HOMES 25 BEAUTIFUL MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE
UPLIFTING SCHEMES
THE POWER OF PERSONALITY Relaxed patterns and upbeat colours bring joy to a modern property Artful ideas transform a listed home Vintage finds complement classic architecture in an elegant townhouse
INSIDE & OUT Inspiration for alfresco living
DESIGN IN FOCUS From kitchens to a garden room – delve into the detail with five brilliant project case studies
HOMES JULY 2021
25 BEAUTIFUL
MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE
2
no. A seaside home has
been designed to take advantage of the stunning views (p14)
7
3
4
5
1
no. Natural materials and
botanical prints give this Cap Ferret home a tropical feel (p8)
6
no. no. no. no. This top-floor mansion A house that had been How a tired Victorian This charming cottage block apartment was carved into two has semi was transformed is an ideal retreat from updated with bold been restored to create into a bright, welcoming the hustle and bustle colours (p20) one inviting home (p24) family space (p30) of daily life (p36)
8 no.9 no.10 no.11
no. no. Moving to this island A canvas of muted
The owner’s travels Blending new and A chic Parisian home was a childhood greys and dusky pinks have influenced the old was key to the aesthetic brings dream come true for brings harmony to a look of this striking success of this period timeless style to a New the owner (p40) city terrace (p48) Australian home (p52) renovation (p58) York apartment (p62) 4 | 25BH JULY 2021
12 13 14 15 16
no. no. no. no. no. Lively colour and Renovating this How a vast, functional This extended seaside An inviting new build
creative touches gave this Victorian semi a fresh look (p69)
listed maisonette barn was converted into was a rewarding a comfortable family challenge (page 74) space (page 78)
cottage is now the perfect base for holidays (p84)
bungalow complete with a striking glazed gable (p90)
17 18 19 20 21
no. no. no. no. no. Extending from one A 1980s property has Building the home they Evocative hues and A warren of rooms were
level to two has doubled the space in this apartment (p96)
been redesigned to had been planning for artisanal pieces bring a reconfigured to create create a unique family years was worth the unique appeal to this a large kitchen in this abode (p102) wait for this pair (p106) property (p110) farmhouse (p118)
22 23 24 25
no. no. no. no. Adding a side and rear Rich tones and texture Stylish fittings and Discover this home’s
Room Envy
A chic Sicilian villa with extension has given this have made this home’s colour have refreshed garden room – designed laid-back luxe schemes terrace a light-filled sitting room the star the bathroom in this to blend seamlessly into is the look inspiring us kitchen-diner (p122) of the show (p127) new build (p130) its surroundings (p132) this month (p138) 25BH JULY 2021 | 5
editor’s letter
HOMES
| 25bh
25 BEAUTIFUL 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
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WELCOME
It is fascinating to see te design coices people make in teir omes, and never more so tan wen it comes to te use of colour. Many of us wouldn’t dream of straying from neutrals, ut tere is no denying te mood-enancing effect tat a virant pattern or old colour can ave. Laura and Paul Clark ave fully emraced vivid ues and, in turn, ave transformed teir Victorian semi (page 58). Te sade of deep green repeated trougout Andrew Kuiler’s ouse is stunning and was inspired y is favourite cafe in Sangai (page 52). Tis mont we also ave five room case studies, wic delve into te design coices of eac of tese unique spaces. Colour confidence is a common teme in te rooms – we ope you find tem inspiring.
FIONA MACE, HOMES EDITOR
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25BH JULY | 7
FORCE OF NATURE
Joanne de Lépinay has infused her home with botanical references to echo its exotic surroundings FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY CECILE PERRINET-LHERMITTE/AC SCOFFONI
8 | 25BH JULY 2021
no.
TERRACE Woven garden furniture blends beautifully with the tropical planting. Nice dining chairs, £475 each; Dovile sunlounger, £998; removable cushion, £230, all
Vincent Sheppard at Day True. Ceramic cubes, €170 each, Voyage ENTRANCE Pops of red punctuate the green-blue palette. In a nod to Moorish influences,the opening
to the garden is framed with a custom-made trellis screen. Panelling in Oval Room Blue estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Raffia and pompom wall light, €115, Honoré. Cushions, from a selection, Voyage
1
i n s p i r at i o n
‘I love the British idea of a winter garden – it
home truths
THE PROPERTY 1960s detached house LOCATI O N Cap Ferret, France ROOMS Sitting room, library, dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We also live in a 19th-century house in Bordeaux,’ says Joanne.
influenced the decoration of all our spaces’
SITTING ROOM The beams were painted green to continue the palette of the dining room. Woven pieces add to the relaxed feel of this room. White Tunisian table lamp, €470, Voyage. Armchair in Viviers in Tomato/Green F3513/04, £127m, Colefax and Fowler
25BH JULY | 11
T
he Cap Ferret home of Joanne de Lépinay and her husband, Gregory, may be situated in one of the liveliest areas of the village, but step across the threshold and the hustle and bustle of the street is instantly left behind. The entrance is, in fact, a relaxing living space that is open to the garden, where lush planting evokes a tropical feel and a plunge pool lined with zellige tiles lends a sense of serenity. ‘With this house I really could blur the boundaries between the interiors and the exterior,’ Joanne explains. The couple, who are based in Bordeaux, purchased the 1960s property five years ago. ‘Gregory is from Cap Ferret and we have always had a home here; it is where our son and two daughters, who are now grown up, spent all their summers and they still return every year,’ recounts Joanne. ‘This house needed a lot of work and we completely revised the layouts, but what really appealed from the outset is the way in which it is oriented around the garden.’ AUTHENTIC STYLE
DINING ROOM A block-printed fern design adds movement to the scheme and brings the garden indoors. Crawford chandelier in Plaster White, £6,498; lampshades, £138 each, all Porta Romana. Fern Frond
wallpaper in Emerald, £530 a roll, Soane Britain KITCHEN Purple zellige tiles add a pop of colour to this monochrome scheme. The Zellige tiles in Purple 18, Zellige Maroc, are similar
Joanne trained in fashion but since 2004 she has run her own interior design company, and she also owns two shops, in Cap Ferret and Paris, selling homeware and fashion. ‘I source pieces I have discovered on my travels,’ she explains of the aesthetic, which is reflected in her home, where influences from countries such as Morocco, Italy and the UK abound. ‘I love the British idea of a winter garden; it inspired the decoration of the entrance and also the way in which we have furnished the rest of the spaces – we wanted to bring the garden indoors,’ she notes. To do this, Joanne has favoured natural materials, selecting rattan chairs and lampshades and commissioning a bespoke seagrass rug for the sitting room. Antique pieces lend character to the rooms and include Chippendale-style dining chairs and a Chinese opium bed, all of which have been re-lacquered in pale hues to suit the breezy style of this seaside home. ‘For me, antiques give soul to interiors,’ explains Joanne, adding, ‘When I do buy contemporary items I favour pieces that are handmade: I love to see the mark of the craftsman in, say, a marquetry chest of drawers or a block-printed wallpaper.’ NATURAL WORLD
Wallpapers are a striking feature throughout this house and they include a lively scrolling fern in the dining room, an exotic panoramic vista in a guest bedroom and the main bedroom’s exquisite chinoiserie panels, which were hand-painted on dyed silk. ‘These choices all come back to the idea of creating a winter garden,’ says Joanne. ‘I wanted to include lots of botanical references in the fabrics, wallpapers and even the art.’ The palette complements these choices and spans greens, blues and pinks with judicious pops of reds and purples. The beams in the entrance and the sitting room have been picked out with contrasting colours, while woodwork and wallpaper panels have been framed with different trims. ‘We knew from the outset that this house needed to be colourful,’ says Joanne, adding, ‘It is what makes it such a joyous home.’ Visit joannedelepinay.com; follow @voyageholidayshop 12 | 25BH JULY 22
EN SUITE The impact of this oversized light is doubled, thanks to the large mirror above the washstand. Ceiling light, €980, Voyage BEDROOM Yellow wallpaper gives this room a sunny disposition.
For a similar headboard, try the Celia rattan design, £615, Att Pynta BEDROOM Cheery green tongue and groove walls connect with the outdoors. Walls in Breakfast Room Green estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
EN SUITE The chinoiserie panels have been framed with a red trim, revealing Joanne’s keen eye for detail. Hand-painted Portobello Chinoiserie wallpaper, from £758 per panel on dyed silk, de Gournay. Bentley double-ended bath, £2,445, Imperial Bathrooms
Seaside attraction In Juliet and Antony Mayhew’s beach home, indoors and outdoors play equally important roles FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
14 | 25BH JULY 2021
no.
EXTERIOR
Juliet loves to sit on the terrace (opposite) and take in the sea views. Try the Wroxham four-seater dining set, £1,199, Whitehall Garden Centres
SITTING ROOM
Large windows ensure the amazing views can also be enjoyed from within the house. Lucerne sofas, £4,880 each, Kingcome Sofas. For a similar French-inspired armchair, try Sienna, £950, Feather & Black. Oranssi mirror, £495, Oka, has this look
2
HALLWAY
Marble tiles are ideal to deal with wetsuits and sandy beach shoes. Calacatta honed marble, £47.76sq m, Reed Harris
W
hen Juliet Mayhew first came to Cornwall, it was not love at first sight. ‘As an Aussie, I looked at the shingle beaches and thought of the white sands I was used to and there was no comparison,’ she says. ‘But my husband Antony had spent so many happy childhood holidays here, he wanted me to love it too.’ On their second trip, however, the sun shone and Antony had prepared a weekend full of treats, including a private boat trip along the Helford River, crabbing with the children, Ophelia, now 13, and Orlando, 11. ‘That was the turning point,’ says Juliet. ‘I understood the special charm of this place.’ ‘Then we found this house, sited in a prime position overlooking the sea,’ says Juliet. ‘With boats bobbing in the
DINING AREA
The ornate chairs elevate this eating space. For similar chairs, try Canterbury Queen Anne chairs, £149 each, Capital Dining Chairs. Tablecloth, £110, Setting Pretty
water and hills beyond dotted with oak trees, it was secluded and not overlooked.’ But the process of buying was not easy. To place their bid before the house went on to the open market, they left their home in London at 2am, wrapped their sleeping children in blankets and sped to Cornwall, arriving at 7am. With their bid successful, the couple eventually sat down to discuss improvement plans and where to allocate which rooms. Then a friend asked just the right question at the right time: ‘Where does the sun rise and set?’ Discovering the path of the sun throughout the seasons proved crucial. Although it forced Juliet to live with the green and orange kitchen units for a few months more, she admits that taking their time with the plans was the best decision. ‘We got a feel of how best to link the
SITTING ROOM
A generously sized stone urn makes a visual impact in the bay window topped off with one of Juliet’s flower arrangements. Bespoke occasional chairs, £1,500 each, Juliet Mayhew Design
KITCHEN
home truths
THE PROPERTY Detached 1940s house with later additions LOCATI O N Cornwall ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, study, cloakroom, five bedrooms, five bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2013 OTHER PROPERT Y ‘Our family home is an early-Victorian house in London,’ says Juliet.
A decorative chimney hides the extractor fan and gives the space an elegant look. Pendant lights, £111 each, Pooky. Units repainted in Pale Powder with island unit in Off-White, both estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
25BH JULY | 17
MAIN BEDROOM
Clear panels on the terrace ensure the view isn’t disturbed. For similar bedside lamps, try the Pavilion Chic Silver Bodhi lamps, £165 each, Pavilion Broadway
interiors with the outside spaces in a seamless way,’ she says. ‘We exploited the sea view so all the main rooms now enjoy it.’ The only major building work involved was knocking through to the sitting room from the kitchen-diner to improve the light levels in both rooms. Meanwhile upstairs, to create a more spacious main bedroom the balcony was increased in size. ‘It feels like the deck of a ship,’ says Juliet. Relaxing here together with an aperitif, we revel in the beauty of the sunset.’ Being an experienced interior designer and professional party planner, Juliet spent a year choosing fabrics and colours, enjoying every moment. ‘I would spend hours on the internet finding anything associated with the sea,’ she says. ‘Rope lamps, fabrics with coral images, shells, boats, oars, driftwood stools, a
BEDROOM
Cushions on the ottoman up the sumptuous effect. Walls painted in Green Blue estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
18 | 25BH JULY
huge compass, you name it – with my nautical shopping antenna, I found it.’ Unlike some owners of seafront houses, who give a cautious nod to marine styling, Juliet has embraced it and the house is full of character and interest as a result. Juliet’s energy is seemingly boundless – ahead of party nights she has been known to leave the flower market at London’s New Covent Garden at 5am and arrive in Cornwall in time to dress the entire house with a carload of flowers, cook dinner and then party into the night. The house often resounds with music and the laughter of guests. Sea air, the sound of seagulls and waves lapping against the water’s edge, all contribute to the blissful experience in this happy holiday home. For details on short-term rentals, visit voyagerclub.co.uk
BEDROOM
The colourblock throws echo the hues of the art. Hobbycraft has similar box frames, £16 each
LIFE AT THE TOP
Bold colour and decorative features have completely energised Louise and Andrew Palmer’s top-floor mansion block apartment FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BEN THOMPSON/ WINFRIED HEINZE
20 | 25BH JULY 2021
no.
home truths
THE PROPERTY Mansion block apartment LOCATI O N Central London ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen, dining room, utility room, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, dressing room/study P U R C H A S E D 2014 OTHER PROPERT Y ‘Our principal home is situated in the Surrey Hills,’ says Louise. SITTING ROOM The wall of storage incorporates folding doors that can be used to separate this space from the apartment’s entrance hall. Shirley chairs, £1,080 plus 3.5m fabric, Robert Langford. Chairs in Belinda in Rose, £120m, £99m, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler
KITCHEN Smoked glass at the end of the room and above the bar area creates a sense of depth. Bespoke cabinetry in matt white lacquer, 202 Design
3
DINING ROOM ‘This room was always going to be dark so I suggested we should embrace that mood rather than try to fight it,’ says Sarah of this rich scheme. Dakota dining table with Firmdale grey oak top and nickel base, £3,554, Julian Chichester. Alexa chairs, from £758 each, The Dining Chair Company. Panelling painted in Juniper Ash intelligent eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr,Little Greene
I
t was the far-reaching views from this top-floor apartment that sold it to Louise and Andrew Palmer. ‘It overlooks the Royal Chelsea Hospital grounds and we can see the Thames and Battersea Power Station in the distance,’ says Louise. She continues: ‘We also loved the fact that the main suite felt quite separate to the rest of the spaces. For a number of years, one of our daughters and her friend lived here, but we were able to keep this section for our private use whenever we were in London.’ When the couple purchased the flat in 2014, it was in need of a complete overhaul that involved replacing the dated kitchen and bathrooms and redecorating throughout. It was the couple’s project 22 | 25BH JULY 01
manager, Simon Davenport Associates, who put them in touch with designer Sarah Fox of Fox Interior Design. ‘I love interior design and I even studied it many years ago, but I never had the confidence to pursue it, apart from giving advice to family and friends,’ says Louise. ‘Sarah gave me lots of advice and showed me where to source things, while really listening to my ideas.’ From the outset, Louise was keen to have colour in the schemes. ‘I’m drawn to bright colours, especially orange as I find it uplifting, however, it’s not always easy to find the right orange!’ laughs Louise. ‘We wanted the interiors to feel modern and fun, but also elegant.’ The colours have been introduced with textiles, wallpapers and art, bringing punches of fuchsia pink, turquoise
blue and, of course, that elusive shade of orange, to the schemes. Sarah helped the couple make the most of the layout of their home, suggesting widening the doorway from the spacious entrance to the sitting room, and designing a wall of storage that incorporates discreet folding doors so that the sitting room can be closed off from the entrance when required. ‘The shelving provides a lovely display area and helps give the room much more character,’ explains Sarah, who suggested a palette of gentle taupe and stone hues as a backdrop to the lively colours. Bespoke decorative features play a key role, and include a beautiful tree motif in hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk for one wall of the main bedroom. This is
MAIN BEDROOM The bespoke silk wall treatment is the focal point. Walls in Cherry Blossom in Moth on Elephant 001, hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk on paper, £472sq m, Fromental
DRESSING ROOM/STUDY The walls and the cabinetry were painted in tonal shades. Walls in Pearl Colour 100 intelligent matt emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr; cabinetry in Pearl Colour Dark 169 intelligent eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
complemented with a similarly organic pattern in the shower area of the adjoining bathroom, which was created using luminous mirrored mosaic set within a grout silica base. ‘These elements were inspired by the trees outside the window,’ says Sarah, adding, ‘The rooms are not huge so we felt it was important to make each space very special.’ Indeed, the dining room, one of the smallest spaces, takes on a jewel box quality, thanks to panelling in a rich blue that is lifted with chartreuse yellow accents and a glittering pendant light. ‘It’s now a wonderful, intimate space to dine in,’ says Louise. ‘We had a great deal of fun decorating this home – I think that each room really does feel unique.’
GUEST BEDROOM Cushions were chosen to tie in with the bold colours of a contemporary toile wallpaper. Folie Versailles wallpaper, £140 a roll, Cole & Son. Try Classic Stork bedside lamp in chrome, from £125, Oka MAIN BATHROOM Antiqued mirror cabinet doors suit the luxurious style of the space. Cabinet doors in Medium Mercury antiqued mirror, £565sq m, Dominic Schuster. Mussel Shell IP-rated wall lights, £678 each, Porta Romana
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
Taking on a listed property is never easy, but Anna Davies has restored her historic townhouse and even managed to give it a modern twist FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY NICK SMITH
TV ROOM
Pops of pastel colours instantly gave the space a modern edge. Penguin chair by Theo Ruth, try Vinterior. Optima wallpaper by Zimmer + Rohde, £106 a roll, Jane Clayton. Coco wall mirror, £1,290, Ochre
no.
4
DINING ROOM
Anna decided to stick to painted walls here to separate the space from the TV area. Try the Aria dining table, £779, Wayfair. Pink dining chairs, price on application, Ligne Roset. Peggy mirror, £1,622, Knowles & Christou. Moooi Emperor suspended ceiling light, £1,337, Made In Design
25BH JULY 0 | 25
A
nna Davies and her husband Mark had been looking for a while to buy somewhere on the coast and eventually found a tired Grade ll-listed townhouse in Brighton. The couple, who have two sons, Danny, 18, and Jack, 15, knew that if they bought it there would be limitations and challenges on what they could do, both internally and externally. ‘The house was split into two when we first viewed it and it had a self-contained flat in the basement, with three more floors above,’ says Anna. ‘Despite the problems, we were confident it could be returned back to its original glory because there were so many beautiful original features just waiting to resurface.’ With previous experience of a home renovation, Anna, a graphic designer, appointed trusted interior designer Susan Venn of Susan Venn Design to oversee the project and manage any unusual issues relating to the age of the house. ‘Susan is very confident at interpreting a brief and she immediately recognised the importance of maintaining the heritage of the house for the future,’ says Anna. ‘Due to its status, we weren’t allowed to change the layout or put new lights on the walls or remove the architrave and cornices. However, we knew we could still create a modern interior with a vibrant and energetic colour scheme.’ Once the basement had been overhauled and integrated back into the rest of the house, there was a lot of paint stripping to tackle, particularly on the window panels. ‘The detail in the panelling had been lost due to the many layers of white gloss over the years and Susan advised us to strip everything back to reveal what was underneath,’ says Anna. ‘We decided to paint them in a much darker, heritage colour to bring out the detail and then continued with the colour on the original window frames.’ With her love of colour evident throughout the house, it’s clear to see that Anna is unafraid of vibrant shades and unusual combinations. ‘The lime green cabinets in the drawing room
KITCHEN
A simple wall shelf creates a breakfast bar. For a colour like the one on the cabinets, try Drizzle intelligent eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Oak bar stools, £175 each, Graham and Green. Splashback tiles, try Annecy Green, £79.57sq m, VictoriaPlumb.com
SITTING ROOM
Painting the window panelling makes this beautiful feature stand out more. Bespoke green sofa and bespoke joinery, Susan Venn Design. Panelling and window frames painted in Stiey Blue estate emulsion, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Custom coffee table, £2,952, Julian Chichester.
home truths
THE PROPERT Y Grade ll-listed Victorian townhouse LOCATI O N Brighton ROOMS Sitting room, TV room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a cottage in West Sussex,’ says Anna.
25BH JULY | 27
d e c o r at i n g a d v i c e
‘With window dressings, choose quality fabric and leave them unlined to see how beautiful they look when the sun filters through’ were suggested by Susan and were based on a much larger sideboard by Julian Chichester,’ says Anna. ‘We decided that this room would have a moody edge to make it cosy in the winter and despite the darker wallcovering, it still feels energising with the accents of green. I was also keen to have a single blind at the window as I don’t like heavy curtains but Susan suggested a more European look with unlined curtains in a beautiful fabric and I’m absolutely delighted with how the final result looks.’ The rest of the house is much lighter in tone with teal and pink in the basement dining room much more in keeping with the brightness of the seaside and a very particular shade of coastal green in the kitchen. ‘Susan worked hard to find exactly the right colour for the kitchen with matching tiles adding texture,’ explains Anna. Throughout the house, the attention to detail is noticeable with beautifully restored skirtings and cornicing, mirrors made from Victorian glass cloches in the drawing room and a vanity unit that can only be described as a bespoke piece of furniture. ‘We really appreciate good craftsmanship and quality pieces that will age well, just like the house,’ says Anna. ‘We don’t like anything that’s just for show, as we feel a house with such integrity deserves to be loved and cared for authentically.’ Despite the challenges of a listed property, there’s no question that this interior has been sympathetically restored with subtle design solutions and a flair for colour, giving the family home a brand new lease of life.
BATHROOM
Hints of warm wood ground the brighter hues. Bespoke vanity unit and tall unit, Susan Venn Design. (Perfectly) Imperfect stool, £210, Galvin Brothers
MAIN BEDROOM
Wallpaper in a large frame looks like a work of art. Array Opal Pendant ceiling light, £3,420, CTO Lighting. Corneille Fuchsia wallpaper, £301 a roll, Designers Guild
EN SUITE
Patterned tiles bring this scheme to life. Ring mirror, from £199, BoConcept. Artemide Dioscuri wall lights, £101 each, Paper Rooms. Adam floor tiles, £99sq m, Artisans of Devizes
28 | 25BH JULY
GUEST BEDROOM
A wardrobe blends into the alcove as it’s a similar shade to the walls. Similar mirrors, from £67, Amor Décor. Casamance Archibald wallpaper (left), £92.60 a roll, Jane Clayton. Bespoke headboard, Susan Venn Design
A HOME WITH HEART Keen to put down roots for her family, Sian Bishop took on a period property in need of a major amount of work and made it a place you’d never want to leave FEATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHY THE CONTENTED NEST
SNUG Sian invested in a marble fireplace for the more formal sitting room, moving the original here. She bought the portrait above from her uncle, who is an art and antiques dealer, having had her eye on it for more than 20 years. Sculpture in vintage bell jar, Carol Peace. Walls in Skimming Stone estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
30 | 25BH JULY
SITTING ROOM Patterned wallpaper in the alcove makes for a cosy corner. The marble-effect motif mimics the fireplace design. Harlequin’s Momentum in Smoke wallpaper, £31.97 a roll, Your 4 Walls, is similar. Mr Paddington armchair, £744, Harvest Moon, looks similar. Try the Gallery Carrara marble fireplace, £799.95, Stoves Are Us, for a good match
no.
home truths
THE PROPERTY A Victorian semi-detached house LOCATI O N Oxford ROOMS Sitting room, snug, kitchen-diner, study area, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘I’m a bit of a serial renovator and had moved many times before buying this house,’ says Sian.
SITTING ROOM An elegant style with vintage pieces complements the Victorian features. The striking bureau came from Sian’s father. Walls in Skimming Stone estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Aspen three-seater sofa, £1,749, Thomas Lloyd, is very similar. Similar Cerato leather cube, £249.99, The Tub Chair Shop, has this look. Orwell table lamp, from £205.70, Jim Lawrence
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KITCHEN The once dark basement is unrecognisable as a bright living space with views of the garden. Natural stone flooring and an AGA inset into an alcove contribute to the classic country kitchen look. Neptune’s Suffolk kitchen, from £8,000, is similar. Cooper solid wood and metal bar stools, £99 each, Industville, have the same look. Find vintage wooden high chairs at Vinterior
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awyer Sian Bishop is no stranger to house upheaval, moving every couple of years and completing a string of renovations. But this house is different – this house has developed family roots. ‘Adopting a child is a lengthy process and, before you even get a date for the hearing, you have to provide a photograph of you and members of the family which goes into a book for your child,’ explains Sian. ‘In our case, that photograph is me and my cocker spaniel, Arthur, on the front steps of this house, so this place is intrinsically linked to Jack coming into our lives.’ The house may be in the centre of Oxford but you wouldn’t know it; it’s tucked away on the
quietest street and is blessed with a long oasis of a garden. ‘That tranquillity was one of the main attractions but I also loved that the same family had lived in this house for 50 years,’ says Sian. ‘It has heart and happy bones…’ But it did need work. The list was long – underpinning the basement, spot repairs to the roof and complete rewiring and replumbing. ‘The house also had a funny little porch and everything felt a bit cramped and awkward,’ says Sian. With so much work needed, Sian had her bedroom and the hallway decorated just to establish some degree of comfort while the builders waited to start in earnest. ‘The basement was a big job,’ she explains. ‘It involved taking down walls, adding a
‘Most of our family time is spent in the basement kitchen, which has fabulous views of the garden’
favourite room
DINING AREA Sian has been clever with space, giving the kitchen plenty of storage but still finding room for a dining table and a comfy seating area (above right). Vintage table, from a selection at The Old Flight House. The vintage school chairs were a find on eBay. Find school stacking chairs, from £42 each, Etsy
SEATING AREA Next to the sofa is a door that hides a utility space and extra storage. Cowhide cushions, from a selection, Zulucow. Travertine floor tiles, from £30.57sq m, Topps Tiles. Walls in Ammonite estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Holborn glass pendant light, from £120.80, Jim Lawrence
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new staircase and digging out part of the garden to create a terrace, plus running new services for the new kitchen.’ The process became easier as the team moved up through the house but almost every floor has had substantial work; even the spindles on the staircase were replaced to make them child-friendly. Sian’s hectic life has become all the busier since Jack came along so she is grateful for her calm decorating scheme and neutral palette. ‘I like natural finishes and I often base a room scheme around a piece of art that I love then follow that through the entire house,’ she says. Sian was keen to complement the period of the house. ‘In a Victorian house I try to include appropriate fireplaces and mirrors and, when
I’ve lived in Georgian houses, I’ve added desks, portraits or a barometer. There are usually contemporary elements too but I always like to have that link back to the past – it feels grounded.’ When it came to the outdoor space, Sian was just as fastidious, adding a wall of reclaimed bricks the length of the garden and landscaping the plot into a series of ‘rooms’, separating a play area and terrace from the more formal elements. ‘For me, what makes a home are the things you do and the memories you create,’ says Sian. ‘This house has such a lovely feel and is such an easy place to live. I love that it will always be Jack’s first home.’ See more about the restoration of Sian’s house on Instagram @restore_home_
‘The chandeliers in the sitting room and the snug are a pair that have been through five house moves with me’
favourite feature
STUDY On the top floor, up in the eaves, there is space for a guest bedroom plus this area where Sian catches up on work at home. A potted tree softens the look. Roma mirror, £219.99, Wayfair, is a good match. Go for a forever style like the Faux olive tree in pot, £75.99, The Farthing. The Ton Kontor swivel chair, £501 from Nunido, is similar
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BATHROOM The compact family bathroom still makes room for an over-bath shower and a neat cloakroom-sized basin. The original fittings have been kept with a tile refresh. Similar Carrara marble-effect porcelain tiles, £4.99 per tile, Tiles Direct. Try the Bronze Climbing Trio, £61.45, Bentleys House Of Gifts, for a similar climbing man wall sculpture
BEDROOM The panelled wardrobes add storage but also a decorative touch. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Abingdon bedstead, Cornish Bed Company, from £1,350, is similar GARDEN SEATING AREA The far terrace is a peaceful escape for entertaining or relaxing with a book. Try the Tetbury sofa set, from £974 for two chairs, two-seater sofa and coffee table, Bramblecrest
Simple pleasures
Refined and pared-back spaces, all designed to withstand family life, make Rachel Nogueira’s cottage an ideal retreat FEATURE SHARON SMITH AND HANNAH TIER | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE
home truths
KITCHEN-DINER The curved window seat is the perfect reading nook amidst the bustle of this busy space. Units, island and worktops, £20,000, Plain English. Ceiling light (right), £680, Tamma Design. Park Up extendable oak table, £975; similar Gramps armchair, £945, both Loaf. Feature wall (right) covered in Skymning mural, £187, Wallpaperdirect
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THE PROPERTY A 400-year-old detached cottage LOCATI O N Cornwall ROOMS Sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2007 OTHER PROPERT Y ‘We also have a home in London,’ says Rachel.
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FAMILY ROOM The pink hues help lighten this room and the panelled ceiling adds character. Walls, ceiling and joinery in Green Smoke, £49.50, 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try the Birdcage round coffee table, £359, Hafren Furnishers
SITTING ROOM A jewel-toned sofa is the perfect contrast to the slate floor and woodburner. Long Island sofa in Deep Teal, £4,270, Sofa.com. Blush armchair, £599, Made. Try the Anyday jute rug, £220, John Lewis & Partners
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hen Rachel Nogueira, husband Manuel, and their two sons William and Victor, set their sights on a holiday home, Cornwall was top of the list. When this property came on the market, the idyllic setting made it difficult for the couple to turn it down. ‘We arrived early for the viewing and about 100 metres from the house there were sand dunes. We walked over the top and there was the sea and at that moment it would not have mattered what the house was like, we were going to buy it,’ says Rachel.
Renovation plans
Although traditional in style, with small rooms and cosy corners, the couple, both architects, saw this Cornish cottage as a not-so-hidden gem. ‘It was a classic English cottage, 400 years old, Grade II-listed, with an inglenook fireplace and woodburner. It needed a bit of TLC but we both loved it, though as he is 6ft tall, Manuel would have preferred higher ceilings,’ Rachel recalls with a smile. While the property was within budget, the familyfriendly renovations were more of a stretch and would have to wait. After buying in April 2007, Rachel and Manuel relied on a few touch-ups to tide them over until work could begin. ‘We painted the walls and furnished it, then used it as it was for several years,’ says Rachel. When in 2012 the renovation work began, the couple looked for Cornwallbased contractors and after gaining planning permission, local builder Leigh Hammond began the work. By adding a 4m x 6m extension, the galley kitchen was expanded into a kitchen-diner, and the adjoining family room took the place of the former dining room. ‘Apart from finding a galley kitchen too cramped for family life, another reason I wanted a kitchen-diner that opened out on to the garden was to be able to keep an eye on the boys when they were small.’
Specialist skills
Rachel had a clear vision for the downstairs areas, but a challenge presented itself in the bedrooms nestled upstairs beneath the eaves. ‘Ben Ure, a local carpenter who was recommended to us, got round that with his clever joinery,’ says Rachel. ‘You need to find a good carpenter to maximise small spaces.’ Keen to stay true to the age of the cottage, careful renovations were made to the property’s unique features. ‘We love our porthole windows so Ben made wooden shutters for them and all of the bedroom windows. It’s so peaceful here that we didn’t want to be woken up by the morning sun.’ Thanks to a sharp eye for design and local expert tradesmen, this cottage now brims with seaside charm and Rachel has made the decision to let the property from time to time - it is available through Unique Home Stays (uniquehomestays.com). ‘We didn’t want it to stand empty, the money helps towards its upkeep and it brings business to the village,’ she says. BEDROOM BATHROOM The light colour scheme A mix of raw materials – featuring painted furniture Carrara marble, slate and and natural fibres creates brass – is naturally beautiful. a relaxed feel. Freestanding bath, from White French linen duvet cover £3,500, West One Bathrooms. and bedlinen, from £30 for a Carrara marble, from £47.99sq pillowcase, Soak & Sleep m, Mandarin Stone
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A welcome RETURN
One of Sophie Kirk’s childhood dreams came true when she and her husband made a once-in-a-lifetime decision FEATURE HEATHER DIXON | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE
home truths
THE PROPERTY Coastal cottage dating back to the 16th-century LOCATI O N Isle of Wight ROOMS Sitting room, dining area, kitchen, study, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We had a four-bedroom house in North Yorkshire,’ says Sophie.
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BEACH
The sand and shingle beach is just a stone’s throw from the cottage and is perfect for walking the dogs, Poppy the Labrador and working cocker spaniels Willow, Lola and Martha.
SITTING ROOM
Original panelling and painted floorboards add to the coastal feel of the house. Taupe Alwinton sofa, £1,870, Sofas & Stuff. For similar linen armchair covers, try Coleridge, from £450, Oka. Handmade Ikat lampshades, £200 each, Fenella Design
DINING AREA
The graphic pattern on the curtains gives the scheme a modern edge. Curtain fabric, £35m, Waltons Mill Shop
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KITCHEN
The units were already in, but Sophie repainted them. Try Pale Wedgwood intelligent satinwood, £75.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Starfish picture, £60 framed, SeaKisses
STUDY
Original quarry tiles on the floor add character. Yacht, £195, Indiana Jane
DINING AREA
Coastal references were kept subtle to keep the look individual and unique. Similar table-and-chairs set, £749, The Cotswold Company
DINING DETAIL
Zingy green accents are found throughout and are fresh and uplifting. Try the Ravensbourne silver pineapple metal table lamp, £99, Pacific Lifestyle
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ome of Sophie Kirk’s favourite childhood memories are embedded in the pretty coastal town of Seaview on the Isle of Wight. As a child she spent hours beachcombing, walking the scenic coastline paths and watching the sunsets across the sea. But one of her favourite views was out of her aunt and uncle’s window, which then overlooked a pretty cottage built right on the water’s edge – a whitewashed house with a flowerfilled walled garden that had been in the same family for 60 years. ‘I’ve always loved its location right on the edge of the sea, its character and its amazing potential,’ says Sophie. ‘I would lean out the window and dream of living there, wondering what it was like inside and wishing it could be mine, but I never imagined I’d live there one day.’ When her husband Charlie discovered that the house was for sale, Sophie realised it
was a ‘now or never’ moment. ‘We had absolutely no plans to buy a house on the Isle of Wight, but as soon as we stepped through the door I felt as though I was coming home – we just had to buy it,’ she says. And buy it they did, after which Sophie and Charlie set to work, installing central heating then painting all the walls, woodwork and ceilings in white to pull the house together and bring light into all the rooms. Some of the original wood panelling was still in the sitting room but the fireplace was out of keeping with the character of the cottage, so they took out the old fire surround and extended the panelling with a replica design before adding a mantel shelf. They also discovered original floorboards – along with some new ones – under the old carpets. Sophie wanted to make them lighter so she painted the floors in a soft white to give the property a fresh, coastal look 25BH JULY 2021 | 43
FVOUR ‘I love all the coastal-themed odds and ends that I’ve squirrelled away over the years’
throughout. The furniture is a combination of classic pieces, family heirlooms and new purchases, creating a fresh, colourful and welcoming style that suits the 16th-century property and brings it gently into the present. Although the three-bedroom house is idyllic, there were some challenges – especially when it came to installing furniture. ‘We tried to get the beds upstairs and realised that the only way to do this was to remove the banister rails,’ says Sophie. ‘There are two sets of stairs and both are as steep and narrow as each other. We cut out the rails, hoisted up the beds then employed a joiner to put the banisters back together again.’ 44 | 25BH JULY 2021
The final job will be to paint the external doors and windows – of which four are original ships’ windows. In the meantime, Sophie and Charlie are running the house as a holiday let when they’re not using it for family get-togethers or for themselves and their two grown-up daughters, Mamie and Evie. ‘Buying this cottage has been like coming home,’ says Sophie. ‘My family has lived on the island for years – my aunt and uncle, who live nearby, used to live in the house opposite and for 15 years my mother had a cottage just up the road.’ I still can’t get over the fact that I can pour a glass of wine, carry it to the beach and watch the sunset, knowing that we finally have a place of our own on this island.’
MAIN BEDROOM
Sophie had the double headboard specially made. Similar headboard fabric, Malone Check, £105m, Colefax and Fowler. Table lamps, £125 each; cushions, £100 each, all Oka
GUESTBOOK
The property was once occupied by monks who collected salt from the marshes and gave the house its name of Salterns Old Cottage. Personalised stamp, £25, The Old English Stamp Company
BATHROOM
The wall-hung wash basin prompts a vintage look. Classic deck-mounted bath and shower mixer, £947.52, Lefroy Brooks at The Cast Iron Bath Company, is similar
BEDROOM
A vintage blanket and Lloyd Loom chair add the finishing touches to this simple bedroom. For similar bed, try Versailles day bed, £249, Happy Beds. For wool throws, from £80, try Bronte by Moon
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PURE
BEAUTY
The clean lines and cohesive canvas of whites, greys and dusky pinks in Hannah and Sam Franklin-Bort’s renovated terrace are quietly stunning FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY BETH EVANS @PICTURESTRING STYLING HANNAH BORT
home truths
THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace LOCATI O N South London ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a two bedroom apartment in Dalston, East London,’ says Hannah.
KITCHEN Dispensing with wall cabinets allows light to flood through the glazing above, while Corian worktops tone well with the pale walls and floor. Smoked Oak kitchen fronts, from £151 for a drawer front, Norm Architects for Reform. London tap, from £1,910, The Watermark Collection
DINING AREA Layers of lighting, such as recessed spots, a dimmable brass bar pendant and strip lighting above kitchen counters, enables creating different atmospheres. Snaregade table in Mushroom Grey Linoleum by Menu, £1,250, Nest. I-Model pendant light by Anour, £1,635, Beut
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aving lived in trendy Dalston for seven years, Hannah and Sam Franklin-Bort wanted more greenery and space for the next stage of their lives. Their search led to a five-bedroom Victorian terrace near Peckham Rye Park in East Dulwich. ‘I wanted to put my own stamp on whatever we bought, so veered away from properties that had already been renovated,’ says Hannah, a stylist and creative director (hannahbort.com). ‘The fact that it hadn’t been
no. touched was a blessing for us.’ RDA Architects were drafted in to create an open-plan home that could double up as a location house. ‘Luckily our architect James Henderson was glad to work with a couple who didn’t want the typical cookie cutter terrace conversion,’ says Hannah. ‘With nothing charming or original left we felt able to strip everything out and start again.’ Work started six months later to extend at the rear and side. Internal walls were knocked out and floor-to-ceiling
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storage was built along the length of the ground floor. The poky galley kitchen - on a lower level with a step down was also problematic. ‘We could have dug down and created a higher ceiling in the kitchen, but I really wanted it on one level with the sitting room,’ says Hannah. Large metal-framed doors and a five-metre-long glass roof flood the room with light. ‘I picked the biggest piece of glass possible without needing a crane,’ she adds. A trip to Copenhagen inspired the kitchen design, which consists of Ikea base cabinets upgraded with fronts by Danish company Reform. ‘I really loved the idea of natural materials but didn’t want plywood so I picked smoked oak fronts,’ says Hannah. Elsewhere the small attic en suite has been made more usable thanks to a new sliding door that opens when the bedroom door closes, and vice versa. The couple have also gutted and reconfigured the damp main bathroom, as well as converting a bedroom into a walk-in closet. Next they plan to turn a bedroom into an office with space for Hannah’s props. Unfortunately the project took two years rather than the agreed four months. ‘After nine months of
delays the builders had to go,’ says Hannah. ‘In a way it was a blessing as we discovered local firm Object Atelier who created all the cabinetry and redid the flooring and stairs. They had a similar design ethos to me and were meticulous.’ A cohesive canvas of muted grey and dusty pink tones was chosen for the interior. ‘Although I use a lot of bold colour in my professional work, with the high ceilings I felt it wouldn’t benefit from very dark or bright shades,’ says Hannah. Natural materials and brass fittings bring warmth, while Chinese and Korean ceramics and artwork add personality. ‘I didn’t think about trends as the most important thing was how it makes you feel,’ says Hannah. Furniture choices were also carefully considered. ‘I wanted to understand how the space worked first, then buy furniture that was beautiful but not superfluous,’ she says. The renovation was finally completed in time for baby Olive’s birth in October 2020, but Hannah was determined not to rush her design decisions - even her insistence on perfectly mitred 45 degree stairs. ‘We aren’t precious about the space now it is finished,’ she says. ‘It really feels like home and it’s very personal to us.’
SITTING ROOM Artwork propped on furniture and shelves rather than hung on walls gives more freedom to rotate pieces around. Crown easy chairs by Massproductions, from £1,369 each, Twentytwentyone. La Lampe floor light by Friends & Founders, £855, Monologue London. Hay Tulou coffee table, from £179, Utility Design
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SITTING ROOM The couple’s extremely comfortable seven-yearold sofa has stood the test of time and features neck rests that lift up. Mantis BS2 wall light by DCW Editions, £632, Nunido. Pied de Poule cushion cover, from £45, Caravane. Cassina 9 glass side table, £1,242, Chaplins
HALLWAY A new clean-lined staircase was built with a high-spec finish, incorporating discreet storage that runs through to the kitchen. Storage by Object Atelier. Maissi bench by Skagerak, £919, Amara. Larusi has similar throws, from £90
MAIN BEDROOM Artwork made from wallpaper, which had been in Hannah’s studio for years, provides a striking focal point. Gucci Heron wallpaper, £345 for two 70x350cm panels, Farfetch. Flowerpot VP3 table lamp by &Tradition, £208.25, Nunido. Magnoli Canyon bedspread, from £250, Caravane
GUEST BEDROOM Painting the walls and ceiling in the same shade creates a calm, cocooning effect in the attic guest room. Walls painted in Flat Matt 10GG 53/030, £30.04 for 2.5ltr, Dulux. Building side table by Skagerak, £318.49, Connox. Enna desk lamp by Astro, £122.69, Lights2go
COURTYARD
The oversized kitchen window acts like a serving hatch during garden parties. Similar garden table and chair set, £1,199, Squires Garden Centres
WORLDLY WISE
A life of travel has influenced the amazing look of brand consultant Andrew Kuiler’s historic home in Australia FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON | STYLING BELLE HEMMING
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home truths
THE PROPERTY Single-storey Federation house with modern extension LOCATI O N Victoria, Australia ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, study, three bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms, dressing room P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘Before this, I rented a house in Melbourne,’ says Andrew.
COURTYARD
The concrete-surfaced space marries areas for relaxation, entertaining and cooking. Green Palissade table, from £539; Palissade chairs, from £249 each, all Hay
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or Andrew Kuiler the process of making a home has, until now, been a transient affair. ‘I own rental homes in Australia, but for the past 20 years work has taken me around the world, to China, Berlin, New York and Shanghai, so I’ve always lived in rental accommodation, much of the time.’ However, having ageing parents Andrew decided to finally put down roots, buying an old Federation house in their hometown with a view to it becoming a permanent visiting base that he would restore and extend. In 2018, Andrew took on the
services of Here Studio, working directly with architect and founder Ammon Beyerle. Initial designs were underway, but it took the start of the global pandemic for Andrew to have the space to make this vision a reality. ‘When the borders closed, my partner John and I were unable to return to Shanghai, where my business is based,’ he says. ‘We spent over five months trying to repatriate our belongings and our dog, Yume. To say it has been a stressful journey is an understatement.’ Planners were keen to retain the historical integrity at the front of the
house, which is situated on a heritage street, while actively encouraging a distinct contemporary design at the rear. As you walk onto the property the new futuristic architecture reveals itself and opens out to a stylish courtyard, created in collaboration with Beare Gardens. Designed to optimise the north-facing light, the two-storey extension incorporates a kitchen, sitting room and dining area that connects to the outdoor space. ‘I wanted a home that enabled my stories and travels to unfold,’ says Andrew. ‘I have always collected unique furniture
VOURE EM ‘The sideboard in the sitting room is a prayer table I bought in China in 2000 and it’s finally found the right home’
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SITTING ROOM
Part of the original house, this more formal space is designed for entertaining and quiet reading. Birds of Happiness wallpaper, AU$330 a roll, Natty and Polly. Artwork, Yue Minjun
DINING AREA & SNUG
This new extension includes a two-storey fireplace that extends up to the bedrooms and is inspired by the eucalyptus plant. Pendant light, Gewinn R3 with amber glass, AU$245, About Space. Hooper dining chairs, AU$405 each, GlobeWest. Luminar gas fireplace, AU$5000, Illusion
KITCHEN
The design of the island was based on a sushi bar and is covered with horizontal tiles for a unique look. Kitchen, from AU$45,000, BK Joinery. Promenado glazed porcelain floor tiles with custom brass inlay, price on request, Beaumont Tiles. Custom extractor hood with remote fan, from AU$6,500, Schweigen. Xena vertical pendant lights, AU$329 each, About Space
BATHROOM
A mix of soft grey and pale pink hues adds a sophisticated elegance. Cobalt Quartz vanity unit, from AU$1,500, ADP. Sierra matt pink sink, from AU$500, Castano. Mizu Drift shower and tapware, from AU$1,500, Reece
SHOWER ROOM
This main en suite boasts a moody theme with a palette of dark greys. Onyx Shadow large marble tiles; Nero Dime Mosaic small tiles; all price on request, Beaumont Tiles. Matt black Mizu Drift tapware, AU$400, Reece
BEDROOM
A hanging pendant frees up the bedside table for decorative items. Mid-century bed, AU$1,499, West Elm. Bella pendant, AU$526, About Space
MAIN BEROOM
A wall of windows makes it feel like the space is nestled amongst the treetops. Try the Aron chair, £399, Swoon. Similar rug, £29.99; similar linen cushions, £29.99, all Zara Home. Architect, Here Studio
D P ‘Decide how you want to live at the start of the project. I wanted to optimise useable space so opted for a large outdoor entertaining area’
and ephemera and I was keen that the eclectic mix of post mid-century modern, heritage and Asian antiquities should blend together with select newer finds in a space that felt luxurious, but also comfortable and intimate. Cooking and entertaining is a big priority: the open kitchen with its oversized windows that link to the outdoor courtyard feels like the dream.’ Andrew’s vision was inspired by a mix of Asian influences: deep green from a favourite Shanghai cafe; a commercial stainless steel-meets-sociable sushi bar feel kitchen, complete with Japanese Kit-Kat
tiles; and generous nods to oriental luxe, all combined with natural Australian timbers. Think authentic Asian furniture, brass floor stripping, chinoiserie wallpapers, terrazzo marble tiles and creative architectural planting. ‘The house is a homage to nature,’ says Andrew. ‘Since lockdown, this connection to the natural world feels increasingly important.’ Even the new two-storey fireplace that extends up through to the bedrooms and dressing area, is inspired by the eucalyptus plant – a close-up pixelated leaf image, transferred onto a set of colour-matched
bricks and hand glazed by a specialist Victorian tile maker. ‘It anchors the space, both structurally and aesthetically, and adds immense character,’ says Andrew. Upstairs, the spaces are dressed in a mix of earthy colours and natural materials, while bathrooms offer retreat-like luxury. ‘On this project I collaborated with interior designer Nicole Rutherford,’ says Andrew, ‘and the result is a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new, that successfully combines personal and international influences within our regional Australian home.’ 25BH JULY 01 | 57
home truths
GOING FOR BOLD
Laura and Paul Clark’s once dark and dated Victorian semi is now the epitome of sensational design FEATURE & STYLING PIPPA BLENKINSOP | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY
THE PROPERTY Victorian semi-detached house LOCATI O N West Midlands ROOMS Sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, four bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a Victorian terrace in Birmingham,’says Laura.
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KITCHENDINER Parquet flooring zones off the eating area. For reclaimed oak parquet, from £21sq m, try Encore Reclamation. Units painted in French Gray estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For similar floor tiles, try Sima Red, £22.49sq m, Crown Tiles. Pendant lights, from £96 each, Any Old Lights. Dining table, £800, Pine Farmhouse Table
FAMILY ROOM Bright colours and patterns sing in this relaxed living space. For similar wallpaper, try Kaleidoscope by Harlequin, £40 a roll. Fresco coffee table, £349, Swoon, would work here. Mabel sofa in Mustard, from £1,825, Rose and Grey. Cupboards painted in Calke Green estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
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EDITH’S BEDROOM Painting the picture rail brings another layer of interest. Gable wallpaper, £109 a roll, Farrow & Ball. For tent fabric, try Regatta by Clarke & Clarke, £23m, Jane Clayton HENRY’S BEDROOM The mix of colours work because they are all primary hues. Mr Fox wallpaper by Scion, £45 a roll, John Lewis & Partners. New York metal bed, £229, Bobby Rabbit
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aura and Paul Clark have managed to strike the perfect balance between old and new in their Victorian semi. ‘We knew we wanted a period property,’ says Paul of their hunt for a new home in 2012. ‘We focused our search on Stourbridge because Laura’s family are from here and it has a good stock of Victorian houses and, importantly, they’re more affordable than in Birmingham where we had been living.’ Prior to the move, the couple had lived in a Victorian terrace, so were prepared for the responsibility of owning an old home. ‘We wanted to start a family so needed to live somewhere we would be happy in the long term,’ says Laura. ‘We knew that a period house would keep us happily occupied with projects for years to come.’ O R I G I N A L F E AT U R E S
Having been lived in unaltered by the previous owners for many years, the interior was dark and dated, but luckily it boasted well-preserved original features. ‘As soon as we walked through the front door into the Minton-tiled hallway, we both knew it was the home for us,’ says Laura. ‘It had so much character, plus it clearly had the potential to extend and was somewhere we could add our own stamp.’ Adding to their natural affinity for the house, Laura and Paul, who are both twins, then discovered that it was built by a father for his own twin daughters. ‘It’s like it was meant to be,’ says Laura. After carrying out essential repairs including repointing, rewiring and damp-proofing, in 2016 the pair turned their attention to adding an extension. ‘The narrow galley kitchen wasn’t suitable for a growing family,’ says Paul. Although a scaled-back version of the original design, the finished space has transformed family life. Large metal-framed doors to the garden and two skylights flood the room with light, while an unfitted kitchen, partly constructed from existing units, keeps the space open. ‘We’ve preserved original features wherever possible,’ says Paul. ‘The quarry-tiled floor was taken up to fit underfloor heating, but there were some breakages, so we travelled miles to source exact matches from salvage yards.’ BOLD MOVES
design advice
‘Don’t be afraid to break the rules and go with your own instincts’ 60 | 25BH JULY
When it came to decorating, despite it being a first-time project, Laura and Paul weren’t afraid to do things their own way, mixing furniture from across the centuries and embracing a vivid palette and pattern. ‘Period homes aren’t perfect, so we were relaxed about introducing pattern and colour – the busier the better!’ says Laura. ‘The rooms are a good size, so can take bold touches.’ However, don’t be fooled into thinking the stylish result is all a happy accident, or beginner’s luck, as throughout the house are a number of carefully considered solutions; for example, different flooring is used to distinguish work spaces from social areas. All the elements combine to bring the Victorian property into the 21st century. But what do the couple feel is the real key to creating a successful home for themselves and their children, Henry, now seven, Edith, four, and Arthur, two? ‘That’s simple,’ says Laura. ‘Just have fun!’
FRENCH POLISH
Chris Aswad and Chris Pridemore’s timeless apartment combines the energy of New York with Parisian elegance FEATURE KARINE MONIÉ | PHOTOGRAPHY SEAN LITCHFIELD
DINING AREA
The panelled walls evoke a bygone age, while the clean lines of the furnishings are thoroughly modern. Pendant (over dining table), $1,045, Lambert & Fils. Dining table, $1,517, Meadow Blu. Custom banquette designed by Crystal Sinclair and made by Stitchroom
62 | 25BH JULY 22
11
no. SITTING ROOM
Luxury materials, including marble and velvet, bring depth and contrast. Sectional sofa, $6,903, RH. Mantelpiece, $2,900, MantelCraft. Three-arm Casquette ceiling lamp, £399, Mobelaris, has a similar look
home truths
THE PROPERTY Apartment in a pre-war building LOCATI O N New York ROOMS Sitting/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a one-bedroom rental apartment in Hell’s Kitchen,’ says Chris Aswad.
KITCHEN
Black and white makes a striking contrast, softened by the natural stone splashback and slate flooring. Leather pendant lights, $399 each, Barnaby Lane. Sconces (opposite), $349 each, Cedar & Moss. Tap, $2,719, Rejuvenation
KITCHEN
The desk serves as a place to work and an extra surface when entertaining. Filing cabinet, $259.99, Container Store. Chair, $716, Kathy Kuo Home
A
fter getting married in Hawaii in 2018, we started looking for an apartment to buy in New York City the following year,’ says Chris Aswad, who lives with his husband Chris Pridemore. For this new phase, the couple set their sights on the vibrant and fun neighbourhood of Morningside Heights in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. ‘It also has a wonderful residential feel and the beautiful green spaces of Riverside Park where we love walking our Shiba Inu/Pomeranian mix dog Jasper.’ Initially, the one-bedroom apartment didn’t reflect the charm of the pre-war building in which it was located. Its potential, however, convinced the couple. ‘The herringbone floors really got me at first sight,’ says Aswad. ‘They reminded me of the gorgeous properties we’ve seen in Paris. When I discovered the space, I immediately saw the “bones” of a grand old Parisian apartment and knew we could do something special by updating it to reflect a more modern sensibility.’ Interior designer Crystal Sinclair led the renovation. ‘She really got our vision and took it to new heights,’ says Aswad. ‘I wanted to respect the roots of the building and the apartment, but [bring] a contemporary twist’. Timeless and chic, the spaces feel sophisticated and inviting at the same time. ‘I wanted to create a cosy space that takes you away from the bustling city, transporting you to a quieter place,’ says Crystal. The use of Calacatta macchia vecchia marble in the kitchen, picture mouldings on the walls, an ornate plaster
SITTING ROOM
A beautiful vignette adds interest to a side wall. Find a similar French 19th-century bow-fronted walnut chest of drawers with a marble top, £2,634, 1stDibs
25BH JULY 0 | 65
BEDROOM
Keeping soft furnishings and walls white allows the art and antique furniture to become the focus of attention. Rug, $1,549, Etsy. For an alternative chair, try Dunelm’s Montreal, £189 for two
BATHROOM
Mirrored walls increase the sense of space. Sconce, $945, Apparatus. Black tiles, $19.50sq ft, Clé tile
ceiling medallion in the living area, as well as the addition of a working fireplace with a black mantelpiece in the sitting room, plus details in velvet, leather, ebony-stained wood, zellige tiles and linen help to build the overall visual story. ‘There is contrast in the space but all with neutrals, to provide depth and make the apartment feel larger,’ explains Crystal. ‘The result is the look of an old cafe or hotel in Paris with a nod to the modern city of New York.’ As an avid home cook, Aswad’s favourite room is the kitchen. ‘When I’m home, that’s where you’ll usually find me,’ he says. ‘The black steel window divider was one of the first design elements I came across when researching style ideas for the space and I love how it turned out. It allows me to chat with our guests while preparing dinner and the bar area is a great place to serve snacks and cocktails. From a design perspective, I really like the warmth we brought into this area through touches like the brass cabinet pulls, leather pendant lights and the wooden beams that were found at an antique lumberyard in the Hudson Valley.’ In this apartment, every square metre was maximised to create the ideal environment for entertaining. ‘The banquette in the dining area is especially useful for parties – we’re really excited to be able to host friends again,’ says Aswad. For now, the pair continue to appreciate every moment they spend here on their own. ‘It’s like I’m enjoying a relaxed stay in a beautiful Parisian pied-à-terre… but I don’t have to leave.’ 66 | 25BH JULY 22
no.
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SITTING ROOM The white and grey marble fireplace was already here and Caroline designed elegant cabinetry to fit on either side. Tub chair, £445, Oliver Bonas; reupholstered in Rothesay in Grass, £41m, Designers Guild
Into the light
Caroline Firth’s creative approach revitalised her family home, making it bright and beautiful FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING COLIN POOLE
25BH JULY 202 | 69
‘Pick paint colours last. It’s easier if you decide on the atmosphere you want to create and pull together furniture, artwork, blinds and so on first’
design tip
SITTING ROOM White walls maximise the natural light, while two hand-painted butterfly canvases add bursts of bright colour. ‘They pull the room together and bring it to life,’ says Caroline. Bespoke butterfly artwork, Gabrielle Dow. The Snowdrop sofa, from £1,010, Sofa.com, is similar. Cow hide rug, £249, City Cows
70 | 25BH JULY
home truths
THE PROPERTY Semi-detached Victorian house LOCATI O N Cheshire ROOMS Sitting room, living room, kitchen-diner, dining room, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2006 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘Before moving here, we lived in a modern, split-level house in north Manchester,’ says Caroline.
KITCHEN Timeless durable fixtures like the Shaker-style painted units and quartz worksurfaces have been lifted with bright orange accessories, which add punch to the scheme. Units in Strong White estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For an alternative pendant, try the Edit Truro, £46, Lighting Direct DINING AREA A round table is a contrast to the room’s linear feel. Floor in Dark Lead Colour intelligent floor paint, £74 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Dresser in Mole’s Breath estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. The Contour oak dining chair, £299, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Moooi Random pendant light, £557, Glassdomain
25BH JULY 1 | 71
LIVING ROOM This striking colour scheme was inspired by the yellow chair. Bookcases have been painted black to tone with the grey walls. Try Homebase’s occasional chair in Ochre, £60. Billy bookcases, £95 each, Ikea. Walls in Farrow & Ball’s Plummett estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr. The Hound of the Baskervilles print, £35, Spineless Classics
72 | 25BH JULY 1
V
iewing a period property proved to be an eye-opener for Caroline Firth, as she and her husband Ian searched for a new home. ‘I fell in love with the idea of living in an older house,’ she says. ‘There weren’t that many Victorian homes in the area we’d chosen, so when one did come on the market, I really wanted it!’ The property that caught her attention was an attractive, double-fronted semi with high ceilings, fireplaces and elegant proportions. Inside, the rooms were bland, painted cream and fitted out with uninspiring, budget floorings and fixtures. ‘It had been decorated to sell but I was desperate to add some character,’ recalls Caroline. By giving her herself a few months to familiarise herself with her new surroundings, Caroline soon discovered that parts of the house could feel a little dark at certain times of day, so opening up the space and boosting light would be important. At the same time, she was keen to introduce colour, interest and individual touches. The tired kitchen was Caroline’s first project. Oakeffect cupboards were replaced with a single symmetrical run of units and a slim dresser opposite for extra storage. A local joiner made the Shaker-style cabinets, and having splashed out on beautiful quartz worksurfaces, Caroline cleverly cut back when it came to the flooring. ‘We took up the existing wood-look laminate, relaid it horizontally to accentuate the width of the room, and painted it,’ she says. ‘It was supposed to be a temporary measure, but we really like it, so it’s stayed.’ To help distribute light around the house, the small
front living room and larger sitting room at the back have been knocked through. To further balance the two spaces, Caroline chose a dramatic dark grey and yellow scheme for the living room, contrasting it with the sitting room’s fresh offwhites and vibrant mid-greens. ‘The sitting room almost put us off the house because the heavy curtains made it so dark and uninviting,’ says Caroline. ‘The living room was also a bit of a “nothing” space to start with, but now the light is more even between the two areas, and the colours really lift everything.’ Stylish new wooden parquet now extends from the hallway into the dining room and living rooms, bringing a unified feel to the house. ‘I’d seen parquet in magazines and liked it,’ says Caroline. ‘Ours isn’t reclaimed, but all the edges were sanded, so it looks a bit battered. It was cost-effective and everyone thinks it’s an original floor.’ As she gradually redecorated the house, Caroline developed knowledge, skills and inventive ways to maximise her budget. She sourced vintage furniture and customised high-street buys for an individual look. The result is a bright, lively interior with a unique mix of styles (cheshireinteriordesign.com). ‘I’ve tried to work with the original building but still make it ours, so there are traditional features next to modern pieces, and some unusual accessories,’ she says. ‘I’m always adding and refreshing, too.’ Investing in their home for the long term has certainly proved to be the right decision for Caroline, Ian, and their children, Erin, now 13 and Sam, 18. ‘I wouldn’t want to move from here,’ says Caroline. ‘We’ve put our heart and soul into it.’
MAIN BEDROOM Made-to-measure shutters softened by simple white voile allow plenty of light to come in while still providing privacy. Curtains in Aina voile, £8m; Alvine Kvist bedlinen set, £35, both Ikea BATHROOM The practical vinyl flooring echoes the wooden parquet on the ground floor and there is underfloor heating for added luxury. Karndean Blond Oak parquet, £61sq m, Flooring Supplies. For similar fittings, try the Milano double basin, £209.99, and Milano Legend double-ended roll-top bath, £529.99, both Big Bathroom Shop
no.
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home truths
THE PROPERTY Top-floor split level maisonette in a five-storey building LOCATI O N Central London ROOMS Kitchen-diner/living area, wine room, cloakroom, two bedrooms (both en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘Nick and I renovated my family home in Fulham; the flat is a development project,’ Sam says.
COME TOGETHER
The renovation of this listed top-floor maisonette involved careful co-operation between neighbours, conservation officers and freeholder FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY ASA PHOTO SERVICES
DINING AREA
Two sputnik-style pendants help to define each section of the room. Large Mobile chandeliers in antique brass finish, £299 each, West Elm. Ferro Herringbone floor, price on request, Havwoods
74 | 25BH JULY
LIVING AREA
The original fireplace was refurbished, making a focal point for the social seating arrangement. Byron piped sofa, from £2,076 at Love Your Home, would work here
FOU FU ‘I love the journey up through this grand building, then the element of surprise when the flat opens out into such a bright space’
KITCHEN
Variating colours and pattern in the natural stone surfaces bring contrast to the minimalist cabinetry. Kitchen made by Loxley Furniture Company
25BH JULY 1 | 75
MAIN BEDROOM
Black accents anchor this elegant and serene scheme, while gold detailing brings a luxurious twist. Walls in French Grey Mid intelligent emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Pearl side table by Pavilion Chic, £378, Pavilion Broadway
design advice ‘With a listed property you have to be prepared to accept that some of your grand ideas might have to be scaled back’ MAIN EN SUITE
A classic marble ensures this luxurious scheme will age well. Alsace honed marble tiles, from £89.60sq m, Mandarin Stone
76 | 25BH JULY 1
R
enovating a top-floor flat is never an easy proposition, especially one at the top of a narrow winding staircase. ‘We had to take the windows off and hoist from the street to get some of the furniture in,’ says Nick Horvath, the architectural director of Momo & Co (momoandco.design), who worked alongside his client Sam Higginson to overhaul the London property. ‘Sam found the flat and saw it as a great investment opportunity as it was so dilapidated, having been lived in by the same man for most of his life,’ says Nick. ‘It had been vacant for a long time and felt very unloved but on the fourth and fifth floors of a corner building, it had the most amazing views and felt very unique.’ Having bought the property, Sam then had to negotiate a series of other
challenges before attempting to realise his shared vision with Nick. ‘We were very keen to keep relations with the downstairs neighbours pleasant, so lots of notes were passed around apologising for the builders using the only staircase,’ says Sam. ‘Ultimately, I paid to have the communal entry hall and front door re-carpeted and repainted to thank the neighbours for their patience.’ Slightly more complicated were the restrictions placed upon the renovation due to its status as a listed building. ‘We had lots of grand ideas to start with that got dialled back,’ says Nick. ‘For example, we weren’t allowed to take any walls out except in the open-plan living area where we had to leave elements of the old wall to pay tribute to the original architecture. ‘Our heritage consultant was very passionate about the history of the
building,’ he continues. ‘She could tell the floorboards were original from the shape of the nail heads used.’ Balancing alongside the neighbours and heritage consultant was the freeholder of the building. ‘There was a leaseholder hierarchy and we were bottom of the chain, which made communication tricky,’ says Nick. At the top of the building, the flat would have historically been the servants’ quarters. ‘You can notice this in the height of the ceilings and the plainer detailing,’ says Nick. While Nick chose the light fittings, cabinetry and flooring, Sam contributed the furnishings, opting for classic pieces to strike a luxurious mood. Reminiscent of the industrious servants who ran the original household, the blood, sweat and tears of this project have faded into the past, leaving only a serene rooftop sanctuary.
BEDROOM
The single chair in the corner is the perfect place to take in the amazing rooftop views. Madison armchair in Mustard velvet, £664, Love Your Home, would work here. Malmo Sateen Stripe linen, from £25, The White Company, is similar
25BH JULY 01 | 77
NEW HORIZONS
Glass, wood and steel sit beautifully together in Sarah Mitchell-Smith’s barn conversion, which features striking proportions and sweeping views FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE
no.
14
KITCHENDINER Old telegraph poles, savaged from the original barn, were incorporated into the ceiling structure, adding character and a nod to the building’s past. Bespoke kitchen, Evie Willow. Walls in Livid and Wood Ash intelligent matt emulsion, £53for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Trellis Frieze rug, £369, iRugs
25BH JULY 01 | 79
SITTING ROOM A leather corner sofa creates an enclosed, cosy feel. Soft greens and greys continue from the dining area. ‘I like the cohesive effect,’says Sarah, ‘I find it soothing to have the same palette all through.’ Similar Odyssey corner sofa, £2,899, Sofology. Rex chandelier, £6,950, Timothy Oulton
home truths
THE PROPERTY A converted agricultural barn LOCATI O N Warwickshire ROOMS Sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, office, cloakroom, utility room, four bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We had been renting in Oxfordshire,’ says Sarah.
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W
hen family circumstances prompted a move from Oxfordshire to Warwickshire, Sarah Mitchell-Smith set her heart on an elegant, period village house. Just before completion, the purchase unexpectedly fell through, sending Sarah, her husband James, and 11-year-old son Rob, back to the drawing board. ‘We’d heard of a large, steel-framed, agricultural barn on the market, with planning permission in place to turn it into a home,’ says Sarah, ‘James was keen to go for it, but it certainly wasn’t the period house I’d had in mind, and although we do have building and renovating experience, I wasn’t sure about taking on such a big challenge.’
However, the barn’s peaceful location, unspoiled views and extraordinary potential won Sarah over, and she put her mind to transforming it from a vast, functional structure into a comfortable family home. She started by revising the existing interior plans, to make more of the barn’s unique opportunities. ‘We altered the layout so that the enormous height creates impact as you come in, and the main living areas look over the fields,’ she says, ‘I also cut down on windows and added a mezzanine level to boost the usable wall and floor space.’ Sarah’s clever eye for design (@glendinning_design), allowed her to divide the huge space into manageable zones, while still highlighting the striking
HALLWAY Sarah chose linear walnut cladding to break up the large areas of wall, and bring texture and warmth into the spacious entrance hall. Vertical lines emphasise height and draw the eye up to the dramatic first-floorwalkway. Acupanel contemporary walnut panelling, approx £95sq m, The Wood Veneer Hub. Concrete floor,price on request,MPA Liquid Screed
OFFICE The home office, shared by James and Sarah, is sited on the mezzanine level, away from the main living area. A glass wall keeps the room bright, offsetting the dark blue walls. Floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets keep paperwork organised. Walls in Hague Blue modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Crave White leather executive chairs, £235 each, Furniture@Work
BEDROOM Walnut panelling adds warmth and interest to the guest space. The chest of drawers is one of Sarah’sbest finds. ‘It was a great-value buy at an online auction,’ she says. ‘I love the simple shape and dark, glossy wood.’ Try the Malay 2 and 2 Drawer chest, £799, Barker and Stonehouse
proportions. She used a contemporary look throughout, combining green and grey tones and concrete flooring with natural wood, glass and metals, ‘I wanted to avoid the interior feeling like a warehouse, but at the same, I had to acknowledge that this had been a utilitarian building, not a picturesque stone barn,’ she says, ‘The greens were inspired by the original corrugated cladding, and the steel structure’s clearly visible inside.’ Such a large space presented particular problems, and budgeting proved to be one of Sarah’s greatest challenges. ‘Outlay on hidden things like insulation and building materials was huge,’ she says. ‘Our finances came under pressure before I started furnishing and decorating, but I 82 | 25BH JULY 01
didn’t want to compromise on the look. I had to find ways to make the money go further.’ Most of the couple’s furniture had been sold, as it would have been too small for their new home, so Sarah was starting from scratch. To maximise her budget, she patiently trawled online auction sites specialising in designer pieces, and managed to fill the rooms with high-spec but affordable furniture. Quotes from UK sources for key features like the black metal-framed glass partitions, floating, glass-walled staircase and suspended walkway were also beyond her pocket, so she approached Chinese manufacturers online. Over several months, time invested in meticulous measuring and careful communications paid off, as she successfully
imported all the glass, wood and metal components at a fraction of the original costs. ‘It was a gamble and I couldn’t afford any mistakes, but everything arrived in perfect condition,’ she says, ‘I even used a tracking app to follow the ship’s progress from China.’ Under Sarah’s creative projectmanagement, the barn went from functional farm building to stunning, luxurious home in about nine months. The family is now well settled here and there are no plans to move in the future. ‘This project has given me a huge sense of achievement, and we all love living here now,’ she says, ‘It really feels like home.’ The barn is available as a location – visit uklocations.co.uk
MAIN BEDROOM Teamed with a large, statement mirror, the unusual bedroom console, spotted on an auction site, makes a striking display area. The warm wood finish and slatted design echo the hall panelling. Wallin Livid intelligent matt emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Charlotte mirror, £641.95, Mindy Brownes EN SUITE Large-scale wall tiles and a spectacular
copper statement bath balance the height and proportions of the main en suite. Lighting behind the washstand gives a gentle glow. Piana vanity unit, £1,400; Luxe rose gold basin mixer taps, £220 each, all Lusso Stone. Apavisa Wild Forest 120x260 wall tiles, £72.50sq m, Tilewise. Diesel Living Ribbed Oxide wall tiles (behind basin), approx £90sq m, Iris Ceramica. Severn Copper bath, £2,450, London Encaustic
HALLWAY
Little details give the home that all-important personal touch. Maxi Grey mother of pearl table, £850, Graham and Green. Grenadilla lamp bases, £155 each, Oka. Andalucia Zahara rug, from £130, Weaver Green
home truths
THE PROPERTY Semi-detached cottage LOCATI O N West Sussex ROOMS Kitchen-diner/ living area, sitting room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 1983 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We had a smaller house around the corner,’ says Maggie.
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Setting the scene
Maggie and Andrew Colvin have adapted their seaside holiday cottage to create a retreat that suits all the family FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
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SITTING ROOM
A
s newlyweds, Maggie and Andrew Colvin were perfectly happy living a city life in London with their first baby, Harry, but after a while they began to hanker after a bolthole for holidays and weekends. ‘When my mother died, Andrew and I used my inheritance to buy a tiny cottage in Bosham, a sailing village on the south coast,’ says Maggie. ‘It was sweet and cosy but when baby number two, Robert, was due, we started to look for something a little bigger.’ Maggie and Andrew were in the perfect place to keep an eye on new
The glazed folding doors and balcony are new additions. Savile Modular seating units (right of the windows), from £350; cushions, from a selection, all Oka. Curtains in Ticking 02 Sky, £29.50m, Ian Mankin, made by Falcon Fabrics Chichester
properties coming on to the market. ‘When we heard about this fisherman’s cottage overlooking the water with a much bigger garden, my heart skipped a beat,’ says Maggie, who runs her own design company (maggiecolvin.co.uk). Although the house was essentially another two-up, two-down, Maggie knew it could be transformed into something special and that they had to act fast. ‘We quickly offered the owners the asking price, but they said they’d decided to sell by sealed bids. We were disappointed, especially when we found out that a local millionaire 25BH JULY 1 | 85
DINING AREA
When extending, the couple decided on an apex roof to increase the sense of space. Dining table, £350, Heritage Antiques Chichester. Chair seats in Chilla 09 Stripe fabric, £40m, Malabar. For a similar cabinet, try the Chester dresser, £799, The Cotswold Company
was interested.’ However, when the bids were revealed, the couple were triumphant as their offer was the only one submitted. With the house finally theirs, its update could begin. The owners of the next door cottage had already installed a balcony and sitting room on the top floor and Maggie and Andrew were inspired to do the same, but were able to make the size of their balcony big enough to allow for al fresco dinner parties overlooking the water. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, a new kitchen-diner was added with French doors overlooking the back garden. The couple also decided to extend the dining space next to the kitchen to create an extra sitting room area for their two sons and their friends. ‘This space worked so well as the children grew up – now they’re both married and we have grandchildren, all of them and their toys fit in!’ In designing this extension, Maggie was inspired by a friend’s house she was styling for a photo shoot. ‘It had an apex roof flooded with light from several Velux windows. ‘I really just copied their 86 | 25BH JULY 221
idea and this beautiful new space has become the heart of the home.’ One casualty of living by the sea was the deterioration of the wooden windows. ‘I had insisted on wooden windows but we eventually had to replace them with plastic but the kind that looks like wood. We think spending money on the fabric of a building is worthwhile, so we went for best quality sliding doors on the top floor, solid wood floorboards and double-glazed windows,’ says Maggie. With Maggie’s considerable experience in styling and interior design, she has given the house a fresh, relaxed feel using pastel shades punctuated with splashes of colour. ‘In terms of decorating, this house was never meticulously planned and my taste is always changing,’ she says. Never one to sit still, Maggie is also in the process of making a musical film (dannyssong.co.uk) with the house proving to be the perfect backdrop. ‘We love that we can share this house with our children, grandchildren and our lovely Airbnb guests,’ she says. ‘It gives us a great sense of pleasure.’
KITCHEN
Maggie went for basic units and elevated them with colourful worktops and splashbacks. Units from the Allendale range, Howdens. Blinds in Swallow Dive fabric, £57m, Vanessa Arbuthnott
MAIN BEDROOM
The wardrobe created a nook for a beautiful dressing table. Similar dressing table available in the Gustavian range, from £239, Scumble Goosie. Mirror, from a selection at Damian Cleall. Stripe lampshade, £40; column base, £125, both Oka
BATHROOM
Nautical touches include the shell mirror, which Maggie made herself for a TV breakfast show, and the model yacht. Walls in Cook’s Blue estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Hemnes basin vanity unit, £259, Ikea
BEDROOM
Checks and florals are timeless choices. Curtains and cushions in Podge in Raspberry on White, from £48m, Cabbages & Roses
25BH JULY | 87
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88 | 25BH JULY 2021
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25BH JULY | 89
WELL FRAMED
When Shelagh Krasno decided to build her own home, assembling the right team of builders and designers was crucial to her success FEATURE NICK ROBBINS | PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON MAXWELL
EXTERIOR ‘The glazed gable is my favourite feature of the design,’ says Shelagh. In-frame glazing, Worle Glass & Joinery. Oak framing by Westwind Oak Buildings
90 | 25BH JULY 2021
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no. home truths
THE PROPERTY New-build bungalow LOCATI O N Hampshire ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, three bedrooms (all en suite) MOVED IN 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘I was living next door in a cottage and this property was built on the old tennis court,’ says Shelagh.
SITTING ROOM A double-height ceiling gives the room an open, spacious feel. Reclaimed wooden bench, £295, Nkuku, has this style. Try V&A Heron rug, £1,350, Luxmi at The Rug Seller. Similar conservatory rattan chair, £319, La Redoute
25BH JULY | 91
I
t’s said that every cloud has a silver lining and this was certainly the case for Shelagh Krasno, for until 2015, she’d never even thought of building her own home. But when she found herself newly single, she spotted an opportunity to build a new house in the garden of her period cottage. ‘I wasn’t sure where to start, so I sought inspiration in magazines and found a cottage I liked the look of,’ says Shelagh. She then got in touch with the designer Frank Dowling, who’d once designed an extension for her at her previous home. ‘Frank was happy to help and pass on his contacts, and he quickly made some initial drawings so I could apply for planning permission,’ she adds. Shelagh’s design was for a traditional weatherboarded bungalow with oak elements and an openplan central space. It featured a guest wing with ground-floor bedroom for her father, and a sitting room tucked away from the open-plan living space – features made possible by the L-shaped design. ‘Having previously lived in a period timber-framed property, I was keen to incorporate oak framing but in a lighter, more modern way,’ says Shelagh. Approval didn’t come easily, however. The plot is located outside the settlement boundary of several nearby villages, and the initial application was rejected. Undaunted, Shelagh approached a local councillor for advice and he ended up speaking on her behalf when the application was next considered. Second time around, her plans were approved. The next challenge was assembling the team to build the property. Shelagh was introduced to Jeff Brown, a local architect, whose advice proved to be invaluable. ‘Whenever I was stuck on something – like solar panels or the sewage treatment plant I needed – I phoned Jeff,’ says Shelagh. ‘He was always calm and pernickety – but in a good way!’ Shelagh also enlisted the help of local builder Allan Oxlade and local groundsman Steve Mills, who all helped her see the project smoothly through to completion. With the build under way, Shelagh began thinking about the interior design. ‘The interior was really just about me wanting to create a warm, inviting home where guests and family could feel happy to kick off their shoes and relax,’ she says. Shelagh chose a palette of neutral shades enlivened with soft peach and pale pink accents, seamlessly mixing country-style furniture with antiques and vintage pieces for a relaxed feel. The house is tucked away at the end of a country lane, deep in the heart of rural Hampshire. With its weather-boarded exterior and garden of mature trees and shrubs, anyone who didn’t know better would assume that it’s been there for decades. One of Shelagh’s favourite spots is the window seat in her dormer bedroom. ‘I like to drink my early morning coffee, relaxing with Teasel, my scruffy little dog, enjoying the views and watching the deer, foxes and hares in the fields beyond.’ 92 | 25BH JULY 2021
KITCHEN-DINER Classic Shakerstyle cabinetry and vintage furniture make Shelagh’s country kitchen a relaxing and welcoming space. Kitchen cabinetry, Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch. Similar Dexter large white pendants, £111 each, Pooky. Smeg 1950s FAB28L white fridge, £1,299, John Lewis & Partners
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STAIRCASE The open staircase is an eye-catching feature. Oak framing by Westwind Oak Buildings MAIN EN SUITE Painted tongue-and-groove panelling
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and a freestanding bath add a period MAIN BEDROOM touch to this bathroom under the eaves. Panelling behind the bed zones the La Rochelle Bateau bath, £2,395, The Cast sleeping area in this big space. Iron Bath Company, would work here. Similar Libra Foxton mirror, £425, Olivia’s. Panelling in a similar colour to Strong White Similar Aurora pendant, £109, Graham and estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Green. Herringbone Merino throw in Blush, Similar Josephine white mirror, £365, Brissi £195, Johnstons of Elgin, is in this style
no.
17 TWICE AS NICE With great vision and patience, Euan MacLennan and Deian Rhys have expanded their apartment from one level to two, doubling its space and style FEATURE JENNY TUCKER | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MERRELL
KITCHEN-DINER Bespoke sunshineyellow units paired with marble worksurfaces bring a retro look to this space. The 1960s chairs also add a touch of midcentury style. For a similar marble splashback and worktop, try Marble & Granite. Foscarini Aplomb pendant lights, £238 each, Lights.co.uk. Try the oak aged parquet oiled flooring, £66sq m, The Natural Wood Floor Co
COURTYARD Doors on all sides of the upper level open onto this central patio, which acts as a private suntrap high above the London skyline. Jumbo planters in White, £307.99 each, Primrose.co.uk, are similar. Habitat’s Tam Tam stools, £18 each, have this look
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SITTING ROOM The mirrored wall panel enhances the open-plan feel of the space and makes a contemporary contrast to the period fireplace. Furnishings, such as a vintage Heal’s cabinet, provide a mid-century look, while the high ceilings and beautiful parquet flooring are reminiscent of a chic Parisian apartment. Rough Old Glass sells mirrored glass. The Profile sofa in Nuit Blue, from £4,640, Roche Bobois, is a good alternative. For a similar vintage turquoise sofa, try Two Columbia Road. Opplyst coffee tables, £1,495 a pair, Oka. Try Hayloft Mid Century Design for a vintage cabinet. Find travel posters like these, from £12.50 each, at Travelpostersonline.com
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hen you know, right to your very core, that you’ve found the home you want to buy, you pull out all the stops to see it through. No one understands this commitment to a property better than Euan MacLennan and his husband Deian Rhys, who decided that this penthouse apartment in southwest London with amazing views, had to be theirs. At the time, the flat looked nothing like it does now. In fact, half of it didn’t even exist. But the couple were adamant that it would be theirs. ‘Well, I did need a little bit of convincing,’ admits Euan, who is herbal and sustainability director at Pukka Herbs, ‘as I was desperate to live somewhere with outside space. Back then, this flat was just a single floor. But Deian is pretty visionary and he could see the property’s full potential.’ The secret to unlocking this potential lay in a dusty attic space, which was jammed with water tanks for the entire five-storey house. Although an attic might not seem like a great buy, this one offered the possibility to add an extra level to the flat. So Euan and Deian approached all the other residents in the building, asking if they could buy the attic and design an alternative hub for the water tanks. In theory, it was an exciting proposition, but the reality wasn’t quite as straightforward. The couple lived in the flat for five years, while continually pushing for permission to extend. They barely touched a paintbrush, knowing that if the plans went through they would want to radically makeover the property. It really was an exercise in patience and perseverance. Then in 2013, a few months before the planning permission was about to expire, the residents finally signed on the dotted line. ‘From that point it was full steam ahead,’ says Deian. ‘We interviewed three architects and David Money 98 | 25BH JULY
home truths
THE PROPERTY A top-floor flat in a Victorian terraced house LOCATI O N Southwest London ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, study, cloakroom, two bedrooms (both en suite), dressing room P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived just a few streets away, but the property didn’t have any outdoor space,’ says Deian.
BEDROOM A striking artwork by John McAsey sets the earthy tones for this inviting, simply decorated space. Welsh tapestry blanket in Green, £260, Labour and Wait, is similar. Try the ivory pleated lampshade, from £49 for 25cm shade, Décor. Pip lamp base, £20, Habitat, has this look
‘If, like us, your top requirement is natural light, achieve it by using as much glass as you can’
design tip
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MAIN BEDROOM Light from the courtyard streams into this room through double-width sliding glass doors. It was architect David Money’s idea to add a freestanding wall to create a dressing room behind the oak four-poster. Architectural design, David Money Architects. Blissford four-poster double bed frame, £400, Habitat, has this look. Lindos bronze reading light, £105.34, Lighting Superstore, is similar STAIRCASE A contemporary timber screen adds a decorative touch to the staircase, which leads to the second floor. The upper level was previously an attic, but has now been refurbished to create two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a courtyard.
(davidmoney.com), who has a strong contemporary ethos, ended up being our man. He was completely on board with our concept, and added a few elements we hadn’t considered.’ The pair moved out for a year while the work went ahead – and again, it was a test of their commitment and nerve. Not only did a pitched roof extension have to be built at the back of the flat to rehouse all the water tanks, the fact that the property is five floors up proved an exercise in logistics. ‘We had a ton of scaffolding running up the outside of the building so we could transport heavy materials, such as granite blocks and even the grand piano!,’ says Euan. Slowly but surely, the design took shape and one floor became two, with the second loftier level evolving into a light-filled sequence of bedrooms and bathrooms overlooking a central courtyard. ‘Because it’s at the top of the house it’s so peaceful,’ says Deian. ‘We added full-height sliding glass doors to maximise the light, and the views of London are incredible.’ When planning the layout of the flat, it was important to achieve a fluid feel with interwoven rooms blending together. ‘We had a strong idea of how we wanted it all to look,’ explains Deian. ‘The open-plan aspect makes the flat feel extremely sociable. I can be cooking in the kitchen while talking to someone in the sitting room. We also wanted to create a mid-century look with the furnishings.’ Now, there is always much laughter in this home, and it’s not unusual to find Euan and Deian in the sitting room, where a beautiful teak cabinet, adorned with various bottles of spirits, sits waiting for Euan to mix a cocktail. The piano is tuned ready to be played, while vintage portraits observe from the wall. ‘This home has taken dedication,’ says Deian, ‘but we both agree it’s been well worth it.’ 25BH JULY 22 | 101
home truths
THE PROPERTY Detached home built in 1986 LOCATI O N Warwickshire ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen, family room, snug, study, utility room, cloakroom, boot room, orangery, five bedrooms (three en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We moved here from a new build in West Sussex,’ says Sarah.
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TAKING THE PLUNGE
Sarah and Ian Duggan transformed their home by removing an indoor swimming pool, resulting in a living space with a playful edge FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK
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FAMILY ROOM This large space that accommodates a living area, bar, pool table and home office on a mezzanine level is where the pool used to be. Home office designed by Bayswater Interiors DINING AREA The generous glass pendant light echoes the shape of the roof lantern in this bright space. Dar Lighting Academy 5 light pendant, £570, Ocean Lighting. Bespoke Bar Harbor rug, Unnatural Flooring
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SITTING ROOM This serene space acts as a more formal counterpart to the adjoining games room. Brisa table lamp, £288, House of Isabella. Sundance side table, £395, Andrew Martin MAIN EN SUITE Neutral hues and a sleek bath combine for a calm scheme. Clearwater Formoso bath, £2,399, Victorian Plumbing. Lily cocktail table, £570, Tom Faulkner MAIN BEDROOM Gemma partially zoned off the dressing area. ‘It created a sense of delineation,’ she says. Arte Signature Canvas wallpaper, £135.53 a roll, Jane Clayton. Lisle tall table lamp, £385, Olivia’s
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hen Sarah and Ian Duggan relocated to the Warwickshire countryside from West Sussex in 2015, the prospect of an indoor pool was an appealing one. For a few years, it proved a hit with their three children Jamie, now 19, Carly, 16, and Daisy, 11, but after one too many leaks, the allure began to wane. Having made a few tweaks to their family home during that time, Sarah and Ian had developed a taste for renovation, and so with the help of interior designer Gemma Hill of Bayswater Interiors, they conceived a dramatic update to the whole house, which included removing a rear balcony, replacing a narrow 1980s sunroom with an orangery and reworking the main bedroom and bathroom. The outdated pool area, although laid to rest, would still be a focal point. ‘We knew we could do something standout with that space, thanks to its generous apex roof,’ says Sarah. ‘It made sense to create a multi-purpose room that could become the lynchpin of the home.’ Together with Gemma, the couple designed an open-plan space to accommodate 104 | 25BH JULY
relaxing, working and entertaining. The pool would be covered over to create room for lounging, with zones for a bar area, plus a pool table. Above, the original mezzanine would be turned into a glazed home office. ‘We designed it to be a room where everyone can gather to watch films, have a drink, play pool or listen to music,’ explains Gemma.
joinery has added finesse as well as a natural focal point,’ says Gemma, who designed a generous dressing area in the main bedroom. LUXURIOUS TOUCHES
Informed by their desire to create a ‘contemporary hotel feel’ Gemma made use of every inch of space, incorporating a built-in dressing table, mirrored cabinetry and a ADDING DRAMA seating and storage area. Walls are papered in A vast floor-to-ceiling chimney breast was a textured canvas effect for a softening note. covered in a bold off-black wallpaper for a ‘The new bedroom and en suite couldn’t be contemporary effect, complemented by sleek more of a contrast to the original 1980s alcove joinery. Elsewhere, a retro jukebox and fixtures and fittings, which included marble, neon signage now add a note of playfulness. Roman-style pillars and ornate gold phoenix Though the new family room has proved taps on a round sunken bath,’ says Sarah. invaluable during recent lockdowns, it was ‘Let’s just say that the previous schemes important to Sarah to create pockets of certainly divided opinion among our friends.’ serenity throughout the house. As a result, Now, the family is looking forward to a simple snug featuring a cobalt blue sofa opening up their bar to friends and provides a cosy escape, while the orangery neighbours. ‘There will be lots of outdoor acts as a soothing link between the family cooking and dining,’ says Sarah. And after room, kitchen and more formal sitting room. a successful renovation, the couple are keen Key to a sense of cohesion is storage to dip their toes in the water again. ‘We’ve throughout, from the bar in the family room caught the bug,’ says Sarah. ‘We may well be to shelving in the office. ‘Made-to-measure diving into another project before long.’
home truths
THE PROPERTY Detached lodge-style house LOCATI O N North Yorkshire ROOMS Sitting room/ kitchen-diner, utility room, cloakroom, office, games room, four bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a detached house in a nearby village,’ says Steph.
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LABOUR of LOVE
It took years of hard work for Steph Sorby and Steve Dransfield to make the dream of building their own home come true FEATURE HEATHER DIXON | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE
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DINING AREA ‘The room took forever to decorate,’ says Steve. ‘We did it ourselves, first painting everywhere white and gradually adding colour after living in the house for a while.’ White Moleanos Portuguese limestone tiles, £33sq m, Mrs Stone. Kubu rattan dining chair, £150, Field & Hawken, is similar
KITCHEN Natural light floods the open-plan space. The banquette seating creates a sociable set-up. Kitchen units and island, from £6,000, Howdens. Piedra Bisel Brillo wall tiles, £26.50sq m, Al Murad. Similar Eames style-chair, £49, Cult Furniture
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SITTING ROOM A coloumn wall was a clever way to divide this space from the kitchen-diner. Armchairs, £600 each; footstool, £200; clock, £95, all The Blueberry Home. Similar Alexis chunky chrome table, £1,376, Shropshire Design. Super large bird cage, £369, Etsy, has this look. Rope candleholder(on floor), £20, TK Maxx
‘Create a home that brings the family together, but includes enough areas for everyone to have individual space’
lesson learnt
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atience was key in the journey Steph Sorby and Steve Dransfield took to make building their own home a reality. ‘We had owned this land for a while and realised it would be a great opportunity to build a home,’ says Steve. So having laid the foundations in 2007, there followed years of planning issues, which meant they didn’t start building until 2013. ‘We were living close by and leading busy lives, so it was always going to be a long, drawn-out process,’ says Steph. Planning permission was granted on the proviso that it was built of oak, which would weather naturally over time. ‘We live right on the edge of a nature reserve so we always wanted the house to blend in with the countryside,’ she Steph. Steve designed the 108 | 25BH JULY 2021
20m x 10m building by creating a series of 5m square sections that would support the roof, then added architectural details to make it as individual as possible, including curved internal walls, high ceilings and a gallery landing. Steve, who runs his own business Egg Interiors, has made wall panels, fitted furniture and even the staircase, which was built off-site long before building work on the house itself began. As a result, the rectangular building, which looks so unassuming on the outside, has been turned into a series of modern living spaces inside. ‘I was never able to understand Steve’s vision for the place,’ says Steph. ‘To me it was just a big square box, but I knew he’d come up with something different. He was so full of ideas that he
would wake up in the middle of the night and jot something down on paper. In the end it slotted together like a giant jigsaw.’ The family sold the house they were living in nearby and moved into rented accommodation for six months with their two daughters, Keeley, now 26, and India, 11, but had to move into their new home while it was still ‘like a building site’. ‘There was mud everywhere outside and Steve built a plank bridge so we could get in and out of the front door without sinking up to our knees,’ recalls Steph. When it came to choosing the decor. Steph was keen to take a more adventurous approach than she had before. ‘I had always gone for a very plain look with neutral colours and was keen to be a bit more
KEELEY’S BEDROOM Chairs provide display space and are useful when friends come around. Henley Nickel bed, from £750, Feather & Black, has this look. Flower Patchwork duvet cover, from £19.99, Wayfair
SITTING ROOM As well as designing the house, Steve also did all the joinery work and made fitted furniture. Harrington chaise sofa, from £1,400, Barker and Stonehouse MAIN BEDROOM The light fitting, from a homes exhibition, inspired the raised circle design in the ceiling. For pom-pom throws, try Natural and Moroccan Lifestyle on Etsy, from around £100
adventurous,’ says Steph. ‘I wasn’t sure how to introduce more colour without it looking too bright or busy.’ She called on a local company, The Blueberry Home, who helped her pull her interior design ideas together. Most of the furniture from their old home has now been replaced so that the style and proportions work with their new house. The couple were fortunate that Steve was able to turn his hand to a range of skills from joinery and tiling to decorating and even making furniture. ‘It might take longer to finish but it was worth the effort,’ he says. ‘You have to be patient and try to see the bigger picture,’ says Steph. ‘There were times when we thought we’d never get things straight, but then it all falls into place and you realise it’s been worth the wait.’
STAIRCASE Steve’s staircase took months of planning to create the elegant curves and cantilevered style but it slotted in to the nearest millimetre when it was finally fitted. Armchair, £600, The Blueberry Home
BATHROOM The rich colour on the wall emphasises the high ceiling. Feature wall in Oval Room Blue estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Hemnes vanity unit, from £199, Ikea
All in the detail
Interior designer Melissa Bolivar used eye-catching colours and artisan pieces to ensure a unique look for this home FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL RAESIDE
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no. DINING AREA Pendant lights hung at varying heights is an artistic touch. Hand-crocheted Cave pendant lights, from £1,180 each, Naomi Paul. Bespoke Tierra dining table and Gardenia benches, House of Sui Sui. Vintage Model 80 dining chairs by Niels Otto Møller, around £1,990 for a set of six, Pamono
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KITCHEN Melissa designed the pendant lights and had them made by a ceramic artist. Bespoke ceramic pendant lights, House of Sui Sui. Cabinetry, price on request, Tom Howley; painted in Dock Blue eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Ivory tumbled limestone floor tiles, from £34.80sq m, Mandarin Stone
home truths
THE PROPERTY Detached 1980s house LOCATI O N Hertfordshire ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, utility room, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘Before moving here, the owners spent much of their time travelling,’ says Melissa.
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ne favourite saying of interior designers is ‘It’s all in the detail’ and Melissa Bolivar cheerfully admits she’s no exception. When she was commissioned to update a Hertfordshire home last year, her attention to detail helped create a whole new look. ‘Most of the properties in this small village are centuries old, but this house is one of a cluster of five that were built in the 1980s, and it was ready for improvement,’ says Melissa. She was asked to redesign the decor, but decided that the layout could also benefit from tweaking. ‘The sitting room originally cut the space in two, which meant one side of the room was effectively wasted,’ she says. ‘I moved the doorway
and also had a false chimney breast built, to create a focal point. These two small changes made the world of difference.’ Larger structural changes were also part of the revamp. Melissa designed an orangery-style extension at the rear, giving the dining area and kitchen a lighter, more spacious feel. One of the owners has a passion for food, so Melissa created an inspirational yet practical kitchen where he could cook for his family. ‘Cooking is how I switch off,’ he explains. Melissa’s design included well-researched cooking equipment, set against a backdrop of midnight blue joinery and a beautiful Arabescato marble splashback. In the dining room, she hung hand-crocheted pendants that pick out the spicy hues of an
SITTING ROOM Contrasting textures, including the smooth limestone fireplace and wool rug, add interest. Interior design, Melissa Bolivar, House of Sui Sui. Bespoke coffee table, House of Sui Sui. Bespoke mixed weave rug in New Zealand wool, price on request, Coral & Hive. Flagon glass table lamp, £105, Loaf SNUG ‘The richly hued rug was inspired by the work of artist Ellsworth Kelly,’ says Melissa. Bespoke rug, House of Sui Sui. Walls covered in Raffia & Madagascar VP 631 44 wallpaper, £156.40 a roll, Élitis. For a similar paint colour, try Stone Blue estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
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exotic print on a pair of walnut benches. ‘I wanted to give the sense of walking through a Moroccan souk,’ she explains. The design was a collaborative venture with the owners, and many pieces were chosen after a lengthy two-way dialogue. ‘I sent lots of pictures of different pieces of timber for the coffee table in the sitting room, so that the owners could select the one they really loved,’ says Melissa. ‘It was the same with the Arabescato marble in the kitchen: I hunted all over for the perfect slab and then the owners came to see it for themselves.’ In keeping with Melissa’s passion for detail, every room bears the mark of an artisan, from hand-knotted rugs to chalky matt porcelain pendants and cushions in hand-loomed
silk. ‘This is a country home and I think that decorating with items made by craftspeople helps to reflect this,’ she says. ‘It also gives the decor a slightly unrefined edge.’ Vibrant colours were key to the decor: aquamarine and coral, indigo and teal; sky blue, gold, burnt sienna and saffron. These evocative hues owe a great deal to the owner’s Persian heritage. ‘I prefer colours at the richer end of the spectrum,’ he says. ‘It’s probably something that’s rooted in me.’ Now that the project is complete, Melissa is happy to report that the clients are delighted with the result. ‘We waited a long time to own a place like this, and had been planning it for 20 years. It’s been well worth it.’
MAIN BEDROOM Melissa drew on the tones and textures of the countryside to create this restful scheme. Try the William Yeoward Paddy velvet cushion in Forest, £79, Amara. Walls in Cromarty estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Nkuku’s Otoro glass pendant light, £99.95, is similar GUEST BATHROOM Leftover marble from the kitchen splashback adds a touch of luxury to this vanity area. Ali rectangular mirror, £115, Graham and Green. Dorset Crackle tiles, £79.95sq m, Little Tile Company. Arabescato marble, price on request, Stone World
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promotional feature
CLEAR THE DECKS
Swing into action and get decking back into shape for summer with precision brushes and tools from Harris, the decorating expert - the results will be worth it
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ew things are as pleasing as spending more time outdoors when the weather’s fine. With that in mind, let’s bring decking up to scratch, creating a welcoming spot that’s ideal for summer staycations or just for snatching a sneaky half hour of me-time. Giving the deck some love and attention won’t take long with the help of quality brushes from Harris. GET SET
Wait for a dry spell, then move everything off the deck and give it a good sweep. To protect the surrounding area and cover up garden furniture, invest in a Seriously Good Tarpaulin from Harris. Make any repairs, then scrub the deck and hose it down or use a pressure washer to clean it. Being out in all weathers, decking has a lot to contend with; if it’s really dirty, use a decking cleaner, which will get rid of mould and algae. Once the deck is dry, you’re ready to paint. You’ll only need to strip back the existing oiled, stained or painted surface if you’re changing from one finish to another. L E T ’ S D E C O R AT E
QUALITY CONTROL
DIY projects are so much more enjoyable when you have trusted tools to work with. Harris tools and brushes are all colour coded by task so you can easily find the one that’s best for the job. With Harris, you’re guaranteed a great finish, achieved with ease and as fast as possible, leaving you free to enjoy the great outdoors. 116 | 25BH JULY 2021
OUTDOOR LIVING Harris brushes will return a deck to its former glory in no time at all, ready for a summer of fun
TO FIND OUT MORE To find the right brushes, tools and expert advice for using them, go to harrisbrushes. com. You can also get inspiration, ideas, helpful tips and how-tos by following Harris Brushes on YouTube, Facebook, @Harrisbrushes on Twitter and @harrisbrushes_uk on Instagram.
MOC.BUHTNETNOCERUTUF HPARGOTOHP SEUGIRDOR ENILORAC SDROW
It’s worth spending a little extra on brushes to get great coverage and a smoother finish. Start by painting the decking edges using a Harris 2 Inch Seriously Good Shed & Fence Brush. Guaranteed not to shed its bristles onto freshly painted surfaces, it will get into corners with ease. Next, switch to a large brush to paint along the length of the boards. Harris’s Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Neck Brush 120mm is ideal; it paints 40% faster than a Harris Essentials Brush, has a comfy ergonomically-designed handle and comes with a practical storage case that keeps the brush wet for up to two weeks. For an extra burst of speed and to save your back, click the brush into the Harris Ultimate Extension Pole 3m. Wait the recommended time before applying a second coat. Job done!
ROOMS IN FOCUS
We look at a specific project in five amazing houses to give advice and inspiration in detail
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NATURAL FLOW
Creating a sociable, open-plan kitchen was a daunting task for Jane Milan but her hard work and determination paid off FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON | PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN CHUNG
PROJECT DETAIL S OWNER Jane Milan H O U S E Four-bedroom detached Georgian farmhouse in Surrey WORK Reconfiguring an unused space to create a large open-plan kitchen-diner
118 | 25BH JULY 1
COORDINATED SCHEME A complementary palette throughout creates a sense of unity. English and New Classic cabinetry, from £35,000, Martin Moore. Units hand-painted in Dove Tale, Brassica, Ammonite and Pelt estate eggshell, all £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
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hen Jane Milan and her late husband Chris were creating a new kitchen in their Georgian farmhouse, deciding on the layout proved to be the hardest part of the project. ‘I couldn’t visualise it or how it would flow, but that’s where the kitchen designers came in,’ she says. THE BRIEF
Jane and Chris were keen to transform a complex puzzle of little rooms between the main house and an old, oak-framed barn. The couple wanted a kitchen with an abundance of natural light and an open-plan sociable space that had easy access to the garden. ‘Plenty of worktop space was a must-have but I was adamant that any islands or peninsulas should enhance the sense of flow, not impede it,’ says Jane. DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Creating the space involved removing many walls, levelling floors and adding plenty of glazing to let the light flood in. Tragically, just after the initial kitchen plans were finalised, Chris passed away, following a hard-fought illness. With the help of Martin Moore’s designer William Rudgard, Jane carried on and project-managed the new kitchen. At the heart of the scheme was a large island plus a peninsula at right angles to this, which served to delineate the kitchen from the adjacent living area. ‘I also knew I wanted a walk-in pantry – it’s such a practical space,’ says Jane. MATERIALS USED
For cabinetry with elegance, Jane chose Martin Moore’s English and New Classic collections (martinmoore.com). Natural materials are in abundance and reclaimed limestone floor runs throughout the new space, uniting the different areas with the same honey-coloured stone. Complementing the classic look of the cabinetry, the worktops are a combination of granite and marble. Richly coloured metro tiles create an eye-catching splashback that ties in with the colour of the range cooker. ‘When I saw the Aubergine Aga, I fell in love with the warmth of the colour,’ says Jane. FINISHING TOUCHES
Unsurprisingly, the colour of the Aga played a part in the wider palette. ‘I used the colour to choose tiles, fabrics and paint finishes, all in similarly inviting tones,’ says Jane. To soften the look throughout, the windows feature either curtains or blinds in coordinating hues. LESSONS LEARNT
For Jane, the project has been an emotional journey she could never have foreseen, but the final kitchen is everything she imagined. ‘Chris and I worked hard on the plans for an inviting space with a really practical layout,’ she says. ‘Every aspect has been a learning curve but I know it was worth all the effort as our children and grandchildren visit more than ever and the house has never been busier with guests.’ 25BH JULY 2021 | 119
WELL PLANNED
The kitchen was designed with practicality in mind and offers generous working space. ‘Having the peninsula frees up the main island from breakfast bar use, leaving more prep space,’ says Jane. A walk-in pantry was also included in the design. Main worktops, Polished River Valley White Granite, from £400sq m including installation; pantry worktops in Polished Carrara Marble, from £350sq m including installation, all Martin Moore. Flooring, Aged Bourgogne Clair Limestone, £195sq m, Martin Moore Stone. Blinds in Cerise Isla fabric cerise, F705-01, £46.18m, Design Forum. St James grey padded bar stools, £220 each, One World. ICBBI48SID/S/TH Classic side-by-side fridge-freezer, £17,700, Sub-Zero. CS658GRS6B built-in combination steam oven, £1,679; KU15RA51GB built-under fridge, £499; SN658D00MG fully integrated dishwasher, £829, Siemens. UWT1682 wine climate cabinet, £2,099, Liebherr. SPC700 Cache extraction unit, £750, Westin. 5931-4U-0 double undermount sink, £902; 6584-7 bar sink, £506; 6587-58 prep sink, £665, all Kohler. Two 4485CP Metis mixer taps in polished chrome, £414 each, Perrin & Rowe. Flex Pro 3 boiling tap in polished chrome, £1,150, Quooker
120 | 25BH JUNE
CENTRE OF ATTENTION Jane’s aubergine Aga inspired the colours in the kitchen and adjoining living area. Aga range cooker, price on request, Aga Cookshop. Splashback in Purple Prismatic tiles, £68.99sq m, The Tile Emporium
PROJECT DETAIL S
O W N E R S Rachel and Tom Smith HOUSE A four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in south London WORK Extending at the side and rear to create a spacious kitchen-diner while maximising light throughto the original house
LIGHT FANTASTIC
By creatively working around planning constraints, Rachel and Tom Smith have ended up with a bright and more interesting kitchen-diner FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY LIANE RIAN
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he green spaces of Wimbledon proved a big draw when Rachel and Tom Smith needed more space to expand their family. ‘We were renting in nearby Earlsfield but found a Victorian terrace opposite a park on a nice, friendly street,’ says Rachel. ‘Although it had a narrow, dark kitchen, which led to an old conservatory, there was potential to extend.’
THE BRIEF
With busy jobs, the couple wanted a turnkey service so hired Plus Rooms after reading positive customer reviews. Director James Bernard drafted plans to demolish the conservatory and extend into the side and rear to create a bright, open-plan kitchen/dining space. ‘We initially wanted a wraparound extension as the extra width would’ve made a big difference,’ says Rachel. ‘However the first plans were rejected.’ DESIGN SOLUTIONS
OPEN HOUSE The couple have succeeded in creating a bright space that connects to the garden. Mid Century polish chair, £330, Vinterior. Jamie ceiling lights (above), £60 each, John Lewis & Partners.
Due to the particularly narrow side return, the planners wanted this section stepped in rather than running the full 8m depth of the rear extension. ‘This avoided a tunnelling effect to the neighbour’s adjoining side return,’ explains James. ‘Plus it helps zone the space.’ Glazing was a key component of the design. ‘As you walk in, you see a floor-to-ceiling window that’s angled to follow the roof line,’ says James. ‘We also added three skylights to focus more light into the original part of the house.’ Braverman Kitchens helped the couple design a two-tone grey and white L-shaped kitchen. ‘We wanted lots of storage so they designed pull-out corner cupboards and larders either side of the fridge,’ says Rachel. MATERIALS USED
Aluminium windows and doors proved a more affordable alternative to steel. The flooring was the trickiest thing to decide on. ‘We considered traditional wood, but eventually opted for light porcelain tiles to provide a nice neutral backdrop,’ says Rachel. FINISHING TOUCHES
While Tom’s style is modern and Rachel prefers a traditional farmhouse look, both agreed the space would suit a more minimalist finish. ‘As it’s quite neutral, we could add personality by hanging our favourite artwork,’ says Rachel. LESSONS LEARNT
Thanks to preliminary soil tests and drainage surveys, there were no unexpected problems during the six-week build. However, the findings of a tree survey meant spending more on deeper foundations. ‘If we did it again we would’ve done a bit more research so it felt less stressful,’ says Rachel. ‘But the build was very quick and we managed well living on site.’ The house now works much better with a six-year-old son and one-year-old daughter. ‘Before the downstairs always felt small compared to the upstairs,’ says Rachel. ‘So it’s naturally balanced things out.’ 25BH JULY 221 | 123
A BRAND NEW SPACE
Positioning the kitchen units in the darker rightangled section leaves a thoroughfare as you walk into the room, as well as ample room for the dining area in the sunniest spot by the patio doors. Kitchen units, £13,800; Quartz Nile Carrara worktops, £850sq m; Blanco Silgranit undermount sink, £456; Quooker PRO3 flex chrome tap with scale control and cold water filter, £1,222; Siemens iQ700 compact oven with microwave multifunction, £1,002; Siemens ActiveClean stainless steel iQ700 single oven, £690; Siemens Flex iQ700 black glass induction hob, £786; Siemens box chimney hood, £324; Siemens USA style SBS fridge freezer, £1,440, all Braverman Kitchens. Ercol Lugo extending dining table, £865, Barker and Stonehouse. Aluminium doors and windows, £7,250; three rectangular frameless skylights, £4,500, all Integral Doors and Windows. Top Stone flooring in White, £34.98sq m, Tile Giant. Deluxe Sorrento leather bar stools, £179.99 each, Simply Bar Stools
124 | 25BH JULY
25BH JULY 2021 | 125
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D E S I G N E R S Yellow London H O U S E Georgian terrace in central London WORK To revamp the sitting room to make it more informal while complementing the architectural features
ART OF STYLE
A neutral backdrop lets the colourful paintings and furnishings shine in the sitting room of this elegant Georgian terrace house FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CLAYTON
25BH JULY 2021 | 127
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fter moving into their Georgian terrace in central London, the owners realised the sitting room would benefit from a makeover to make it less formal and lighter in feel. To ensure they got it right, they called in Cath Beckett and Liv Wallers of Yellow London interior design studio. THE BRIEF
‘When we bought this house, the drawing room had ornate wallpaper and heavy curtains that blocked out the light,’ say the owners, who felt it was an overly formal room that they wouldn’t use much. Designer Cath says: ‘Our task was to create a classic contemporary feel that made the most of the architectural details and luckily it was a nicely proportioned square symmetric room with high ceilings and lots of natural light. We also aimed to introduce colour and texture in the furniture to complement the existing wall art.’ DESIGN SOLUTIONS
COLOUR STORY The hues of the furnishings were chosen to echo the couple’s beautiful artwork for a cohesive look. Blue table lamp, price on request, Tyson. Fritz side table, price on request, Porada
Like the rest of the home, the sitting room was modernised to suit the couple and their three small children. Rather than using colour on the walls, with their already-vibrant artwork the plan was to introduce rich hues in the furnishings. The fabric of the sofa was a key choice as it worked so well with the artwork. ‘The material consists of blues and orange threads and the colour changes depending on the angle you view it from,’ says Liv. The vivid tones of the hand-knotted wool rug, a piece of art in itself, also serve to anchor the scheme. FINISHING TOUCHES
Working closely with contractors and their suppliers, the designers were able to assist the client with all areas of the project, from bespoke fireplaces to joinery design. ‘We’re also very keen on details and layering, so cushions and accessories are key to making a room feel homely,’ says Cath. That eye for detail extended to the lighting, and in particular the stunning central chandelier. ‘We commissioned it especially,’ says Liv. ‘Each drop has its own internal LED light, and the droplets were handmade by a glass-blower in Cornwall.’ Thanks to the designers’ philosophy of ‘more is more’, in this room there is no shortage of things to look at with its bold colours and textures. During the project, both designers and clients were on the same page throughout, so it’s no surprise to find that each is equally pleased with the outcome. ATTENTION TO DETAIL Even the sofa’s upholstery has blue and orange threads to tie in with the main colour accents. Solatium sofa by Antonio Citterio, price on request, B&B Italia; upholstered in Lamiad fabric, Jim Thompson. Bespoke cushions, Yellow London. Lexington coffee table, £2,980, Tom Faulkner. Mahaut marble console tables, £299 each, La Redoute. Walls in Pavilion Gray estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Woodwork in Slate I oil eggshell, £74 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library
128 | 25BH JULY 1
STANDOUT DESIGN A bespoke chandelier was chosen to ensure every surface had a statement piece. Bespoke central chandelier by Phillips & Wood. Fulcrum rug by Marcus Hodge, £750sq m, Amy Kent. Matching Rawi armchairs by COR, price on request, Aram. Blue Belle love seat by Piet Boon, price on request, Tollgard
25BH JULY 221 | 129
A SPLASH OF COLOUR Limited space was no obstacle for Annie Oatley, who has made her en suite feel spacious and light with a bold palette and smart fittings FEATURE CAROLINE FOSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID PARMITER
PROJECT DETAIL S OWNER Annie Oatley H O U S E Four-bedroom terraced home in West Sussex WORK Turning a tired space into a stylish en suite
130 | 25BH JULY 2021
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nnie first bought her house as a new build 16 years ago. She was able to choose her bathroom tiles, but was limited in choice and ended up with a very plain looking en suite. Although the room had been perfectly functional, it now looked outdated. As well as wanting to stamp her own personality on the room, Annie also wanted to change the access door to the plumbing, which was useful but ugly. THE BRIEF
Annie began researching new looks for her bathroom by visiting showrooms, as well as looking in magazines and online. ‘There were so many styles to choose from, but while I was searching I spotted a beautiful traditional washstand,’ she says. ‘That was a real game changer for me and I began to develop ideas for a classic style with a modern twist.’ WATERWORKS A fixed showerhead is drenching while the smaller one is very handy for cleaning. Luxury showerhead, arm thermo valve control and shower set, price on request,Pura Bathrooms
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
She took her time to find a designer and eventually chose The Brighton Bathroom Company whose team projectmanaged all the work. As the shower, toilet, vanity unit and radiator could remain in the same place, it helped to keep the costs down. The builders rehung the entrance door so that it now opens into the bedroom, which is another way of making a smaller space feel larger. To eliminate the ugly access point, a clever invisible door was designed in the tongue and groove panelling which, when closed, completely disappears. The project took four weeks to complete and it progressed very smoothly thanks to the careful planning and communication between designer and the builder. FINISHING TOUCHES
When it came to picking a colour scheme, Annie said that she wanted a look that worked with the yellow and green tones of her bedroom so the designer suggested a yellow patterned tile to create an accent wall. A new wide shower was installed and recesses built into the empty pockets of the eaves to give additional storage for toiletries. LESSONS LEARNT
‘My advice to anyone considering using colour in a small space is to go for a subtle scheme rather than something that’s very bold,’ says Annie. ‘Colour will give the room a heart, but be careful to choose tones that quietly complement rather than fight with each other.’
CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Annie didn’t change the layout as it worked well, but by choosing sleek fittings and storage and a cohesive colour scheme, she has given the room a less cluttered look. Shower doors and Truestone tray, prices on request, both Merlyn. Wood white beige floor tiles, price on request, Boyden Tiles & Bathrooms. Ladakhi Ochre tiles, £66sq m, Vives. Unique basin, £491, Sanipex. Wall-mounted basin filler, £109, Crosswater. Vanity unit in Smoked Trout, price on request, Shaws of Darwen
25BH JULY 22 | 131
PROJECT DETAIL S D E S I G N E R S Matthew Giles Architects H O U S E A fourbedroom Victorian terraced house in south London WORK To make a multi purpose garden room that can be used as a family room and for guest accommodation
BACK TO NATURE
This charming garden room, which Matthew Giles Architects built for a young family, fits perfectly into its urban landscape and serves a multitude of purposes FEATURE SEAN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY LOGAN IRVINE-MACDOUGALL
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he first thing that was agreed when Matthew Giles Architects were asked to create a garden room for their clients in Clapham, south London, was that the building should be extremely discreet. ‘We designed it to comfortably fit in with its surroundings and blend in with the landscape when viewed from above,’ says designer Matthew Giles. THE BRIEF
Among the most important features of this garden room was the need for it to look and feel harmonious with the green, lush planting that would surround it. It also had to be a multipurpose annexe that would be used as a games room for the family, an entertaining area for social occasions and also an occasional guest house, for when visitors were staying over. DESIGN SOLUTIONS
MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE The open-plan living/TV/games area also converts into a sleeping space for guests when required. Booth sofa, from £799, John Lewis & Partners, has a similar style
Importantly, the green roof, planted with a sedum bed, means there is no loss of natural habitat and has the added benefit of helping the pavilion to almost disappear into the landscape. Inside, an abundance of natural light is facilitated by the generous use of glass, not least the window seat at the front, which projects outwards to provide an all-round view of the garden. Meanwhile, all the mod cons of everyday living are catered for in the form of a kitchenette, storage and shower room, while home comforts come in the shape of a spacious seating area with stylish sofa. FINISHING TOUCHES
The beauty of this building speaks for itself but a closer look reveals how thought-through the design is. For example, there’s no wallpaper here – instead, the use of timber on the exterior is followed through to the internal walls, which are clad in a timeless warm birch plywood. To emphasise the indoor-outdoor qualities of the garden room, the full-height glass entrance door disappears into a pocket. LESSONS LEARNT
The garden room turned out exactly as planned, but even Ellen Sacks-Jones of Matthew Giles Architects was impressed at how well certain features worked. ‘I particularly love the mirror on the kitchen’s rear wall,’ she says. ‘As well as providing extra light and depth, it helps to make the space feel much bigger than it really is.’
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
Sliding glass doors, rooflights and walls clad in natural birch plywood enhance the inside/outside feel. This is the perfect space for summer parties. Bespoke birch ply kitchen, made by a local joiner. Similar worktops in Dove Grey Corian, price on request, UK Worktops. Franke’s single lever stainless-steel tap, £199, has the same look. Heavy metal black pendant lights, from £142 each, Buster + Punch. Track spotlights, price on request, Astro
25BH JULY 0 | 133
A LIGHT TOUCH The mirror at the rear of the kitchen reflects the ever-changing planting outside, providing a sense of space and depth. Similar tall white plant stands, £72 each, Trouva
ideas to share
Each month we bring you a scheme that delights, dazzles and intrigues
estled on the east coast of Sicily, just below Taormina, sits La Prora, a chic villa that has been painstakingly renovated over three years by its Norwegian owners. From the brass-filled bathrooms to the expansive terrace, no design detail has been overlooked. The afore-mentioned terrace has been designed for whiling away lazy afternoons and balmy evenings. The soft grey and blush tones combined with the natural, rustic textures, result in a vibe that is pure laid-back luxe. With two distinct zones, you can relax with a spritz on the low-slung sofas and comfy scatter cushions in the lounge area, where woven rattan pendants hang from the jasmine-cloaked 138 | 25BH JULY 2021
canopy. Then feast on a Sicilian supper at the adjacent dining space, where a huge concrete table, with a bench seat and stackable chairs, can accommodate large or small alfresco gatherings. The kitchen is any avid cook’s dream, with an incredible array of appliances, while the dining and living spaces are smartly finished with contemporary lighting and bold artwork. Many of the bedrooms have sea views and sweet French balconies, while multiple indoor and outdoor areas for chilling will mean you truly never want to leave. But venture out you must. Walk along the coast to cute Isola Bella for a swim in the deep blue and some local fare – or head up the hill for cultural marvels in Taormina, which is truly one of the island’s treasures.
ARORP AL HPARGOTOHP REKRAP YKCAJ/IRETIPS HARAS ERUTAEF
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ROOM ENVY
La Prora is available to rent exclusively through The Thinking Traveller