Zaddfcxz by Primaveradeatres

MO RE INSPI RAT I O N A L HO M ES THAN AN Y OTH ER MA GAZINE

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES BRIGHT OUTLOOK

DREAM SPACES Creative extensions that bring the sunshine in

COASTAL BRILLIANCE From charming interiors to architectural f lair

Refreshing renovations made for laid-back living Gorgeous gardens to inspire

ROOMS IN FOCUS

17 pages of project advice, covering kitchens, garden rooms, living spaces and bathrooms

AUGUST 2021

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES M ORE INS PIRAT IO NAL H O M ES T HAN AN Y OTHE R M AGA ZI NE

no.

This home’s illogical layout and lack of storage called for expert help (p14)

By modernising this cottage, the owners took advantage of the glorious views (p42)

4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

Simple rustic interiors A Victorian villa English country style echo this property’s that marries family and bold design meet rugged and remote functionality with an with spectacular results beachside setting (p20) elegant aesthetic (p26) in this new build (p32)

no.

With pale walls and designer pieces, this villa is the epitome of Scandi chic (p48)

This couple remodelled their house to become a stunning five-bed detached property (p54)

no.

Building a brand-new home in a favourite coastal location was a dream come true (p8)

no.

These owners wanted a warmer look for the home they had lived in for 20 years (p36)

no.

Meticulous attention The restoration of this to detail has created a crumbling mill house in rural France was not for period-style home with the faint-hearted (p60) a timeless appeal (p68)

no.

How a dated bungalow A neutral palette is the was transformed with ideal backdrop for this two extensions and a home’s relaxed French mid-century style (p73) farmhouse look (p78)

A unique new build woodland house with a Scandinavian design influence (p100)

no.

The renovation of two 16th-century cottages that were knocked into one (p104)

no.

A laid-back bungalow in An extensive collection This beautiful listed a vibrant coastal setting of art is thoughtfully home has had its displayed in this refined original period features is the perfect retreat for this family (p94) city apartment (p84) lovingly restored (p90)

no.

Built against a Victorian viaduct, this home makes the most of its soaring arches (p110)

no.

This Regency villa is a showcase for the owners’ treasured art and heirlooms (p114)

no.

Life with a big family has Fresh, spring-like greens A creative office space A striking dark palette been made easier with inject personality into has been created at the has transformed this this home’s new this property’s sitting end of the garden in this home’s bathroom into a kitchen-diner (p124) London terrace (p131) luxurious space (p134) room (p128)

A barn converted into a bright kitchen enhances the feeling of space and light in this home (p120)

Room Envy

An elegant spa suite at an Italian wellbeing resort is inspiring us this month (p138)

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

| 25bh

25 BEAUTIFUL

HOMES EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sarah Spiteri Homes Editor Fiona Mace Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Content and Product Development Director Michael Holmes Brand Development Director Laura Crombie Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Group Art Director Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Hannah Bennewitz Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Carly Rigley Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley

MANAGEMENT Chief Content Officer Angie O’Farrell Managing Director of Homes Jason Orme Chief Audience & Ecommerce Officer Aaron Asadi Finance Director Mags & Subs Dan Jotcham SVP Global Operations & Marketforce Adrian Hughes

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

CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Katie Greenan (katie.greenan@futurenet.com)

MARKETING Head of Marketing Sian Cupid (sian.cupid@futurenet.com) Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms (laura.timms@futurenet.com)

ADVERTISING Commercial Director Rob Biagioni (rob.biagioni@futurenet.com) Brand Director Rebecca Vincze (rebecca.vincze@futurenet.com) International/Luxury Accounts Manager Carole Bunce (carole.bunce@futurenet.com) Classiﬁed Senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett (charlotte.beckett@futurenet.com)

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

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

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

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES help@magazinesdirect.com

BACK ISSUES Magazines Direct help@magazinesdirect.com (+44(0)330 333 1113) magazinesdirect.com Vol 24 No 8 ISSN 1369529 © Future PLC, 2021. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP (020 3787 9001)

WELCOME Judging by the huge increase in demand for seaside properties in recent months, it seems many of us can’t resist the appeal of coastal living. Ronelle and Möller Bester’s beach-front house (p20) is the perfect example of that free and easy waterside lifestyle that so many of us aspire to. Sea views were also a big draw for Julia and Colin Wilson when they had the chance to build their dream home in their favourite coastal spot (p8). And it was a similar story for Aoife and David Porter, whose love of surﬁng brought them back to Ireland (p94). If the buzz of urban life is your idea of bliss, take a look at how designer Katie Lion has transformed a city apartment with sophisticated style (p84). Whichever type of home you’re dreaming of, you’ll ﬁnd all the inspiration you need right here. FIONA MACE, HOMES EDITOR

INSTAGRAM Follow us @25beautifulhomesmagazine DIGITAL EDITIONS Find back issues on your device

SUBSCRIBE to 25 Beautiful Homes for just £39.49 a year, plus receive a free gift (see page 82). Go to magazinesdirect. com/25BHAUG21

We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill and printer hold full FSC and PEFC certification and accreditation. All contents © 2021 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions. Editorial Complaints We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at 25beautifulhomes@futurenet.com or write to 25 Beautiful Homes, Future, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible. 25 Beautiful Homes is published by Future PLC, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Printed by Walstead UK Limited. Cover printed by Walstead UK Limited. Publisher’s subscriptions rates for 12 issues (including p&p): UK, £57.60; Europe and Eire, €187.80; USA and Canada, $122.80; rest of the world, £143.30. For all subscription enquiries and UK orders, please email help@magazinesdirect.com.

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 7

AS GOOD AS NEW Building a house in their favourite coastal location gave Julia and Colin Wilson the chance to turn their dreams into reality FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY

F I R S T- F L O O R H A L LWAY The stunning feature wall was encrusted with blocks of Dorset flint stone. Vintage table/trough, price on request, The Potting Shed. The Woven Basket lampshade, £95, Design Vintage, would work here

8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

SITTING AREA If privacy is required, curtains at the bottom half of this wall of windows can be drawn. Delfino sofa; Dodi chairs, price on request, Natuzzi Editions. Table, Viva Contracts. Lamp, price on request, Yarrow Art & Design

home truths THE PROPERTY Detached new build L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Sitting/dining/family area, two kitchens, sewing room, utility room, office, cinema room, four bedrooms (all en suite) B U I LT 2020 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before this, we had a detached house in Surrey,’ says Julia.

KITCHEN Including reclaimed oak in driftwood hues ties this scheme into the home’s coastal location. Bespoke units, The Main Company. Bolzano Vintage bar stools, £143 each, Simply Bar Stools. Heavy Metal pendant lights, from £140 each, Buster + Punch

10 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

F A M I LY A R E A On summer days the glazed doors open to create one big indoor/outdoor room. Jaipur 5 ceiling fan, €420, Whoo Whoo Whoo. Dik Geurts DG Odin 8 woodburner, £3,145, Stovefitter’s. Try The Oriental Rug Merchant for Turkish kilims, from £750. Ten-pane wall picture frame, Ardingly Antiques Fair

S TA I R WAY The doors echo the staircase design. Staircase made bespoke by TinTab. Doors by Fabco, price on request

or Julia and Colin Wilson, the opportunity to buy a dilapidated house on the West Sussex coast was impossible to resist. ‘It was just down the road from our former holiday home and we didn’t want to lose our lovely neighbours,’ says Julia. ‘It also had decent garden space, which was a must for all our dogs.’ Importantly, it also gave the couple the chance to build a new home from scratch, one which paid homage to its beachside setting. Clearly contemporary in feel, it boasts angular architecture, exposed steel supports and interior walls encrusted with blocks of Dorset flint stone, and it was built with love and precision by White de Groote Construction. Vast expanses of glass in the windows and doors maximise the ocean outlook and give this lovely home an abundance of natural light inside. Julia and Colin were determined to create an interior that reflected their tastes and lifestyle – they weren’t prepared to make any compromises when it came to achieving the finished look. Julia had seen a magazine article on a kitchen installed by The Main Company that reflected the couple’s love of industrial-meets-reclaimed. ‘Soon after, my interior designer, Lynne Pearson of Camouflage Collections, coincidentally recommended the same company,’ says Julia. ‘The decision was made there and then – it was clearly meant to be!’ Consequently, Alex Main and his team installed a spectacular first-floor kitchen that combines exposed brick, concrete, metal and wood to create not only this home’s undeniable focal point but a fantastically functional space. The hardwearing, versatile cabinetry also alludes to its seaside surroundings by including reclaimed oak in driftwood hues. Elsewhere in the house, Julia and designer Lynne created a decor that was equally distinctive. ‘I knew this was my chance to express myself, and Lynne was the perfect person to help me achieve that,’ says Julia. In turn, Lynne says: ‘Collaboration is easy once you gain a client’s trust – then you can have more honest and robust conversations. We also worked closely with The Main Company to develop bespoke designs and furniture not just in the kitchen but also bathrooms, floors and doors – continually investigating innovative materials.’ And sure enough, every room has been given its own identity, with each displaying a mix of natural materials – from slatted-wood partitions to beautiful bare-brick walls. The couple’s love of Turkey is reflected in kilim cushions, characterful rugs and exotic chair fabrics that are softening counterpoint to the edgy architecture. The Wilsons are delighted with the end result. ‘This whole project has been an amazing experience and everything here has surpassed our expectations,’ says Julia. ‘Colin and I love our home – from the reclaimed brick wall finishes, bold feature wall colours, contemporary mood lighting right through to the choice of bed linen. The final result makes my heart lift.’

DINING AREA The streamlined bench seating is a beautiful contrast to the more rustic table. Bespoke dining table, The Main Company. Banquette seating designed by Lynne Pearson; made by Zavos Interiors. Finnick dining chairs, £220 a pair, Woods Furniture. Pendant lights, from £130 each, Trinity Marine

BEDROOM A framed half wall screens the bed from the study area. Try the Retro Industrial bedside table, £220 a pair, Melody Maison MAIN EN SUITE Putting a slatted panel up was a clever design decision. Vanity unit, price on request, The Main Company

STUDY AREA Even here, walls were sacrificed to make the most of the view. The HK Living rattan egg chair is similar, £299, Connox

MAIN BEDROOM A textured wall provides a stunning backdrop. Try the Cebu pendant, £69, Nordic Nest. For a similar bedside table, try Design Vintage

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 13

MODERN elegance Rebecca and Sam Churchill’s goal for their dated 1930s house was to make it contemporary and calm FEATURE AMELIA THORPE | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL CRAIG

14 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no. KITCHEN An antiqued glass splashback reflects natural light back into this serene space, accentuating the spacious feel of the new extension. Flat rattan counter stools, £275 each, Cox & Cox. Hoxton Bullet pendant lights, £115 each, Garden Trading. Bespoke New Deco kitchen, Martin Moore

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached 1930s house L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, playroom, study, utility room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved here from Clapham, south London,’ says Rebecca.

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 15

oving from London to Surrey six years ago, Rebecca and Sam Churchill had chosen a family-size house with plenty of potential. But as the years rolled by, busy with family life with their two young daughters, stay-at-home mum Rebecca and visual effects artist Sam found themselves stumped by how to tackle the project. ‘The house was rather chaotic,’ recalls Rebecca. ‘The rooms felt cramped with an illogical layout and our storage was limited, so it was always messy.’ Things were about to change: Rebecca met interior designer Charlotte Drinkall of Shere Madness at a local street party and the pair quickly struck up a friendship. ‘I went to see Charlotte’s home, loved its timeless style and sense of calm elegance, and asked her if 16 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

she could do exactly the same in my house,’ laughs Rebecca. Over several meetings, Rebecca, Sam and Charlotte began to develop plans for a complete redesign and refurbishment to undo the work of a previous DIY-enthusiast owner – who had created oddities such as a cloakroom in the middle of the entrance hall and a higgledy-piggledy layout for the kitchen – and to improve the flow. Key to the success of the project was a side and rear extension to create a new kitchen-dining/living room with double bifold doors to the garden. ‘Sam and I both have big families and we love socialising with them and with friends, so it’s great to have space where everyone can be together and spill out into the garden on warm days,’ says Rebecca. The extension also included a study

STUDY Matching shelves and desk contribute to the streamlined aesthetic. Walls painted in Down Pipe estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try the Tubu desk lamp, £180, Nkuku

LANDING Both the chandelier and table lamp feature fluted glass, chosen to bring a subtle touch of glamour Zeus chandelier, £675, Pooky, is an alternative option. Clifton cylinder table lamp and shade, £189, One World

SITTING ROOM Dark tones add a moody sophistication, while a simple cart has created a bar area. Walls painted in Bottlenose Dolphin emulsion, £24 for 2.5ltr, Valspar. For a similar floor lamp, try the Tripod, £585, Andrew Martin

decor ating tip

‘Choose a simple palette of colours and combine with luxurious textures for schemes that feel both tranquil and rich’

MAIN BEDROOM Wall panelling delivers character. Bespoke panelling by Shere Madness, painted in De Nimes estate eggshell, £28 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball. Beatrice chandelier, £895, Graham and Green

– which proved a boon during lockdown for Sam to work from home – plus, on the first floor, a new large main bedroom and two bathrooms so that all the bedrooms would become en suite. The garage was converted into a new laundry room, pet room (for Arlo, the black Labrador, and British Blue cats, Bobby and Flo) and cloakroom. ‘Charlotte was so clever in planning a layout that is very practical, but feels spacious, and in designing storage for every room, so that everything has its place,’ says Rebecca. Adopting a palette of Rebecca’s favourite tranquil blues, soft off-whites and warm greys, Charlotte planned a cohesive look for the house, introducing subtle variations and luxurious textures to create individual character in each room. ‘People go on holiday for a

EN SUITE Brass fittings contrast with marble mosaics. East Hampton Scallop mosaic tiles, £141.70sq m, Fired Earth

18 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

P L AY R O O M Two larders are used for toy storage. Bespoke cabinets by Handmade Kitchens Direct

few weeks a year, often staying in a beautiful boutique hotel while they are away, and then they come home to a house that is just not as nice,’ says Charlotte. ‘Why not create that lovely, cosseted feel at home so you can enjoy it throughout the year?’ The family moved into rented accommodation nearby while the building work was underway, and it was a particular pleasure to return home when the project was completely finished. ‘I was involved in all the decisions and saw the build regularly throughout the time, except for the last three days, when Charlotte and her team dressed the house ready for our return,’ says Rebecca. ‘We opened the front door to find champagne on ice and every detail beautifully finished – it was an amazing treat.’

MAIN EN SUITE Custom elements contribute to the luxurious feel. Bespoke vanity unit, Parker Howley & Co

BEACH BEAUTY Ronelle and Möller Bester drew on the rugged good looks of their surroundings to create a home that exudes natural charm FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX/LIVING INSIDE

20 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached new build L O C AT I O N in South Africa’s Western Cape R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, utility room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (all en suite), terrace B U I LT 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We live on a farm north of Cape Town,’ says Ronelle.

SITTING ROOM When the doors are open, this room flows seamlessly into the outdoor entertaining area. Tower marble coffee table, £519, Heal’s, is similar. For a rug like this one, try the luxe natural cowhide in Grey, £400, Amara. Contact Topcret for cement flooring

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 2 1

oon after they got engaged to be married, Ronelle and Möller Bester took a trip to the West Coast of South Africa’s Western Cape and while they were there, they found a plot of land for sale on the untouched stretch of shoreline known as Dwarskersbos. ‘We loved the wild, remote feel of this part of the coast, which is only a one-hour drive from our principal home, a farm north of Cape Town,’ says Ronelle. She adds, ‘At the time, I had just sold my flat in Cape Town, so we decided to invest the money in the plot.’ It wasn’t until a decade later, by which time they had two children, Julian, now 12, and Josua, 10, that the couple finally embarked on the build. ‘During that time, I think our dreams got bigger and bigger; I had never originally anticipated building such a large house,’ says Ronelle. ‘The layout was very

much devised around entertainment: we wanted a place where we could go with friends, enjoy good food and relax.’ The couple drew up basic plans, but approached architect Charl Marais to help them fine-tune the designs. ‘It was an amazing experience,’ says Ronelle. ‘Charl solved all the problems we hadn’t been able to work out, such as where to put the staircase, which we had envisaged in the sitting room.’ He also helped the couple to design two outdoor entertaining areas, one with views across the sand dunes to the sea and the second, which incorporates a pool and a wood-fired hot tub, in a courtyard behind the house. ‘It can get very windy here, so it was great to have a more sheltered outdoor space,’ says Ronelle. Thanks to large expanses of glazing, the house connects beautifully with its surroundings, and it was the rugged beauty

SITTING ROOM A rattan pendant adds to the textural aesthetic. Try the beige seagrass pendant light, £132; and Salma set of two black side tables, £164, both Maisons du Monde. Jake sofa in Nutmeg leather, from £1,713 for a two-seater, Love Your Home, has this look

2 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

TERRACE Built-in and freestanding seating were mixed to create a flexible entertaining area overlooking the sand dunes. Dune dining table, from €780, Weylandts. Try the Venice dining chairs in Grey by Philippe Starck, £376 for two, Kartell

KITCHEN-DINER A striking framed wallpaper panel and patterned wall tiles add decorative touches and work with the monochromatic aesthetic in the living space. The large bifold window (below) doubles as a serving hatch

for the sheltered courtyard. Ladies Who Lunch framed wallpaper, around £350 plus shipping, Cara Saven Wall Design. Try Benchmark’s Mrs B table, from £2,125. Eames DSR chairs, from £265 each, The Conran Shop. Tolix stools (below), £625 for two, La Redoute

of the landscape that inspired the interiors. ‘I wanted to use a subdued palette and focus on texture,’ says Ronelle, who came across Cape Town-based interior designer Elsje Schonken after she spotted a feature on one of her projects in a magazine. ‘I realised that the project was my former flat and I was really impressed with what she had done,’ says Ronelle. ‘I had got to the point where I could see that furnishing the house myself while running my business was proving a logistical problem.’ Elsje took Ronelle’s steer and helped her to source simple, beautiful pieces in natural materials that include wood, leather, linen and rattan. In the kitchen, a wallpaper design featuring flamingos was framed as if it is a work of art. ‘There

is a fisherman’s village 10 kilometres from here where there are thousands of flamingos, so I thought this would be a wonderful way to reference this,’ explains Ronelle. ‘I was a little bit afraid of papering a whole wall, so Elsje suggested putting a piece of wallpaper in a frame.’ Spacious, tactile and supremely welcoming, this home is the perfect way to enjoy the unspoilt surroundings of the rolling dunes and the plant paradise known as the fynbos. ‘When we come here, we tend not to eat out as I always say that we have the best spot,’ says Ronelle. ‘No restaurant can serve us that view.’ Villa Kersbos is available to rent through Perfect Hideaways, perfecthideaways.co.za.

MAIN BEDROOM The fabric hanging from the four poster enriches the space with pattern. Rattan squid pendant lights, from €200 each; Spati four-poster bed, from €1,360, all Weylandts. Try the Hermann fir side table, £77, Maisons du Monde

2 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

BOYS’ BEDROOM Simple furnishings are elevated with touches of pattern and texture. Rug, from R9,600 plus shipping from South Africa, Hertex. The Hale metal tripod black and brass desk lamp, £59, Cult Furniture, has a similar look

BEDROOM Seating is arranged around the window, which frames the stunning view. Try the Aldona chair in Caramel leather, £775, and Sylvan mango table, £265, both Perch & Parrow. Tate & Darby’s Robertson jute rug, from £450, is a good alternative

MAIN EN SUITE Wooden slats on one wall add rich texture and speak to the basin mirror. Bathstore’s Newton bath, £934, is like this. Try Maisons du Monde’s Andrea oval black metal mirror, £88. The Rattan Frame mirror, £198, Anthropologie, is similar

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A Victorian villa built in 1869 L O C AT I O N Essex R O O M S Sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen-diner, study, games room, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS HOME ‘We lived in a semi-detached Edwardian house,’ says Juliet.

KITCHEN

The original cook space and various utility rooms were knocked together to help create this large space. Kitchen cabinetry, price on request, Martin Moore. Sleek bar stools, £150 each, John Lewis & Partners. Hector pendant lights, £195 each, Original BTC

26 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

BEST of both WORLDS The renovation of Juliet Elliott’s Victorian villa skilfully combines elegant interior design with family functionality FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN CHUNG

no.

DINING AREA

Pops of colour lift the scheme. Kartell Comback Chairs by Patricia Urquiola, from £509, Heal’s. Eaton dining table is similar, £4,208, Ligne Roset

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 2 7

STUDY

The chair is one of a pair bought from the previous owners and reupholstered. Chair covered in Seville fabric, £76m, Jane Churchill Interiors. Artwork (below) by Sophie Derrick, price on application, Degree Art

HALLWAY

‘The original features had gone so we added Victorian-style tiles and leaded glass,’ says Juliet. Geometric floor tiles, £89sq m, Fired Earth

2 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

hen Juliet Elliott first viewed her home in Epping Forest in Essex it was its character and sense of space that appealed most. ‘An added bonus was that it was conveniently sited for commuting into London,’ says Juliet, an interior designer who set up her business House of Elliott in 2019. Juliet and her husband Chris recognised that with three boys, Sam, now 19, Archie, 17, and Alex, 13, they needed more space than their semi could

offer them. ‘Both inside and out, this house has a generous footprint and is surrounded by farmer’s fields and beautiful countryside,’ says Juliet. Once they’d moved in Juliet couldn’t wait to refigure the old-fashioned layout of the L-shaped kitchen and various utility rooms tacked on to the back. Opening up the space created a lightfilled kitchen stretching from the front to the back of the house with doors to the garden. ‘After admiring Martin Moore kitchens for years, I was finally

able to have a handcrafted Shaker design in a subtle shade,’ says Juliet. Juliet also had to solve the issue of where to put the second staircase, which was situated at the back of the house restricting access to the garden. ‘We boldly put it right in the middle of the kitchen as a feature,’ says Juliet. We chose something architecturally beautiful made of walnut with a glass balustrade and I’m pleased with how effortlessly the contemporary style sits with the age of the property.’ Juliet’s love

‘Consider upcycling existing furniture as sometimes a lick of paint is all that is needed to give a piece a new lease of life’

d e c o r at i n g t i p

FAMILY ROOM

An L-shaped sofa is a sociable choice. Vintage haberdashery cabinet, sourced by Style & Source, price on request. Bespoke rug, Rug Couture

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 2 9

of old houses and original features is clearly evident in the way she’s sympathetically dressed the windows throughout her home. ‘They are so beautiful and I didn’t want to hide them beneath heavy blinds and curtains,’ she says. ‘It was a conscious decision not to overdress them and to retain their simplicity through thoughtful design.’ Navigating colour and texture is another passion for Juliet and decorating the house was a labour of love. ‘I enjoy pulling together unusual fabrics, colours

and textures to create a very personal scheme,’ she enthuses. ‘I don’t like everything to match and I enjoy playing with clashing colours and patterns, as they bring personality.’ Filling her home with the right furniture is something Juliet won’t compromise on. ‘I spent ages hunting for the perfect vintage haberdashery cabinet,’ she says. ‘It’s the element of surprise that appeals to me and you’ll find those unique touches throughout the house.’ Upstairs, colours and textures

flow effortlessly in familiar Juliet style with a generous main suite providing a sanctuary for the couple. ‘We renovated the upstairs to make better use of the space,’ she says. ‘Also, by reducing the number of bedrooms we were able to make the boys’ rooms bigger.’ The move has given the family the best of both worlds – they are just a stone’s throw from the Central Line into London while still being able to enjoy the benefits of a spacious family home in the countryside.

ALEX’S BEDROOM

Basketballs above the bed are a fun feature. Shorty locker, £129, Mustard Made

MAIN BEDROOM

Gold-toned wallpaper adds to the luxe look. Hovingham wallpaper by Cole & Son, £97 a roll, Jane Clayton

BATHROOM

‘We positioned the bath so it feels like you’re bathing in nature,’ says Juliet. Winchester bath, from £1,234, C.P. Hart

3 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

DRESSING ROOM Bespoke storage gives a streamlined look. Handmade cabinetry, price on application, Bakers of Danbury

C H A R AC TE R

PIECE

Giving a new build plenty of personality is no easy feat, but David and Lucy Renfrew did just that – and during lockdown FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON

no.

BALCONY

A glazed panel ensures the view is clear. Table, £2,895, Oka. Faux bamboo chairs, £300 a pair, Garden Trading

SITTING ROOM

Botanical wallpaper softens the angular proportions. Jasper Peony wallpaper, £74.35 a roll, Lewis & Wood. Bespoke TV and drinks cupboard, Alexandra Young Design

DINING AREA

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A newly built semi-detached A-frame terraced house L O C AT I O N Devon R O O M S Sitting room/dining area/kitchen, living room/study, cinema room, four bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2020 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a house in Hampshire,’ says Lucy.

The dresser adds interest but matches the modern doors. Wardley chairs, £270 each; Sheldrake table, £2,1554, both Neptune

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 3 3

LIVING ROOM

An Ordnance Survey map of the area defines this space. Map, £175, Redcliffe Imaging. Sofa, £4,550; coffee table, £650, both Neptune

‘When we couldn’t find a piece of furniture we liked we had it built instead – like the bench seating in the living room’

LESSON LEARNED

KITCHEN

A line of stools echoes the natural wood of the units. Wishbone bar stools, from £189 each, Where Saints Go. Framed folk art fish prints, £130 each, The Shop Floor Project

3 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

MAIN BEDROOM

rom an elevated position on a hillside above Salcombe, the holiday home bought by Lucy and David Renfrew enjoys a panoramic view of one of Devon’s prettiest sandy inlets. Well known for its humming social life and sailing regattas, it was already established as the family’s holiday hotspot. Due to Salcombe’s ever-increasing popularity, finding the right property was a challenge. But this house was just the right size with three balconies and a large garden. However, like so many new builds, it lacked soul.

Delicate hues and patterns create a serene feel. Adam’s Eden wallpaper, £74.35 a roll, Lewis & Wood. Lamps, £169 each, Pooky

A RACE AGAINST TIME

The couple had exchanged contracts just before the first UK lockdown. Lucy recalls her excitement mixed with mild panic. ‘We hoped to move in for the holidays in July but designing and furnishing it in four months was way out of my skill set.’ By luck, Lucy had already got to know interior designer Alexandra Young. ‘I knew we shared the same taste,’ says Lucy. Alex says her two major challenges were to inject character into the empty shell and finish on time. David and Lucy’s vision was for a mix of period style with Caribbean touches. ‘We wanted interesting art on the walls,’ says Lucy, ‘but no clichéd reminders of our marine setting.’ To create the desired mix, Alex chose light rattan, sisal and sturdy oak textures mixed with light floaty textiles and English country-style wallpapers. The latter proved a game-changer, dramatically softening the stark modern angular shape of the top two attic rooms. CLEVER BUYS

With fabric and furniture showrooms closed, Alex and Lucy’s purchases were all made online from high street and vintage websites. Alex chose joinery because it was easier than finding the right freestanding furniture. The result was a built-in bench in the sitting room and a stunning TV and drinks cabinet she designed with rattan fronts. ‘Rattan was a good choice as it has an affinity with the Caribbean, which Lucy loves,’ says Alex. Now happily settled in, Lucy gazes round the dazzling interiors with great pleasure. ‘I am so grateful to Alex and everyone else who pulled out the stops for us. It is quite amazing.’

EN SUITE

The tiled ledge is the ideal place to display art. Set of six antique seaweed engravings, £570, Etalage. Bath, £1,350, Duravit

STUDY

This area overlooks a leafy courtyard. Bamboo and leather desk, £855, Norfolk Decorative Antiques

BEDROOM

Bold blues and pinks add a vibrant touch. Raoul Dufy Mille Feuilles wallpaper in Cobalt, £100 a roll, Christopher Farr Cloth

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 3 5

A fresh start

Creating a new look for this home proved an inspiring project for both the owners and designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY LAUREN MILLER

3 6 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no. SITTING AREA Inward-facing furniture helps to establish a sociable feel. Natou coffee table, £210, La Redoute, would work here. Izzy sofa, £1,730, Sofa.com, is similar. Footstools, price on request, TLD Curated B R E A K FA S T A R E A The banquette seating looks streamlined and includes storage. Try Hillarys for Roman blinds in Oatmeal, price on request. The Hebden oak dining table, £1,090, Neptune, would work here. The Quebec dining chairs, £165 each, Barker and Stonehouse, are similar. For linear chandeliers, from £340, try Circa Lighting

HOME TRUTHS T H E P R O P E R T Y Detached late-20th-century house L O C AT I O N Toronto, Canada R O O M S Sitting area, kitchen-diner, dining room, boot room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2000 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before this, we had a smaller place in Toronto,’ says Laura.

KITCHEN ‘Instead of brass, we opted for matt black fixtures for an edgy look,’ says Tiffany. Duluth drawer pulls, from $15 each, Restoration Hardware. Wall cabinets in Balboa Mist Advance Matte, £75.50 for 3.79ltr, Benjamin Moore. Quartz worktops, price on request, Caesarstone. Slope leather bar stools, £499 each, West Elm. Central vase, $22, TLD Curated

nterior designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski’s reputation rests on being able to interpret her clients’ needs down to the very last detail. So her skills were put to the test when she was asked to transform a house in which the owners had been happily living for 20 years, but had decided on a new look and had clear ideas about what they did and didn’t like. ‘When I met Laura and David Mitchell, they explained they needed more space throughout the ground floor to accommodate their family,’ says Tiffany. ‘The focus of their attention was on the kitchen, where they wanted a more open feel as well as greater functionality.’ To achieve extra

space, the room was extended by several feet on both sides and once that was done, the kitchen decor could commence. ‘Although we’re known for our crisp white walls, the clients made it clear from the start that they weren’t interested in having an all-white interior,’ says Tiffany. ‘So it was a fun challenge to bring warmer tones into the walls and cabinetry while still working to achieve a fresh and light-filled space.’ Ample storage here was a must-have requirement for Laura and David and this was accomplished by installing two full walls of cabinets, a large island and a walk-in pantry – not to mention the clever cupboards under the banquette seating in the breakfast area. In the sitting area, too, the

BOOT ROOM A large mirror increases the sense of space. Cupboards in Van Deusen Blue Advance Matte, £75.50 for 3.79ltr, Benjamin Moore. Try the Hiba bench, £210, La Redoute DINING ROOM Upholstered chairs create just the right degree of formality. Try the Zurich Fenix + walnut dining table, £1,930, Adventures in Furniture. Calverston dining chairs, from £280, Neptune, have a similar feel. Piaf chandelier, £700, Circa Lighting

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 3 9

built-ins on either side of the fireplace house extra storage and display space for books and special objects, adding a sense of grandeur to a modest-sized space. An important aspect of Tiffany’s brief was to create a cohesive space and this is evident from the moment you step through the front door. ‘The scheme here, with its whitewashed woods, black accents and blue indoor/outdoor rug, sets the tone for the entire home and the palette is carried through to the open-plan space,’ says Tiffany. While aesthetics were clearly at the forefront of her redesign throughout, Tiffany also paid heed to those practical touches that are necessary when creating a home fit for a family. ‘In the hallway, we added a mirror to bounce light, and also because everyone likes to check themselves out before heading out the door,’ says Tiffany. And in the kitchen, a leather-look vinyl was chosen to

upholster the banquette and dining chairs, making this area extra durable and stain-resistant. Upstairs, which was reconfigured to provide the couple with more generous en-suite space, a suitably clean, fresh feel is apparent, and in the main bedroom, natural linens complement the pale walls with accents of blue in the upholstery, to create a lesson in tranquillity. This project certainly had more than its share of ‘wow’ moments, one of which was the installation of the oversized island pendant lights. ‘The electricians even asked us if we’d ordered the wrong sized lighting,’ laughs Tiffany. ‘But we love intentionally playing with scale and going big with lighting for impact, it’s becoming one of our signature moves. It clearly got the approval of Laura and David. ‘On the big reveal day, it proved very emotional and we all shed a few tears of joy,’ says Tiffany.

EN SUITE Faux greenery and rustic pieces introduce warmth. Sofia bath, £799.95, Victorian Plumbing, is similar. Rustic wooden milking stool, £52, Woodenulikeuk at Etsy, would work here. Ecru Turkish hamam towels, £36 each, Larusi

4 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

MAIN BEDROOM Pattern on the rug and cushions lift the scheme. Maison six-drawer dresser would suit this space, $2,370, Restoration Hardware. Natural stone-washed linen sheet, £89.99, LinenMe. Try the Bloomsbury Market Ellory rug, £23.99, Wayfair

H O M E WA R D BOUND Having lived a city life for several years, Amy Jones and her husband Bryn returned to their roots and took on the renovation of a country cottage FEATURE AMY REEVES | PHOTOGRAPHY JEREMY PHILLIPS

4 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

SNUG ‘I chose dark colours to create a traditional feel in the original part of the house,’ says Amy. Walls in Down Pipe estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Find similar mid-century teak sideboards, around £2,000, Pamono. Similar Hendricks velvet three-seater sofa in Moss Green, £1,200, Habitat. Similar Fontana metal and marble coffee table, £299, Cult Furniture. Gallery Direct Worthington mirror, £88, Olivia’s, has this look

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 4 3

HOME TRUTHS T H E P R O P E R T Y Victorian cottage with modern extension L O C AT I O N Wales R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, utility room, snug, office, three bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms, dressing room P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in London and Berlin before moving here,’ says Amy.

KITCHEN-DINER This beautiful space is in what was the next-door barn. Leaving some of the original brickwork exposed (top right) adds contrast to the contemporary cabinetry. Kitchen units, price on request, Howdens. Otoro glass pendants, £99.95 each, Nkuku, have this look LIVING AREA Like the kitchen area, this space has beautiful polished concrete floors for a seamless look. Interior design by Amy Jones at Greta-Mae Interior Design. Round jute pouffe, £52.95, Sklum, would work. Try Hide Rugs for a cowhide rug, from £139

4 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

ike many city dwellers, Amy Jones and her husband Bryn often thought of moving to the country. ‘We lived in London and then Berlin for a time, but finally decided to move back to Powys to be closer to both our families,’ says Amy. ‘We wanted a project and spent ages looking for the right house and then this property came up. Coincidentally Bryn knew all about the house because his family live down the road.’ Although Amy hadn’t seen it before, she was captivated by the original staircase. ‘As soon as I walked in and saw it, I knew the house was right for us, despite the fact it needed so much work,’ says Amy. The house was originally built in the 1840s and also had a dated carport and disused barn, which hadn’t been touched in decades. With a vision to combine the cottage and barn, Amy and Bryn designed a modern link extension replacing the carport, using frameless glazing to take advantage of the glorious rural views. The original cottage was badly damp and needed extensive renovation, but Amy and Bryn were undaunted by the scale of the project. ‘I’m an interior designer and Bryn’s a civil engineer, so we were confident we could manage it,’ says Amy. ‘Bryn’s parents run a local builder’s merchants, so we sourced a small team of builders, based on local recommendations.’ The couple then moved in with Amy’s mother, who lives nearby and were able to be on site every day to deal with issues as they arose and to help with DIY tasks, like sanding wood and polishing concrete. ‘Our priorities were to insulate the house and make it fully airtight, to keep heating bills to a minimum,’ says Bryn. ‘Damp was a major problem. The house is built into a shale hillside and the former kitchen was prone to flooding during heavy downpours.’ To remedy the problem, hundreds of tons of soil were excavated and a new French drain was installed. The roof was then replaced and new roof lights were installed. With the structural works in hand, Amy began planning the interior design. ‘My ideas for the interior evolved over the course of the build,’ she says. ‘I wanted to respect the age of the cottage, so I chose darker, traditional colours – dark grey and deep blue – to contrast with the open-plan white-walled barn extension. We highlighted the contrast by using different flooring – flagstones in the cottage and polished concrete in the extension.’ After 18 months of hard work, Amy and Bryn are now reaping the rewards. ‘We really do appreciate every part of our home now,’ says Amy. ‘I especially like the open-plan dining and living space – it’s great for throwing parties.’

B AT H R O O M ‘We sacrificed one of the bedrooms to create a spacious family bathroom,’ says Amy. Similar Dulwich freestanding bath, from £415; Mode Tate freestanding filler tap, £249, both Victoria Plum. Burton floor tiles, £45sq m, British Ceramic Tile at Tiles Direct

BEDROOM Two skylights were put in to increase the amount of light coming in. Similar Chiltern wooden bedstead, £350, Habitat. Merino and cashmere grey herringbone throw, £149, Heal’s, has this look. Asbury grey and white rug, £149, Made, would also work here

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 4 5

ALL WHITE NOW With its pale walls and Scandi pieces, the home of Shaun and Lene Russell is the epitome of understated elegance FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY STINE CHRISTIANSEN

4 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no. SITTING ROOM A statement pendant draws the eye to the ceiling’s original plasterwork, while Lene’s passion for plants is evident in the displays of greenery. PH Artichoke pendant by Poul Henningsen, £9,765, The Conran Shop. EJ 5 Corona chair, from £4,524; EJ 315 sofas, from £5,179, by Erik Jørgensen, Skandium. Ceramic sculpture (on table), Merete Rasmussen

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached villa, built in 1928 L O C AT I O N Copenhagen, Denmark R O O M S Kitchen-diner, sitting room, teenage den, utility room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we were living in a Pippi Longstockingstyle home overlooking a lake in Stockholm,’ says Shaun.

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 4 9

DINING AREA A bold abstract print lends vibrant colour to this otherwise pale scheme. Limited-edition print by Richard Mortensen, Artnet. Fritz Hansen Super-Elliptical table by Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson and Arne Jacobsen, from £1,662; 3107 Series 7 chairs by Arne Jacobsen, £383 each, all Twentytwentyone

5 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

hen Londoner Shaun Russell moved from Sydney to Copenhagen with his Danish wife-to-be, Lene, he recalls being ‘blown away’ by the pale, pared-back sensibility of Scandinavian homes. ‘They had nothing in common with the decorative style I had grown up with in Britain, which was much fussier,’ he recounts, adding, ‘I fell in love with the white simplicity of these interiors.’ Two decades on and it is clear that Shaun has embraced the Nordic way of living: the gracious villa he and Lene share with their children, Oliver, 18, and Iben, 13, features mostly white walls and wooden floors, which provide a simple foil to furniture and lighting by some of the greatest Scandinavian designers. ‘We’ve collected these pieces over the years and love them because they are functional and durable, but also because they transcend fashions,’ says Shaun. The family’s home is situated in the Carlsberg quarter of the city and overlooks the famous Jesuskirken (Jesus church). ‘I first viewed the villa on a business trip on an awful winter’s day, but even then I could see it had good bones,’ says Shaun of the house, which boasts original details including fine plaster mouldings, an elegant staircase and generous windows. Another draw for Lene, a doctor, was the garden,

KITCHEN Slatted units in dark stained oak are topped with a stainless steel surface. ‘We like the fact that it is developing a patina,’ says Shaun. Classic cabinets by Arne Munch, Uno Form. Dot cushion in Green by Hay, £69, Skandium

H A L LWAY The vintage metal cupboard is perfect for shoe storage. Fun 1DM pendant by Verner Panton for Verpan, £725, Twentytwentyone. Find similar metal storage at Vinterior

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 5 1

S TA I R C A S E Shaun brought a flavour of London to the basement by replicating the platform of Russell Square station. Try London Bus Blinds & Signs for a vintage underground sign

which came complete with a huge sunken greenhouse. ‘Lene is a keen gardener, so this instantly sold it to her,’ says Shaun. The couple had to damp proof the house and replace the roof, and also turned the basement into a liveable space that now comprises a teenage den, guest bedroom and bathroom. The basic kitchen was replaced with a classic Danish design. ‘Lene had the idea to add a window seat above the radiator and now everyone gravitates here,’ says Shaun. Lene’s plants play a key role indoors, bringing greenery and life to every room. ‘Nature is an important part of Scandinavian life, which is something I learnt when I moved here,’ says Shaun, who was so impressed that it inspired him to create Skandinavisk (skandinavisk.com), a company that creates organic products for the home and body. Recently, Shaun and Lene set about repainting the house from top to bottom and the couple saw this as a chance to cull some of their possessions. ‘It’s very easy to keep accumulating things and we wanted to enjoy the pieces we really love,’ he says, pointing out as an example two sinuous ceramic sculptures by Lene’s sister, a talented ceramicist, and a mesmerising photographic image of an abandoned greenhouse. ‘When you have a regular edit, you see things in a better light,’ says Shaun. ‘For us, less is definitely more.’

B AT H R O O M Punchy pattern is provided with a traditional chequered floor and bright green tiles. Try the Churchill Snow and Midnight chequer tiles, £4.95 for a 291mm square sheet, and the Victorian Metro tiles in Green, £26.95sq m, both Walls and Floors

5 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

BEDROOM The pendant light, another classic Scandinavian piece, has a wonderful sculptural quality that introduces yet another layer of interest. 172 pendant lamp by Le Klint, from £426, Skandium. Curtains in Baudard in Aqua, £92m, Designers Guild

‘I believe in the peacefulness that white walls and timber floors can create – they bring a general sense of calm to a home’ I N S PI R ATI O N

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 5 3

B O L D M OV E S

Modern industrial and classic styles come together beautifully in Samantha and Jeremy Harris’ completely reworked home FEATURE EMILY PECK | PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN CHUNG

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached house, built in 1958 L O C AT I O N Surrey P U R C H A S E D 2015 R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, office/TV room, kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, gym, five bedrooms (four en suite, one with dressing room), bathroom PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a house close by,’ says Samantha.

5 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

ith its striking black timber-clad exterior and timeless interior, the Harris’ home is unrecognisable from the modest 1950s brick chalet they bought in 2015. ‘We were drawn to the location of the house and its large footprint, but the decor was tired and in need of modernising,’ explains Samantha, who lives with husband Jeremy, and their Schnoodle, Ruby, and Cockapoo, Mae. ‘Although we didn’t extend the property, we did remodel the inside floorplan extensively.’ To make the renovating work manageable, the couple took six-month breaks in between each phase. ‘Our first task was to redesign the upstairs bedroom, which now has a freestanding bath, as well as the dressing room behind pocket doors,’

KITCHEN-DINER The metal-framed pendants and wood-look splashback were all that were needed to give the space an industrial edge. Table, £900, No 44 Furniture and Fine Things. Quad pendant lights, from £365 each, Holloways of Ludlow

says Samantha. ‘This meant we had a retreat in which to rest our heads every night while the works continued. Then we absorbed the porch into the hallway’s footprint to make room for an office, and increased the light flow at the front of the house by adding metal framed doors and a Velux window.’ Two of the 19 extra steels that were required to remodel the rooms on the ground floor were then installed in the kitchen. This meant the central column could be removed to make space for a new open-plan kitchendiner. The old conservatory with plastic roof on the back of the house was also rebuilt, and floor-to-ceiling industrial-style windows added to create a comfortable sitting room with large wood burner and faux brick walls. Having renovated their last home in nearby Hinchley Wood and a holiday home

GARDEN A terraced patio now sits outside the sitting room. Cushions, £55 each, Andrew Martin

SITTING ROOM It’s hard to believe this was once a conservatory with a plastic roof. Coffee table, £1,200, Andrew Martin. Brick wallcovering, £54sq m, Brick Slips

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 57

in Italy, the couple had the confidence to source materials themselves and cut costs. It was only when it came to cladding the exterior with black Kebony timber three years into the refurbishment that the couple called upon the help of an architect. ‘I had previously worked part-time with my sister who runs a bespoke interior design company, and this helped me hone my style and gain the right contacts,’ says Samantha. ‘Jeremy also has a strong design sense and was great at mapping out each room and its potential furnishings onto graph paper. This meant we could see exactly how everything would fit.’ One area in particular where the couple managed to save costs was in the new

BEDROOM Putting the paper on the ceiling gives a sense of height. Mural, £442, Rebel Walls. Bed, £695, Time4Sleep

MAIN BEDROOM An oversized plant increases the sense of luxe in this space. Bath, £3,200, Chadder & Co

D E C O R ATI N G

‘Go with your gut – if your intuition is telling you something doesn’t work then the likelihood is it doesn’t. Also, be brave and bold with colour – neutral isn’t always the best option’ TIP

BEDROOM The mirror echoes the doors to the garden. Four poster bed, from £5,500, TurnPost

open-plan kitchen. ‘We ordered the entire Modulnova kitchen from Italy and organised two fitters to fly over from Italy especially to install it in two days,’ explains Samantha. For the decor, Samantha was keen to create a luxurious yet effortless feel. ‘We used industrial-style pendants, metalframed windows and exposed brickwork throughout,’ she says. ‘And a dusky palette in many of the rooms creates a sense of calm.’ Samantha was also not afraid to accent the house with bold design statements to add character and bring the schemes alive. ‘Remodelling this house to the five-bedroom detached property it is now took the heart and soul out of us, both emotionally and financially,’ says Samantha, ‘but we’re so happy with the finished results so it has been worth every minute.’ 5 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

CLOAKROOM A mirrored wall makes the space look twice as big. Dark Floral II wallpaper, £31.17m, Ellie Cashman

B AT H R O O M Samantha fell in love with these pink tiles and decided to make a feature of them. Crackle tiles, £27sq m, Porcelain Superstore

no.

Restoration HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Renovated mill house L O C AT I O N France R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, two kitchens, utility room, two cloakrooms, eight bedrooms (five en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 OTHER PROPERTY ‘Our main home is located on the outskirts of Amsterdam,’ says Moniek.

STORY

Moniek and Bram Drexhage took an ambitious approach when they restored a crumbling old mill house FEATURE JULIET BENNING PHOTOGRAPHY GEA LAAR/COCO FEATURES

COVERED TERRACE

The newly built loggia at the rear of the house provides sheltered dining conveniently close to the second kitchen. Lanterns sourced at a brocante; try Chianti wicker pendant shade, £20, Iconic Lights. Handmade in Brighton sells bespoke live-edge dining tables

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 61

KITCHEN

The polished concrete provides a resilient floor surface for this high-traffic area and chimes with the pared-back aesthetic. Arctic White Zellige tiles, £130sq m, London Encaustic, have the same look. HKliving garden bench, £547, Nunido, is similar

ouring the expansive rural landscape of southwest France in their beaten-up Citroën Méhari, Moniek and Bram Drexhage always had their eyes open for opportunities. Both admirers of the French lifestyle, the pair, who live in Amsterdam, first bought a holiday home in the Quercy region in 2002. Situated between Bordeaux and Toulouse, just south of the Dordogne, the area is known for its sunflower fields, streams and meadows. ‘We have loved this region for many years. The landscape is unspoilt with green hills, cypresses, fruit trees and bastide villages. It is sometimes called the Tuscany of

6 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

France,’ says Bram. ‘The inhabitants are known as the happiest people in France and they are so friendly.’ It was in 2016 that the couple spotted the crumbling ‘Moulin Calbel’ mill that they felt would be the perfect renovation project. ‘We used to swim in the stream and when we saw the mill was up for sale we were quick to act,’ says Bram. ‘The house was devastated. If you saw it then you would think we were mad for buying it. The building hadn’t been used since the 1960s, when it provided bread for the people of the village of Beauville. The roof was leaking and the floors were rotten.’ Making plans, together with the

SITTING ROOM Textured pieces and unusual antique finds are the perfect foils to the white walls. Fortuna floorstanding lamp, £325, Oka, has this look. Exotic hide rug, from £189, Hide Rugs

DINING ROOM Painting the cabinet grey adds another layer of interest . Jute Soumak woven rug, £399, The Rug Seller, would work

HALLWAY

White walls pull the beauty of the wood into focus. Jutta jute rug in Light Brown, £102.95, Benuta, is a good option

BEDROOM

The bedspread beautifully echoes the lines of the cupboards and window. Try Ferm Living braided shade, £85, Utility

BATHROOM

Wall-hung taps are a space-saving solution. Rak Nova sit-on basins, £129.73 each; Franke mirror, £157.44, all Victorian Plumbing

6 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

BEDROOM

The artwork and light are brocante finds. Try Cristal hanging lamp, £119.99, Trouva, for a similar look. Source a vintage French crochet throw from Vinterior

architect who had worked on their first French home, the couple set out an ambitious schedule to get the house ready for summer 2018. ‘That year it rained all winter so the pool wasn’t ready for the summer but we started using the house in December.’ New polished floors were installed, the roof was fixed and three new terraces were created including one at the back of the house over the canal and a large loggia for dining. The Petite Séoune stream dissects the plot while the house itself perches over a man-made canal. ‘The canal was filled with around 2.5 metres

worth of mud, which we dredged out so we can use it for swimming. By opening and closing the sluices you can control the level of water creating a current to swim against.’ The interior has been uplifted with crisp white walls, resilient concrete surfaces and furniture made by Bram’s brother. Other pieces were sourced from the well-known local brocantes. ‘My wife loves the flea markets and has a real flair for finding antiques that bring character to the house,’ says Bram. Since completing the renovation, the couple regularly visit the mill

house, joined by their three grown-up children, Fleur, Toom and Wiep, as well as their Australian Shepherd dog, Piet. ‘I spend about 10 weeks of the summer here and Bram flies in at the weekends,’ says Moniek. ‘Over the months we are staying here we might have as many as 80 friends and family visit us. We’ve even celebrated our daughter’s wedding here,’ says Bram. ‘We’ve always craved the slow pace of life that greets us when we arrive. There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.’ The farmhouse is available to rent, visit moulincalbel. com for details.

BEDROOM

Locally bought artwork elevates this space where a metal chair doubles as a bedside table. Art bought at a brocante. Louis Poulsen wall light in Black, £315, Heal’s, would suit this scheme

KITCHEN-DINER/LIVING AREA The decorative details on the cabinetry help the cook space blend nicely with the sitting space. Bespoke kitchen, from £66,000, designed by Westbourne and handmade by Charles Yorke. Chairs covered in Kuba Cay in Pebble, £108m, Zinc

AL L I N T H E DE TAI L

Interior designer Rebecca Allan and developer Charlie Simpson built a Georgian-style home where every element has been finished beautifully FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOGRAPHY RAY MAIN AND TONY MURRAY

6 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

HOME TRUTHS

H A L LWAY The dark wood on the staircase punctuates the space. Bespoke bench, from £862, Westbourne. For a similar side table (bottom), try the Bronze X Retro, £2,220, LuxDeco. Barefoot wool Ashtanga Silk Firefly carpet, £96.90sq m, Alternative Flooring

THE PROPERTY Georgian-inspired new build L O C AT I O N Buckinghamshire R O O M S Sitting/dining room, kitchen-diner/living area, study, utility room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (all en suite), two dressing rooms, media room and bar, plus a one-bedroom annexe P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘The owners moved from a six-bedroom new build, eight minutes away,’ says Rebecca.

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 69

I N S PI R ATI O N

‘We used cornices and reproduction plaster Georgian mouldings to

ituated on the outskirts of covetable commuter belt countryside, near to Beaconsfield and next door to infamous Cliveden in Buckinghamshire, this newly built property enjoys fine views across the rolling Thames Valley. Designed and built by Westbourne Homes (westbournehomes.com), this statement Georgian-style house immediately resonates a feeling of calm, and the land around it is no longer recognisable from when the project

70 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

began. ‘Originally the chalk hill plot was home to a run-down old stable block, situated in the middle of a scruffy open field, that ascended sharply uphill. To all who viewed the land, the idea of building there seemed a nightmare,’ explains Rebecca. However, Rebecca and Charlie, saw it as an opportunity and spent a staggering amount of time and budget preparing the plot, cutting into the hill and digging out the slope. ‘We levelled the land out so that neither the house nor garden

create a feeling of grandeur and a sense of arrival as soon as you walk in’

SITTING/DINING ROOM The main entertaining space has a traditional air with draped curtains and classic furnishings. Bespoke English oak oval dining table, £8,400, Titchmarsh & Goodwin. Similar Cayo dining chairs, from £1,290 each, Brabbu. Bijout CT 3263/18 chandelier, £7,940, Serip Lighting. Broderie parquet flooring, £102sq m, Cheville Parquet

would be compromised. Then we used a combination of planters, retaining walls, grass banks, garden paths, pergolas, outbuildings, new mature planting and existing trees to shape the new landscape into the surrounding levels, and to maximise the spectacular country views,’ says Rebecca. A serendipitous passing visit brought the now owners to the site and they wasted no time in putting in an offer. ‘They weren’t actively looking to move, but were completely taken

with every detail of the house and garden and decided to make an offer instantly,’ explains Rebecca. From the smallest elements, such as teaspoons, to the bedding, furniture and art, the owners were wowed by the attention to detail that Rebecca had lavished on the property, in order to create the feeling of an established and welcoming family home. ‘As the couple hold down high-profile careers, they simply didn’t have the time or the interior know-how to trust their own 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 7 1

FAVOURITE RO OM

‘The main bedroom – the wallpaper is a thing of beauty’

M A I N B AT H R O O M Elegant wood-look flooring adds softness to the decadent en suite. Silk Georgette Marble in Hungarian Point flooring, from £395sq m, Lapicida

MAIN BEDROOM A mirror placed behind the bedside table enhances the sense of light and space. Antique Swedish chest of drawers, £2,995 for a pair, Stenvall Interiors. Hand-painted Nimbus Zonda wallpaper, £693sq m, Fromental. Luna sateen throw in Antique Mauve, £70m, Johnstons of Elgin

style – so the opportunity for them to walk straight into a fully furnished space ticked every box,’ explains Rebecca. Throughout, the rooms are dressed in an elegant palette of taupes, cool blues, soft pinks, gentle greys and off whites. The finish is exacting: a traditional home with huge consideration for quality and comfort. Rebecca has worked her magic on the interior, and the result is a classic home that feels grown-up, professional and well thought through. ‘I 7 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

always ensure luxury is balanced with practicality, so spaces not only look good, but work hard, too,’ she explains. Specially commissioned paintings by Hettie Pittman, antique herbariums and copious soft lighting and textural accessories create just the right relaxed atmosphere. ‘I was drawn to rich fabrics and decadent trims,’ says Rebecca. ‘The layers, combined with the mix of old and new furniture, create a timeless appeal that feels very welcoming.’

no.

H A L LWAY Timber beams soften the modern lines. Similar Louis Poulsen pendant light, £455; Hay Palissade sofa, £719, both Skandium. Lohals seagrass rug, £80, Ikea, has this look

LIVING AREA Oversized windows were put in to make the most of the garden views. Similar Ercol Studio couch, £3,140, Woods Furniture. Dessert rug in Black/white, £101.95, Benuta, has this look. Geometric cotton cushion, £18, La Redoute, is similar

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Detached 1950s bungalow with recent extensions L O C AT I O N Bedfordshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, snug, home office, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2004 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in London before renovating this place,’ says Claire.

TRUE CLASSIC

Claire Franklin and her husband Paul fell in love with a tired 1950s bungalow because they knew its potential was massive FEATURE MANDI MILLAR | PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA WALKER ARNOTT

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 7 3

DINING AREA This space is part of a new extension and a long window was put in for architectural interest. Black Hay dining chairs, £169 each, Made in Design. Pamono sells vintage Arne Jacobsen dining tables, from around £1,500. Similar Jadon two-door glass display cabinet, £300, Habitat

HOME OFFICE Open shelving creates storage without making the room feel closed in. Universal 606 table and drawer units, price on request, Vitsoe. Similar DSW plastic chair, £39, Cult Furniture. Similar Flådis basket, £13, Ikea

74 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

hen Claire Franklin and her husband Paul decided to swap the hustle and bustle of the capital for life in the country, their friends and even their mortgage advisor couldn’t see the attractions of the property they’d chosen – a dated bungalow, built in 1952. As the couple share a love of all things retro and mid-century, however, they both agreed it was perfect. ‘The bungalow had been designed by an architect as his family home and as soon as we stepped inside, we understood his original vision,’ says Claire. ‘It had the perfect blend of open and broken plan: there was plenty of communal space but there were also more private areas, with an easy flow between the two. Nothing much had changed in the house and it was looking a bit tired, but that was half the attraction. We felt we could carry on what the architect had started and repurpose the property to suit the needs and lifestyle of our family.’ Claire and Paul had a clear sense of how they wanted to rejuvenate the property. ‘Our ultimate plan was to renovate throughout and add a kitchen extension,’ says Claire. ‘But when our daughters Elsie and Poppy came along, we were happy just to enjoy the bungalow as it was, with a few minor tweaks,’ says Claire. She and Paul began the first of two extensions in 2016. ‘We gave the exterior a modern industrial look by partly cladding it and replaced the roof and windows,’ she says. ‘We also built a new entrance hallway with a cloakroom. The following year, we built the large kitchen-diner extension at the rear of

KITCHEN ‘Artfully arranged displays encourage tidiness,’ says Claire. Kitchen cabinetry, price on request, Build My Kitchen. Try Wide Beat pendants, £355 each, Tom Dixon

DESIGN TIP ‘To create a more open feel, avoid wall units and choose deep pull-out drawers for plenty of storage’

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 75

SITTING ROOM ‘This space is open plan, but the steps down from the hallway make it feel more enclosed,’ says Claire. Similar Birdy wall lamp, £162, Nordic Nest. Lohals rug, £80, Ikea, has this look. Try Botello sideboard, £499, La Redoute. Dillon sofa, from £1,795, Sofa Workshop. Pamono sells similar teak side tables, from £327

76 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

MAIN BEDROOM A wooden headboard was chosen to soften the monochrome scheme. Try small demijohn glass pendant, £84, Pooky. Pure cashmere throw, £350, The White Company, has this look. Similar Slate velvet cushion, £22.50, Marks & Spencer

the house, overlooking the garden, which has lots of lovely trees.’ As an interiors consultant by profession, Claire was happy to oversee the extensive building works. ‘I’d managed similar projects for clients, but never for myself, so this was a new experience,’ she says. ‘After a false start with a local architect, we approached Architect Your Home, whom we’d read about and liked the sound of. They introduced us to architect Nick Stenton, who was absolutely brilliant. Our builder Brian Woodward had already converted our shed into a garden room and he’d done such a good job that we asked him to stay on and be our builder on the project.’ One of Claire’s top priorities was to keep a strict eye on the budget. ‘Every penny was designated and if we needed something else and didn’t have the funds, we waited till the pot was re-filled,’ she says. ‘This meant it took longer than the average extension, but Paul and I were happy to wait.’ With the building work in hand, Claire began planning the decor. ‘We wanted the interior to be as authentic as possible, so we trawled the shops and internet for original mid-century furniture,’ she says. ‘Using so many classic pieces means the decor will never date. We found the table online and sprayed the legs black to make it work with the chairs and the rest of the scheme.’ To keep things simple, Claire chose a monochrome palette with grey accents. ‘People think black might be a difficult colour to live with, but it works really well when used with greys, and especially with organic textures such as leafy foliage and timber.’

B AT H R O O M The cupboard has plenty of character but also lots of storage space. Finsbury freestanding bath, £539.99, Bathroom Mountain, has this look. Similar Ambi wooden stool, £160, Nkuku. Hiba sideboard, £375, La Redoute, has this look. Bath mat, £25,

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 7 7

EASY LIVING

Rebecca Charles achieved her desire for a calm and relaxed home by using a neutral colour as the starting point FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH | STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR

KITCHEN-DINER

‘I love the French country look and it inspired the Shaker-style cupboards and traditional farmhouse table,’ says Rebecca. Shaker cabinets painted in Flour, £606 for 600mm unit, John Lewis of Hungerford

SITTING ROOM

Stepping mirrors up the wall creates the illusion of a higher ceiling. Mirrors, from £15 each, Homesense

78 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

KITCHEN SEATING AREA

no.

Rebecca kept the high-level glass bricks from the old utility room as an extra light source. Bench cushion, £108, Maison Brocante. Karndean Art Select Blond Oak parquet flooring, £49.99sq m, Stories Flooring

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY 1920s detached home L O C AT I O N Cambridge R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, family room, orangery, utility, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a new build outside the city centre,’ says Rebecca.

MAIN BEDROOM

Different textures ensure a multilayered look despite the pared-back colour palette. Try French cane chair, £395, French Connection. Double pelt sheepskin rug, £70, Dunelm

ebecca and Edward Charles have always loved a calming, neutral decor, so when they decided to buy a period property complete with green walls, feature wallpaper and dark floors, something had to give. ‘We like decoration to be simple and rooms to be clutter-free – everything has to have its place,’ says Rebecca. ‘Friends advised us to live in the house for a bit before we made any changes, but Edward and I didn’t feel comfortable with the mishmash decoration – the rooms felt too disjointed and overwhelming.’

THE WHITE CHOICE

Soon after the couple moved in with their sons, Charlie, now 10, and Freddie, six, they hired a decorator to paint all the rooms white. ‘We hadn’t paid much attention to interiors in our previous home as we’d always been too busy with work, so I was taken aback when the decorator asked which shade of white,’ says Rebecca. ‘I spent ages going through the colour charts and trying tester pots and finally settled on a white with a hint of grey, as it changes 8 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

depending on the natural light in the room, and looks lovely everywhere.’ K I T C H E N U P DAT E

The abundance of space was one of the things that Rebecca and Edward loved about this house, which had already been extended into the loft and downstairs with a large orangery. The only major project was replacing the kitchen, which also involved knocking down the wall to the utility room. ‘It’s a substantial house but the kitchen was long, narrow and dark,’ says Rebecca. ‘We wanted it to feel like the rest of the house – light, bright and calm. Edward’s family are French and I love the French farmhouse look with flowing white interiors, whitewashed wood and a touch of vintage.’ As Rebecca’s interest in interiors grew, she turned to Instagram (@becshomestyle) for ideas. ‘There was a moment when I suddenly felt bombarded with all the colourful rooms on there and I wondered if going white was the right thing to do,’ she says. ‘But Edward reminded me that this is our home, not an Instagram house.’ So Rebecca kept her chosen shade of white as

the foundation colour scheme and began replacing their old dark furniture with new bargain finds online. ‘As I was still getting to know my style, I didn’t want to spend lots of money on something if I wasn’t sure it would look right,’ she says. ‘I learnt how to lime wax and paint pieces to achieve the shabby chic whitewash effect I wanted.’ B R AV E M OV E

Out of the blue, Rebecca decided to try something different – painting wall panelling in the guest bedroom a dramatic black. ‘I made the wall panel and painted it white but the natural light gave it a lilac look, which I really didn’t like,’ she says. ‘Black was brave for me as I was worried it might make the room look too dark, but now I’ve never loved a wall more.’ After adding warmth and texture throughout with natural and white-painted wood furniture, panelling, rattan and plants, Rebecca is delighted with the results. ‘We’ve achieved a relaxed home where the rooms flow,’ she says. ‘Now, I don’t feel like I have to apologise for having a white house, it’s absolutely perfect for us.’

1 BEDROOM The black wall panel offers a striking contrast to the white bed frame. Panel in Loof, £18.95 for 750ml, Frenchic. Wicker basket box, £100, John Lewis & Partners. Lever-arm antique brass table lamp, £32, Dunelm. St Ives knitted throw in Charcoal, £73, Dusk

4 CHARLIE’S BEDROOM A painted motif gives definition to the sleeping zone. Motif in Stiffkey Blue, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try Ferm Living World rug, £59, The Modern Nursery 5 PLAYROOM The world wall map is a great decorative feature and educational. Map, £33sq m, Photowall

2 HALLWAY Original floorboards have been sanded and varnished by Rebecca. Try the rattan wicker ceiling shade, £27.50, Happy Homewares. The Boho 5402 rug is similar, from £78, Rug Love

6 BATHROOM A potted plant adds a fresh feel. Bamboo and enamel plant stand, £62, Little Deer

3 DRESSING ROOM Rebecca turned her childhood desk into a dressing table with lime wax and paint. Wish-style wooden dining chair is similar, £149, Cult Furniture. Similar grass hanging, £28, Minimoin on Etsy

7 FREDDIE’S BEDROOM Freddie’s love of animals inspired the theme in his bedroom. Similar felt elephant head, £34.99, Robert Dyas. Canopy, £20, Amazon

SUBSCRIBE FOR £39.49*

PLUS RECEIVE A EMMA BRIDGEWATER MUG SET

WORTH

£39.95

Get an Emma Bridgewater mug set when you subscribe, featuring a beautiful red and orange spring ﬂower design. The half-pint mugs come in a beautifully illustrated gift box.

8 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

SAVE

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

31%

n BRILLIANT VALUE – SAVE 31%

ON THE COVER PRICE

n EVERY ISSUE DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR n NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

SUBSCRIBE NOW MAGAZINESDIRECT.COM/25BHAUG21 OR CALL 0330 333 1113 AND QUOTE BH25 Terms and conditions: Offer closes 5 August 2021. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. *£39.49 payable by annual Direct Debit. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). Payment is non-refundable after the 14 day cancellation period unless exceptional circumstances apply. Your gift will be delivered separately within 60 days after your first payment has cleared. Gift only available to the first 900 subscribers on the UK mainland. In the unlikely event that we run out of this gift, we promise to offer you an alternative gift of the same or greater value. Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw the promotion at any time. For full terms and conditions, visit magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm UK time or email help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle.

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 8 3

no.

14 Refined GRANDEUR The owners of this city apartment wanted a modern-classic English look so called upon designer Katie Lion to help FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON

HALLWAY

A round mirror and ceiling lantern reflect the shape of the new domed ceiling. 1950s French lantern, Hilary Batstone. Console table by Kitesgrove, Poisedale. Umbrella stand, 1stDibs. Celestial wall light, price on request, Ochre

8 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY First-floor apartment in an early Victorian mansion block L O C AT I O N West London R O O M S Sitting room, family room, kitchen, utility, cloakroom, two bedrooms (both en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2014 M A I N P R O P E R T Y ‘The clients live full-time in Florida but often visit London,’ says Katie.

SITTING ROOM

Katie opted for a glass coffee table to avoid covering the beauty of the antique rug. Similar Voysey Arts & Crafts rug, Keshishian. Walls in Faded Blossom true matt emulsion, £49 for 2.5ltr, Atelier Ellis. Sambastaro pendant, Alfies Antiques. Bespoke mirror, Looking Glass of Bath. Dining chairs, from £3,800, Soane Britain. Artwork by Nicolás Radic

FAMILY ROOM

DECOR ATING TIP

‘Leave your selection of paint colours on the wall for a good length of time to see how they change in the light’

A printer and cables are neatly concealed within this sideboard. The chiselled texture marks a contrast with the crisp walls. Walls in Wevet estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Customised threedoor touch sideboard cabinet, Zanat

hen creating a nuanced and authentic sense of identity within a home, time is a gift. For Katie Lion, the interior designer on one of Kitesgrove’s latest projects, time was a luxury she was grateful for. ‘Our clients were a couple based in Florida, who come back and forth to London often. The project actually unfolded over three or four years, meaning we had time to find pieces that would suit the schemes,’ says Katie. The property itself is a flat in a mansion block that hadn’t been modernised for many years. Kitesgrove (kitesgrove.com) worked alongside architects Studio McLeod to reconfigure the layout, allowing the light and space to flow more naturally. Shifting the focus back onto the architectural detailing set a refined and timeless backdrop against which to show off the client’s extensive collection of art. ‘She was drawn to blue and green, but enjoyed being challenged by colours she hadn’t thought of, such as the Faded Blossom paint by Atelier Ellis in the sitting room, says Katie. ‘We went shopping at different antiques fairs and some of the best finds, such as the Arts & Crafts rug in the sitting room, came late in the day yet managed to pull everything together.’ ‘The owners’ brief was for a family home that could evolve

KITCHEN

This practical layout revolves around the island. A seating area is built under the windows. Shaker kitchen by Teddy Edwards, Kitchen Architecture. Zellige tiles, £98sq m, Mosaic Factory. Roman blinds in Path, $8m, Brook Perdigon Textiles. Kitesgrove designed custommade table, Poisedale. Artwork,

Maria Yelletisch. Walls in Tusk absolute emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

SITTING ROOM

A fiddle leaf fig plant animates this corner. Wing-back chair sourced at Christie’s. Artwork by José Bedia

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 8 7

BEDROOM

The fabric wallcovering offers a cosseting atmosphere. Oasis Sky wallcovering by Donghia, available at Kravet. Custom made armchairs and ottoman, Cassandra Ellis

and wouldn’t date too quickly. They asked that it be comfortable yet luxurious retaining a classic English style peppered with antiques,’ Katie elaborates. Exploiting the tall ceiling heights, the newly added vaulted dome within the hallway evokes a country house grandeur, while the double doors beckon visitors into the relaxed family room. ‘The space needed to feel sophisticated yet calm so we thought a lot about how to balance different textures and materials. Across the board we used different tones of blue and green, deepened by burgundy and rust. There is a continuity to the palette that ebbs and flows,’ Katie notes. ‘The view itself, and the changing seasons seen from the huge bay windows also provide much of the sense of interior character,’ she adds. Despite living on opposite sides of the pond, Katie, her team and the clients learnt how to communicate their ideas effectively. ‘It was a challenge at first but we soon learned how to become as efficient as possible, especially when we only had a short amount of time face-to-face when they were in the country,’ Katie reveals. The apartment has been so intricately layered over the several-year project span that it is naturally futureproofed against passing trends. Highly unique and refined, it’s always a welcoming place to come home to after a long flight.

EN SUITE

Katie opted for a playful wallpaper that would fit in nicely with the scale of the floor tiles. The mirror cabinets make the space feel much larger. Featherfest wallpaper in Slate, £87.60 a roll, Turnell & Gigon. Large Mulholland mosaic floor tiles, from £1,020m, Ann Sacks. Bespoke joinery, Teddy Edwards

8 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

BEDROOM

A large headboard creates a strong focal point of the bed. Custom-made headboard by Kitesgrove; upholstered in Fez weave in Cognac, £210m, Guy Goodfellow Collection. Parrett wall lights with rattan shades, from £1,500, Soane Britain. Walls in Cromarty estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

PERIOD

revival

Not wanting to over develop her listed home, Lorna Jones chose to put the focus on its original features instead FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY TONY MURRAY

9 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

SITTING ROOM/ LIBRARY Modern furniture sits alongside vintage pieces for a cosy, homely feel. Reclining chair by Robin Day, £1,950, Twentytwentyone. Butler & Rose aged brass mirror, £239.99, Drench, has a similar style

no.

HOME TRUTHS T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade IIlisted Victorian terraced house L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Sitting room/library, kitchen-diner, utility room, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘I lived in a smaller house nearby with no garden,’ says Lorna.

hen Lorna Jones started house hunting, she was constrained by a fairly narrow search area in which to find her ideal home. ‘It had to be within walking distance of my son’s father and our friends,’ she says. ‘But I also wanted a space which I could really make my own.’ Before long she discovered a three-storey Victorian terraced house in a beautiful part of London. ‘As the crow flies, it was only a few hundred yards from our previous home, but felt like a complete change of scene,’ remembers Lorna. ‘Although the house was in desperate need of an overhaul, the bare bones were in good condition

which meant we were able to focus on restoring the period features and introducing comforts like underfloor heating on the main floors.’ The property is in a conservation area with protected status and Lorna was keen to ensure that the existing heritage assets were maintained. So the timber box sash windows and shutters were carefully restored while all non-original cornicing and timber mouldings were replaced with designs more in keeping with the property’s age. To realise her vision, Lorna asked All Done Design (alldone.com) to help with the five-month renovation project. ‘Having worked with them on a previous home, I knew I could trust them to

KITCHEN The basement lacked period features so decorative panelling and alcove shelving were chosen. Similar deVOL kitchens, painted in Pantry Blue and Mushroom, start from £12,000. Rangemaster Elise 90, from £2,375, Range Cookers, has this look

DINING AREA Panelling, which lines up with the new French doors, creates a cohesive feel. &Tradition Formakami JH4 pendant light, £160, Amara

understand what I wanted to achieve,’ she says. ‘Managing director Charlie Avara knows renovating can be an emotional journey and puts time in to build a relationship with you while working on your home.’ Advice on the bathroom and kitchen layouts from Lorna’s interior designer friend Jaci Douglas (jacandharri.co) also proved invaluable. A key change was relocating the kitchen-diner from the ground floor to the basement. Two rooms were knocked through and wider French doors installed at the rear, leading to new stone steps and a more spacious patio area. This allowed the ground floor to be restored to its original use as a sitting room and library.

Encompassing the entire first floor is the main bedroom with new en-suite bathroom, while two more bedrooms are located on the top floor and serviced by a bathroom off the half landing. Much work has been carried out externally too. ‘The garden was a complete mess, with rotting decking and old Astroturf,’ says Lorna. ‘As it is quite shady in parts and a lawn would not grow, we opted for bricks.’ Although the project ran pretty smoothly, it wasn’t without its challenges. ‘Within days we found out that the surveyor had missed some major damp in what is now the utility room, which meant hitting the contingency budget almost immediately,’ says Lorna. ‘But

MAIN BEDROOM Lorna likes how modern pieces like this pendant actually highlight the original features. VL45 Radiohus pendant, £305, Twentytwentyone

apart from that initial glitch, the project landed on time and on budget.’ After years of living in a very minimal space, comfort and warmth were the watchwords here. ‘I love mixing old and new, and have a soft spot for Scandinavian chairs and lighting,’ says Lorna. ‘Apart from a few armchairs, a bookcase and two beds, we started from scratch and that made it much easier.’ Now happily ensconced in her home with her teenage son, Lorna has no plans to move again. ‘The house feels as if it’s been lived in for much longer than it has,’ she says. ‘It feels like home, and we enjoy using every bit of it all the time.’

SHOWER ROOM Plain white wall tiles ensure the mosaic floor is the standout feature. Try Hexagon Staturio matt mosaic tiles, £89.17sq m, Tiles Direct

EN SUITE This stone and mineral composite bath is a lightweight option and is like the ones you would find in a French hotel. Hanley bath, from £5,785, The Water Monopoly

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 93

A NEW WAVE The thrill of the surf drew Aoife and David Porter to this Irish coastal town where they have made a home that takes in the stunning sea views FEATURE ALISON DAVIDSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY | STYLING PIPPA RIMMER/NARRATIVES

9 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A detached 1970s bungalow L O C AT I O N Ireland R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, four bedrooms, bathroom, annexe with playroom and bedroom (en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were renting in Australia before moving back to Ireland in 2014,’ says Aoife.

LIVING AREA The ceiling was opened up to the rafters to make it double height. Stove, around £3,000, Stûv. Similar Marlon sofa, £1,838, The Conran Shop. The Oslo grey ottoman, £339, Beliani, is a good alternative. Knoll International Wassily leather armchair, £1,517, Vinterior, has this look

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 95

W KITCHEN This scheme (right) has plenty of storage, including full-height cupboards and a bookshelf at one end of the island. Units by Ronan Higgins Construction. E27 pendant lights in Red, £65 each, Muuto. Steel high stools, £59 each, Sklum DINING AREA To add interest, Aoife painted an angle on the wall to follow the roof line. Wall in Dark Lead Colour intelligent matt emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. PH5 pendants, from £705 each, Louis Poulsen

9 6 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

hen Aoife and David Porter decided to put down roots after travelling the world, they ended up close to home in County Sligo, where David had grown up. ‘We had lived in Dublin,’ says Aoife. ‘Then we went travelling before ending up in a place called Margaret River, near Perth, Australia. ‘It had a great vibe to it, with a surf community, wineries and coffee shops.’ However, after two years of being away, they yearned for home with an idea of finding a similar way of life in Ireland. ‘Fortunately, there was a surfing community here, we had family there and it had the community feel we wanted,’ says Aoife. Aoife and David saw an average-looking bungalow that had been on the market for a while. ‘It wasn’t ideal,’ says Aoife, ‘but the views were amazing! And it was south-facing, which meant it would be light all day long.’ The pair were bidding on another place at the same time, when fate intervened and the bungalow became theirs in May 2014. Although they didn’t get the keys until the following January due to a legal wrangle, they then moved in with children, Oisin, seven, Saoria, five and Ruan, three. The first thing they did was appoint architect John Monahan of NOJI Architects (noji.ie). ‘The work was mainly internal, the front room had the view of the bay and there was a small hallway. There

INSPIR ATION

‘I like the clean lines of Scandi style, so choosing simple ply for the ceiling, kitchen and storage cupboards gives a great look’

MAIN BEDROOM A clever ‘alcove’ headboard has a shelf for a lamp and books. Throw, £132.25, McNutt of Donegal. Jute rug, from £29, Ikea BEDROOM Cross wall stickers enliven a plain wall. Scandi-style cross decals, £3.49 for £68, Etsy. Try Graham and Green’s Voliéres bird cage pendant, £425 P L AY R O O M The polished concrete floors mean the kids can skateboard in here. Find a similar striped jute rug, from £52, Weaver Green

98 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

was a dark kitchen at the back but all the rooms were separate, so we decided to knock through to open up the space,’ says Aoife. The ceiling was also opened up to the rafters to make it double-height, which created the extra sense of light the couple wanted. ‘We had a polished concrete floor laid throughout the open-plan area and underfloor heating was installed,’ says Aoife. ‘The windows stayed the same and we left the bathrooms as they were.’ The couple had intended to leave the kitchen, but once the builders started, and took out the walls and the floor, the kitchen ended up in the yard. ‘We had no choice!’ says Aoife. Having moved the front door to create a more symmetrical hallway, the pair turned their attention to the annexe. Here a playroom and en-suite bedroom make the most of the space. The result is a house that is very family friendly. ‘It’s not large, but as it’s all on one level it means the children can ride around on their skateboards, and I don’t have to worry about them damaging anything,’ says Aoife. ‘It’s cosy, the views are incredible and we are close to nature here, with birds, sheep and even seal colonies.’ The community has just the sort of creative feel they had been looking for. ‘I run my marketing agency, buamarketing.ie, from here and David runs Ford Sligo,’ she says. Lots of other young families have also moved here, so it’s a fantastic place to live and bring up children.’

GOING WITH THE GRAIN 10 0 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

KITCHEN Appliances and storage are concealed behind neat concertina doors that slide into gaps in the cabinetry. Bespoke cabinetry by Kettle Co Kitchens. Kern Pendant Giant, £795, Tom Raffield H A L LWAY Laying the wood in different directions contributes to the beautiful eclectic feel. No.1 upholstered Crib bench £895; Morvah hanging planter, from £145, both Tom Raffield

For Tom and Danielle Raffield, building a new family home in the woods was a pioneering project with an extraordinary outcome FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BENJAMIN EDWARDS/RYLAND PETERS & SMALL

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 101

FAVOURITE FEATUR E ‘We’ve evolved the outdoor space to include an undercover decking F A M I LY A R E A Velvet, jute and fleece combine with this backdrop for a cosy effect. Skipper pendant, from £165; May coffee table, £1,450, both Tom Raffield. Lohals rug, from £30, Ikea. Sheepskin throw, from £445, Celtic & Co

DINING AREA Three pendant lights create a focus in this simply designed space. No.1 Pendant Giants in oak, from £695 each; Crib bench, £695; Arbor armchair, £1,895, all Tom Raffield

S HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY New-build woodland house L O C AT I O N Cornwall R O O M S Family area, kitchen-diner, playroom, five bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had a smaller property on the Cornish coast,’ says Tom.

102 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

elf-build homes are far from rare, but seldom are they as ambitious or unique as the one created by Tom Raffield and his wife Danielle. The project came about after the pair relocated from a seaside home on the Cornish coast to a woodland plot of six acres with a small stream running through it. With the land came a number of outbuildings, including a 19th-century Grade II-listed gamekeeper’s cottage where they lived for three years with their two elder children before completing the new house. Although the cottage was barely modernised, cramped and mouldy, the first week there was fun, but it quickly began to wear thin,’ says Tom, a lighting and furniture designer. ‘The bathroom was

across a courtyard, which was not ideal with two young children in winter.’ The couple employed architectural technologist Chris Strike of RA Design to help create a wooden home that would fit with the contours of the landscape and link with both the bathroom outhouse and the gamekeeper’s cottage. Key to the project was the wood steam-bending technology Tom and Danielle are known for. ‘We got a contractor to put up the wood and steel frame and after that we completed many of the finishes ourselves,’ says Danielle. ‘We used as much timber from the land here as we could, and kept anything that came down in the storms,’ adds Tom. Because the couple were tackling the

area, meaning we can all still sit out there in the winter months or even if it’s raining – bliss’

B AT H R O O M Bare untreated floorboards are reminiscent of a beach hut. Maddie concrete vanity basin, AU$715, Wood Melbourne. Urchin oak pendants, from £175 each; Tor Twist shelf in ash, £295, all Tom Raffield

MAIN BEDROOM Hanging pictures among shelves of ornaments makes for a characterful arrangement. Stuggy side table, £695, Tom Raffield. Similar Contrast bed throw, £29, Zara Home

building work at the same time as expanding their business to meet a flood of new orders, the build took longer than anticipated. Another contractor was brought in to help when Tom and Danielle were committed elsewhere. ‘We had many mad weeks that blurred building the house, making products and attending meetings in London,’ Tom recalls. In the end, the project took two years to complete. But now finished, the house links old and new elements, with the back of the old bathroom outhouse opening into the new living area. A new glass walkway connects with the much-improved gamekeeper’s cottage. ‘At first we used the cottage as a snug as it has a wood-burning stove, but

now it’s been requisitioned as a playroom for our three children,’ says Danielle. The house now has four bedrooms upstairs and a master bedroom downstairs. The kitchen and dining area looks out through several large glass doors to the woodland. One of Tom’s favourite features is the staircase. ‘It’s a random array of logs, like a game of Jenga,’ he says. ‘Like everything else in the house, it’s been inspired by nature.’ Curved walls either side beckon visitors upwards, where Tom’s giant Flock chandelier casts shapes and shadows through its feather-light wooden curls. Elsewhere, strips of ash and sweet chestnut wood evoke the relaxed cosy mood of an alpine chalet. The house is mostly decked out with

Tom’s curvy creations, both light fittings and furniture, with a few modern pieces thrown in for functionality. ‘Our home has become a place where we test and live with our new products before launching them,’ says Danielle. The steam-bent house has certainly become the backbone of the Raffield woodland lifestyle and it perfectly reflects the uniqueness of the family within.

Taken from Scandi Rustic by Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon (£19.99, Ryland Peters & Small) 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 103

STUDIO

Cathy’s favourite room is her studio in the garden, with a veranda overlooking the lake. For a similar summerhouse try quick-garden.co.uk

Pretty as a picture Moving to the countryside gave Cathy Jacks and her late husband Brian the opportunity to put their mark on this idyllic rural cottage FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON/NARRATIVES

SITTING ROOM

The armchair’s curves echo those of the painted antique French chest. The Boxgrove armchair, £2,508, Sofas & Stuff, is similar

10 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

HOME TRUTHS T H E P R O P E R T Y Two 16thcentury cottages knocked into one L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, utility room, study, studio, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, dressing room P U R C H A S E D 2001 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a terraced house in west London,’ says Cathy.

s soon as they had decided to move out of London, Cathy Jacks and her late husband Brian spotted their ideal home advertised in Country Life magazine. ‘It was the prettiest 16th-century cottage next to a lake edged with water lilies and fed by a fresh water spring,’ says Cathy. ‘The lake even included its own pontoon with a rowing boat.’ Originally built as one room with a central fireplace and a hole in the ceiling for smoke to exit, the property had been added to by different owners over the years, ending up as two cottages, which were knocked into one. Happily, the house

had somehow managed to pass under the listing’s radar, avoiding any complications with the planning authorities. When the Jacks moved in there were two separate staircases, which was an advantage when young nephews and nieces came to stay. ‘Each bedroom has its own set of stairs and private bathroom, so younger members of the family could creep back late from a party without fear of waking us up,’ says Cathy. One of her first projects was to lighten the dingy sitting room and its low ceiling darkened by black treacly ship’s timbers. ‘We endlessly debated the options of sand blasting or painting the beams, worrying about whether or not it would detract from the

Decor ating tip ‘Laying aside practical considerations, nothing dazzles quite as effectively as a consistent backdrop of white floors and walls’

10 6 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

SITTING ROOM

Painted floorboards and pretty pastels evoke a laid-back holiday feel. Similar Clavering three-seater sofas, £2,241 each, Sofas & Stuff. Harwich lamps, £225 each, Oka, have this shape. Similar hand-carved mango wood candlesticks, £59 each, Trouva

DINING AREA

The refectory-style table continues the vintage theme in this room. Woolton extending table, £1,329, Barker and Stonehouse, has this look. Similar Rosen Carver CF 2 dining chairs, £277 each, Scumble Goosie

KITCHEN

A large island unit and pot rack combine to make a stunning focal point. Armitage Shanks Belfast sink, £200.95, C.P. Hart. Bespoke units from Mariners in Padstow

INSPIR ATION ‘In order to achieve a co-ordinated look, my palette of pastel shades is the visual glue that holds my different styles together’

cottage’s heritage,’ says Cathy. ‘Finally we cracked and decided to paint the beams and some doors and floors as well. It felt as if we had moved to the French Riviera.’ The existing kitchen was equally dark and inspired them to add a new extension. The result is a double-height space – a welcome change from low-beamed ceilings elsewhere. Large windows fill the new kitchen-diner with light and opened up the view of the water. On hot days, Cathy says she opens the stable door and drinks in the soothing sound of the waterfall and watches the kingfishers swoop down looking for a likely lunch. ‘Our final big spend was at Garden Exhibition in Birmingham 108 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

where I spotted a New England-style summer house. It looked like the perfect artist’s studio for me – so romantic, it could have been a cast off from a film set.’ As well as painting, Cathy enjoys collecting a range of artwork. ‘A mix of vintage, modern art and modern industrial is my ideal,’ she says. ‘My favourite is French vintage, a passion dating back to when my sister Annie and I ran a shop called Holly Park in Haslemere.’ These days, Cathy likes to spend all the time she can in her garden. ‘I love to sit by the water with my Toy Poodle, Tilly, snuggled upon my lap,’ she says. ‘I feel like I’m permanently on holiday.’

BATHROOM

The mirror was all that was needed to give the space a vintage look. Traditional freestanding bath, £724.99, Big Bathroom Shop

MAIN BEDROOM

A pop of zingy green lifts the scheme. Curtains by Stuart Fleming in Ticking, £29.50m, Ian Mankin. For similar metal lamps, try slim metal bedside lamps, £95 each, Cox & Cox. Blue wool throw, £40, Homesense. For a similar chest (unpainted), try Loft chest of drawers, £525, Cox & Cox; painted in a colour similar to Cupboard Green 201, £45 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

DRESSING ROOM

Built-in cupboards keep things streamlined. Try the Rosen chair, £775, Nordic Style

AHEAD OF THE CURVE This historic home, featuring the soaring arches of a Victorian viaduct, was restored to its former glory thanks to the vision – and bravery – of its owners Wendy and Ian Leat FEATURE SHARON PARSONS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

SITTING ROOM In this serene space, traditional furnishings nod to the property’s Victorian origins. Morris & Co Seaweed wallpaper in Silver/Ecru, £79 a roll, John Lewis & Partners. Beaumont & Fletcher’s Pompadour high-back sofa, price on request, is similar DINING ROOM The old chairs were reupholstered in different material samples for a fresh new look. The antique French-style chair, £299.99, Homes Direct 365, is a similar design. Walls in Warm Cement by Valspar, £29 for 2.5ltr, B&Q

110 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

HOME TRUTHS T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade ll-listed house built in 1875 L O C AT I O N Devon R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, larder, utility room, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in an 18th-century house with adjoining shop in a Kent village,’ says Wendy.

y son Alex was horrified,’ says Wendy Leat as she recalls taking him to see the terraced Victorian house that she was proposing to buy. Riddled with rot and creeping damp, it had been on the market for 18 months and was what Wendy describes as a neglected hovel. However, she was undeterred and wasted no time persuading her husband Ian that rescuing the house from total dereliction was a good idea. ‘Despite everyone else’s misgivings, I could see how wonderful it could be,’ she says. The Grade II-listed house – originally one half of its next-door neighbour – was built in 1875 for a sea captain, and tucked against a Victorian viaduct. It meant the back of the house featured massive domed arches, although these had long been concealed behind false walls and ceilings.

S TA R T I N G F R O M S C R AT C H

KITCHEN The units were found on ebay and updated with paint. Units in Railings modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For a similar double pendant light, look at the Lindby Otis 2-bulb hanging

lamp, £112, Lights.co.uk. New Martini bar stool, £20.99, The Range. Similar ceramic vases (second shelf on right), from £17 each, Nordic House C O U R T YA R D The house is built around this charming central area.

‘The first thing we did was to strip everything back to the bones to see exactly what we had,’ says Wendy. ‘It was a “wow” moment when we saw just how imposing the arches were. The downside, however, was realising just how bad the extent of the damp was – the walls were covered in dark green mould, and we had to fit an industrial-strength membrane the length and breadth of the viaduct’s surface to create an effective barrier and allow moisture to be dispelled in the new drainage system installed below.’ The couple worked tirelessly for nine months, along with help from their three grown-up children and a small team of builders. Slowly, the house began returning to its former glory. A new space for the kitchen was established at the back of the house, together with an adjacent utility room, and bifold doors leading to a tiny central courtyard were installed. Windows were repaired, internal plywood doors were replaced with original Victorian ones, missing picture rails were reinstated and decades of paint removed to reveal wooden skirtings, picture rails and architraves. AN EYE FOR A BARGAIN

Throughout this transformation, Wendy put another of her skills – tracking down a good deal – to excellent use, and one of her most impressive triumphs is the stunning kitchen. ‘The units are actually from three separate kitchens I found on eBay,’ she says. ‘I calculated what we needed where, and then tracked down all the different elements.’ Once the various pieces – from cupboards and drawers to the magnificent oak island – arrived, they were numbered and stored in the sitting room until the kitchen was ready to be installed. Once they were in place, they were then united with several coats of dark blue-grey paint. A muted paint palette and striking wallpapers were combined to bring all the newly renovated rooms to life, while a mix of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture, soft furnishings and finishing touches were introduced to the scheme. The result is a calm, elegant home that feels comfortable and established. ‘My mantra has always been to make the worst rooms the best ones, and allow the others to speak for themselves,’ explains Wendy. In this case, however, every room has risen from the ashes – rather like those soaring arches, which are so much a part of this beautiful home’s success.

H A L LWAY A display of mirrors adds a quirky touch. Try Melody Maison for carved white mirrors like these, from £125 each MAIN BEDROOM The delicate feature wall provides an effective contrast to the pale scheme. Paper Meadow wallpaper in Charcoal, £75 a

roll, Hannah Nunn. For a classic white bedspread, try Vintage Etienne bedspread, from £110, The White Company BEDROOM Wendy stole the idea for the hanging lamps from a boutique hotel. Walls in Egyptian cotton silk emulsion, £17 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. The double Annet

headboard, from £399, The Headboard Workshop, is a good alternative B AT H R O O M The alcove was perfect for the shower. Mode Harrison freestanding bath, £1,349; Mode Tate freestanding bath filler tap, £239, both Victoria Plum. Travertine filled and honed tiles, £31.62sq m, Topps Tiles

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 113

MASTER of ARTS

Filled with art and heirlooms, Avril Leigh and Colin Cohen’s villa is an inspiring mix of handmade pieces and period style FEATURE KAREN DARLOW | STYLING PIPPA BLENKINSOP PHOTOGRAPHY KASIA FISZER

DINING AREA

The basement kitchen is surprisingly light, so when not sharing a friend’s nearby studio, Avril likes to create her beautiful ceramics at the table. Striped bottle, Nicola Richards Ceramics. Shallow dish, Paula Barraclough-Fox

114 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed Regency villa L O C AT I O N Warwickshire R O O M S Sitting room, kitchen-diner, two studies, four bedrooms, three bathrooms (one en suite), boiler room P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, Colin lived in an old vicarage in Oxfordshire, while I lived in a 1910 semi in Coventry,’ says Avril.

no.

inding space to display and enjoy collected pieces has become something of a recurring theme in Avril Leigh and Colin Cohen’s house. Each year, they consider how to squeeze more works of art into their Regency villa in Warwickshire. Yet, somehow, they always manage it as Avril, who is a ceramicist, has been involved with Warwickshire Open Studios (warwickshireopenstudios.org) since 2017, welcoming visitors to the house during Summer Art Weeks to see and buy the work of local painters and craftspeople. Making room for things they love is nothing new for the couple who, when they married nine years ago, each had several lifetimes of treasured pieces and heirlooms to accommodate in their new home together. ‘It was so difficult going through our things, choosing what to keep and what to get rid of,’ recalls Avril. ‘But we did it in the end, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else now.’ Indeed, there’s no hint of overcrowding or clashing tastes in this smart four-storey villa, where the couple has seamlessly brought together their possessions. The overall impression is spacious, elegant, calm and interesting, with something unusual to catch the eye in every room. Achieving this wonderfully inviting home has taken a lot of time and effort. Not just the couple’s big clear out, but the building itself required careful attention and renovation work. Colin and Avril had been keen to buy a Regency property, and had looked in a wide area. When they found this pretty villa, they loved the fact that it was

COLIN’S STUDY

The portrait above the fireplace is of Colin’s uncle Stephen as a boy. Stacks of books related to printing reflect Colin’s career in publishing. For antique Staffordshire dogs, try 1stDibs. The Leit ladder, £34.95, Sklum, is like this one (below)

KITCHEN

The couple chose timeless Shaker-style units, while the island was made by a carpenter using offcuts of wood from the worktops. Try the Kendal kitchen, Wickes. Little Greene’s Rolling Fog Mid intelligent eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr, is a similar cabinet paint colour

D E C O R ATI N G TI P

‘Be restrained with pattern in a house with a lot of paintings – let them be the focus’ 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 115

SITTING ROOM

This cosy space is filled with personal pieces, including a 1930s bronze on the mantelpiece, which was from Colin’s family, and four bowls and a white vase, which were made by Avril. Lincoln three-seater sofa, from £899; pure cotton medium cushion in Navy, £9.50, both M&S

116 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

tucked away in a quiet part of town, and that it shared a communal garden besides having its own very attractive front and back gardens. However, the property needed roof repairs, replacement windows and work to remedy the damp in the basement. All that was before they could even begin to think about updating the interior decor, which was striking but not to their taste. The couple also came up with a plan to make the basement layout work better. It now has a new fitted kitchen, a specially created study for Avril and a separate boiler room, as the central heating boiler had been a rather unsightly focal point in the previous kitchen. Next, the couple turned their attention to the windows. ‘They really are the defining feature in homes of this period,’ says Avril. ‘Ours was the only house in the whole circus where the front French windows didn’t match, so replacing them has made a huge difference.’ A fresh coat of paint for the outside and a calmer palette inside has created a smarter, more sophisticated look. ‘I know these aren’t Regency shades – they would have had more colour,’ says Avril, ‘but these greys and creams seem to fit with the style of the architecture.’ As the renovations neared completion, a date was set for a housewarming and wedding party to take place in the property and the newly cleared garden. ‘It certainly helped to concentrate the minds of the builders,’ explains Avril. ‘They knew they had to finish the work in time as they were all invited to the party!’

HALLWAY

In keeping with the house’s original design, the door that leads to the basement was reinstated. Still life artwork (propped against wall), Sally Foden

MAIN BEDROOM

Restful cream hues are punctuated by accents of duck egg and jade picked out in cushions and art. Double Chateaux white wooden bed frame, £379, Time4Sleep, has this look

BATHROOM

Rather than replacing the roll-top bath, the couple had it re-enamelled. The Millbrook bath, £1,243.75, The Cast Iron Bath Company, is a match

LESSON LEARNT

‘The work of repairing and caring for a house of this age is never-ending’ 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 117

ROOMS IN FOCUS

We look at a specific project in five amazing houses to give advice and inspiration in detail

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 119

STAR ATTRACTION It’s hard to believe that Liney and Jonathan Cumberlege’s standout kitchen was once so dark and out of date it felt oppressive FEATURE AMELIA THORPE | PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLIE@LUKONIC/GUILD ANDERSON

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R S Liney and Jonathan Cumberlege H O U S E Six-bedroom detached house in Dorset, dating from the 17th century W O R K Turning a dark and dated kitchen into a light, fresh space

L I G H T F A N TA S T I C Pale flooring, worktops and walls increase the sense of light and space but blue accents were chosen to add depth to the large room. Old Rectory cabinetry, from £35,000, Guild Anderson; painted in Hicks’ Blue and Slaked Lime intelligent eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Landscape Dusk glazed splashback tiles, £169.10sq m, Fired Earth

no.

iney and Jonathan Cumberlege were on a mission to find a family home in the UK after a three-year spell living in Australia. ‘We found this house while looking at schools for the children,’ says Lindy. The kitchen, which was once a barn attached to the house, was an immediate attraction, given its generous size and lofty height. The family had a three-month window before they needed to move out of the house they were renting. ‘I realised that we should tackle the kitchen while we had the opportunity, otherwise it might never get done,’ says Liney.

THE BRIEF

When Liney rang kitchen company Guild Anderson, they had just had a project postponed, so the timing could not have been better. And to help things further, Liney had clear ideas on how she wanted the new kitchen to look. ‘I wanted a bulletproof kitchen with a big island suitable for lots of family use,’ she says. ‘The design had to be classic, so it felt clean and also accentuated the lightness of the room.’ DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Luckily, the designer, Nick Anderson, was on Liney’s wavelength and came up with a scheme that looked and functioned perfectly. ‘Nick created beautiful cabinetry that looks freestanding, rather than ultra-fitted,’ says Liney. ‘It really suits the proportions of the room.’ To accentuate the ‘unfitted’ feel of the furniture, Nick also advised not building cabinets into the corner of the room, leaving a nice spot to enjoy the garden view. M AT E R I A L S U S E D

As well as the units looking elegant, it was important they be durable to withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen and the materials reflect this. To accompany the solid bespoke cabinetry, Caesarstone quartz was chosen for the work surfaces because of its durable, scratch- and stain-resistant qualities. To reflect the sturdy nature of the kitchen, an Everhot cast-iron range cooker was chosen as the focal point. FINISHING TOUCHES

A sense of coordination was an important factor and brass detailing comes in the form of burnished door knobs on the blue-painted cabinetry and cup handles on the white units, and tying all this together are a pair of brass dome pendants over the island. Having reeded glass in the doors of the dresser softens the look within while allowing the colours to be seen. To help Liney achieve the light, open feel that was one of her main wishes for this space, the ceiling and walls are painted in a soft white. LESSONS LEARNT

For Liney, several features were incorporated that have proved to be game changers in the kitchen. She says that having a fully integrated dishwasher to the left of the sink and a single DishDrawer dishwasher in the island opposite have made life so much easier. 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 121

BESPOKE LOOK Liney and Jonathan love how the cabinetry has a free-standing feel rather than an ultra-fitted look – it makes it unique. As the room is expansive, half-height panelling was introduced for a more grounded aesthetic. Caesarstone 6131 Bianco Drift quartz surface worktops and upstands, around £5,000, Guild Anderson. 120i range cooker in Marine Blue, £9,915, Everhot. HP90IHCB3 extractor hood, £549; OB60SC7CEPX1 single oven, £799; RF540ADUX4 French door fridge-freezer, £2,389; DD60SHTI9 integrated DishDrawer, £999, all Fisher & Paykel. SMV46MX00G dishwasher, £548, Bosch. Fusion Round all-in-one tap, £1,150, Quooker. KBX16055-20 undermounted stainless steel sink, £594, Franke. Blinds in Clarke & Clarke’s Persia Teal/Spice, £24m, Compton Smith Interiors. Similar Brass dome pendants, £110 each, Barker and Stonehouse

12 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

AT T E N T I O N T O D E TA I L Brass pendants and hardware offer a coordinated look, while reeded glass on the dresser and cornicing over the cooker add decorative touches. Milan tumbled limestone floor tiles, from £58.80sq m, Mandarin Stone. Calia bar stools, £99 each, John Lewis & Partners

SPACE TO GROW By future-proofing their open-plan kitchen, Mairead and Ben Wright have created a stunning space that works well for family life FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY CLICK: CREATE PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

12 4 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

TIMELESS DESIGN The monochrome scheme is a timeless choice, but also ties in with the era of the house and hides fingermarks as a bonus. Similar bespoke cabinetry in Mylands Sinner would cost from £32,220; Dekton Bergen worktop, from £110.80sq m; painted shelving with brass brackets, £200; long bar pulls in satin brass, £76.81 each; brass plated Quooker boiling water tap, £2,560.80; Bora hob, £10,512, all Herringbone Kitchens

no.

airead and Ben Wright didn’t have far to move when a detached Victorian house came up for sale on their road in Bishop’s Stortford. ‘The house came up by chance and it’s the third one we’ve renovated on our road,’ says Mairead. Initially two houses and then a boarding school for 100 years, it’s now a nine-bedroom family home for the couple and their children, Finn, 12, Isobel, 10, Archie, eight, and Lola, six. THE BRIEF

As the house had been split into flats, there were three dated kitchens. The back of the house was opened up and a larger kitchen-diner with seating area was built. ‘We wanted a spaced out design and you can’t really achieve this with an off-the-shelf kitchen,’ says Mairead. ‘A walk-in pantry, for example, or a chimney breast in an awkward place requires a bespoke finish to make it work as efficiently as it can.’ DESIGN SOLUTIONS

After much research, the couple chose bespoke cabinetry from Herringbone Kitchens (herringbonekitchens.com). Luckily their taste married well with the era of the house, so choosing colour palettes and appliances was more of a joy than a chore. ‘As the space is so large and heavily windowed, the black kitchen units don’t overpower the space, and it contrasts well with the light Dekton worktop,’ says Mairead. M AT E R I A L S U S E D

Long bar pulls in a beautiful satin brass finish were matched with complementary door hinges, as well as brass plug sockets and a brass plated Quooker boiling water tap. With its quiet built-in extractor, the striking Bora hob works equally well for family cooking or entertaining friends. A counter-top unit with reeded glass doors and three painted shelves houses the family’s impressive collection of glasses. FINISHING TOUCHES

As an interior designer who runs a children’s interiors and clothing brand (wildheartswonder.com), Mairead was keen to add some personal touches. ‘We’ve since had tongueand-groove walls put up which look great,’ she says. ‘And the lighting was really important, especially my lovely Parisian hanging street lamps that showcase the high ceilings.’ LESSONS LEARNT

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R S Mairead and Ben Wright H O U S E Detached Victorian house in Hertfordshire that had been five flats W O R K To design and install a dark Shaker kitchen that suits the age and style of the house

Despite the discovery of asbestos setting the project back by weeks, the kitchen was completed just before lockdown. ‘By future-proofing the design, the space should work well as the children grow up,’ says Mairead. ‘We’ve added extra appliances to make entertaining and daily life with a large family easier, so we have two dishwashers, two fridges and plenty of storage.’ Her favourite additions, though, are the coffee machine and boiling tap. ‘They’re in constant use,’ she adds. ‘I can’t function without them.’ 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 12 5

OPEN-PLAN LIVING

Cleverly zoning the space into a distinct kitchen, dining and living area works so well for family life. Industrial-style steel windows and doors provide a much-needed connection to the garden. Walls in Strong White and Setting Plaster estate emulsion, both £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Limestone flooring, from £61sq m, Tim’s Tiles. DSW style bar stools in dark grey, £69 each; similar Waldorf oak breakfast bar stools, £99 each; DSW style white dining chairs, £39 each, all Cult Furniture. Neff ovens start from around £350. Brooklyn wall lights, from £75, Industville. Flori brass pendants, £88 each, Rowen & Wren. Villeroy & Boch farmhouse 90 ceramic double bowl Belfast sink, £469.99, Tap Warehouse, is comparable. Cornwall screen print by Dave Buonaguidi, £350, Print Club London

126 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 12 7

A TOTAL DELIGHT Keen to leave behind the bland style she inherited, Charlotte King called upon interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen to help giver her sitting room some joy and irreverence FEATURE JENNIFER GOULDING | PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R Charlotte King H O U S E Semi-detached townhouse in London W O R K To transform the neglected sitting room with a colourful new look to complement the style of this period townhouse

12 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

no.

COLOUR BURSTS The curtain fabric was the starting point of the bright but balanced scheme that is elegant yet full of life. Curtains in a similar fabric to Travers Garden Trellis, £146m, Jane Clayton. Bespoke ottoman, VSP Interiors; covered in Designers Guild English Riding Velvet in Steeplechase Green, €125m, Kreativhaus. For similar antique mirror glass wall panelling, try Rupert Bevan

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 129

hen Charlotte King arrived for a viewing of this tall, semi-detached Dutch gable house the estate agents had just started taking photographs, but she knew straight away they were wasting their time. ‘As soon as I walked through the door, it had me,’ she says. As the house had previously been rented out, it was somewhat unloved. ‘There was a sea of magnolia and beige and it looked very bland,’ says Charlotte. ‘It was a beautiful house but it needed some personality. I fell in love with what it could become for our family.’ A year later after they had bought the property, the building work was complete but Charlotte had yet to touch the rest of the house, and she was especially keen to get to work on the beautiful sitting room. ‘The double reception rooms on the raised ground floor were still full of packing boxes, which was maddening because they are the most beautiful rooms in the house,’ she says. THE BRIEF

With six files full of pictures torn out of magazines collected over 10 years, and dozens of Pinterest boards, Charlotte was not short of ideas but she didn’t know where to begin. The answer came in the form of another friend, interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors. Totally unfazed by the profusion of material, Henriette set about sifting through Charlotte’s cuttings and online images to create a cohesive decorating scheme. DESIGN SOLUTIONS

‘The process was a complete delight, as Charlotte was such an easy client,’ explains Henriette. ‘She has a distinctive taste and knew what she wanted. Something classic and grown-up but with a touch of irreverence.’ Charlotte wanted to incorporate her favourite fabric into the scheme and Henriette suggested utilising it for the curtains to lead the eye to the outside and bring the fresh spring-like greens and landscape inside. FINISHING TOUCHES

‘We echoed the look of the curtain fabric on the cushions for the sofa, with some fresh green velvet on the back to bring it all together, says Henriette. For Charlotte, the additional benefit was that Henriette pushed her to take risks. ‘People sometimes think decorating is easy, but actually it is the hardest bit. If it hadn’t been for Henriette, I think everything would still be magnolia.’

CHIC ARRANGEMENT

A collection of trays is a decorative and practical way to store and display books and objects on the buttoned ottoman. Set at the back of the house is the library, which extends from the sitting room. Similar Pineapple table lamp, £80, Där Lighting. Cushions in vintage and antique textiles, Guinevere. White ceramic lotus petal tea light holders, £66 each, Homeloft, have this look. Green Artichoke candle holders, £12.95 each, Sarah Raven, look similar

no.

ARTISTIC HIDEAWAY

Ann Kronheimer’s studio feels like a woodland escape at the end of her garden, providing ideal inspiration for her work as a children’s book illustrator FEATURE ELLEN FINCH | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R Ann Kronheimer H O U S E A two-bedroom maisonette in a Victorian terrace in north London W O R K To create a garden studio that looks discreet and private while also being spacious, light and airy

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 13 1

truggling for space in her ground-floor flat, children’s book illustrator Ann Kronheimer realised that building her own home office was the logical way to gain somewhere to work without having to extend her house. ‘I was working from home but the room got too small,’ says Ann. ‘I realised I could reclaim this room and make better use of my outdoor space by moving my work into a garden studio.’ THE BRIEF

Ann’s neighbours put her in touch with Sara Moody from Shacklewell Architects who went through all the rules around the maximum height of the roof and how much area it was allowed to cover in the garden. Ann didn’t want the roof of the office to be higher than the back wall and liked the idea of having the garden room sunken into the ground. DESIGN SOLUTIONS

The studio was designed to maximise the internal space while minimising the impact on any neighbouring properties. Planning permission was needed as Ann lives in a shared property, however, this was obtained easily and the build started a few months later. To blend carefully with the garden, climbing plants such as clematis and rambling roses snake up the walls and will eventually clamber onto the roof. ‘I needed the roof to be hardy so that it wouldn’t mind all those plants climbing over it – materials were really important in the design process,’ she says. A big skylight was also installed to brighten up the space and a large metal-framed window complements the larch cladding. ‘Everything I need is in here now and it’s transformed my work. I have my computer here and a little table easel looking out into the garden, where I mostly draw. I find that I like being in this space and time goes by in a flash.’ FINISHING TOUCHES

Ann’s studio is a cosy, calm and practical retreat that doesn’t skimp on Scandi style, featuring black-painted floorboards and a wood-burning stove. ‘Considering I built the space for working, I spend a lot of time putting pictures up and rearranging things, says Ann. ‘When I have friends round, we’ll sometimes sit in here and chat instead of going into the main house.’

W O R K , R E S T A N D P L AY

The daybed means guests can stay here. ‘When I have friends round, we’ll sometimes sit in here instead of my flat,’ says Ann. Garden studio design by Shacklewell Architects. Steel-framed window (previous page), Fabco Sanctuary. Scotlarch cladding, Russwood. For similar floor paint, try Railings modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Round jute rug, from £229, The Conran Shop. Villiers reclaimed swivel office chair, £329, Barker and Stonehouse, would suit this scheme. Cork board, from $59.60 for a pack of tiles, Jelinek Cork. Plumen LED pendant light, £89, Amara. Hemnes daybed, £225, Ikea, would work here

13 2 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

HOME COMFORTS Ann has made this area really cosy with the wood-burning stove and personal collections of books and trinkets. Charnwood Arc 5 stove, £1,752, Direct Stoves

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 13 3

PAINT IT BLACK Jess Hurrell turned to the dark side to transform a run-down bathroom into a bold and luxurious space FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING COLIN POOLE

P R O J E C T D E TA I L S O W N E R S Jess and David Hurrell H O U S E A four-bedroom Victorian terrace in London W O R K To transform a dated bathroom into a practical family space with a contemporary style

no.

aving waited for nearly three years while they saved up to do the work on the bathroom, Jess Hurrell and her husband David were keen to get to work on the old room, which was a beige space with heavy brown cupboards and an empty tropical fish tank set into the chimney breast. THE BRIEF

The couple chose to stick to the existing layout, hoping that using the same plumbing would save money. ‘I wanted a scheme with glamour and elegance but, as this is a family bathroom, it had to be functional, too’, says Jess. An elegant freestanding bath was also on the couple’s wish list, along with a glass panelled shower enclosure and more practical storage. ‘I knew I wanted to mix a traditional shower head with modern controls, but I went for simple styles, as there was already a lot going on in the room,’ says Jess. DESIGN SOLUTIONS

SHINE BRIGHT Brass finishes bring glamour and faux greenery adds zing. Cupboard, £250; doors, £1,149, both Custom Fronts. Similar Astro twin bathroom wall light, £153.70, Lights to Go. Similar large antique brass round mirror, £175, Cox & Cox

The couple swapped the brick-walled shower enclosure for simple glass panels and knocked out some of the boxed-in space which has opened up the room. To create even more space, they replaced the fish tank, which had been in the chimney breast, with a mantelpiece bought on eBay. ‘We gained a lot more room by replacing the boxed-in bath with a freestanding one,’ says Jess. ‘It meant we could fit in a larger shower, too.’ The white bath and marble shower tiles provide an effective contrast to the black walls and bounce light around the room. Painted MDF doors turn alcove space into practical storage, and the lower cupboard hides the boiler. The bathtub is the centrepiece that pulls everything together. Installation took about three months and cost about £5,000 and I love the result – it’s probably my favourite room in the entire house.’ FINISHING TOUCHES

A birch-ply cabinet was built around the sink and brass-clad doors were installed for a touch of glamour. The black and white star patterned floor tiles also add wow factor. More brass details were added with the shower head and door handles, while a collection of plants softens the overall look. LESSONS LEARNT

‘People were quite sceptical about the black walls and ceiling,’ says Jess, ‘but I’m glad I trusted my instincts.’

COOL CONTRAST

The white bath and marble shower tiles are a good foil to the black walls. Painting the door black creates a seamless and more spacious look. Walls and ceiling in Off-Black modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. York bath, £2,430, Victoria + Albert. Black Pradena floor tiles, £165sq m, Bert & May. Bespoke glass shower screen, £200, for similar, try Mirrors and Glass UK. Marbore large format, wall tiles, £36.49sq m, Tile Giant. Similar MPRO industrial basin mono in unlacquered brushed brass, £289, Crosswater. Artificial plants, from £20 each, Hello Flora

2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1 | 13 5

ideas to share The Royal Pool & Spa Suite has spectacular views of the lake. Rooms from £230 per night, lefayresorts.com

ROOM ENVY

ho hasn’t returned from a holiday armed with interior inspiration? This time, however, we bring it to you in the form of the Royal Pool and Spa Suite at Lefay Resort & Spa. Carved into the crook of a mountainside high above the pristine waters of Lake Garda, this Italian wellbeing resort has views comprising billowing clouds more than earth and water, and infinity pools that lap softly into the horizon. If it all sounds rather ethereal, that’s because it was conceived to be so and the masterful design has scooped up a host of awards. Set in 11 hectares of natural park, the resort takes its aesthetic influence from the surrounding hills, olive groves and woods, as 13 8 | 2 5 B H AU G US T 202 1

well as the grand private villas with their annexed lemon-houses built with stone and wooden pillars, typical of the area. A similarly sophisticated approach has been taken with the interior design. In the wonderful Royal Pool & Spa Suite, created by local architect Hugo Demetz, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake create a connection with the outside, while natural materials abound. Here, Italian style is given an oriental flavour. Travertine marble, local olivewood, walnut and durmast oak feature on the floors and furniture, while wenge wood and ivory tones are woven throughout the scheme. A fine example of this is the dramatic four-poster bed offset against a pink and ivory backdrop, swathed with light linen curtains for easy elegance and sweet dreams.

FEATURE JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPH LEFAY RESORT & SPA

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

9000

9 01