from the city centre filled with boutiques and small cafes and restaurants,’ says Mette.

‘It’s rare that property comes up for sale here, so we waited patiently for years. When this flat came on the market in 2015 we viewed it on the Friday, saw it had great potential – and an hour later we’d bought it!’

Because they’d waited so long, they had saved up enough money for the renovations necessary to turn it into the perfect home for the two of them and their growing family, which includes Emilie, six, and Emma, nine months. ‘We were ready for that part, knowing this would be a lifelong investment,’ says Mette. ‘We changed the layout by making the dining room into the main bedroom, reducing the size of the hallway and opening up the kitchen, where we’ve just added a balcony. We’ve designed the space so the girls can each have a section to

SITTING ROOM The plasterwork on the ceiling is original and complemented by the modern designer lampshade crafted from sailcloth.

Try the large Cuddlemuffin sofa in Dove Grey wool, £3,245, Loaf.

Luminous Cloud B3 lampshade, €404, Birgit Østergaard. Steel and marble coffee table by Poul Kjærholm, from €3,322, Fritz Hansen.

Fatouh Berber-style rug in Ivory, from £199, La Redoute, has this look

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themselves when they’re older. We put in a new kitchen, bathroom and renovated the flooring. All walls and ceilings, with their ornate plasterwork, were replastered.’

Mette decorated simply to show off the bones of the elegant apartment, using white to maximise the light flooding through the tall windows, mixed with grey, greige and textured neutrals. ‘The style is very Scandinavian,’ she explains. ‘I like the mix between the old apartment and its period details, such as the marble fireplace and the panelled walls and ceilings, and the modern furniture.’

When it came to choosing furniture, Mette focused on wood and good craftsmanship. ‘I’m inspired by the Scandinavian way of living where you buy less but it’s good quality,’ she says. ‘All my purchases – from the

Wegner chairs to the Atollo lamp and Poul Kjærholm coffee table – will stay with me forever.’

Her approach to Christmas decorations is equally pared back. It is centred around the table, so decorating it beautifully means a lot to Mette. ‘I run a company called A Table Story, providing high-end tableware and flowers to private dinners and even the Danish royal family’s parties. At work we are surrounded by colours and new trends so I like my home to be simple – it gives me a feeling of peace and “Hygge”, which means calm and cosy.

‘My own Christmas table always includes historical elements, with some of the tableware from my great grandmother, and for me there is no Christmas table without fresh flowers.’

MASTER BEDROOM The space is calm and uncluttered. ‘It’s my favourite room – it has heavy curtains, a thick carpet and a lot of fabric to ensure a quiet place to sleep,’ says Mette.

Rosy Angelis floor lamp by Flos, £379.96, Made In Design. Try the Gotland Dia wool blanket in Light Brown, £85, Urbanara. La Redoute has a selection of tiny side tables like the Quilda, £140

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future plans ‘We dream of buying the apartment above or below to create one big home’

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CLEAR VISION

The big plans Gemma Harding had for her 1930s semi have all come to fruition because of her determination and style insight FEATURE JULIE SHERIDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

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KITCHEN This luxury look sees the cashmerecoloured units and marble island complemented by gold bar stools.

Kitchen by Lime Designs. Midas bar stools, £175 each, Rockett St George. Amtico Spacia Parquet White Ash vinyl flooring, £29.99sq m, Luxury Flooring. Nordmann Fir 6ft faux Christmas tree, from £359, Balsam Hill

LIVING AREA Textural layers and low-level seating create a relaxing space.

Halo Groucho sofa, from £1,449, John Lewis & Partners. Skylar faux-fur beanbag, £69, Dunelm

KITCHEN White walls and accessories suit the simple, unfussy feel that Gemma wanted in this practical space.

Medium stoneware bottle vase, £29, La Redoute, is similar. Demijohn pendant lights, £84 each, Pooky. Try the Bwari long marble chopping board in White, £24.95, Nkuku

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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 1930s semi-detached house L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, playroom, snug, office, boot room, utility room, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented an apartment in Aberdeen,’ says Gemma.

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emma Harding and her husband James are used to making bold choices – from purchasing furniture for a home that didn’t yet exist to buying that very same home without even viewing it. The couple, who are both from Hove and went to the same school, met again in their mid-twenties and within a couple of years were married and living in Malawi where they’d spent their honeymoon.

‘We went out there to do some charity work and then James set up a construction company helping to build schools so we ended up staying for three years,’ says Gemma.

A stint in London was then followed by a period in Aberdeen and the arrival of daughters Sienna, now seven and Maya, five. ‘Once Sienna was getting to school age, we wanted to put down some proper roots and get back to Hove where we’ve both got lots of family. We started looking when we were still renting in Aberdeen, but kept being outbid or losing out because we weren’t around. One day, we got a call from an agent who told us about a property that had been owned by the same lady

c oa s ta l | 25bh DINING AREA Brick slips were used to achieve the look of an exposed brick wall. The carved table was handmade in Bali.

Brick slips, from £32sq m, Rustic Tiles.

For a similar bench, try Woven leather bench, £312, Smithers of Stamford.

Woven rattan shade, £150, Cox & Cox. Wish chairs, £139 each, Cult Furniture

25bh | c oa s ta l MASTER BEDROOM A carved screen used as a headboard is showcased with pinky-grey walls.

Walls in Worsted estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try the Rouen pendant, £360, Där Lighting

for 70 years. I knew where it was, the style of the house and just decided to go for it. We made an offer there and then without even seeing it,’ says Gemma.

The house turned out to be a complete doer-upper with yellow and brown walls everywhere and threadbare carpets. In Gemma’s mind, this was a bonus, as it meant they could remodel the whole house to suit the needs of their growing family, which was soon to include their son, Blake, now two.

Their plans included extending across the back of the house and into the side return, and they consulted with an architect to configure the space.

‘I just gave him a wish list of what I wanted and how I’d like it to look. Top was a playroom next to the kitchen where I could keep an eye on the girls and also a utility room,’ she says. ‘Because I like symmetry, it was important to me that these two rooms faced each other on either side of the kitchen. We also managed to create a boot room from a cloakroom and that stops the hallway getting too messy.’

Once the building work was complete, Gemma was happy to take the lead on decorating with

FAVOURITE ITEM ÔI love the hanging branch I sprayed white and hung from the ceilingÕ GIRLS’ BEDROOM Warm pink walls keep things cosy.

Custom glitter name, £20, Lala Loves

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NURSERY Classic colours ensure this is a space that will suit toddler Blake for years.

Sleepi crib in White, £619, Stokke

her signature style of ‘simplicity, balance and calm’. ‘I enjoy colour and using textures but prefer to do this through soft furnishings and accessories so I can switch things up over time,’ she says.

Neutral walls and a hint of dusky pink create a soothing backdrop for treasures like the carved headboard picked up in Thailand and the coffee table brought back from Malawi.

‘Because we’ve spent the first 10 years of our marriage on the move, our furniture has been stored by family members over the years.

I’m so pleased to finally see everything in place in time for Christmas, and it all looks just as beautiful as I’d hoped it would.’

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Reassuringly Riviera: Because you mean the world to us We understand that recent changes to the way we travel mean you need that extra bit of confidence to book a holiday again. That’s why we have introduced a policy to allow you to change your booking for free up to 45 days before you travel when you book a new holiday.

• • • •

Change your booking for free up to 45 days before travel COVID cancellation protection as standard Happy by day two or we’ll bring you home with a refund 24-hour UK-based assistance throughout your holiday

Call 01283 743370 to book or to order your free brochure Visit tbhriviera.co.uk

ABTA No. V4744

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited. Free amend up to 45 days before departure is only valid for entirely new bookings made between 1st September and 18th December 2020 and can only be used once. See website for details.

A SM ART MOVE home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y A 1920s semi-detached house L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, playroom, study, cloakroom, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from a smaller apartment in London,’ says Jade.

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A modest semi, untouched for over 40 years, offered Jade and Guy Gittins the chance to create a home brimming with style

FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES BALSTON

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KITCHEN-DINER/LIVING AREA The new extension allowed for a flowing, L-shaped floor plan ideal for family living.

Units in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Table, £1,495; In Between SK1 dining chairs, £350 each; Little Petra sheepskin chair (right), £3,531, all &Tradition. Try the Sputnik opal glass 12-light chandelier, £276, Litfad

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t takes vision to turn a pebble-dashed semi into a highly polished des res. But Jade and Guy Gittins both work in property, and unleashing the potential of bricks and mortar is what they do. So when they came across this inter-war house, situated in a villagey pocket of south-west London, they sensed an opportunity.

One of a handful of houses built locally in the 1920s, the three-bedroom property was small, but the plot, with its 90 foot-long garden, was tantalisingly wide. The last

owners had lived here for 40 years, and there was, as estate agents might put it, much room for improvement. So having snapped up the property, the couple spent three years living in the house, scrutinising their neighbours’ extensions and plotting the next stage. In 2019 they moved out so the builders could move in.

Work was soon underway to expand the size of the house by stretching it sideways, backwards and upwards. Towards the end of the building work, Jade contacted Kathryn

Porter of Kathryn Porter Interiors, with a brief to design a grown-up home. ‘Although we have three children, we didn’t want an open-plan space scattered with toys,’ says the clutter-phobic Guy. The L-shaped ground floor has a ‘civilised’ sitting room, a TV den and playroom. Every family member has their own coat cupboard. The children’s bedrooms, as well as a guest room and study, are on the first floor. The top floor is devoted to the couple’s suite. New windows

best buy ‘All the bespoke storage – it takes minimal effort to be tidy as we have a place for everything’

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SITTING ROOM New mouldings add elegance.

Allis chandelier, £565, Soho Home GIRLS’ BEDROOM Creative paintwork is a fun touch.

Personalised pink velvet cushion with pom poms, £17.50, AnnetteRoseCo at Etsy, is an alternative option P L AY R O O M Floor-to-ceiling storage means this space can be tidied in minutes.

Essaouira by Nobodinoz floor cushions, £89.95 each, Scandibørn

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25bh | c it y give a bird’s eye view of the cedar-clad garden studio, designed as a guest annexe.

To the three-storey interior, Kathryn brought her hallmark mix of tactile surfaces and natural colours. In the kitchen, where the marble-like surfaces are made of durable Neolith, the navy blue of the cupboards melts to the earthier, olive tones of the banquette covered in a faux leather. ‘Guy and Jade knew that they wanted to feature dark units in the kitchen, but the space still

B AT H R O O M Bolder colours offset the neutral tones.

Elements wall-mounted basin mixer in Brushed Gold, £550, Vado MASTER BEDROOM On the new top floor, the self-contained

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needed to feel bright,’ says Kathryn. ‘I designed the brass extractor hood to add warmth and open shelving as a visual draw.’

To bring light to the sitting room, Kathryn added glazed doors, while the marble fireplace is a facsimile of the original, which had been badly damaged. Curvy mid-century armchairs and sofas create a laid-back feel while also chiming with the couple’s desire for a grown-up look. The glamorous feel stretches to the top-floor

suite was designed as rooftop haven.

Agata lamps, £220 each, RV Astley. Side table, £399, Roar & Rabbit by West Elm BOY’S BEDROOM Kathryn chose a playful wallpaper to brighten this room.

suite where a bath was sacrificed for the walk-in shower. In the master bedroom, whispers of leaf-green nod to the canopy of mature trees in the garden.

The family moved back in two days before Christmas 2019 bringing clothes, and not much else, with them. ‘Kathryn had done literally everything – even hanging the paintings and tweaking the cushions,’ says Jade. ‘It felt like the best Christmas we’d ever had.’

Racer wallpaper, £199 a roll, Sidney Paul & Co. Shelves, £84.95 each, Scandibørn EN SUITE The extra storey added to the house includes this striking shower room.

Farol wall sconce in Opal, £648, Bert Frank

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Reassuringly Riviera: Because you mean the world to us We understand that recent changes to the way we travel mean you need that extra bit of confidence to book a holiday again. That’s why we have introduced a policy to allow you to change your booking for free up to 45 days before you travel when you book a new holiday.

• • • •

Change your booking for free up to 45 days before travel COVID cancellation protection as standard Happy by day two or we’ll bring you home with a refund 24-hour UK-based assistance throughout your holiday

Call 01283 743370 to book or to order your free brochure Visit tbhriviera.co.uk

ABTA No. V4744

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited. Free amend up to 45 days before departure is only valid for entirely new bookings made between 1st September and 18th December 2020 and can only be used once. See website for details.

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y 14thcentury farmworker’s cottage L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Kitchen-diner/ living area, sitting room, study, cloakroom, four bedrooms, dressing room, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a London terrace house,’ says Annie.

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Reclaimed beauty The historic country cottage bought by Annie Jackson and Nicholas Dawe has been lovingly restored and filled with an eclectic mix of recycled pieces FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

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f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘The wall of books in our dining room – books add another dimension’

SITTING ROOM

Dating back to the 1600s, the stone fireplace is the focus of this relaxed space.

Made With Oak’s Cross Leg coffee table, £556, is similar.

Albertine wing chair, £234, Wayfair, has this shape. Beams washed in Old White chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr,

Annie Sloan. Trentham battery-operated lanterns, £16.99 each, Lights4fun, are a close match

HALLWAY

The front hallway doubles up as a study.

Chair in Emperor’s Silk chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan.

Anglepoise original desk lamp, £194, Inspyer

Lighting. The sash window wall mirror, £295, Oka, has this look

DINING AREA

A wall of bespoke shelving is made out of old floorboards.

Drexel Heritage French cane back chairs, £337 each, Etsy, have this style. Table runner in Linen 25 Stripe, £47.50m, Ian Mankin

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d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘Old linens echo that French rural style which blends well with our furniture’

t was a dark rainy October evening when Annie Jackson first set eyes on the cottage where she and her partner Nicholas Dawe and their son William now live. ‘I noticed that, despite the weather, the cottage was light inside, which is unusual for a property of this early date,’ says Annie. Having decided to leave London for the country, they were determined to find a house with character, history and a large garden for William. But it seemed to take forever. ‘Most cottages for sale were either near a noisy road or too dark,’ says Annie. ‘However, when I drove up to this house, I was sure this was the right home for us.’

Nestling in a Surrey hamlet, the house was steeped in history.

‘When we first moved in, architectural historians threatened to pay us impromptu visits,’ says Annie. ‘The cottage was known at one time to have had a central open fireplace with smoke rising through a hole in the roof.’ In 1912, it was extended to create two separate dwellings before being knocked back into one and modernised in the 60s. It then remained untouched until Annie and Nicholas moved in, when it was still locked in a 60s time warp.

For years the couple were happy with the existing layout, and all they needed to change were the old carpets, replacing them with limed oak floorboards, and the electrics and plumbing also needed an upgrade. Lightening the beams with a limewash was their most dramatic visual improvement.

‘The alternative was to sandblast them, but I could not face the

KITCHEN

Recently installed, the cabinets are in a beautiful limed oak.

Kitchen, made to order, Anthony Jee Joinery. Leatherette upholstered high stools, £90.20 each, Sklum, have this look. Try the Old Factory pendants, from £59, Industville

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disruption,’ says Annie, ‘we now both prefer the limewashed look.

It is just a watered-down chalk paint, you apply and wipe off.’

When it comes to furnishings, Annie always likes to choose recycled items. Her coffee table is made from reclaimed timber, the pendant lights in the kitchen came out of a sweet factory, one of her tall table lamp bases in the sitting room was converted from an old fire extinguisher and doors throughout the house came mainly out of old French buildings or local reclamation yards.

As the one-time owner of Holly Park, an interiors shop in Haslemere, Annie undertook many buying trips to France.

Some of the most special playful decorative purchases have now found their way into their home.

‘I kept the pieces I liked too much to sell,’ she admits.

And while Annie has focused on the furnishings, art agent Nicholas has provided all the beautiful artwork throughout the house. ‘Nicholas has a great eye,’ says Annie. ‘We make a good team.’ Recently the couple undertook their most adventurous project to date.

They designed and have installed a new limewashed oak kitchen, which has revolutionised their lives. ‘We now spend so much time in here, especially seated in the bay windows overlooking the garden. The kitchen is now my dream place to cook and eat,’ says Annie. ‘We both love living here and especially as we have so much more room to entertain. Even though there are no other houses in sight, I never feel alone.’

MASTER BEDROOM

Annie chose a restful cream background with pops of pink and orange in paintings and accessories.

Curtains in Klara linen, £14.99m, Ada & Ina Natural Fabrics.

Loire rattan bed frame with rattan headboard, £699, Time4Sleep, is similar

BATHROOM

The cupboard was made from shutters from an old French farmhouse.

Shutters in Greek Blue chalk paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan.

Admiral 1685 roll-top bath, £449.95, Victorian Plumbing, has this look.

Camberley two-tap hole pedestal basin, £99.99, Victoria Plum, is similar

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M ADE TO MEASURE Furniture maker Kristian Lillelund was very hands on during the update of this stunning apartment, which now fits the needs of his family and is a masterclass in bespoke design FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINA KAYSER O/LIVING INSIDE

KITCHEN A run of cabinets conceals everyday necessities for a streamlined look, while neat wall shelves ensure the space feels relaxed and open.

Cabinetry in oak, made by Kristian Lillelund, rum4.dk. Serge Mouille rotating wall lamp in Black with brass pivot, £169, Mobelaris

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DINING AREA The eating zone is marked out by a colourful rug.

Bench seating (right) ensures space for the whole family.

Eames plywood LCM chair, £819, Heal’s. Try Rugs of Sweden for a similar rag rug. Notonthehighstreet.com sells similar paper star decorations, from £7.95

DINING AREA Warm-grey walls, an array of candles and low-hanging pendant lights create an intimate atmosphere for festive meals.

The Bubble lamp Criss Cross ball, from £119, Mobelaris, has this look.

Norman Cherner chair, £1,174, The Conran Shop. Fika Pink tableware, from £6, Chickidee, would work. Pine cone candles, £12.95 each, Nordic House

home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y An apartment dating back to 1920 L O C AT I O N Copenhagen R O O M S Kitchen-diner, sitting room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a loft apartment and Mariah lived in the smaller flat next to this one,’ says Kristian.

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E

very other year Kristian Lillelund and his partner Mariah Malewicz host a large Christmas gathering in their apartment, inviting their extended family. ‘Between us we have my daughters Inés, 17, and Clara, 11, while Mariah has Elliot, 13, and Viola, 10.

Christmas with the family is normally a big occasion and we deck the apartment out with paper decorations and candles, usually kicking off with a trip to a Christmas market,’ says Kristian, who is a cabinet maker. ‘The years we don’t have the children, we tend to head out of town to our summer house, which I built,’ he adds.

It was when the couple’s two families began to unite, that it became obvious a shared home was

SITTING ROOM Homemade paper garlands and traditional baubles give the family’s Christmas tree timeless appeal.

Manor House Gray estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, has this look. Try Norway Spruce, from £229, Balsam Hill, for a pre-lit Christmas tree

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needed. ‘I’d been living in a loft space which, while it had huge open-plan living areas, was lacking bedrooms. Mariah lived in a small two-bedroom apartment in a co-op but when her neighbour got divorced, we acted quickly, asking if Mariah could swap apartments with him,’ Kristian explains.

While this larger apartment had a slightly run-down interior, the main drawback was the small kitchen. ‘We had to sacrifice one of the bedrooms to make a larger kitchen-diner, and one of the living rooms for two extra bedrooms. The renovation took around five months. It would have been much quicker,’ says Kristian, ‘but I wanted to make all the furniture myself.’ Another problem was the lack of light in the apartment, which

SITTING ROOM Kristian created the shelving, which has nooks for displaying ornaments as well as books.

Try Fearless X17R42A, from £29 for 2.5ltr, Valspar at B&Q, for a similar wall colour. Browse Habitat for a good selection of velvet cushions, from £25 each

INSPIR ATION ‘I’ve always loved the furniture of the 1950s and 1960s. It was the time when designers first started making pieces that everybody could afford’

SITTING ROOM Cushions on Kristian’s custom-made banquet add colour and comfort, while the burgundy tones of the Berber rug bring a rich, cohesive feel.

Seating and coffee table made by Kristian in oak. 1stDibs sells similar Verner Panton rocking chairs, from £1,474. Jean Prouvé Potence wall lamp, £119, Mobelaris. HAY Nelson Saucer Bubble pendant, £496, AndLight

25bh | c it y

Kristian and Mariah ultimately turned to their advantage. ‘Even with the existing white walls and previous owner’s furniture gone, the rooms felt a bit dark,’ he says. ‘I knew that painting everything white all over again would help, but instead we went for a shade of grey throughout. The colour changes depending on the light, appearing sometimes more green and yellow.’ Candles placed in every room, more abundant at Christmas time, bring a glowing warmth and large, sculptural paper pendant lights contribute to the cosy ambience.

The furniture bought for the apartment was limited to a selection of iconic design classics. ‘For 12 years or so I ran a shop where I sold vintage design furniture,’ Kristian says and, while he

MASTER BEDROOM Kristian made the striking four-poster bed in pale oak, with a wide wooden base which doubles up as bedside tables.

Vintage Rose linen duvet cover, from £95, Secret Linen, has a similar look.

Try Collyer’s Mansion for similar handmade pendant lights, from $225

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doesn’t consider himself a minimalist, he strongly believes in a practical approach to furnishing. ‘In general, I think we have too much of everything. I think it’s better to consider what you really need before buying more for your home,’ he says.

He has built every piece to fit each nook of the apartment perfectly, maximising the sense of space. ‘One lesson I learnt with this project was how to compromise. I’ve only ever had to create a home for myself so this time I had to involve Mariah in the process and sometimes it was a challenge for both of us.’ By creating an apartment that suits four youngsters as well as Mariah, Kristian has a home where there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place.

MASTER BEDROOM The couple’s iconic-design pieces of furniture enhance the minimal interior, while floor-to-ceiling curtains add a layer of warmth here.

Vitra Classic Eames lounge chair, from £5,065, Heal’s. Isamu Noguchi for Vitra Akari 1N table lamp, £229, The Conran Shop, would work here

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Marketplace FLOOR COVERINGS

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Aspen and Ash is committed to preserving historic woodland with all flooring cut, kiln dried and finished in Cornwall, delivered to anywhere in the UK.

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CANOPIES

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25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e The bedroom reflects the surrounding woodland through its naturalistic wallpaper

ROOM ENVY

his smart but delicate room combines a bedroom with elements of a sitting room to create a cosy, boudoir feel. The space is a guest suite in the garden pavilions at Lime Wood, a handsome country house hotel in Hampshire’s beautiful New Forest. The property’s rural, wooded location was referenced in the scheme by its designer, Susie Atkinson, who set the scene with an enchanting wallpaper depicting a fairy tale forest where pink gourds hang from the treetops and animals frolic across meadows. The decorative panel wallpaper, named Mythical Land, is by Andrew Martin and was inspired by American folk art. That woodland theme continues with frequent references: a floor lamp of beaten 14 2 | 2 5 B H JA N UA RY 202 1

metal resembles a tree trunk with small sprouting branches and leaves, and natural-toned wooden furniture is used throughout.

The room is anchored by its large canopy bed, which features both a headboard and curtains upholstered in the same blush pink fabric. This warm, salmony shade sits nicely against the seafoam green sofa, constructed in a more contemporary shape to give this room a little modern edge. A simple woollen rug in a muted shade of taupe stops the room from becoming too fanciful, but choice eccentricities – a vintage birdcage and silvered ceiling pendant – keep things playful and interesting.

We don’t know about you, but an evening spent huddled up in here would certainly beat our January blues.

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPH AMY MURRELL

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