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HOMES 25 BEAUTIFUL MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE

ROOMS WITH A VIEW Stunning spaces that let the outside in HAVE A HOLIDAY AT HOME Summer-ready balconies Family-friendly gardens Sunny seating areas

PLAN YOUR NEXT PROJECT • Design a kitchen banquette • Create an attic bathroom • Hang wow wallpaper

2202 TSUGUA

Property inspiration

Modern apartments • Period terraces Detached new builds • Cottages with colour

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HOMES AUGUST 2022

25 BEAUTIFUL

MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE

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A couple renovated their Three flats have city penthouse to create been reimagined to a bright, relaxing and create one beautiful comfortable space (p16) family home (p22)

Colourful furnishings pop against a white backdrop in this cool coastal villa (p40)

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Lush gardens filled with magnificent trees inspired this home’s vibrant schemes (p8)

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A mix of antiques and This project took three A bold modern pattern modern art give this years to build and the was the starting point home distinctive clients are thrilled with for this flamboyant sitting room (p38) character (p28) the outcome (p34)

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This joyful family A striking new extension A flowing open-plan Bespoke booth seating house is full of colour, has really amplified layout works perfectly and furniture ensure this scheme oozes pattern and vintage an indoor-outdoor for family life in this sophistication (p66) treasures (p49) connection (p55) new build (p60) 25BH AUGUST 2022 | 3

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The colours and materials used in this home reflect its striking coastal location (p70)

This listed former A full-house makeover This standout lakeside A kitchen redesign has meant this home home boasts striking that’s sympathetic to coach house is filled works much better for contemporary the style and age of with florals and painted finishes (p92) large gatherings (p78) architecture (p83) the property (p88)

Designer Laura Pared-back Scandi A designer was tasked This period home A dilapidated Victorian terrace has been Stephens revamped this style evokes luxury and with styling apartments required a complete home with high-end but comfort in this chic in a converted stable strip out and a brand- transformed into a stylish abode (p116) practical details (p98) mountain retreat (p102) block (p108) new identity (p111)

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A sense of flow and An unusual-shaped The owners found the An interior designer clever storage ideas have main en suite has challenge they were created a sense of calm been incorporated into undergone a complete looking for with this and elegance in this city this family home (p125) redesign (p130) Victorian terrace (p132) apartment (p136)

Room Envy

A joyous revamp has suffused this luxury Portuguese hotel with modern glamour (p146)

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editor’s letter

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WELCOME

Holiday time is finally upon us and this usually means projects are being planned and lists are being drawn up for those room tweaks and decorating updates that have been on the back burner for some time. As always, we have no shortage of ideas to inspire you – however big or small your plans are. Rethinking the space you have is often a highly effective way to make a big difference to your home, as Danni Hamer discovered when she replanned the layout of her penthouse apartment. See the breathtaking result on page 16. Having fought off several other interested parties, David Finlayson and Allan Malvar had a big challenge on their hands when they set out to fulfil the potential of their sought-after but dated Victorian terrace.

After taking down walls and reconfiguring rooms, they’ve created a stylish and modern family house (page 116). If your ambitions are to bring the holiday feel home, feast your eyes on Amelia Sutton’s stunning beachside abode (page 40) where old world elegance meets contemporary chic – all overlooking the most stunning sea views. Summer living at its finest!

FIONA MACE, HOMES EDITOR

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All contents © 2022 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

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Paradise found

Set in sixteen acres of land that includes a spring-fed creek, Charlotte Coote’s home is the definition of a rural idyll FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | STYLING TESS NEWMAN-MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY LISA COHEN/LIVING INSIDE

GARDEN

Cobbled paving helps the pool fit with its lush surroundings

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HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Detached home, built in 1890 LOCATI O N Mount Macedon, Victoria, Australia ROOMS Kitchen-diner, utility room, powder room, flower room, dining room, sitting room, library, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We were renting a house in Melbourne,’ says Charlotte.

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FLOWER ROOM

A shapely piece of marble makes a decorative splashback. The solid table came from the ancestral home of Charlotte’s father.

Perrin & Rowe Ionian tap, from £569.99, Tap Warehouse. Try the Brooklyn Flat wall light, from £75, Industville

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hen interior designer Charlotte Coote (cooteandco.com.au) and her husband Geordie Taylor visited their future home – a secluded house situated in Victoria’s Mount Macedon, 40 miles northwest of Melbourne – Charlotte already knew it well: when she was growing up, her family had lived in the neighbouring property and they had been regular guests of the owners at the time. ‘The house had become rather tired but we knew that it could be the perfect place to raise our three

young daughters, Sybil, Francesca and Daphne,’ says Charlotte. ‘The garden is truly magical and the air is so fresh, lush and clean. I understand why a century ago people would talk of heading to the mountains to “take in the mountain air”; there is definitely something in that.’

The house sits in 16 acres of land that includes a spring-fed creek and magnificent mature trees, many of which were planted in the late 19th century by its original owner Sir Isaac Isaacs, the first Australian-born governor general. It was this idyllic setting that provided the

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KITCHEN

The rich green on the bespoke units grounds this airy space. Charlotte introduced a few dark wood pieces to add another layer of deep colour.

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna bar stool, €750, Milia Shop, is an alternative. Try Hoxton Bullet pendant light, £130, Garden Trading. Mandarin Stone’s Paris Beige tumbled limestone flooring, from £58.80sq m, would work

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ENTRANCE HALL

Charlotte designed the rug and the Georgianinspired console, above which hang 18th-century prints that belonged to her father.

Try Paolo Moschino’s Lion’s Paw console table, £6,200.

Consider the Tortoiseshell Gourd vase lamp, £553, Nicholas Engert Interiors.

Astier de Villatte Vulture vase, $918, John Derian

inspiration for the colour schemes: ‘You can see greenery and flowers from every window so I was determined to bring these colours into the house,’ says Charlotte.

Some of these hues are decidedly brave, notably the high gloss pink in the dining room, which was inspired by the colours of the rhododendrons outside. ‘Originally I only painted above the dado rail but, since it is a small room, I felt it needed more. In the end, I painted below the dado and eventually the ceiling, too,’ says Charlotte, who selected a fabric depicting some of the species found

in the garden for the chairs; she then grounded the soft palette with a dark wood table and chunky sisal flooring.

The library opposite this space, which is primarily used as a family room, needed to stand up to the boldness of the pink so Charlotte introduced strident blues to reflect the tones of the hydrangea outside the windows.

‘I always advise not matching colours exactly; sometimes when they are slightly “off”, it is more interesting,’ she says.

A year ago, the couple decided to convert the old garage into a double-height kitchen and here, Charlotte

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SITTING ROOM

Pattern was kept at a low level so there is no distraction from the amazing garden views.

The glass globe lantern, from £648, Vaughan, is similar. Tablecloth and cushions in Ikat Check, £325.20m, Kathryn M Ireland at Tissus d’Hélène

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MAIN BATHROOM

The Arabescato marble-clad bathroom was installed in the 1990s. Charlotte refreshed the space by replacing cupboard fronts and painting the walls white.

Try Arabescato marble tiles, £136.50sq m, Stone Direct

juxtaposed fresh white tongue and groove panelling with joinery in a leafy green colour. ‘This is my favourite space; I love sitting by the fire, cooking and being with friends.

Dance-offs also happen here,’ she recounts.

Charlotte’s late father was the international designer John Coote, and treasured pieces from his ancestral home, Bellamont Forest, in Ireland, bring personality and character to the spaces, such as a butcher’s block that he designed for his kitchen which now graces the flower room. Charlotte and her father also created pieces

together, including a beautiful console table topped with Kilkenny marble that now sits in the bay window of her sitting room, and was inspired by an 18th-century Irish Georgian console designed by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce.

It is the mix of antiques, bespoke designs and treasured family heirlooms that makes the interiors so beguiling. ‘I’m a firm believer that if you choose pieces that have meaning and beauty for you, the result will be an interesting interior,’ Charlotte explains, adding, ‘I think it’s important not to try too hard.’

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MAIN BEDROOM

‘I drew inspiration from the green of the garden against the blue sky,’ says Charlotte of this invigorating scheme.

Bed drapes, headboard and upholstery in Kendal in Leaf Green, £81m, Colefax and Fowler. Pineapple lamp, from AU$480; bespoke Marnanie rug, both Coote & Co

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VIEW from the TOP Danni Hamer and her husband Sebastien Floch’s penthouse apartment has been redesigned to put the focus on its amazing panoramic views FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH

LIVING AREA

The top floor is now the perfect place to entertain. ‘During the warmer months, we keep the terrace doors open which doubles the size of the living space,’ says Danni.

Friendly Folk cushion in Dusk, £91, Kit Kemp collection at Andrew Martin. Elgin rug in Birch, £625, Neptune.

Similar rattan garden furniture set, £399.99, Rattan Tree

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SITTING ROOM

The couple spent a long time looking for antique armchairs that they liked and reupholstering them in wool bouclé has given them a new lease of life.

Armchairs reupholstered in Pierre Frey Naturel Opio wool, price on request, Susan Osbourne Interiors

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Top-floor duplex apartment with a roof terrace in a red-brick, Victorian mansion block LOCATI O N West London ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen/living and dining space, utility room, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom, dressing room P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We rented a two-bedroom Victorian conversion flat nearby,’ says Danni.

LIVING AREA

Crittall-style doors were chosen to fit in with the period of the apartment.

Crescent Deep two-seater sofa in Bamboo, £1,880, Camerich, would suit this scheme

ROOF TERRACE

This space boasts wonderful views over the rooftops. ‘We have transformed the roof terrace into our perfect outdoor sanctuary, with a herb garden, lavender borders and olive trees,’says Danni

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DINING AREA

‘We love hosting and the open-plan kitchen is perfect for this,’ says Danni.

Sella dining chairs, £329 each, by Crea.

Joint 160cm dining table in Black Ceramic, £1,475, Camerich

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esperate to put roots down in London after years of renting, Danni Hamer and her husband Sebastien Floch searched far and wide for their dream property, eventually finding a penthouse apartment in west London and transforming it into a stylish home.

‘We explored what felt like every inch of London, only to find ourselves back to where we had been renting in the city,’ says Danni. ‘It is a beautiful neighbourhood with plenty of green spaces and excellent transport links.’ The couple’s perseverance finally paid off when they found a penthouse apartment in a Victorian mansion block on a beautiful tree-lined street. ‘With three

bedrooms split over two floors it was a great size, with good proportions and a big selling point – a large roof terrace with incredible views of the London skyline.

However, the space had been poorly utilised and it took a great deal of vision for us to see its real potential.’

The couple completed on the property in January 2019 and dived straight into a six-month, top-to-toe renovation. The work involved turning the unloved top floor into a contemporary open-plan living space, combining a kitchen, dining and seating area all leading onto the roof terrace, which was restructured and rebuilt.

New bifold doors were installed, connecting the inside and outside spaces and a row of skylights added to

HALLWAY

The same oakflooring has been fitted throughout the ground floor creating continuity. The glass bannister on the stairs keeps the area feeling light and open.

Fleece engineered oak plank flooring, £81.95sq m, Ted Todd. Ikkuna iron mirror, £425, Oka. Aldwych console table, £675, Neptune, is similar

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KITCHEN

‘We chose dark grey cabinets and white marble worktops, a combination we find timeless ,’ says Danni.

Freja bar stools in Black with Ivory cushions, £255 each, by Crea. Cabinetry in Railings modern eggshell, £77 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

Favourite Feature ‘The light – the apartment gets a lot of natural sunlight, even on the darkest of days, which we value so much’

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BATHROOM

‘For a seamless monochrome finish, we used stunning marble-effect tiles on the walls and floor and black fixtures and fittings,’ says Danni.

Luxe Matt Black three-way thermostatic shower, £595, Lusso

the back of the room, filling the space with light.

Downstairs the old kitchen and dining rooms were knocked through and reconfigured to make room for a main bedroom suite.

‘We designed the new layout and project managed the renovation ourselves, with a great team that undertook the build,’ says Danni. ‘Being in a mansion block in a conservation area, we had to work within the constraints of the existing layout and undertaking such a project at the top of the mansion block, with no lift, was no easy task. However, despite the chaos, it was incredibly exciting watching it all come together!’

All the rooms have been replastered and redecorated with beautiful oak flooring

fitted throughout. ‘I wanted to ensure the interior decor complemented the style and history of the property, but being a city penthouse it also needed to feel contemporary and sophisticated,’ says Danni. Neutral tones provide the backdrop to the couple’s lovingly curated collection of art and furniture, along with earthy materials like weathered wood, honed marble and natural fabrics.

‘Our aim was to create a bright, relaxing and comfortable home, which we are proud to say has been a success. It has been quite a journey to get here, but I can honestly say there is nothing more rewarding than being able to design a home that fits your style, personality and needs. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat!’

MAIN BEDROOM

A bespoke dressing table and shelving area discreetly hides away Danni’s lotions and potions.

Savoy king size duvet cover in White and Navy, £115; Savoy Oxford pillowcases, £25 each, all The White Company

OFFICE AREA

The sophisticated sitting room also functionsas a home office.

Henshaw fivedrawer desk in Black, £795, Laura Ashley.

Woven Mango chair, £159, Zara Home. Similar 1960s Brass table lamp, €250, Pamono

BEDROOM

‘Our families live in France and Wales and travel a long way to visit us, so it was important that this guest room felt calm and comfortable,’ says Danni.

Tubes Vertical upholstered double headboard in Bone FG Linen, £349, Sueno

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BALANCING ACT

Designer Sidika Owen was tasked with creating living spaces that beautifully blend classic features with modernist pieces FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY ASTRID TEMPLIER

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KITCHEN-DINER Blueblack cabinetry ties in with the dark frames of the glazing. An island incorporating banquette seating makes creative use of the space available.

Cabinetry, Studio Sidika. Snaregade table by Menu, £1,347; Harbour chairs by Menu, £270 each, all Finnish Design Shop.

Banquette in Fjord in Poivre, £171.60m, Lelièvre

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STAIRCASE Perfecting the design of the staircase to the lower ground level proved to be one of the greatest challenges for the studio.

Yuvari flatweave rug (also seen below), £2,240 for a 185x275cm size, A Rum Fellow FAMILY ROOM An internal window keeps light flowing throughout different spaces.

Tray table in Warm Grey, £229, Hay

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Sidika Owen, founder of interior architecture and design practice Studio Sidika (studiosidika.com) H O U S E A large family home in west London WORK Three flats were knocked into one dwelling and the layout was reconfigured to create a spacious family home.

New decorating schemes were created throughout the property

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SITTING ROOM Reinstated period detailing creates the perfect backdrop for classic design.

CH25 lounge chairs, from £2,863 each, Carl Hansen & Son. Float walnut bookshelf

by Wewood, £3,271, Heal’s.

Mobil 100 pendant light by Pholc, £695, The Conran Shop. Imaginary Cities artwork

by Joost van den Bergh

H O W D I D Y O U G E T I N V O LV E D I N T H I S

P R O J E C T ? I was introduced to my clients, a young family of four, by their project manager when the building works were already underway. Our small studio had to work hard to produce the interior architecture and design package for a 225-squaremetre townhouse in less than 10 weeks! We collaborated with the architectural practice Mens et Manus on construction details such as the staircase leading to the lower-ground level.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES FOR

T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? The house had been divided into three flats and the clients were reinstating it as a family home, so the first priority was to ensure that the floor plan was conducive to their busy lifestyle. Having grown up in Gibraltar and Portugal, the

owners were also keen to maximise the amount of natural light coming into the house. They obtained planning permission for a double-height window at the rear and we oversaw its design, choreographing the interiors to ensure we achieved maximum dramatic effect. On the upper-ground level, we introduced a Crittall fire door which serves to pull light into the entrance and announce the kitchen and dining spaces. As you walk through the door, you are drenched in natural light and your eye is drawn to the outside view of the terrace.

WHAT WAS THE HOMEOWNERS’ BRIEF FOR T H E I N T E R I O R S ? This was the first house the clients had

purchased as a family, and they wanted the schemes to feel elegant and sophisticated yet open and airy. They were keen to reinstate the 25BH AUGUST  | 25

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BEDROOM Bedside tables from the 1960s team beautifully with the mid-century styling of the armchair.

Bespoke bed, Studio Sidika. Cushions in Kumasi in Honey, £81m, Larsen at Colefax and Fowler. Bouclé armchair, £455; bouclé pouffe, £290, both Six The Residence

Victorian architectural details, such as the cornicing, herringbone flooring and wooden panelling, all of which had been removed by previous insensitive interventions. They also wished to add a more contemporary layer to the schemes in the form of the contemporary windows and modernist furniture.

W H I C H S P A C E S W E R E PA R T I C U L A R LY I M P O R TA N T T O T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? The

kitchen-diner is the real hub of the home and the clients loved our idea of integrating the kitchen island with a long dining banquette so that we optimised the space. They also requested a smart living room and a more relaxed family room, a set-up we encourage whenever space allows. We turned up the volume in terms of design features in the living room, with a bespoke fireplace in Arabescato

marble, a brass chandelier and Hans J Wegner lounge chairs, while on the lower ground floor we designed a chic family room with furniture and finishes that are less formal and a little edgier.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOUR S C H E M E ? The palette is very classic to enhance the period

backdrop to the modernist decor. We used various shades of grey from Farrow & Ball such as Ammonite, Cornforth White, Purbeck Stone, Wevet and Railings. To these neutrals we then added some khaki greens and coral pinks, which lend warmth to the schemes.

W H A T W A S T H E B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E ? The deadline for producing the drawings and schedules was incredibly tight but we were helped in this project by clients who were very collaborative and communicative.

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BEDROOM Coral tones add warmth to the gentle shades of stone and grey.

Try Ruffle bed in Baking Tin clever vintage linen, £1,555 for a king size, Loaf. Forsa table lamp, £19, Ikea

STUDY Bespoke fitted storage keeps the room clutter-free.

Bespoke cabinetry, Studio Sidika. EA 108 office chair, from £1,830, Vitra

BATHROOM The shower screen picks up on the glazing seen elsewhere.

Design 8 hinged shower door and side panel, from £1,104, Crosswater

CHILD’S BEDROOM The neutral backdrop is enhanced with accessories that will evolve over time.

Dorset bed, £99, Noa & Nani.

Try the teepee tent and floor mat, £119, Fun with Mum

DESIGN I N S P I R ATI O N

‘We took our cue from Parisian apartments from the Haussmann era and the way they combine a timeless backdrop with classic mid-century pieces’ 25BH AUGUST 222 | 27

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CREATIVE CHARACTER Eclectic antiques sit next to diverse modern art in Monty Whitebloom’s unique home, reflecting wide-ranging interests and an individual approach FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE

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SITTING ROOM

This imposing room called for largescale furniture so leather sofas and footstools were made to order.

Although probably not original to the house, the fireplace is fully functional and makes a striking focal feature.

Bespoke sofas, price on request, Timothy Oulton. Walls in James White estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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HOME OFFICE

The unusual tiled floor indicates that Monty’s office was originally a ground-floor bathroom. The desk is a repurposed Scandinavian workbench and the pretty café chair came from a Paris flea market.

Ritz Design 3 tiles, £31.95sq m, Tiles 360, are a good choice. Walls in Vardo estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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KITCHEN

Thick Cornish cob walls characterise this room, the oldest area of the house. The Aga was already in place when the family moved in.

Walls in Chinese Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try the Anyday spindle chair in Mustard, £199 for a set of two, John Lewis & Partners

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HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Detached former rectory LOCATI O N North Cornwall ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, conservatory, family room, office, boot room, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2002 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We also have a London flat,’ says Monty.

O

ne Friday evening, looking out over quiet Cornish countryside, Monty Whitebloom and his partner Angela Staples realised their search for a family retreat was at an end. Across the fields they could see a substantial, detached Georgian rectory, surrounded by farmland.

‘We’d been visiting Cornwall, getting to know the people and the area for 10 years,’ says Monty. ‘A local friend told us this place was coming up for sale, so we’d rushed down to see it. We had a proper viewing the following day and by Monday, it was ours.’

Monty, a film director, and Angela, a sound designer, have flexible working patterns and planned to divide their time between Cornwall and their London base.

‘Our flat is surrounded by buildings and there’s no garden,’ says Monty. ‘We wanted to show our children a different lifestyle, near the sea and with far-reaching views.

So much space meant we could share the whole experience with our friends, too.’

The rectory is a classic, double-fronted Georgian house, but there are older parts, too, dating from the 12th century onwards.

‘The exterior isn’t showy, so from the outside it’s hard to tell what’s here,’ says Monty. ‘You enter through the most ancient bit, which is narrow and low, and then into big, airy rooms. It’s not what you’d expect.’

At first, the conventional interior felt cluttered by fitted kitchen and bathroom furniture, carpets, curtains and lino floors, but the house had the size and seclusion the

FAMILY ROOM

Graphic art makes an interesting foil for a 19th-century chaise longue.

The coffee table is a salvaged school gymnasium piece.

Artwork by Julian Opie. For similar vintage gymnasium equipment, try Vinterior

CONSERVATORY

The conservatory was probably added in the 1950s and now acts as a big, sociable dining and entertaining space.

Eden Reclamation sells salvaged slate flooring. Find reclaimed church chairs at Antique Church Furnishings

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FUTURE PLANS

‘We’re turning the little summer house into a studio for art and music so we can make the most of everything here’

MAIN BEDROOM

The fresh green and white scheme creates a relaxed, inviting feel.

Framed papercut, price on request, Rob Ryan. Try the Fern Grove Green Botanical cushion by FabFunky Home Decor, £52, Notonthehighstreet.com

BLUE BEDROOM

A contemporary lamp and table contrast with the antique French bed.

Otto bedside table, £30, Habitat. For a similar bed try James Worrall. Walls in Sloe Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

couple wanted, and they knew they could make it their own. They did not consider major structural alterations, opting simply to strip the rooms back, redecorate and install their own distinctive items. ‘We just wanted an empty shell,’ says Monty. ‘We prefer functional, free-standing pieces. Our things are mostly one-offs from different periods and places and everything has a story.’

The stripping-out process revealed well-preserved wooden floors, which have been lightly sanded. The entrance hall and boot room had beautiful old Cornish slate flooring, but there was only concrete under the lino in the kitchen and conservatory.

Over 18 months, working with a builder, Monty accumulated sufficient quantities of reclaimed Cornish slate, which was then laid over the concrete base. ‘It took two weeks to fit, and once it was down, it didn’t look like anything had been done, which was perfect because it’s exactly what would have been here anyway,’ he says.

Apart from redecoration, rooms have been left largely as they were. Furniture is comfortable, practical and eclectic. Bookladen shelves cover walls, while others display photography and art. There are decorative lights, mirrors and curios on show, but still space to move around. Open doors highlight the classical, linear layout, creating sight lines from one end of the house to the other. The pair’s thoughtful style allows architectural features like the fireplaces, elegant staircase and large, shuttered bay windows to be appreciated.

‘There’s a different picture through every window and I love seeing countryside right to the horizon,’ says Monty. ‘The space and light here are wonderful. It’s a great place to relax with friends and family, and just be yourself.’ Rent The Artist’s Retreat at uniquehomestays.com.

EN SUITE

Tiling ever inch of the walls has given this space depth of character.

Picasso compact bath, £1,495; floorstanding bath shower mixer tap, £495, both Lusso.

Pink transparent white Zellige tiles, £129.60sq m, Mosaic Factory

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PICTURE

PERFECT

The great outdoors played a big part in Jill Croka’s flawless interior design choices for a new build in America’s heartland FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM MURPHY

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HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Jill Croka of jillcrokadesigns.com H O U S E A modern prairie ranch home in Tulsa, US WORK A complete new build of a four-bedroom, multilevel home, including several outdoor living areas

GARDEN Banks of planting soften the hard landscaping around the elegant pool area.

Maze rattan Oxford daybed, £2,167, Oak Furniture, would work here.

Moorea steel garden loungers, £115 each, B&Q, are similar. Catania garden parasols, £629 each, Bramblecrest, have the same look

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DINING ROOM A supersized rug with a darker centre anchors the room and draws the eye inwards to the table.

Zor oak and brass dining table by Christophe Delcourt, price on request, Kooku Design. Arca chandelier by Philippe Malouin, £18,210, Monologue

STAIRS A textured wallcovering in the stairwell creates a link between each floor.

Lustre bronze wallpaper, £47 a roll, Graham & Brown, is similar. Carcassonne French limestone, from £150sq m, My Stone Floor, would work here

SITTING ROOM Large-scale artwork brings the wow factor and works well with high ceilings.

Livienne corner sofa, £2,595, Made, is similar.

Try framed Archie Highland Cow by Louise Luton, £180, John Lewis & Partners

KITCHEN Earthytones help link theinside andoutside.

Apparatus horsehair pendant, £13,555, FBC London. Elitis Big Croco wallpaper, £140.94 a roll, Beut. AI Counter stool in Grey, from £322, Heal’s, would work here

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BATHROOM The bath has been positioned to enjoy the beautiful views across the pool and gardens.

Picasso charcoal freestanding stone bath, £2,095, Lusso, has this look

MAIN BEDROOM Handcrafted pieces, like the table here, bring an artisan feel.

Lou Mindi bedside table, £369, Tikamoon, has a similar look.

Gubi Grasshopper floor lamp, £720, And Light, would work here

D E C O R A T I N G T I P ‘Textured wallpaper in a neutral colour is minimalist but also brings a wonderfully subtle layer of interest’ HOW DID YOU COME TO BE INVOLVED IN T H I S P R O J E C T ? I had worked with the builder previously

on several projects and we worked really well together, so he referred me to the homeowner, who’s an art collector. The two-acre plot in Tulsa’s Bolewood neighbourhood was purchased years before construction began and the area is known for its ranch homes.

W H AT W E R E T H E P R I O R I T I E S F O R T H E

H O M E O W N E R S ? They love having access to the outdoors and desired a space that felt warm but with an elevated style to accommodate their art collection. The aim was to create a naturally layered home with a modern foundation where they could enjoy entertaining.

room and kitchen was the most challenging for the homeowners to feel comfortable about until it was all pieced together, due to the large scale of the room. The space around the window in the kitchen appeared off balance and kept your eye from going outside, so we chose to use the textured Élitis wallpaper and two Apparatus horsehair pendants to fill the void and create a more cohesive space.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOUR P A L E T T E ? We started with the art collection and the colours of

the exterior limestone masonry, layering earth tones to complement the art and exterior in all rooms. Using the same colour palette throughout brings cohesion while layering with texture adds interest.

W H A T W A S T H E M O S T S AT I S F Y I N G A S P E C T

O F T H I S P R O J E C T ? Final installations are always my The clients’ main concerns were creating warmth in such a large favourite part because you can see all the ideas become a reality. modern house, and spaces being functional for daily life. With those I was also surprised to discover that I enjoyed executing a much more goals being at the forefront, they gave us free rein with the aesthetics. masculine aesthetic. The clients were thrilled with the outcome of the WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE project as it took three years to build from the ground up.

S C H E M E ? The earth tones and textures of prairie grass that W H AT I S Y O U R A D V I C E F O R C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ? Listening to clients is essential are viewable from all rooms with the exception of the basement.

W H I C H R O O M WA S T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T in a successful design, because they are the end user. I think that T O T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? The main multipurpose living gets lost in the profession at times.

H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ?

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COLOUR BURST SITTING ROOM FOCUS

Interior designer Bhavin Taylor managed to persuade his clients to embrace statement wallpaper and curtains to get a standout look – they are so pleased they stepped out of their comfort zone FEATURE CATHERINE WEST PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

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PROJECT DETAIL S

D E S I G N E R Bhavin Taylor (bhavintaylordesign.com) P R O P E R T Y Five-bedroom semi-detached Edwardianhouse WORK Redesigning the sitting room, along with the hallway, was the first stage of the whole house renovation

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nterior designer Bhavin Taylor was contacted by a couple with a toddler when they wanted to start work on the house they’d bought in 2021. Wanting to break the work into phases, Bhavin was asked to help with the first phase by bringing a new look to the sitting room.

THE BRIEF

I was asked to create a grown-up space that was timeless, sympathetic to the character of the property, but not old-fashioned. It needed plenty of storage for a large book collection, as well as comfortable seating. The couple also wanted an element of privacy in the large bay window.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

My clients were after an injection of colour and requested no beige so my starting point was the wallpaper. They said they weren’t sure that bold pattern was for them, but I imagined some sort of wallpaper would have been used in the house originally, so decided I had to have a pattern but made sure it had a modern feel to it. I knew the design was going to rock the boat, especially as I planned to use it on both walls and curtains. It was important I took my clients on a design journey, so they understood my thought process and trusted my vision. I’m so glad they did!

As storage for books was key, I had to get the balance right so the room felt like a sitting room and not a library.

Not the easiest task when you’re trying to fit so much into a space. The bookcases were custom built. As my clients’ said, ‘we now have a wonderful grown-up room where we can read, relax and unwind – and a special place to entertain that simply didn’t exist before in the house’.

FINISHING TOUCHES

The brass elements in the coffee table, mirror and lighting come together really well and complement the rest of the scheme. In addition, the dark blue hand-painted finish of the bookcases picks up a tone from the wallpaper, and acts as the perfect backdrop that allows the books to pop.

LESSONS LEARNT

This project reminded me that no matter how cautious clients are, it’s OK to push them outside their comfort zone if I feel it’s right for the space and their needs. As a result, I’ll be able to build a stronger brand that continues to tailor each design to the client’s brief, while staying true to my motto of ‘Love Colour. Embrace Pattern.’

RICH REWARDS

The rich navy seating echoes the blue on the bookcases and wallpaper, helping pull the design together.

Melora wallpaper, £95 a roll; Melora fabric, £99 a roll, both Sanderson.Woodwork in 2AM eggshell, £56 for 2.5ltr, COAT. Jake sofa in French Navy studio stain-resistant velvet, from £1,833, Love Your Home. Try the Kubrick armchair, from £575, Made. Gabrielle nesting coffee tables, £350, Rose & Grey. Athena chandelier, £375; Lottie table lamp, £126; candy striped shade, £51, all Pooky. Oversized mirror, £559; textured hexagon rug, from £405, both West Elm

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Coastal

COOL

The all-white exterior of Amelia and Grant Sutton’s 1960s beach house echoes the beautifully serene interiors within

FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL/LORI COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX/BUREAUX/LIVING INSIDE

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COVERED TERRACE

When the sun gets too hot, this understated area is the perfect place to retreat to.

Meknes round metal table, £497, Maisons du Monde, would work here. Pumpkin armchair, price on request, Ligne Roset. Walls in White OC-151, £78 for 3.79ltr, Benjamin Moore

EXTERIOR

The house has stunning views over Boulders Bay, one of the few places to see colonies of African penguins

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HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY A 1960s villa LOCATI O N Near Cape Town, South Africa ROOMS Sitting room, lounge, dining area, kitchen-diner, covered terrace, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘Our main home is a detached in Cape Town,’ says Amelia.

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‘I love our living area – especially when lying on the pink sofa and taking in the view of the sea’

FAVOURITE ROOM

SITTING ROOM

‘It all came together once we had decided on the art,’ says interior designer Andrea.

For artwork by Sthenjwa Luthuli, try Institut.

Wassily chairs by Marcel Breuer, from £650 each, Vinterior. Custom-made green armchair and pink sofa, both Andrea Graff Interior Design

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T

he charm of Amelia and Grant Sutton’s beachside house in Cape Town harks back 50 years – it was built by a Sardinian who put down roots in South Africa after the Second World War. When the pair first saw it, they loved the feel of the house but knew that to turn it into a family home suitable for them and their children, Noah, 11, and Bella, eight, they would need to open it up and give it a free-flowing feel.

They entrusted structural changes to architect Wynand Wilsenach, who rethought both interior and exterior. He raised ceilings and removed doors and windows to provide unobstructed views of the sea and garden, not to mention the area’s iconic African penguin colony. The result was an open-plan living area that feels incredibly spacious,

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yet wonderfully contained and offering amazing views out over Boulders Bay cove.

When it came to the decor, the couple called on interior designer Andrea Graff to help. Her challenge was to retain an element of old-world elegance while creating a home that was comfortable, practical and relaxed.

Inspired by the high beamed ceilings and terrazzo floors, Andrea opted for a simple but dramatic all-white palette for the kitchen-diner, which is conveniently situated next to the living area. ‘I chose off-white paint as the main theme of the house, but I also wanted to use soft shades throughout to reference the sea and the surrounding greenery, without relying on the blues typically used in beach houses,’ says Andrea.

Although white played its part in providing an element

KITCHEN-DINER

The striking ceiling light catches the eye and defines the separation between the dining and cooking spaces.

Pendant light, price on request, Martin Doller Design. Formica table and chairs, custom made

by Andrea Graff Interior Design

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BEDROOM

Three curtain panels define the windows beautifully.

Similar Luna Sage curtains, from £35, Dunelm. Custom-made bed

by Andrea Graff Interior Design

MAIN BEDROOM

Surprise elements - like the quilt – keep the look eclectic.

Ikea’s Annakajsa pink curtains, £75, are a good alternative

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I N S P I R ATI O N

‘The building itself – you need to respect the architecture of a home to have a cohesive end result’

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BATHROOM

A fluted shower screen adds interest – and privacy.

For shower screens from £125, try Victoria Plum. Seagrass laundry basket, £145, The White Company, is similar

CHILDREN’S BEDROOM

Raising the ceiling created enough height to fit in this high-level bed.

Smastad loft bed, £440, Ikea, would work here

MAIN EN SUITE

The original arched windows and doorways were retained throughout the house.

For similar flooring, try Suburbia tiles, £76sq m, Topps Tiles

of calm and serenity, Andrea recognised the need to introduce some vibrant colour to reflect the energy of the family themselves, and the inspiration for this came in the form of a wooden relief by South African contemporary artist Sthenjwa Luthuli, which now takes centre stage in the sitting room, introducing bold green and glamorous tones of cream, ivory and sand. ‘When I showed it to Grant and Amelia they could see my vision for the room through this dramatic piece,’ says Andrea. This, in turn, gave Andrea the idea to install the L-shaped sofa that now hugs the walls here and whose dusty pink colour helps give

this area a chic feel of yesteryear. It also provides enough seating for any number of family and friends – an important consideration in this sociable household.

With its bright interior, personal touches and idyllic setting, this villa – cleverly concealed amid the indigenous trees and shrubs on this stretch of Cape Town coast – is everything the Sutton family could have wished for and more.

‘Everyone on this project was committed to respecting the integrity this property already had and the unique location it is in,’ explains Andrea. ‘We’re sure it’s going to age gracefully and timelessly.’

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Beautiful

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WORLD

Mairead Turner’s cottage is a place of wonder with joyous colour, pattern and furnishings coming together to create schemes that are pure happiness FEATURE ANNA TOBIN | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

KITCHEN-DINER/LIVING AREA

Mairead designed the concrete breakfast bar and had it covered in marble.

Macaron industrial pendants, £73.19 each, Litfad, are similar. Try the Shayne bar stool, £155, Wayfair. Source vintage Formica tables at Vinterior. Mio Lichen chairs, £109 each, Tikamoon, have the same look

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LIVING AREA

HOME TRUTHS

Colour, texture and pattern combine to bring a modern twist to the vintage furnishings.

Similar Hendricks sofa corner in Teal, £2,500; similar Berber flatweave rug, £350, both Habitat.

Try the Noko natural wicker round pendant, £195, Nkuku

THE PROPERTY Victorian cottage LOCATI O N Wales ROOMS Kitchen-diner/ living area, office, utility room, playroom, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We were living in Robin’s flat in Leeds,’ says Mairead.

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OFFICE

Mairead’s office shows how colour drenching delivers a luxury look.

Walls in Vine wallpaper, £102 a roll; chest of drawers painted in Adventurer intelligent satinwood, £79.50 for 2.5ltr, both Little Greene.

Try Anvers wooden beaded chandelier, £420, Notonthehighstreet.com

HALLWAY

The woodwork gets the vibrant treatment, too.

Hencroft Azure wallpaper, £102 a roll, Little Greene

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ot many people buy a kitchen before they’ve found the house it’s meant to go in, but no one who knows designer Mairead Turner and her restaurateur husband Robin Hodgson is surprised to discover that this is what they did. When they fall in love with a beautiful bargain they snap it up and work out where to put it later. ‘I came across a freestanding oak Habitat kitchen years ago on eBay,’ laughs Mairead. ‘I saw it, fell in love with it and bought it. It’s been dragged around with us from place to place ever since, until we finally found a home for it here.’

The couple moved to Anglesey from Leeds, when their elder daughter Marnie, now 10, was a baby, because Robin was setting up a restaurant chain in the area. ‘We initially rented while I spent my maternity leave house-hunting with the baby,’ says Mairead. ‘This house has the most incredible views. As soon as I saw it, I thought I have to live here, just so that I can look out over the coast every day.’

Once they had moved in, Mairead and Robin focused on making the inside of the cottage as beautiful as its surroundings. ‘We first knocked down the walls in the extension to create one big living space and a final resting place for our kitchen,’ explains Mairead. ‘Some of the kitchen units were left freestanding and others were adapted to create more of a fitted look with a breakfast bar. ‘We’re a sociable family, and, as Robin runs restaurants, we recognise how nice it is to

DINING AREA

The bold wall hue echoes the colour of the sofa.

Wall in Canton absolute matt emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

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ORLA’S BEDROOM

Robin and Mairead found this little fireplace in the shed when they bought the house and gave it a lick of paint.

The Chocolate Girl by Jean-Étienne Liotard

MARNIE’S BEDROOM

Marnie chose the mural herself and it has created a stylish feature wall.

May Meadow mural, £38sq m, Rebel Walls

BATHROOM

Mairead opted for a mix of styles here with a Victorian-style bath set against 1950s-look wall tiles.

Burlington freestanding roll-top bath, £1,118, Drench, has a similar style

have lots of places to sit, eat and hangout,’ says Mairead. ‘We have a kooky 1950s Formica table on one side of the kitchen for messy play and a more formal table on the other side.’

Seating that the couple have picked up on their travels is dotted across the house. ‘Most of our furniture and accessories were found in antiques markets, eBay and charity shops,’ says Mairead. Fortunately, the couple are dab hands at restoring furniture. Followers of Mairead’s Instagram account (@maireadturner) will see that she regularly repositions pieces and re-covers everything from walls to window frames in colourful new hues. ‘I usually start with an amazing wallpaper and work everything around that,’ she says.

Mairead’s striking designs won praise from visitors and soon people were asking her for advice. ‘I’ve always loved renovating houses and when friends started asking me to help with their projects, I jumped at it,’ she says. The work of Mairead & Co Interiors is now seen in properties across Wales and beyond, but none are as daring as her own home.

‘My home is where I take risks. It’s where I experiment in ways that I wouldn’t with clients’ houses,’ she explains. ‘I recently redid our hallway, for example, and as it’s a place that we pass through rather than spend time in I made it really fun with a bold wallpaper and blocks of contrasting colours.’

The family, including younger daughter Orla, seven, love their home now and with so many new ideas to try out there is always something different for guests to spot!

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D E C O R A T I N G T I P ‘Just go for it with paint – it can have a huge impact for relatively little money and can be changed easily’

MAIN BEDROOM

A colourful light and lamp pop against the blue wall.

Wilson bed, from £399, Next. Jieldé Signal wall light in Orange, £174 , Made in Design by Printemps

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A BOLT FROM THE BLUE

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Architect Melissa Robinson reveals how a new extension inspired

by London’s iconic Tube bridges the gap between old and new FEATURE CHARLOTTE LUXFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCH + TYE

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Melissa Robinson, architect and director at MW Architects (mwarchitects.co.uk) H O U S E A five-storey Victorian home in northwest London WORK Major renovation works, including adding a lower-ground floor extension, moving three storeys of the staircase and connecting main living spaces to the garden

EXTERIOR The bright blue enamel finish offers something distinctly different to the typical extension.

Bespoke vitreous enamel panelling, Trico

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KITCHEN These colourful bespoke units give the cook space more of a living space feel.

Cabinetry, price on request, Naked Kitchens; painted in India Yellow and Green Smoke estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Pleat Box pendant lights, from around £350, Marset

SITTING AREA The smaller occasional seating space tucked in by the corner window is a tranquil spot.

Swedese Flower table, from £671, Skandium. SL38 corner windows, price on request, Reynaers Aluminium

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H O W D I D Y O U C O M E T O B E I N V O LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? Our clients saw our

signboard on another local project, which was actually a new-build house. We looked at a few potential sites with them until we found this house; it had ‘good bones’ and was in a prime location, just off the high street.

DESCRIBE THE HOMEOWNERS’ STYLE.

The couple are keen art lovers, so the design was based around having places to view art around the home. While they respected the traditional nature of the house, they wanted it to have a fresh, contemporary feel.

DINING AREA A broken-plan layout and change in levels beautifully defines all of the kitchen’s roles.

Sense rug, from £255, Rug Vista. For a similar dining table try TA19 Sloane oak dining table, from £3,404, E15 at Nest

W H AT W E R E T H E B I G G E S T P R I O R I T I E S F O R T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? Creating a family

home that was well connected with large spaces for gatherings. The link to the garden was a big thing for them, so gaining access to external spaces on both the lower-ground and ground floor really amplified the indoor-outdoor connection.

WHAT WAS THE HOUSE LIKE BEFORE?

It had quite a strange layout with the grand stone staircase only existing from lower-ground to ground floor. The stairwell leading from the first to third floors was on the opposite side of the building in the dark, central section.

It was a series of fairly traditional rooms based around the staircases with no overly generous spaces.

W H I C H A R E A O F T H E H O U S E WA S T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T T O T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? The owners were quite focused

on the family spaces, ensuring these had functions that would mean each space was used daily; they were nervous of having a ‘ghost’ floor in such a large property.

W H A T W A S T H E I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E P R O J E C T ? We wanted to do something

modern and bold with the rear extension to ensure it stood out against the historic fabric of the original building.

We were pondering ideas on the way to another site when the answer was in front of our noses. Along with the two million other Londoners who use the Tube every day, we regularly see the use of vitreous enamel panels in stations but had never seen it used in a private residence before, so we got excited about the possibilities.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOUR P A L E T T E / M A T E R I A L S ? Like a Savile Row suit,

we wanted to create something highly tailored to suit the form of the extension but crafted from a material that proudly bore the slight blemishes and imperfections of a handcrafted material. The striking cobalt blue enamel acts as a backdrop to the clients’ planting scheme, but its mottled finish means its appearance can change throughout the day depending on how the light catches the surface.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

It was tricky to get such a bold extension design through planning, especially as it was in a conservation area.

We had a fairly detailed planning submission and encouraged the planners to act proactively in conversations during the application process.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL SCHEME? I

think when you’re trying to do something a bit ‘different’, working with an architect who will take the time to listen and enhance your thoughts is a really rewarding process.

STAIRCASE This grand staircase in stone only existed from lower-ground to ground floor so it was reinstated on the upper floors to match.

Bespoke staircase, E&C Building and Design Ltd. Try the Rock ’n’ Roll Respect wool carpet, £72.95sq m, Alternative Flooring

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GARDEN The homeowner is a keen gardener and wanted a multifunctional space to grow plants and store tools, so this is a clever hybrid of both solid shed and glass greenhouse.

Custom building by E&C Building and Design Ltd. Greenhouse, Pure Greenhouse

MAIN BEDROOM This reconfigured floor now provides an open and airy main suite that sits behind double doors from the hallway.

Walls in Inchyra Blue, estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Hay Copenhague CPH 20 round table, £349, Skandium.

Artwork by Victor Vasarely

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no.

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All the right moves

Ali McNabney-Stevens and her husband Jay tore down their old home to build a new one and this bold decision was a total success FEATURE GEORGIE RODGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY ARMELLE HABIB/LIVING INSIDE

KITCHEN/LIVING AREA

The layout incorporates an outdoor patio that can become part of the indoor space.

Muuto Under the Bell pendant, from £515, Heal’s. Try Danali mango wood dining table, £995, Nkuku. Profile chairs, £330, Case at Heal’s, have this look. One Minute artwork, price on request, Ali McNabney-Stevens

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HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Detached new build LOCATION Melbourne ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, study, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms MOVED IN 2001 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in London before moving to Australia,’ says Ali.

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W

hen artist Ali McNabney-Stevens and her Australian-born husband Jay decided to relocate from London to Australia, they didn’t expect to stay long – but then fate took a hand. ‘We settled in Melbourne and embraced its amazing lifestyle,’ says Ali. ‘Now, nearly two decades later, we’re still happy to call it home.’

Ali, Jay and their three children, Molly, 20, Louis, 18 and Charles, 14, initially

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moved to a small art deco apartment, but decided it was too small to accommodate their growing family. ‘We then bought an older property nearby,’ explains Ali. ‘But we were unsure whether to renovate it or knock it down and start again.’

After much deliberation, the couple decided to demolish the property and go for a new build. ‘We thought building our own home would be the best way of maximising the space available and creating a place with modern comforts,’ says Ali. She and Jay had

no illusions about the scale of the task that lay ahead and didn’t view building their own home as an easy option. ‘We’d been warned of the surprises associated with building from scratch,’ says Ali. Luckily, the build went relatively smoothly. ‘We were lucky to steer clear of any major hiccoughs.’

Having the right team for the project was one of the keys to its success. ‘Our efficient local builder made all the difference,’ says Ali. ‘There were so many decisions to made, from choosing materials

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KITCHEN

‘I love the strong lines of our kitchen,’ says Ali. ‘The island makes it easy to prepare dinner when we have friends over. They can sit at the table that’s part of it.’

Anton dining bench, £539, West Elm, has this look. Try Clerkenwell cabinetry in Charcoal, price on request, Howdens. Cameron wool rug, £299, Dunelm, would also suit this scheme

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LIVING AREA

A floating staircase enhances the open and airy feel.

Bluebell sofa, from £1,115, Sofa com. Try Handloom fringes rug in Aqua, £329, RugVista

HOME OFFICE

‘I love to be surrounded by colour and the office is no exception,’ says Ali. Try White tulip dining armchair, £129, Little Tulip.

Painting, price on request, Ali McNabney-Stevens

EXTERIOR

A small pond can be appreciated from the inside or the outside.

MAIN BATHROOM

High windows let in light but ensure privacy.

Try mango wood side table, £153, Maisons du Monde

MOLLY’S BEDROOM

Pops of mint and yellow inject a sense of fun.

Similar Oliver bed, £299, Feather & Black

HALLWAY

White walls are the perfect showcase for Ali’s art.

Melaka rug in Aurora Red, £2,295, Oka, is similar

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for the floors and tiles, down to the door handles and ample scope for things to go wrong. But other than a workman falling into the empty pool (luckily, he wasn’t hurt!) everything ran according to plan.’

Despite having lived in mainly period properties previously, Ali and Jay wholeheartedly embraced a modern design and opted for an ultra-contemporary open-plan layout. ‘However, we did decide to re-use some bricks from the old house and made a feature of them at the entrance,

creating a slightly industrial vibe,’ says Ali. When it came to designing the decor, Ali admits she found it a challenge to depart so radically from her tried and tested approach. ‘Because I’ve always lived in old properties, I’d amassed a huge collection of vintage pieces,’ she says. ‘Initially I was unsure of how everything would work together in a modern design. But as I came to know the house a bit better, I found a workable balance. My grandmother’s plates, for instance, now coexist happily, alongside

a linear piece of Murano glass And I love the huge floor-to-ceiling windows because the light just floods in all the year round.’

Now that the project is complete, Ali and Jay both agree the move has been a success. ‘There’s something to enjoy in our home all year round,’ says Ali. ‘We love having the fire going and pouring a G&T when it’s chilly, just as much as seeing the children laughing in the pool in summer.

This might not be our forever home, but for now we’re grateful for what we have.’

MAIN BEDROOM

‘Our bedroom has a hint of my love for boho style,’ says Ali. Try Tio white rattan headboard, £210; and Jimi bedside table, £110, both La Redoute. White anglepoise mini lamp, £90, Heal’s, is a good alternative

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THE ITALIAN JOB KITCHEN FOCUS

With a passion for Italian furniture, Bella and Dilesh Desai knew exactly the kind of sophisticated look they wanted when replanning their kitchen FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL CRAIG

POLISHED LOOK A palette of cashmere and walnut teamed with classic Italian styling creates an understated elegant style. A touch of glamour comes from the ambient lighting in the glassfronted island cupboards.

A similar DeLinea/Carattere kitchen would cost from around £30,000, Multiliving by Scavolini

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PROJECT DETAIL S

O W N E R S Bella and Dilesh Desai H O U S E A five-bedroom detached 1980s house in Hertfordshire WORK Relocating the kitchen from the front to the rear as part of a full-house renovation

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fter living in their home for eight years, Bella and Dilesh Desai embarked on a major renovation starting in August 2020. ‘The old wooden farmhouse kitchen was at the front overlooking the driveway,’ says Bella. ‘But we wanted to make more of the garden views, so moved it to the rear and added a single-storey extension.’

Interior architect Nicole Haig of DNK Design was invaluable in planning the space. ‘She listened to how we wanted to live and created room layouts for every floor, including the kitchen,’ says Bella.

THE BRIEF

A sociable seating area was a must, along with a large island, quality appliances, spice drawers, large wine fridge and deep pull-out drawers for pans. Cabinetry was also needed for the utility room and first-floor laundry room.

Nicole instantly picked up on the couple’s love of Italian furniture and took them to the Multiliving by Scavolini showroom in West Hampstead. ‘We would never have found it ourselves and we just fell in love with the designs,’ explains Bella.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Nicole suggested bespoke booth seating by the island at the heart of the design, and ensured the joiner liaised with the kitchen company. As the couple love entertaining, there are two ovens, a microwave and warming drawer within a tall bank of units recessed into the wall. Bella also loves the Bora hob with downdraft extractor.

MATERIALS USED

A combination of walnut and cream handleless units teamed with quartz worktops and upstands gives the space a classic, sophisticated palette that won’t date. A bronze table with smoked-glass top and a patinated brass tap bring added wow factor. Nicole also helped with the floor tiles. ‘She advised us to go big so they are 1200mm square rather than the 800cm I would’ve gone for,’ admits Bella. ‘It just adds to the sense of space.’

FINISHING TOUCHES

Pale turquoise upholstery on the bar stools and dining chairs has brought in a pop of subtle colour. ‘Dilesh was keen to have a bold wall colour but he came round to the idea of putting colour in the soft furnishings,’ says Bella.

Feature ambient lighting in the glass fronted island cupboards – part of a Rako smart lighting system installed by builders Red Designs – ensures the couple’s glassware is highlighted too.

LESSON LEARNT

Bella would recommend using an interior architect.

‘Nicole was fantastic,’ she says. ‘In our previous house we were only using three of the rooms, whereas here we’re using all the space.’

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CLEAN LINES

Stylish shelving ensures the look is coordinated.

‘I never used the wall cupboards in our last house so this adds a nice decorative touch,’ says Bella.

A similar DeLinea/Carattere kitchen would cost from around £30,000; Stone Italiana Grigio Atlantic worktops, from £6,500; shelving, £920; 1810 sink, £700; Quooker tap in patinated brass, £2,100, all Multiliving by Scavolini. Capricorn dining table, from £4,450, Tom Faulkner. Porada Ester dining chair with Ash Moka stained frame and Rabat fabric, from £1,003.85; Prada Ester bar stool 65 in Helle D79 Pelle blue fabric, from £1,806.25, both Chaplins. Anvers large pendant, £4,727, CTO Lighting. Edge Biscotto natural floor tiles (1200x1200mm), £118sq m, Porcelain Tiles. Similar sized bespoke banquette seating, from £2,100, John Hitch Seating. Miele K3762iD fridge, £2,300; Miele FNS37492IE freezer, £2,500; Miele G7590 dishwasher, £2,100; Miele ESW7010OBBL warming drawer, £1,100; Miele KWT6722 wine fridge, £3,900; Miele H7440BM microwave combo oven, £2,300; Miele H7464BP Pyrolytic oven, £2,200; BORA X PURE induction hob with extractor, £2,900, all Multiliving by Scavolini

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PERSONAL TOUCH By opting for custom booth seating and a bespoke dining table, the couple have been able to specify the exact proportions they wanted

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SEA CHANGE

TERRACE

A frameless glass balustrade ensures that the vista is not interrupted.

Try the chunky weave sofa, £600, and lounge chairs, £699 for a set of two, both John Lewis & Partners

Every piece and every colour inside and outside this coastal home was chosen to enhance the spectacular surrounding landscape – the designers at O&A London explain their choices FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON UPTON STYLING ELENA TIKHONOVA

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R S Anna Agapova and Elena Creswell and architect Oleg Klodt of O&A London (oa-london.com) HOUSE A contemporary three-storey house on Devon’s Jurassic Coast WORK Decorating and furnishing the key spaces, notably the open-plan kitchen and family room, as well as the sitting room, garden room and main bedroom

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LIVING AREA

The rug captures the effect of receding waves on the sand.

Armchair, £244m; Ocean rug, £1,206sq m, both O&A London.

Painting (left) by Vanessa Gardiner

KITCHEN

The sleek lines of the cabinetry have been softened with natural rattan bar stools.

Try Poliform for similar cabinetry.

Flat rattan counter stool, £350, Cox & Cox, is similar. Painting

by Hannah Ludlow

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DINING AREA

A bespoke live edge table and fine linen curtains lend an organic quality to the scheme.

Bespoke table by O&A London.

Shanghai chairs by Norr11,£748.80 each, Skandium. Painting by Michael Sole, Steam Gallery at Beer

H O W D I D Y O U G E T I N V O LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? A young couple visited

our studio with a brochure for a contemporary detached house on Devon’s beautiful Jurassic Coast. They wished to use it for idyllic summer holidays and breaks with friends and family.

D E S C R I B E T H E O W N E R S ’ B R I E F.

As busy professionals, they wanted the house to be an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. They were looking for a minimalist yet sophisticated approach and asked our team to come up with a calming, tranquil, airy aesthetic.

WHAT INSPIRED THE SCHEMES?

One of the most stunning features of the property is the far-reaching views of the Jurassic Coast, so the goal was to keep the interiors very neutral to allow them to be in unison with the spectacular landscape. We opted for a calming backdrop, enlivened with contemporary art.

D I S C U S S T H E C O L O U R PA L E T T E .

We selected dreamy pastels which reflect the hues of the nearby sandy beaches and the soft greens of the Devon cliffs and hill tops.

H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? The clients trusted our

judgement and gave us a lot of design freedom.

They were involved in choosing a lot of the art,

TERRACE

The living area opens onto this space where alfresco diners are treated to fabulous views.

Similar rectangular extendable aluminium table, £699.95, and Eika stackable outdoor chairs, £104.95 each, all Sklum

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which were primarily purchased in local galleries in the ancient fishing village of Beer.

W H I C H S PA C E S W E R E P A R T I C U L A R LY I M P O R TA N T T O T H E C L I E N T S ? The sitting room and the

dining area. A holiday home is a place where everyone should feel relaxed, hosts and guests alike, and entertaining was very important for our clients. With that in mind, we designed a handcrafted, live edge dining table, which is a great centrepiece that brings a more soothing, natural ambience to the contemporary interior.

HALLWAY

Perfect symmetry adds to the calming feel of this arrangement.

Orion console, from £9,790, Liaigre.

Roe benches by Caste, from $5,746 each, Willer. Glide wall sconces, from $2,400 each, Articolo. Trevose mirror, £1,710, Porta Romana

A R E T H E R E A N Y F E AT U R E S Y O U A R E P A R T I C U L A R LY P R O U D O F ?

We wanted to heighten the feeling of being in harmony with the landscape and nature and each element of the interior supports this idea.

In the family room, for example, the bespoke Ocean rug, created in collaboration with Riviere Rugs, was inspired by the sea. We also used glass art by Wayne Charmer and Samantha Donaldson at Vessel Gallery, featuring fluid and amorphous forms inspired by nature. In the garden room, there is a bespoke art installation

by Celia Smith, whose main subject is birds. The piece is made of birch twigs, wire and enamelled birds and it is the highlight of this space.

GARDEN ROOM

Outdoor furniture keeps the look relaxed.

Land and Sea wall art installation, Celia Smith.

Mistral two-seater sofa; Laze rocking chair, prices on request, Roda

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SITTING ROOM

The colours of the sunset inspired the wallpaper.

Sediment mural in bespoke colour, $25sq ft, Black Crow Studios

BEDROOM

A silk wallcovering delivers texture and understated luxury.

Walls in Chandra Silk, £205.18lin m, Vescom. Throw, from a selection, Oyuna. Snooze chair, £5,904, Ochre; covered in Cavalier velvet in Armour, £190m, de Le Cuona.

Painting by Michael Sole

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DESIGNED for LIFE

Roy Sweetman of Carvetii Interiors was brought in to make this abode work for a large extended family – his clever solutions are seriously impressive FEATURE KAREN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BLACKFELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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KITCHEN

The island features an extra-deep porcelain slab worktop for a luxury look. The run of wall units includes a walk-in pantry (shown below).

Velvet bar stools in Golden Ochre, £185 each, Rockett St George. Sofio pendant lights, £1,032 each, Giopato & Coombes.

Kitchen furniture, including walk-in pantry, from around £60,000, Carvetii Interiors

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Carvetii Interiors (carvetii-interiors.co.uk) H O U S E A small estate on the southern boundary of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria WORK Full renovation, including a new kitchen, walk-in pantry and three bathrooms with bespoke cabinetry throughout

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HOW DID YOU COME TO BE I N V O LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ?

Ben Cunliffe Architects suggested that the clients, Helen and James, visit our showroom in Carlisle. Despite the two-hour round trip, they felt it was worth it as they were able to see the breadth and quality of work we could offer. The couple have two children and had been looking for six years for a house with land and ample space for James’ five other children to come and stay. It also needed an additional property for Helen’s parents to live in.

SITTING ROOM

Oversized sofas designed for lounging have ample space for all the family.

Sits Sara sofa, from £1,952, Lime Modern Living, would work here

H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? They were intrinsically

involved in every detail, from the shape of the bevelled panels in the kitchen to the shape of their ladders in the utility. When it came to the interior of the crafting cupboard, well, that was very personal. Their interior designer, SamWard of @Homeward_Interiors, helped pick pieces throughout the home and the colour scheme.

WHAT WAS THE HOMEOWNERS’ B R I E F ? Young and fun with an eye to the

traditional. They loved the history of their new home and wanted to honour it, while making it work better for large family gatherings and regular entertaining.

SNUG/LIBRARY

Dark painted woodwork helps the colourful curtains, sofa and footstool to pop.

Eichholtz Selva chandelier, £2,176, Olivia’s

W H AT W E R E T H E I R B I G G E S T

P R I O R I T I E S ? It was a full house makeover with the kitchen at its heart. The utility may even take the crown as the most important room. It’s a dream space with a laundry chute and interiors designed to work for every member of the household, including the dog with his own shower!

HOW WAS THE COLOUR P A L E T T E C H O S E N ? When Helen first

met Sam, she presented him with a mountain of wallpaper samples and Sam was able to pull out complementing colours and tones. The great thing about Helen is she isn’t afraid of colour, and often the colours selected to complement the wallpaper were not the obvious choices, and instead make a bold statement.

W H AT M AT E R I A L S W E R E U S E D A N D W H Y ? We used a lot of wood, metal

DINING AREA

The ingenious bar area features a wine fridge.

A similar bar would cost from £15,000, Carvetii Interiors

inlays and grille work, which is very popular and still quite new. This mix works well to show traditional elegance and thought in the design.

WHICH CLEVER DESIGN IDEAS D O Y O U L O V E T H E M O S T ? So many.

The hidden spice cupboard; the hidden pantry room with its mini ladders; the foldaway puzzle table – simple yet perfect for your inner puzzler!

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ? Pay attention to the minor details

which create the subconscious harmonies.

And working with a great team and knowing you share a vision with the client and other collaborators also helps.

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BEDROOM

Brass details and jewel tones are a thread that ties in with other rooms.

Lamina wallpaper, £89 a roll, Harlequin.

Artemis circular chandelier, £375, Pooky. Puall bed in Bumblebee Yellow, £1,625, Loaf. Camille bedside table, £325, Cox & Cox

OFFICE

BATHROOM

An extra pullout desk can be hidden away when not in use.

Elowen swivel chair in Holly, £498, Anthropologie

A mirrored wall-hung vanity unit gives the illusion of more space.

Shower rose and hand shower, from around £2,000, Samuel Heath. A similar vanity unit would cost from around, £5,200, Carvetii Interiors

MAIN EN SUITE

Panelling creates character and breaks up the wallpaper.

Marble Rose wallpaper, £108 a roll, Jane Churchill

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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E

SITTING COMFORTABLY

The new recliner chairs from Stressless® look great and will make you feel great too

All models are fully customisable to suit your decor

E

ergonomic benefits and lumbar support through a patented Plus™-system. This mechanism adjusts to ensure the correct head, neck and lumbar position for you.

What’s more, the entire range is made using the finest quality materials and comes with a 10-year guarantee on the internal mechanism, so you can trust you are buying a product that is built to last – meaning less waste and less environmental impact.

There are three Rome models to choose from – one which is high in the back and comes with a tabbed adjustable neck cushion, then a version with a heightadjustable headrest. There is also a lowbacked version that would make the most beautiful occasional or office chair. With many of us working from home, it is important to ensure our work spaces have

the right chair. Equipped with heightadjustment functions on the base and the possibility of wheels or no wheels, the Rome chairs are perfect to work in. All Rome models can be further customised with Stressless® leather and fabrics to ensure the recliner you choose suits your decor.

TO FIND OUT MORE Prices start at £1,499. To discover the full range of Rome recliners and the innovative Plus™-system, visit stressless.com

NOSDUH EIZZIL SDROW

ven the most stylish room can be let down by uncomfortable seating, but practical definitely doesn’t have to mean unfashionable.

Designed to envelop the body in luxury, the new Rome recliner chairs from Stressless® offer comfort in a beautifully modern design. Inspired by the human body and its need for movement, variation and total support while sitting, the mid-century modern look chairs are the perfect addition to any lounge space.

The first Stressless® recliner was launched in 1971 and today the chairs are manufactured and designed in Norway, where the factory runs on 100 per cent clean energy powered by hydropower.

The new Stressless® Rome recliners are strikingly stylish, while also boasting

A wheeled version makes an excellent home office chair

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SITTING ROOM Sculptural lights help to emphasise the room’s impressive vaulted ceiling.

Arbor pendant lights by Roll & Hill, from £4,704 each, SCP. Sofa, price on request, Baker

ON FINE FORM

Lance Thomas designed stunning and quite artistic interiors for this lakeside home to match the beauty of the modern architecture FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLEI SMITH

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KITCHEN High-gloss cabinetry is juxtaposed with cupboards in a warm walnut veneer.

Try Smallbone for a similar kitchen DINING AREA A hand-cast crystal chandelier creates an arresting feature.

Bespoke Jules chandelier, John Pomp. Van stacking chairs, $702 each, Interlude Home GAMES ROOM The sofa configuration helps to make this a fun, multifunctional space.

Contemporary Moroccan-style rug 80645, price on request, Esmaili Rugs

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Lance Thomas, principal of Thomas Guy Interiors (thomasguyinteriors.com), which he founded with his partner, Drew Hoffpauir H O U S E Contemporary new build in Lake Charles, Louisiana, US WORK Schemes for the interiors throughout, including the kitchen and bathrooms

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EXTERIOR The house was designed to resemble a modern cabin on the lake. The balcony has created two seating areas – one sheltered from the sun.

Architecture, Winn Wittman Architecture

H O W D I D Y O U G E T I N V O LV E D I N T H I S

P R O J E C T ? It was serendipity: Drew and I had bought and remodelled a mid-century, Spanish Mission-style home on the golf course in Lake Charles and one day we were approached by a couple who told us they used to live there and they would love to see what we had done to the place. They were so impressed that they asked us to come on board with their latest project, a contemporary house they were building on the 18th green.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE OWNERS’ BRIEF F O R T H E I N T E R I O R S ? The brief was simple: it needed

to be contemporary but not stuffy, and the design had to reflect the owners’ love of entertaining. They wanted their home to be the happening spot for summer pool parties and charity cocktail functions alike. Other than that, we were pretty much given carte blanche.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES FOR T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? They have five children, so storage

was a priority: we lined hallways with beautiful walnut cabinetry that seamlessly integrated into the space. The idea of multifunctional entertaining spaces was also important, as the whole family wanted to be able to be together while not necessarily doing the same thing.

W H I C H S P A C E W A S P A R T I C U L A R LY I M P O R TA N T T O T H E M ? The open-plan living, dining and

kitchen area. It features wall-to-wall sliding window panels and we wanted to make sure that when they were opened up to the terrace, it became one expansive entertaining space overlooking the water.

H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E O W N E R S T H R O U G H O U T T H E P R O J E C T ? They were very

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SON’S BEDROOM A monochrome rug lends a sense of drama.

Papillon stools, $1,163 each, Noir. Rug, price on request, Surya

how much shoe storage we needed to incorporate – but that is about where it ended.

A R E T H E R E A N Y F E AT U R E S Y O U A R E P A R T I C U L A R LY P R O U D O F ? I like the material solutions we used for the bathrooms, such as the vanity units I HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOUR S C H E M E S ? The architecture was a work of art, and so I wanted designed for the main bathroom. For the daughter’s bathroom, I

to choose a colour palette that gave the impression of an art gallery.

This allowed me to select sculptural designs that were both a reflection of the clients yet also felt like pieces of art in themselves.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

External factors were, by and large, the biggest challenge: we built this house during the pandemic and dealt with labour, supply and logistical shortages. To add insult to injury, Lake Charles was decimated by two direct hit Category 4 hurricanes during this time. I liken it to building a sandcastle on the shore and helplessly watching the tide wash in.

used Kelly Wearstler wall tiles to add charm, while the downstairs powder room was a nod to the homeowners’ hobby of flying airplanes.

W H A T W A S T H E M O S T S AT I S F Y I N G A S P E C T

O F T H I S P R O J E C T ? Knowing I embodied each of the children’s personalities in their own personal space was a highlight. I especially loved the light fixture in the daughter’s bedroom. It consists of heat-resistant pieces of paper that you can write notes on and, being that she is a very talented musician and songwriter, I thought this fixture would be the perfect place for her to showcase her first album of lyrics. I’m taking full credit if she becomes the next Taylor Swift.

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MAIN BEDROOM Shades of grey and lavender create a restful feel while large circular wall lights in cast resin add interest.

Bespoke bed, Kelly Wearstler. Eclipse wall lights, price on request, Verellen DRESSING ROOM Wall-to-wall storage ensures there is a place for everything.

Heracleum Endless pendant light, £2,397, Moooi EN SUITE Patterned wall tiles are a whimsical contrast to the terrazzo flooring.

Gem Field tiles by Kelly Wearstler for Ann Sacks, £408sq m, West One Bathrooms

MAIN BATHROOM The unusual mirrors tie in with the bespoke vanity units Lance designed for the space.

Camden mirrors, price on request, Verellen. Utopia large double bath sconces by Kelly Wearstler, £707 each, Visual Comfort

DAUGHTER’S BEDROOM The fun pendant light is made of paper you can write notes on.

Zettel’z 5 pendant light by Ingo Maurer, £825, Made in Design.

Try the Tibetan sheepskin cushion, £105, Amara

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TURNING UP THE HEAT KITCHEN FOCUS

A flash of bold colour and brass detailing have delivered a wonderful warmth to Carolyn and Jimmie Hay’s light-filled cook space FEATURE AMELIA THORPE | PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA RUPOLO

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PROJECT DETAIL S O W N E R S Carolyn and Jimmie Hay live here with their three children H O U S E A five-bedroom terraced house, built in 1834, in Scotland WORK Installation of a new kitchen designed by Sally Hinks from Harvey Jones

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een to find a larger home to share with their growing family, Carolyn and Jimmie Hay moved quickly to snap up a four-storey listed Georgian house around the corner from where they were living. ‘Houses in this location don’t come up very often, so as soon as we became aware that this one was for sale, we made an offer,’ says Carolyn, a technology company executive.

THE BRIEF

While the setting, size and elegant period features of the house were perfect, the kitchen interior was less so. ‘It was looking dated and tired, with a rather strange-shaped island which we didn’t like,’ recalls stay-at home dad Jimmie. ‘We wanted to create a kitchen which was more sympathetic to the style and age of the house, with added warmth, where we would feel comfortable as a family and when friends come round,’ he says.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

The decision to choose Harvey Jones as their kitchen supplier was easy, says Carolyn. ‘We had used the company to create the kitchen in our previous home and the team had done a really good job, so we didn’t hesitate to go back,’ she explains.

They met with designer Sally Hinks of the Edinburgh showroom, selecting cabinetry and features in the showroom and in the Harvey Jones brochure that they liked. They particularly noted an island with a table-style end.

The couple wanted the island to be as large as possible, since it was to provide the main preparation area in the room. They were also keen to have maximum storage, so chose not to have an overhang for bar stools, and also specified full depth cupboards and drawers on both sides of the island. ‘We were conscious that a large “block” island might seem like a big lump in the space,’ says Jimmie, ‘and felt that the legs on one end would make the structure seem less imposing and so the room feel larger.’

FINISHING TOUCHES

The heart of the room is an Aga cooker, which adds to the cosy feel, topped with a slender shelf with gallery rail for displays. Choosing a deep red for the island enhances the friendly feel and warmth of the room, while an aged pink for the wall run softens the overall look. ‘The design is classic and simple, and suits the proportions of the room,’ says Carolyn, ‘but most of all I love the colours – they introduce a little quirky character and bring the room alive.’

ON A GRAND SCALE In keeping with the well-balanced Georgian architecture of the room, the two tall cabinets of the wall run are carefully designed to be symmetrical, as are the base units between. The tall cabinets are also designed in a scale to suit the height of the ceiling.

Walls in Shaded White estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr; window and door frames in Hardwick White estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Club wall lights in antiqued brass, £84.80 each, Jim Lawrence

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CLASSIC CHOICE

The couple chose not to have wall units as they felt this would crowd the space. As the Aga is powered by electricity and does not have a flue, the clear wall space could be used for a shallow shelf for eye-catching displays. Doors open from this elegant kitchen onto a balcony overlooking the garden.

Kitchen, from £25,000, Harvey Jones. Arbor cabinetry in Dead Salmon modern eggshell, £77 for 2.5ltr;island in Preference Red modern eggshell, £77 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Aged brass Shell drawer pulls, from £223.20 for a box of five; rounded handles, from £272.88 for a box of 10, all Perrin & Rowe. ER7 100 electric heat storage range cooker in Pewter, from £13,205; similar fridge freezer, DXD, £1,800; both Aga. Eternal Calacatta Gold quartz surface worktops, from £450m sq, Silestone. Similar floor tiles, Lignum Nut slip resistant porcelain floor tiles, £59.95sq m, Original Style. G5260 SCVi fully integrated dishwasher, £1,099, Miele. Wi3150 undercounter wine cabinet [in walk-in larder], £589, Caple. Ionian deck mounted mixer with cross top handles and rinse in aged brass, £928, Perrin & Rowe. Bowlandsink, £662, Shaws of Darwen. Foster pendant lights in antiqued brass, £139.70 each, Jim Lawrence

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FOCAL POINT At the centre of this room is the impressive tongue-and-groove panelled oversized island. To lighten its look, one half is built on legs, inspired by a traditional cook’s table.

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no.

16 LABOUR of LOVE

Theresa and Joseph Mankelow embraced the challenge of updating an 18th-century coach house and spent a decade creating their dream home FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY KASIA FISZER STYLING PIPPA BLENKINSOP AND KAREN DARLOW

92 | 25BH AUGUST 2022

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EXTERIOR

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Grade II-listed former coach house LOCATI O N Leicestershire ROOMS Sitting/dining room, kitchen-diner, pantry, snug, cloakroom, three bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We were living in another period home near Nottingham before moving here,’ says Theresa.

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The walled garden has several sitting and dining areas. The bench was a wedding present from Theresa’s brother.

Bench in Green Blue estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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KITCHEN

Theresa gave the cabinetry a lighter look by painting it white.

Kitchen units in White Tie estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

White metro tiles, £12.99sq m, B&Q. French antique dining chairs, price on request, The French Depot

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A slimline table makes the most of the space.

Try Hatley, £97m, Cabbages & Roses, for a tablecloth

US  SU

Vinyl wallpaper is best for bathrooms.

Try Antique Rose Blue wallpaper, £18 a roll, Cath Kidston

DECORATING TIP ‘It was tempting to paint all the panelling white but the pale blue is still fresh and it adds more interest’

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The chandelier brings a hint of glamour to the space.

Beaumont woodburner, from £1,649, Chesneys, is similar

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W

hen it came to finding their dream home, going the extra mile made the world of difference to Theresa and Joseph Mankelow. Back in 2009, Theresa had been living near Nottingham in a Victorian terraced house. ‘I wanted to find another period home – one with space for family and friends to stay, plus a garden that I could look out at and admire,’ says Theresa. ‘My previous house had been split over a few levels and the back garden was only visible from the spare room. I could garden all day and never see the fruits of my labour when I sat down in the evening.’

Theresa’s search had been focused near her old home for some time, but nothing was materialising. ‘The property market was very slow at that time,’ she says, ‘so I decided to look a little bit further afield and soon happened upon a wonderful coach house that instantly piqued my interest.’ Originally a coach house and stables, the property was built in 1785 and was part of the Belvoir

Estate – the home of the Duke of Rutland, who lives at Belvoir Castle. In the 1920s, the coach house was sold by private treaty and converted into a home.

Theresa and her husband-to-be Joseph promptly arranged a viewing and were instantly struck by the property.

‘It was an extremely attractive building,’ says Theresa. ‘We loved the high ceilings, the period features and the overall feel of the place – and you could see the garden clearly from all the main living spaces.’

Theresa and Joseph were delighted to become its new owners and couldn’t wait to start putting their stamp on their lucky find. ‘Every room was painted a yellowy cream and there was a lot of dark wood and wrought iron,’ says Theresa, who was keen to lighten the decor and soften the look of the interior. First, however, there were structural issues to address. There was a rather frightening incident with an oil-burning stove where a fireball ripped up the chimney.

The couple swiftly had the chimney relined and replaced the stove with a woodburner. Theresa then set about

creating a modern-country look, adding French antiques and objects sourced through independent shops and online sellers. ‘I quickly discovered that larger pieces of furniture work very well here, so I’ve painted many of the dark wood items I’ve come across,’ says Theresa.

‘I’ve also chosen larger-scale floral designs rather than smaller prints that might look twee with the coach house’s high ceilings and big windows.’

In 2014, the couple embarked on a major transformation of the outdoor spaces, creating a semi-formal garden that referenced the symmetry of their Georgian home, with the help of local garden designer Nikki Applewhite. ‘The four flower beds, each with an obelisk, have been planted with pretty cottage garden favourites, ranging from roses to lavender. There are also numerous places to sit and enjoy the outdoor spaces,’ says Theresa. There’s no doubt that she and Joseph have relished every step of transforming this unique property. ‘We love being the custodians of such a special place,’ says Theresa.

MAIN BEDROOM

Theresa chose blue and white – her favourite colour combination – to create a fresh, relaxed look here.

Feature wall in a similar colour to Lulworth Blue estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

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LIVING AREA A neutral base allows the teal velvet of the sofa to pop. In turn, the teal responds to the colourful tones in the modern, abstract art.

Harper sofa, from £1,886, Love Your Home, looks similar. Artwork by Lola Donoghue

Perfectly composed

This beautifully put-together Edwardian house shows how to use colour in a way that’s easy to live with – its designer, Laura Stephens, reveals all FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

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HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Laura Stephens of Laura Stephens Interior Design (laurastephens.co.uk) H O U S E An Edwardian house in west London WORK A new kitchen, redecoration and interior design

SITTING ROOM An ornate and distressed mirror strikes a note of faded grandeur, while the colourful upholstery pops amid calming neutral walls.

Walls in Elephant’s Breath estate emulsion, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Kir coffee table, £379, Swoon, is similar.

Source a similar antique mirror from 1stDibs. Bluebell armchair in Romo fabric, from £605, Sofa.com

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KITCHEN Pendant lights of varying heights make a focal point of the highly social island and draw attention away from the down beam.

Kitchen by Osborne Interiors.

Mineral pendant lights, from £640, Rothschild & Bickers.

Bar stools in Matara Azure fabric, £50m, Designers Guild

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HOW DID YOU COME TO BE I N V O LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ?

The client, Sonja, contacted me as I had worked with her neighbour on the same street and she loved what I did for her so she got in touch.

Sonja was very bubbly and great fun to work with. We got on so well that I am currently revamping some further spaces in her house.

W H AT W E R E T H E B I G G E S T PRIORITIES FOR THE

H O M E O W N E R S ? They wanted to create a soothing sanctuary and achieve a high-end finish that was also extremely practical. As this is a family home with children and several large dogs it was important to use durable cut velvets, leathers and resilient materials.

Sonja’s glamorous, bold and colourful style has been reflected in the art-deco influences, luxe finishes and warm metals. This is a home the clients see themselves in long-term and, together with the kitchen extension, they have gained more space with a loft conversion.

H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E

LIVING AREA Half-height café-style shutters allow light to filter in while preserving privacy.

Desk, price on request, Julian Chichester CLOAKROOM Vintage brass and purple tones combine to stunning effect.

Aurora wallpaper, £106.40 a roll, Cole & Son

at Jane Clayton. Elbow wall lamps, £80 each, Pooky. Antoine mirror, £450, Oka MAIN BEDROOM The grasscloth wallcovering and velvet headboard introduce beautiful texture.

Manilla Hemp wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries.

Iona headboard, from £539, The Headboard Workshop; upholstered in RobertAllen velvet

H O M E O W N E R S ? They know what they like and are super decisive, which was great.

They showed me Pinterest boards and images they had collected with inspirational ideas yet at the same time they were open to my ideas.

Because the project was staggered, we were able to really focus on one space at a time. Sonja saved for key pieces like Julian Chichester cabinets, which had been on her wish list for a long time.

She was keen to choose good-quality pieces that will have longevity in terms of both style and wear and tear. The joinery we commissioned was also very timeless and traditional.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE

C O L O U R P A L E T T E ? I took the lead from Sonja. She was up for bold but cohesive schemes using colour but we ensured that it didn’t overwhelm and was easy to live with. We used Paint & Paper Library’s Slate collection throughout the house with stronger and paler tones which gave us a warm, neutral background into which we could introduce jewel-like colours.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST

C H A L L E N G E ? We didn’t plan to put in a new kitchen and it was never in my brief, but in the process of pulling up to replace the flooring all sorts of horrors were discovered which meant we had to take out all the units and start again.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L

S C H E M E ? I love fabrics and pattern and when I use them they prompt a scheme. I pick out key colours from the pattern and combine them with smaller scale prints. It’s also crucial to think about lighting within the scheme and ensure you have it ‘layered’ so at ceiling height, wall height and table height.

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HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY A detached home built in 2017 LOCATI O N Whistler, Canada ROOMS Sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, pantry, utility room, playroom, seven bedrooms (all en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘The owners also have a home in Washington State,’ says Kelly.

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DINING AREA

The mixture of German white oak and marble is modern but luxurious.

Table, CAD 17,600; bench, CAD 4,700; chairs, CAD 2,000 each, all Living Space

RELAXED RETREAT This Canadian holiday home took its design inspiration from the lovely, laid-back interiors you find in Scandinavia FEATURE KARINE MONIÉ | PHOTOGRAPHY EMA PETER

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SITTING ROOM

‘The stone fireplace was original to the home and we wanted to reference it in the furnishings,’ says Kelly.

Mos Design coffee tables, CAD 7,700 for a set of four, Montauk Sofa. B&B Italia sofa, CAD 47,000; lounge chairs, CAD 6,800, both Inform Interiors

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steep ascent leads to this exclusive neighbourhood, a few minutes’ drive from Whistler Village in Canada, where architectural homes line streets which are covered in snow for half the year. At the top of the hill was this house finished in stone, wood and steel that Kelly Deck of Kelly Deck Design was asked to redesign. The family, who lives in the US, spends vacations here in winter to snowboard and in summer to mountain bike.

‘The house is owned by a sporty couple with two school-age children who wanted a mountain retreat to enjoy all the available outdoor activities,’ says Kelly. ‘It has a beautiful structure and great floor plan, and we could see that by elevating the finishes and incorporating sculptural elements in the interior, we could take it from being a white box to a luxurious and memorable home.’

The challenge for Kelly was to create a home that would be enveloping without being heavy or imposing. ‘When we first saw this home, it was so white and the windows were so black — there was a severity to the contrast and a disconnect,’ she says.

Kelly’s clients wanted a Scandinavian sensibility that the interior designer and her team achieved through the careful selection of furnishings with soft lines, decor items that have strong form, cosy textiles, high-quality materials

KITCHEN

Fluted panelling adds another layer of texture.

Stools, CAD 1,600 each, Living Space. Pendant lights, CAD 3,600 each, Apparatus Studio

FAMILY ROOM

‘The feeling in this room is cosy and hip and the wall hanging adds a bohemian flair,’ says Kelly.

Sofa, CAD 9,400, Blu Dot. Rug, CAD 18,000, Kravet.

Reno lounge chair, from £1,619, BoConcept

25BH AUGUST 222 | 105

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and key artwork. The most significant material choice was to panel most of the walls in German white oak. ‘The home is large with generous proportions and we felt that the wood would instantly bring warmth and intimacy,’ says Kelly.

Slabs of Statuario marble were installed in the kitchen and lighting fixtures with a black finish were placed throughout the spaces to create a connection to the big, black-framed windows.

Inspired by the surrounding landscape and the owners’ desire to have a contemporary gateway, the house is characterised by its relaxed and effortless atmosphere. The minimal palette of white, black and grey is true to the Nordic sensibility. Colour accents were introduced to personalise every area and delineate one space from another, such as the mustard chair in the den, pink accents in the sitting room and lilac headboard in the main bedroom.

‘In homes like this, you’re always trying to strike a delicate balance — the world outside the home is rugged with tall imposing mountains, windswept trees and alpine landscape,’ she says. ‘The environment inside needs to be reassuring and inviting without being cliché “mountain cabin”.’

Providing an escape and a destination for the owners’ extended family to visit during holidays, this Canadian project exudes a Scandinavian feel, resulting in a perfect mix and match.

EN SUITE

The striking pendant with an opaque glass shade helps diffuse the light for a more atmospheric feel.

Limpid light, €1,119, Vantot. Bespoke vanity unit, SOMA Millwork & Design

LANDING

A false ceiling was put in so LED lights could be added along the perimeter to create a halo of light.

Bleached oak flooring, £93sq m, Broadleaf, is an alternative

106 | 25BH AUGUST 2022

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MAIN BEDROOM

The upholstered headboard extends to the ceiling, enhancing the feeling of luxury and comfort.

Tatou lamp, Patricia Urquiola for Flos, £240, RoyalDesign. co.uk. Bespoke Kelly Deck Design bedside nightstand, available through James Northey Finishing & Design

FAVOU R I T E F E AT U R E

‘The wood panelling throughout was what took the home from being ordinary to exceptional’

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MODERN RUSTIC BEDROOM FOCUS

Country cool is the perfect description for this sleep space created by interior designer Polly Ashman – its bold patterns and colours are completely on trend FEATURE CATHERINE WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY MALCOLM MENZIES

108 | 25BH AUGUST 2022

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PROJECT DETAIL S

D E S I G N E R Polly Ashman of Lofty Creations H O U S E A self-contained apartment that is part of a working farm in Wiltshire WORK Part of a large project to convert an old stable block into six separate hideaways

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aving been friends with the farm’s owners, Rob and Alice, for many years, interior designer Polly Ashman was delighted to be asked to help with the design in a project to convert their old stable block into six self-contained units (thefarmatavebury.co.uk).

THE BRIEF

My friends and I had dreamed of converting the stables into self-contained units for many years.

We had spent a long time planning how they would look – each with an individual style. The conversion was part of a step for Rob and Alice to diversify their farming business in a sustainable way. The project was a real team effort and my brief for the interior design was to have fun, go bold on colour and work with the character of the stable block and surrounding farm.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Everything in the bedroom had to be found from scratch. We chose a lot of good-quality vintage furniture and accessories. All the furnishings and fabrics had to be hard-wearing and able to stand up to plenty of wear and tear. The clients really let me have free rein in here, and I was very keen to create a bold look, something with a real wow factor that people would love, even if they weren’t brave enough to have it in their own home.

FINISHING TOUCHES

There is so much colour and vibrancy around the farm in the landscapes, gardens and animals, and our aim was to reflect this in the interiors. We were really happy to find the artwork of the beautiful bird as it works especially well in this scheme.

LESSONS LEARNT

My clients needed a bit of convincing that the vibrant colour scheme would be a success but all the brave colour and fabric choices were, in the end, their favourite part of the design. I do think that it pays to think out of the box, so go bold and be brave – you won’t regret it!

ALL IN THE DETAIL Painting the lower wall in a deep green was a modern alternative to panelling.

Headboard in Chubby Check by Kit Kemp, £210m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Lower wall in Calke Green estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Orange gathered lampshades, from £57 each, Pooky.

Similar round bamboo side table, £54.99, Sklum.

Bolster cushions in Cupid, price on request, Chelsea Textiles. Heron artwork, £265, Barker and Stonehouse

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BRIGHT BEAUTIFUL Omar Bhatti completely reworked the layout and decor of a home that hadn’t been touched in 30 years to ensure it was light-filled, luxurious and fitting for family life FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHS MALCOLM MENZIES

HALL

A well-placed mirror brings light into the heart of the house. The brassdetailed console table and wall lights are stylish and timeless.

ZB103 Silver Haze Herringbone flooring, £84.99sq m, V4 Wood Flooring. Terrace console table, £549, West Elm, is similar

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HOW DID YOU COME TO BE a hard-wearing and easily maintainable I N V O LV E D I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? home for a growing family. It was to be a

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Omar Bhatti, the creative director and founder of Space Shack (spaceshack.co.uk) H O U S E A six-bedroom period terrace house in west London WORK Total gut renovation, including extension, new floorplan, new finishes, decoration and furniture

The husband and wife clients approached me in 2018 having bought the property. When we met, we felt we shared the same vibe and energy. They appointed me just two weeks after, which was quick given the huge scale of the project. The couple were from Beirut but had been renting in London due to the husband’s job in the aeronautical industry.

bright, fresh space that would evolve over time as the family became more settled and gathered more belongings. The style they asked for was simple, timeless and classic with neutral colours. They wanted private spaces for the adults as well as a guest bedroom on the ground floor for older relatives with mobility issues.

been touched for about 30 years and felt very old and tired. The clients wanted a complete strip out and to start from scratch.

With three children, they wanted to create

so busy with travel and work that he more or less handed the reins over to his wife.

She had gathered lots of ideas on Instagram but was also open to suggestions. We had a few ‘check-in’ meetings in person but due

W H AT W E R E T H E B I G G E S T PRIORITIES FOR THE H O M E O W N E R S ? The house hadn’t

H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? The husband was

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KITCHEN/ DINER

Brass detailing sings out in the pale and neutral scheme. A central table places a strong focus on family meals.

Units supplied by Kutchenhaus. Walls in Valspar’s Silver Thistle Down, £28 for 5ltr, B&Q. Mobile chandelier, from £271; Azura rug, from £409, both West Elm. Remington round table by Eichholtz, £3,400, Lux Deco. Gubi Beetle chairs, £275 each, Made in Design. Lille sofa, £1,723, BoConcept

DESK AREA

The children do their homework at the stylish wall-mounted desk.

Source a ladder desk and a similar plant stand at West Elm

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MAIN BEDROOM

The bedding resonates with the artwork in this stylish symmetrical scheme. A pendant light frees up space on the bedside table.

Artwork, Paleck by Quintessa, £1,095, The Sofa & Chair Company. Melt pendant light, £850, Tom Dixon. Bedding, Next Home and Dorma

MAIN BATHROOM

Large-scale porcelain marble-look tiles strike a sophisticated note and were bookmatched to appear as one slab. A floating vanity provides plenty of storage.

Large format porcelain tiles, price on request, Neolith. All Saints mirror, £279, Kartell

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to their busy schedule I more regularly updated them with videos and images on WhatsApp and FaceTime.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST

C H A L L E N G E ? We had a lot of steel put in so we could install large panels of glazing at the rear. Logistically it was difficult getting it from the front to the back of the house and we had to get cranes involved. It was a huge part of the transformation as it was always of key importance to the clients that they were able to see right through to the garden from the moment they entered the house.

WHAT WAS THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECT OF THE P R O J E C T ? These clients specifically

asked for a big ‘reveal’ and hadn’t been on site in the weeks leading to project completion. It meant that when we showed them the finished house it was a very emotional moment, especially for the wife who was so excited she actually cried tears of joy.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ? Keep an open mind and

let your ideas flow. When designing for a family, let each family member have a say or have a space which is special for them where they have influenced the style and function – this way everyone can be involved in the design process, which is the fun part!

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DREAM COME TRUE

David Finlayson and Allan Malvar had always been interested in a house just around the corner from their own – now it’s their forever home FEATURE SHARON PARSONS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY

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FORMAL SITTING ROOM This is a quietly sophisticated space for entertaining or reading, and effectively combines furnishings from different eras.

Custom-made sofas, Loungin’; in Ampara Viridian, £5m, Designers Guild. Cali modern oak drinks cabinets, £,5 each, Pavilion Broadway. Lexington coffee table, from £,98, Tom Faulkner GARDEN Similar materials and tonal finishes help link this to the kitchen.

Courtyard designed by Karen Rogers of KR Garden Design

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KITCHEN This space is flooded with light thanks to the vast skylight and floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Bespoke units in Thistle and island in Dewberry, Tom Howley. Elstead Provence 1 Light pendants in polished nickel, £222 each, Olivia’s. Nordic Sea tableware by Broste Copenhagen, from £6.50, Nordic Nest

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace built in 1885 LOCATI O N South London ROOMS Family room/ library, kitchen, formal sitting room, study, two cloakrooms, gym, utility room, media room, six bedrooms (four en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2016 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a smaller terrace in the neighbourhood,’ says David.

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he neglected Victorian house overlooking a leafy London park had long intrigued David Finlayson and his husband Allan Malvar who had lived nearby for 15 years. ‘We were looking for somewhere with more space for our young family,’ David explains. ‘When it went up for sale, we didn’t hesitate... but it was a probate property which went to 20 sealed bids, and we weren’t successful.’

Though disappointed, they didn’t quite give up.

‘We felt instinctively the house was meant to be ours,’ says David. ‘So, when the estate agent called us eight months later to say the original sale had fallen through, we moved heaven and earth to make it happen!’

Nevertheless, their purchase was not for the faint-hearted. ‘The house was in a dismal state,’ says

David. ‘There was incredibly tired decor, a smell of nicotine, which seemed embedded in the walls, and various structural problems – every time you flushed the loo, the house seemed to shudder! Outside, the garden was so overgrown we couldn’t even access it.’

David and Allan, together with their daughter Ava and son Leo (now 10 and nine), lived in the house for a year before decamping to a flat while work took place.

‘We worked with our architect to achieve everything we wanted,’ David says. ‘Interestingly, as almost all of the original features had been stripped out, we felt more confident about doing our own thing without feeling guilty about making radical changes to an older property.’

While the period façade of the house remained, inside walls were taken down and rooms reconfigured;

DINING AREA Banquette seating caters for a crowd and the durable faux leather makes it very family-friendly, too.

Banquette designed by Elena Romanova; made by Loungin’; covered in Laser ll PU leather in Nightshadow, £34m, Kirkby Design FAMILY ROOM/LIBRARY The blue is fresh but it also gives the space a feeling of luxury.

Juno armchair in Turmeric easy velvet, £399, Swoon. Andromeda antique brass chandelier, £1,962, Heathfield & Co. Custom-made rug, Stepevi

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MAIN BEDROOM The bespoke fitted wardrobes have been painted in the same colour as the walls to maximise the sense of space.

Walls and wardrobes in Lamp Room Gray estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr; estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Duke cocktail chair, £399, Swoon. Velvet throw in Midnight Blue, £229, Heal’s

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the basement ceiling was raised to incorporate new living spaces; an office ‘pod’ was installed on the flat roof of the existing rear extension, and practical as well as luxurious fixtures and fittings were installed.

Outside, a courtyard garden was created. ‘The plan was to make it feel like an extension of the house,’ says David. ‘That was achieved with a design that uses similar materials and huge floor-to-ceiling glass dividing the two, so both aspects seem to merge together.’

When it came to the decor, the couple worked with Elena Romanova Interiors. ‘We’d never used a design service before, and it proved a great move,’ David says.

‘Elena encouraged us to be far more adventurous and try things we might not have considered before.’ Elena says: ‘The aim was to honour the origins of the house, while

creating a timeless design that was neither stuffy nor generic. I wanted to be sensitive to David and Allan’s tastes, while bringing in new ideas and perspectives.’

There is a confident juxtaposition of antique, mid-century and contemporary, along with an extensive art collection, heirlooms and treasured pieces. ‘We’ve showcased everything against a neutral background for a sense of calm, but offset the scheme with dramatic injections of colour, pattern and texture,’ says Elena.

The result is a home that ticks everything requested by a design-conscious couple who are determined their home should be a relaxed, happy retreat for their growing family. ‘We were right to trust our instincts,’ says David. ‘We felt this house could offer us everything we needed – and that has turned out to be the case.’

BEDROOM ‘Never underestimate the power of a great wallcovering,’ says Elena, who has chosen this opulent design for one of the guest bedrooms.

Butterflies & Dragonflies wallpaper in SKU103/15067, £101 a roll, Cole & Son. West Elm’s mid-century bedside table in Pebble, £359, is an alternative BATHROOM Classic marble with luxury fittings creates a hotel-spa look.

Alsace honed marble herringbone mosaic tiles, from £144.47sq m, Mandarin Stone. Try the Charlotte large vanity unit in Dark Pewter, from £1,325, Harvey George. Art deco style wall light in polished nickel, €559, Casa Lumi

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KITCHEN The sleek look of this space continues seamlessly outside.

The black-framed sliding doors of the garden room are a direct reflection of the kitchen doors.

Bespoke kitchen, HUX London.

Bontempi Linda bar stools, £400 each, Go Modern.

Hanging chair, £425, Cox & Cox

HOME TRUTHS

D E S I G N E R Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish (zulufish.co.uk) H O U S E A detached Edwardian house in London WORK The layout was reconfigured to include a new kitchen, and the interior design was updated

OPEN TO IDEAS

The clients of designer Caroline Milns gave her free rein when it came to making their dated property a modern home FEATURE JULIET BENNING | PHOTOGRAPHY ZULUFISH

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H O W D I D Y O U C O M E T O B E I N V O LV E D bedroom/bathroom suite and were happy to sacrifice

I N T H I S P R O J E C T ? The owners were relocating from Hong Kong and had found a beautiful large, detached Edwardian home in London close to where their two children were going to school. They appointed us because Zulufish could provide architecture, layout, interior design and joinery all within the same company.

W H AT W E R E T H E B I G G E S T PRIORITIES FOR THE HOMEOWNERS?

The interior was very dated and all the period details had been ripped out. The layout was also poor so the owners asked us to reconfigure the rooms to create a much more open, functional layout that would suit them for the next 10 years at least. They wanted a main

a bedroom to make space for a walk-in wardrobe. On the second floor, we created two good size children’s bedrooms with their own bathrooms. The husband works from home a lot so we made one of the bedrooms into a double-height office with a mezzanine level, taking from the underused loft space. Throughout the house we worked alongside joinery experts, HUX London, to create plenty of exciting joinery.

DESCRIBE THE HOMEOWNERS’ STYLE.

They weren’t particularly design led and gave usa lot of free rein. Their brief was simply ‘bright, open and colourful’ but they were also embracing their move to the UK and liked the idea of including plenty of British design.

F A V O U R I T E F E A T U R E ‘The two huge roof lights added to the

kitchen extension – the natural light they provide is amazing’

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SNUG This space was created during the layout reconfiguration.

Carnival rug by Paul Smith, £3,014, The Rug Company DINING AREA Glazed doors let the light flow in from the other spaces.

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Lema Shade dining table, from £4,900, Go Modern. Giant pebble vase, £440, 5MM SITTING ROOM Cornicing was added back in as a nod to the age of the house.

Alexander sofa, from £3,555; Hogarth armchairs, from £1,700

each, The Sofa & Chair Company.

Custom pendant light, Cameron Design House KITCHEN Push-to-open cabinets contribute to the sleek look.

Globe glass shade pendant lights, £183.44 each, Beautiful Halo

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H O W I N V O LV E D W E R E T H E H O M E O W N E R S ? I’d have a weekly meeting with

the owners. They had never hired an interior designer before and couldn’t believe the breadth of choice – we were also helping them navigate all the UK suppliers.

They weren’t shy of colour, were quick to shortlist their favourite pieces and open to exciting ideas.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLOUR P A L E T T E ? We started with a neutral backdrop

of beautiful cappuccino, coffee and cream shades, which would be very liveable, and layered with darker walnut veneers. This was combined with lots of reflective materials and metallics – bronzes, coppers

and dark stainless steel. On top, we were inspired by the vibrant tones in the Paul Smith rugs to add plenty of colour in the artwork, cushions and upholstery, which really brought the home to life.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR C R E AT I N G A S U C C E S S F U L S C H E M E ?

Spend as long in the concept phase as you can – it can take us up to four weeks working with inspiration boards, Pinterest and magazine tear sheets. Make sure you nail the design direction before getting bogged down in space layouts and sourcing. A sense of flow and clever storage ideas are also important aspects to consider early in the process.

D E S I G N T I P ‘Bespoke joinery and all the storage it gives

allows for a minimalist approach to living’

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MAIN BEDROOM A long headboard covered in sateen fabric strikes a luxurious mood, with the touch-to-open drawers contributing to a look of sleek minimalism.

Custom designed upholstered headboard, Pad UK. Cushions, price on request, Shading Specialists.

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Husky throw, £300, Missoni Home Collection at Amara OFFICE Previously difficult to access loft space has been opened up into this impressive double-height area, with a bookcase in wenge timber delivering plenty of storage.

Custom joinery, HUX London.

Fulton desk, Minotti MAIN EN SUITE Hexagonal tiles bring texture to this neutral scheme.

New York hexagon tiles, £140sq m, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. Similar Florence bath, £1,395, Aquaroc

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A FRESH ANGLE BATHROOM FOCUS

Skill and creativity were called for when the owners of this unusualshaped main en suite commissioned a complete redesign FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN CHUNG

PROJECT DETAIL S D E S I G N E R Tony Lister at Simon Taylor Furniture H O U S E A 200-year-old home in Hertfordshire WORK A total renovation of an en-suite bathroom

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hen the retired owners of this 200-yearold house realised they hadn’t renovated their main bathroom since they first moved in, 20 years ago, they decided it was time for action. After finding Simon Taylor Furniture online, they rang them to arrange a design visit.

THE BRIEF

Tony Lister, the company’s senior designer, instantly saw room for improvement. ‘The room looked very dated, the floor was carpeted and most of the sanitaryware was freestanding,’ he says. ‘There wasn’t much unity to the room and the finishes looked tired.’ While their stated preference was for a modern space that felt open and welcoming, the couple were happy to give Tony creative freedom.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

The exciting part for all concerned was that it was a total redesign that involved replacing the worn-out fixtures and fittings, as well as installing new tiling and flooring. But there were challenges. ‘The room has low vaulted ceilings and original windows, so we had to design every aspect to suit the unusual shape,’ says Tony. Undoubtedly, the pièce de résistance is the standalone vanity, which was designed to perfectly fit the space. It features three deep drawers with open shelving beneath and a sleek white worktop.

FINISHING TOUCHES

As a way of complementing the look of the original wooden door, Tony suggested anti-slip porcelain flooring tiles that have an aged-timber finish, which was laid down above underfloor heating. To create a sense of light and calm in the room, whites and natural finishes were chosen with yet more timber accents here and there for added warmth.

‘Lighting was important, too,’ he says. ‘Because there’s only one window and low ceilings, it was vital to provide zoned illumination that could be used to supplement the lack of natural light, but also to create different moods.’

LESSONS LEARNT

Tony says that this project served to remind him that no two projects are the same and he was particularly proud of how everything came together. ‘We wanted to provide the owners with an en suite that is contemporary, calm, clean and sophisticated,’ he says. ‘And I’m pleased to say they were absolutely thrilled with it.’

PERFECT FIT

A pair of large swivel mirrors on integrated brass mounts are striking and functional. The bespoke shower fits neatly under the rafters.

Walls in Blackened estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr; cabinetry in Blackened estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball.

Porcelain anti-slip flooring tiles, price on request, Minoli.

Bespoke vanity unit and square mirrors, all designed and handmade by Simon Taylor Furniture. Countertop basins, from £521 each, Kohler. Monreale bath, from £530, BC Designs.

Brassware from a selection at Vado and Crofts & Assinder

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Starting from scratch

Creatives Tom and Siobhan Johnson wanted a doer-upper to design to their own specifications and this once-dilapidated terrace fit the bill FEATURE ANNA TOBIN | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH

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HOME TRUTHS KITCHEN An oriel window frames the garden beyond and doubles up as a cosy window seat.

Kitchen units, price on request, Yam Studios. Menu task pendant, £442, Andlight. Lusso Urban single lever kitchen mixer tap, £145, Lusso Stone.

Throw and cushions originally from Heal’s, but sourced from eBay DINING AREA This space was created by extending into the side return.

Wood beams were used to chime with the kitchen units.

Morten dining table, £799, Heal’s.

1950s Kandya Jason chairs, around £700 for 10 chairs, eBay

THE PROPERTY Victorian terrace LOCATI O N South London ROOMS Sitting room, kitchendiner, library/office, cloakroom, five bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘We lived in a flat in Brixton, which was too small to bring up a family in,’ says Tom.

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SITTING ROOM ‘Wewanted a neutral background so the decoration would come from art and unusual finds,’says Siobhan.

Artwork by Andy Welland. The Bradford sofa, from £1,499, West Elm, is similar. Anyday Tassel cushion, £16, John Lewis & Partners, would work here

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hen Tom and Siobhan Johnson decided to swap their small flat in south London for a larger house with a garden where they hoped to start a family, they went hunting for a property they could really put their stamp on. They both work in design, Tom is the co-founder of UX and UI design agency Lighthouse and Siobhan is the managing director of creative content agency Not Actual Size, so working to make ideas come to life for others meant they were keen to get stuck into their own project. When they came across this Victorian terrace, they knew it was the challenge they were looking for.

‘It was a complete dump – a patchwork of bedsits, kitchens and bathrooms, but in a lovely street and was a good price,’ says Tom. Despite the fact it was in a bit of a state, the couple moved in while they worked out

MAIN BEDROOM Simple inky grey blinds highlight the striking Victorian sash windows.

Ferm Living kelim, from £60.80, Trouva BATHROOM The monochrome accents throughout the home are used to great effect here, too.

Cielo Shui Comfort washbasin 40, price on request, Cielo. Bagno Design M-Line matt black wall-mounted basin mixer, £229.95, Victorian Plumbing EXTERIOR Adding an oriel window to the rear wall ensures that light flows throughout the ground floor.

NURSERY This room is designed to suit baby Toby from his cot days until he’s a teenager.

Charlotte cotbed, £250, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Shipwreck prints, £150 for set of 3, Tom Pigeon LIBRARY/OFFICE This space looks out onto the internal courtyard that was created in the side return.

Secto 4200 pendant light, eBay

what they wanted to do. ‘We came up with the ideas for the layout and design and then we called in the experts,’ says Siobhan.

Interior designer Kashi Shikunova, the founder of Yam Studios who had designed the kitchen in the couple’s flat, was asked to work on the interior of the house, while an old friend of Tom’s, Alasdair Ben Dixon of architecture practice Collective Works, was brought in to assist with the plans. ‘Together they really aligned on how we wanted the space to work. We wanted a simple clean design with a muted palette,’ explains Tom. They extended into the side return on the ground floor to create a light-filled kitchen-diner, leaving a small internal courtyard to help natural light flow into the space beyond. The couple then moved in with Tom’s parents while the interior was ripped out and work began turning the house back into a family home. ‘We were

supposed to move out for three months, but it turned into nine and Rose, now two-anda-half, arrived in that time,’ says Siobhan.

Kashi designed all the interior, even the kitchen units, to the couple’s specification – nothing was off the shelf. ‘Kashi kept everything understated and gave us a simple canvas, which we can dress up with art and accessories,’ says Siobhan. The couple love searching for unusual pieces for their home – vintage items and artwork from eBay and design classics from Heal’s and West Elm. And, while the backdrop is complete, the reimagining of the space continues. There’s already been a shift to accommodate baby Toby, who arrived eight months ago, and the scene will change as the children grow.

Tom concludes: ‘We love our home now, it’s exactly, as we envisaged it would be, a fantastic space for us and the kids, which we can continually redesign.’

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The height of elegance Charu Gandhi has brought fresh sensibilites to classic design themes in a sophisticated period apartment that delights at every turn FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY MARY WADSWORTH | STYLING MARY WEAVER

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DINING ROOM Colourful cushions on the chairs bring a relaxed feel to this otherwise formal space.

Bolle Zigzag chandelier, price on request, Giopato & Coombes.

Giobagnara serving trolley, £1,832, Amara. Bespoke dining chairs, price on request, Elicyon SITTING ROOM A statement curved sofa softens the lines of the room.

Bespoke sofa, Michael Reeves Design, covered in Louison bouclé fabric, £534m, Pierre Frey.

Armchairs, price on request, Liang & Eimil. Quartz II rug, £4,018 Jennifer Manners

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HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Single-storey apartment LOCATI O N Central London ROOMS Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast area, three bedrooms (all en suite), dressing room P U R C H A S E D 2019 PREVIOUS PROPERT Y ‘The owners also have several homes overseas,’ says Charu.

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KITCHEN Vividly patterned marble creates a visual contrast with the streamlined cabinetry.

Segmento cabinetry, price on request, Poggenpohl. Calacatta Viola polished marble slab tiling, from £522sq m, Mandarin Stone BREAKFAST AREA ‘Instead of this being a small, leftover space, we made it a monochrome highlight,’ says Charu.

TS column table, from £2,299, Gubi; Fulcrum chandelier, £1,170, Lee Broom, both The Conran Shop. Bespoke bar stools in Whistler leather, Elicyon

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hen Charu Gandhi was asked to design the interior of an apartment in a restored Victorian townhouse that was once a hotel, the developers gave her ample creative leeway. ‘They did have a list of must-haves,’ says Charu, ‘but they also gave us the freedom to carve out creative opportunities.’

Designing the interior took Charu on a journey of discovery that involved some interesting historical research. ‘When taking on the design of a traditional building, we research the area’s history,’ she says. ‘In this case, we unearthed the fact that the location of the

apartment was once a bridge over the “lost” Westbourne River – one of several ancient London watercourses that are now subterranean.’ Charu and her team at Elicyon design studio (elicyon.com) used this information as a departure point to create a supremely serene and elegant interior that subtly hints at the townhouse’s history.

Before the design process could begin, the apartment’s layout was reconfigured by Parisian designer Pierre Yovanovitch, creating rooms that would lend themselves to modern living and entertaining. The architectural framework of the building was preserved, along with many of its original features, such as high

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EN SUITE ‘The pattern of the marble suggests a feeling of movement and flow and the material brings a natural beauty to the space,’ says Charu.

Carrara honed marble slab, from £342sq m, Mandarin Stone

D E S I G N T I P ‘Texture is so important in pared-back schemes – it brings them to life’

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MAIN BEDROOM The alcove wraps around the headboard, both elements blending into one for a tailored look.

Bespoke bed, headboard, oval bedside tables and ottoman seating, all Elicyon. Combo 48530 wallpaper, £42 a roll, Arte

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ceilings, white stucco frontages, fireplaces and cornicing.

With the structural work nearing completion, Charu turned her attention to the decor. ‘I liken a home to a symphony,’ she says, ‘since I’m constantly striving to create a sense of ebb and flow between the different rooms.’ Although the ‘underground river’ connection was used strictly as a jumping-off point for the design, rather than the basis of the decor, Charu does place significance on the calmness of the blues she has used in many of the fabrics – from the pale hues of the rugs to the stronger accents chosen for the main bedrooms.

The elegant architectural features of the building – such as the tall arched windows of the dining room with its green, leafy views of the private courtyard beyond – also inspired Charu to celebrate the apartment’s sense of scale. ‘I wanted to create a chic, pared-back and open feel,’ she says. ‘This room now reminds me of a classic

drawing room in Paris or Madrid.’ Texture and playfulness also figure strongly in Charu’s schemes, such as the clear glass chandelier that’s reminiscent of giant soap bubbles and the contemporary-style sculpted ash dining table with its richly textured wood.

Design dilemmas weren’t the only challenges Charu faced in bringing this project to completion. ‘It was the height of Covid and we were struggling with our bespoke pieces,’ she says. ‘Firstly, to get them made and then to get them delivered. Plus, we had to ensure we weren’t compromising the health of our team and our suppliers.’

Happily, the challenges were far outweighed by the pleasures and satisfaction of creating a contemporary home that didn’t look over-designed. ‘My mantra when working is to create considered, crafted and curated spaces,’ she says. ‘I believe that as long as you’re designing a home with yourself in mind, it will be a success.’

BEDROOM Natural materials and warm tones combine to create a cosseting feel.

Bespoke leather headboard, Elicyon. Try Kari bedspread, £400, Soho Home. Printed ikat shade, from £63, Pooky, has this look

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IDEAS TO SHARE

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

n elegant and luxurious seaside inn once host to Ava Gardner and Cary Grant as they holidayed on the Portuguese Riviera in the 1940s, The Albatroz Hotel in Cascais (thealbatrozcollection.com) has been given a joyous revamp by designer Gracinha Viterbo.

Located on a cliff with steps from its pool down to a private beach, the glittering Italianate building is vintage glamour personified. The hotel has 40 rooms and six suites dressed in maximalist patterns and studded with contemporary pottery and lighting. Throughout the hotel, original details have been thoughtfully preserved, allowing hand-carved banisters and traditional azulejo tiles to be paired with bold tropical friezes and

macramé tapestries by Portuguese artists. All suites have a different charm but some are privileged with views over the Cascais Bay. The restaurant, a hot spot from the hotel’s heyday for elite locals, has been clad in a palette of azure blues featuring chequered Bert & May tiles, smart striped seating and vintage-style lanterns.

Here, panoramic windows offer superb views of the beach and ocean. The menu changes each season revolving around traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine, with a contemporary twist.

On quiet afternoons the Loulé Lounge, connected to the pool terrace, is a tranquil location to read a book or enjoy a glass of wine.

Or take a 10-minute walk down to the museum quarter, which offers a star-studded insight to the history of Cascais.

SAID ADIEMLA ED OCSICNARF HPARGOTOHP IHAW INIHOR ERUTAEF

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ROOM ENVY

This hotel in Portugal has been infused with modern glamour

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