MORE INSPIRATIONAL HOMES THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2019 £4.50 | US $9.99, AUS $9.99, NZ $13
HOMES FESTIVE ELEGANCE Stylish interiors full of seasonal ideas
Trees, wreaths, & tablescapes… finishing touches to inspire
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS A London townhouse with jewel-like flashes Shades of white and foliage in a charming Cotswold cottage
RECALL 04/12/19
December 2019
104 country 14 24 40 44 58
COVER STORY
J O U R N E Y O F D I S C O V E R Y A loving
restoration is the newest chapter in the tale of a Tudor cottage in West Sussex N E W B E G I N N I N G S One couple swapped town life and contemporary furniture for country chic in a rural Hampshire home C H A R A C T E R P I E C E The owners of a 500-year-old farmhouse in West Sussex updated it for modern life while respecting its history H O M E F O R T H E H O L I D AY S Moody hues inspired by rural walks make this stone cottage in Leicestershire a relaxing retreat TA L L O R D E R The annual arrival of a
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14ft tree is a signal that Christmas has come to this modernised West Sussex Sixties house A N O R D I C B L E N D A period home is the backdrop for Scandi-style celebrations in Sussex C O M F O R T & J O Y Keen for a slower pace of life, one couple were thrilled to find a historic property in their beloved Cotswolds W I N T E R WA R M E R This Thirties detached house in Surrey is a haven of board games, crackling fires and family togetherness L A B O U R O F L O V E A wedding venue year-round, this Essex abode is also a treasured family home
Flashes of gold and rich hues create a glamorous feel in this Victorian home (page 20).
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67 96 101 111 121 129
T U R N I N G O N T H E C H A R M Nestled among
woodland, this restored 16th-century farmhouse in Oxfordshire has a warm, sociable atmosphere S P A R K L E & S H I N E Vibrant, modern hues ring the changes in a Northumberland converted carriage house L E T I T S N O W A softly dazzling white palette makes this Italian apartment feel at one with its Alpine setting A WA R M G L O W Simple greenery and twinkling lights look timeless in a 16th-century cottage in Berkshire B R A N C H I N G O U T Fir sprigs and Christmas trees in all sizes bring a touch of the natural world to this former shop in the Netherlands
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A L L I S C A L M Viewing a garish London Edwardian
home in the heat of summer, one house-hunter had a vision of the serene abode it could become M E R R Y & B R I G H T Bold wallpapers and an openedup layout transformed a Victorian townhouse in London S E A S O N ’ S G R E E T I N G S Relocating from Hong Kong to the UK, this family faced a race against time to have their Victorian villa ready for the festive season S T E P I N T O C H R I S T M A S Formerly student digs, this Georgian terrace in Bristol, complete with a towering tree and a candy pink front door, outshines its neighbours A N E X P E R T E Y E A professional hand was required to rejuvenate a Twenties mock-Tudor villa in London F E S T I V E F R E S H Nature-inspired decorations suit the pared-back style of a Thirties house in Copenhagen K E E P I N G U P T R A D I T I O N Every year in this Twenties Danish detached home, the scene is set for longcherished family rituals and feasts fit for a king S E A S O N A L C H I C Elegant furnishings and treasured family traditions make this Victorian villa in London a place to create lasting memories
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W H I T E C H R I S T M A S This Scandi-style seaside
home in Sussex is full of bleached-out character O P E N H O U S E Mismatched finds combine beautifully in a light and welcoming period cottage in Devon
town 80
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F R E N C H D R E S S I N G Vintage finds from France
bring a little ‘ooh la la’ to a Lincolnshire townhouse
r e g u l a r f e at u r e s 127 135 142
T R AV E L O F F E R Luxury European escorted tours W H E R E T O B U Y Find stockists listed in this issue R O O M E N V Y The scheme that’s inspired us this month
N E W C U R TA I N S COLLECTION CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK
25bh | e d ito r ’s le t te r 25 BEAUTIFUL
HOMES EDITORIAL
WELCOME We’re excited to present you with the December issue – our Christmas special – where we celebrate festive interiors, from richly decorated traditional spaces to pared-back rooms with just a touch of sparkle. This second approach is what works for me in my home; I gravitate towards a minimal take on Yuletide styling and there are more than a couple of houses in this issue that strike a chord with my simple approach. Rikke Graff Juel’s Copenhagen house (page 104) and Alette Sluijsmans’ farmhouse in the Netherlands (page 129) both combine foliage with twinkly whites to create serene, sophisticated schemes. Decorators at the other end of the spectrum, meanwhile, will enjoy the decadent touches in the Victorian townhouse on the cover (page 20). Whatever your style, I hope you find an interior to inspire, plus enticing ideas for wreaths, trees, garlands and tablescapes. But Noel is about much more than decorating. It’s the time spent with friends and family, and relaxing after a busy year, that count. So best wishes for a Merry Christmas from the team at 25BH. SARAH SPITERI, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR SARAH SPITERI Executive Editors Kate French and Pip McCormac Group Creative Director Emma Williams Group Chief Sub Editor Anne Esden Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry Commissioning/Interiors Editor Fiona Mace Travel and News Editor Patrick Hamilton Courtney Head of Art Operations Alison Walter Art Editors Melanie Brown and Paula Jardine Senior Designer Christina McQuillan Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Hub Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Spaeth Senior Sub Editors Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley
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THE BIGGER PICTURE Ambitious renovation plans paid off for the owners of this Victorian house in London
A CLASSIC MIX This Georgian house in Edinburgh is revived with a fresh and contemporary new look
BACK ISSUES
Safeship Fulfilment support@mags-uk.com (01795 662976) Vol 22 No 12 ISSN 1369529 ©TI Media Limited, 2019. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, London E14 5HU (020 3787 9001)
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Choose from over 60 exclusive designs Available in 1000s of fabrics, each handcrafted to order in the UK Call free on 0800 2300 048 or discover our full range and your nearest shop at sofaworkshop.com Sofa shown is Dillon corner group in Dusky Storm Velvet.
SITTING ROOM
Even before clinching the deal on the property, Kim had earmarked this corner of the room for the Christmas tree. Burlington fireplace, £1,995, Chesneys. Try the Glencoe Stag cushion, £25, Made.com. Amelia chair, from £670, Neptune
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ALL IS CALM
Kim Dawson worked tirelessly to turn a garish property into a serene home, ideal for a Scandi-style Christmas FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD GADSBY
home truths THE PROPERTY Edwardian semi-detached home L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a three-bedroom mansion apartment in Battersea before moving here,’ says Kim.
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hen Kim Dawson first viewed a handsome Edwardian house in her dream location, she was unfazed by the multicoloured, dated interior, realising that with vision and determination, it could be totally transformed – just in time for Christmas. ‘I’m sure many people would have been put off by the riot of colour that confronted me when I walked in,’ says Kim. ‘The house was completely over the top, decorated
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in all colours of the rainbow dominated by yellows, reds and purples.’ Despite this being the first property she had looked at, Kim was smitten with the high ceilings, the generous proportions of the rooms and the potential to restore the original period features that had unfortunately vanished over the years. ‘Even though it was the middle of summer, I imagined the house decked out for Christmas,’ says Kim. ‘I put an offer in that day and, 10 weeks later, after a huge
amount of effort, we were in and ready for the festive season.’ Back in 2012, Kim and her partner, David Priestley, had been living in Battersea. ‘It was a great spot, adjacent to Battersea Park, but we felt it was time for a change,’ says Kim. Looking online, Kim searched in Putney and Barnes. ‘Nothing appealed until I spotted this house, just a stone’s throw from where my parents had danced the nights away when they were courting,’ she adds. Kim hurriedly arranged
c it y | 25bh DINING AREA
Bright yellow walls were swapped for a chalky palette that blended with the existing floor tiles. Chichester round dining table, £1,040; Suffolk dining chairs, £295 each, Neptune
KITCHEN:
Kim decided to keep the previous owner’s Rangemaster cooker and freshen the walls and units with paint. Units in Old White estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
i n s p i r a t i o n ‘Interiors magazines and a gorgeous home transformed by one of my favourite interior designers Helen Turkington’
a viewing and, from the moment she set foot inside, sensed the house was right. With excitement palpable, Kim called David and asked him to view it as soon as possible. ‘Thankfully, David loved the house just as much as me,’ says Kim. ‘The owners must have been thrilled since we were their first viewers and put an offer in immediately – just hours after the For Sale sign went up.’ Knowing that a move was imminent, Kim had already lined up a recommended builder. ‘I’d seen the standard of his work 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019 | 11
GUEST BEDROOM
A scheme of layered neutrals offers a restful space for visitors staying over the festive season. Walls in Elephant’s Breath estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Louis armchair, £525, La Residence Interiors, is a match
l a s t w o r d ‘Every year, I enjoy choosing the Christmas tree, flowers and foliage at New Covent Garden Flower Market’
BATHROOM
A step-up bath adds a designer touch. Try Fareham hammam towel, from £15, The White Company
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in other homes and was confident he’d be more than capable of tackling this fairly major renovation within our desired 10-week deadline,’ she adds. Having sold their Battersea home, the couple moved into rented accommodation nearby while the work started. ‘The house needed a substantial overhaul to create a better flow and restore the character,’ says Kim, who managed the project. One of the first jobs was blocking up a doorway into the sitting room. ‘This meant FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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MASTER BEDROOM
This tranquil room, with its panelling and upholstered bed, has a distinctly French feel. Provencale Dove Grey king-size bed, £1,900, Laura Ashley
we could reclaim a wall where we could position a sofa,’ Kim says. ‘We created two defined areas in this large space – one for simply unwinding or socialising, and another for watching TV.’ A visit to a Chesneys showroom inspired Kim to buy a cream woodburning stove and elegant new fireplace. She was also tempted by another woodburner to create an attractive focal point in the kitchen. In the sitting room, Kim tracked down a ceiling rose that was a perfect match for
one that was missing, and also sourced new cornicing to complement. On the upstairs landing, uneven floorboards and the ceiling were taken out and replaced. Bathrooms were updated, tall cupboards that she couldn’t reach were removed and a door leading from a guest bedroom into the second bathroom was blocked up. Finally, with all the structural changes completed, it was time to decorate. New carpets were laid and the walls painted in muted shades of cream and grey, injecting
an air of calm into the new-look home, which now features a raft of eye-catching and quirky items collected during the couple’s extensive travels. ‘It was a whirlwind journey to get the renovation done in time,’ says Kim. ‘I had to make lots of decisions quickly but I enjoyed every single minute. I was thrilled when it all came together in time for Christmas. I love our home and, as many people have commented, it lends itself particularly well to the festive season.’ 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019 | 13
Journey of
DISCOVERY Sympathetically renovating their historic cottage was a great labour of love for Carrie and David Brixey FEATURE JANET McMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL
HALLWAY
A French antique mirror bounces light around the welcoming entrance (right and below), which still has its beautiful original tiles. The antique console table has been painted in Slipper Satin estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Mirror, £250, Chalk & Flint. The decorations on the Christmas tree are from The Country Brocante Store and several vintage fairs
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s Carrie Brixey lovingly decorates her idyllic Tudor cottage in the run up to Christmas, she reflects on the almost overwhelming sense of history, emanating from every nook and cranny of this sensitively renovated home. ‘It’s humbling to think that more than 500 Christmases have been celebrated within these ancient walls,’ says Carrie. ‘If only they could talk, what incredibly fascinating stories they would tell.’ Carrie’s own tale began in May 2011, when she and her husband, David, moved into this quintessentially English cottage, after stumbling upon it by sheer accident. Although another house in the village, near Chichester, had originally piqued their interest, it was the stunning cottage next door that took their breath away. ‘At that
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home truths THE PROPERTY A Grade II-listed detached cottage, dating from the 1500s L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility room, conservatory, cloakroom, five bedrooms, four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2011 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a Victorian semi-detached house in Chichester,’ says Carrie.
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25bh | c o u ntry DINING ROOM
A festive table setting adds warmth to this inviting space, complete with its original floor tiles and grit-blasted beams. Candlesticks, £22 each, Chalk & Flint. Ikea’s Henriksdal chair covers, £25 each, would work here
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SITTING ROOM
The glow from the woodburner creates a cosy ambience. Esse stove, POA, W&H Supplies
KITCHEN
A shelf decorated simply with twinkling lights and ivy effectively complements the green Aga. Mann dome wall lights, £129 each, Original BTC
time, we weren’t seriously house-hunting but, when we drove past, I remember commenting to David that it was the kind of property we could only ever dream of living in,’ Carrie says. A year later, her heart skipped a beat when the cottage went up for sale. She and David set up a viewing and, having recognised the cottage’s potential, immediately put in an offer. They were devastated, however, when unforeseen hiccups led to the sale falling through, not just once, but twice. Thankfully, the couple kept clinging precariously to their dream and eventually managed to secure the sale. ‘When we moved in, we almost had to pinch ourselves,’ says Carrie. Determined to enhance their home while retaining its character and period features, the pair embraced their roles as custodians of the property. ‘We turned to Chichester-based architect Joanna Jefferson, who had remodelled our previous home,’ says Carrie, who has a degree in Interior Architecture. When listed-building consent came through, and with a team of builders hired, the work began during the summer
25bh | c o u ntry BEDROOM (RIGHT)
Centuries-old beams are a delightful feature in this guest bedroom with its soothing palette. Meg Morton’s Adelaine cushion in Loire Blue, £45, would work here
MASTER BEDROOM
An upholstered antique chair adds depth to the grey and taupe scheme. Chair, upholstered in Chelsea Charcoal fabric, £32.50m, Ian Mankin
BATHROOM
An antique mirror proved the perfect finishing touch in the renovated bathroom. Duke, double-ended roll-top bath, £539.95, Victorian Plumbing. Dijon tumbled limestone floor tiles, £45.60sq m, Mandarin Stone
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of 2013. Gradually, the property with its relaxed, modern country look, started taking shape. It was re-wired and re-plastered and a smart new kitchen was fitted. Right from the start, Carrie knew exactly the look she felt this cottage, on the edge of the Goodwood Estate, deserved. ‘I realised a muted palette would be the ideal backdrop for our mix of one-off pieces of furniture, family treasures and carefully chosen soft furnishings and accessories,’ she says. Her endeavours have led to the launch of her own homeware business, Chalk & Flint, with her neighbour Ali Oakley. They source unusual and vintage home finds from both the UK and abroad. ‘Ali and I love interiors and share a passion for tracking down lovely pieces, which we sell at local fairs and brocantes,’ says Carrie. The Brixeys have worked tirelessly to create a home that exudes a magical air, particularly during the festive season. ‘David and I have poured our hearts and souls into our renovation,’ Carrie adds. ‘We both feel so very privileged to be part of the cottage’s next chapter.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
Draper Sofa from £1,399 Huxley Floor Lamp £215 Cushions from £20 Rega Turntable £329 Christmas Baubles from £4 Tom Dixon Decanter & Glasses £175
WE’LL H E L P YO U STYLE IT
FOR U S I
S PE RSONAL
Order made-to-measure curtains by 17 December and furniture by 18 December for delivery by Christmas
Sofa pictured is Draper Large 3 Seater Sofa in Lucca Sienna, £1,699. Order by date applies to online orders only. 17 December cut off date applies to made-to-measure curtains where measurements are provided by the customer and are delivered but not installed. 18 December cut off date applies to stocked furniture, standard delivery.
MERRY & BRIGHT Sue and Matt Stacey used jewel colours and gleaming gold to create a decadent look that feels just right for Christmas FEATURE JO LEEVERS | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVIDE LOVATTI
SITTING ROOM Midnight blue and teal work well with festive golds to create a cosseting backdrop all year round. Walls in Hicks’ Blue intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Try the Margot sofa, £499, Made
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c it y | 25bh F A M I LY R O O M ‘This is a comfortable space where the kids hang out with their friends or play,’ says Sue. The carved mango wall art, £66, Maisons du Monde, would work. Bloomsbury rug, from £400, Margo Selby for Habitat. Flatster footstool, from £445, Loaf
home truths
THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, family room, study, utility room, cloakroom, games room, cinema room, wine store, five bedrooms, dressing room, three bathrooms (two en suite) P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in Singapore before moving back to London and buying this house,’ says Sue.
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d e c o r at i n g t i p ‘Experiment with wallpaper. It’s amazing how a bold or witty pattern can bring a completely different feel to a space’
S KITCHEN A flash of yellow pops against dark grey units and an exposed brick wall. Cabinetry, price on request, deVOL; for a similar paint colour, try Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L
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ue Stacey is well-versed in the art of celebrating the festive season in warmer climes, having moved back to London after living in Singapore for several years. ‘Imagine cooking a roast dinner in 35-degree heat – madness!’ she says. ‘Our Christmas tree was imported at vast expense and barely lasted until Boxing Day.’ Happily, Sue and her husband Matt’s present home – a Victorian house – is more suited to her idea of a traditional Christmas. The couple bought the property when they moved back to the UK, but both agreed it needed an overhaul. ‘We have three children – Anya, Dylan and Joe – so the garden was a major reason for moving here,’ says Sue. ‘The plan was to create a modern feel, but also pay homage to the building’s past by reinstating the period features, such as fireplaces, cornicing and ceiling roses, which had all been stripped out.’ Sue and Matt called in Qualitas Construction to do the work. Reconfiguring the ground floor was a priority. ‘There was no sense of flow,’ says Sue. ‘The old kitchen was a narrow room at the side of the house that overlooked a neighbour’s wall and had no access to the garden. Not the most inspiring view when you walked in the front door.’ A bold expanse of Crittall glazing was installed at the rear of the house and a new L-shaped kitchen-diner was created, which works far better as a space for socialising and entertaining. ‘Opening up the back of the house has been the most dramatic change, as it’s flooded the entire ground floor with light,’ says Sue. ‘It’s a real mood-lifter.’ Upstairs, three bedrooms were reconfigured, two with en-suite bathrooms. The builders also dug down to enlarge the old cellar, creating a space that’s destined to evolve into a cool teenage zone as it has a cinema room and games area. ‘It seemed like a good opportunity to plan ahead,’ says Sue. With the structural works nearing completion, it was time to plan the decor. Sue is a self-confessed interiors ideas magpie and is constantly adding to her collection of tear sheets, swatches and screen-grabs. She had a clear vision for the house and enlisted the help of interior designer Nicola Hicks. ‘I dreamt up the style long before we moved in,’ says Sue, ‘but it wouldn’t have come together without Nicola.’ Sue and Nicola worked as a team to create the scheme, which calls on an atmospheric palette of shimmering teal and gleaming gold. Warm metallics, rich blues and bold patterns rule in the elegant living spaces, while the urban, stripped-back textures of brick, steel and bronze give the kitchen-diner a more contemporary feel. The family are looking forward to a cool London Christmas. ‘I love festive smells,’ says Sue. ‘For me, it’s all about a real tree and mulled wine simmering on the stove.’
c it y | 25bh H A L LWAY Sue chose the period-style flooring. ‘I love seeing it every time I open the door,’ she says. Victorian floor tiles, price on request, London Mosaic. Walls in French Grey intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene
MASTER BEDROOM A transparent bedside table brings a modern edge to the scheme. Walls in Steel V pure flat emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Ghost Buster bedside table, £273, Kartell
CLOAKROOM The paint echoes tones in the wallpaper. Palm Jungle wallpaper, £100 a roll, Cole & Son. Try The Wall Lighting Company’s traditional antique brass lantern box wall lights, £205 each
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
A N YA’ S B E D R O O M Painting the door and woodwork blue is a fun touch. Palm Botanical wallpaper in Turquoise, £90 a roll, Thibaut at Norfolk Textiles, is a good alternative
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New beginnings When Jenny Lilley and her fiancé Mark swapped town living for life in the country, they fell in love with a whole new interiors look FEATURE NAOMI JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Georgian terraced cottage L O C AT I O N Hampshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, office, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a flat in Winchester, but we wanted a house we could grow into,’ says Jenny.
SITTING ROOM
The large bay window seat ensures this space is incredibly inviting. The Jhanvi Vintage rug, £99, Wayfair, is similar
HALLWAY
A vintage trunk is the perfect place to stow away shoes. Try the Esther Grey cushion, £12, Dunelm. Floral cushions in Paris Rose Black, £75m, Cabbages & Roses
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ith its collection of antiques and classic palette, you would expect this Georgian cottage to be the home of a seasoned period property decorator, but that could not be further from the truth. ‘Although I grew up in the countryside,’ says Jenny Lilley, who is a lawyer, ‘my fiancé Mark and I lived in a modern flat in central Winchester before we came here in 2015. We filled that place with contemporary furniture that suited our tastes back then, but since moving here, and embracing a different kind of life, we’ve replaced our modern pieces with furniture from local auctions and antiques fairs like Kempton.’ Jenny did take advice from a period property expert, however. ‘I remember reading an interview with Cabbages & Roses founder Christina Strutt,’ explains Jenny. ‘She advised staying traditional in your colour choices when you have an old home, so I did a lot of research into the shades you would expect to see in a Georgian property – muted tones like dusky greys and various shades of off-whites. I love the way these colours change with the light, so I knew I wanted to use them throughout the house and even on our fences
outside!’ But before Jenny and Mark began to decorate, the building needed some attention to ensure it suited their needs. Upstairs an airing cupboard was sacrificed for a more spacious bathroom, and a landing cupboard was combined with what is now a nursery for the couple’s six-month-old son Teddy. Mark also installed a new bathroom, complete with a roll-top bath, and removed old carpets to reveal original floorboards. Sash windows were also fitted throughout the cottage. But is wasn’t all plain sailing as the couple did hit a problem when they discovered a hole in the roof. ‘That wasn’t the best day,’ recalls Jenny, ‘but we had some fantastic tradesmen friends who pitched in to fix it. We don’t know what we would have done without them.’ When the structural work was finished, Jenny could start doing what she enjoys most of all – choosing the furnishings. ‘It now saddens me that I’m running out of places to put any more furniture, as I like the thrill of finding one-off pieces,’ she says. ‘I would really love to start a vintage furniture and homeware business in the future, but for now I enjoy posting things on my Instagram account – @wallflower_cottage.’ The couple love their new life and have fallen hard for the cottage, as well as the surrounding countryside. ‘There’s a real sense of peace and calm here, and not a day goes by that we don’t think how truly lucky we are to live here,’ says Jenny. ‘All the work seems like a distant memory and we’re just really enjoying living in the house and being a family, especially this Christmas – our first one with Teddy.’
DINING ROOM
Jenny loves the warmth and simplicity of bare wood furniture. Walls in Old White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Candles, £3.75 each, Susie Watson Designs
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KITCHEN
Three different finishes on the cupboards gives a bespoke look. Aldana units, £115.45 for a 300mm base unit, Stori at Units Online. Metro wall tiles, £19.50sq m, Topps Tiles
future plans ‘We’d like to convert the loft, but the baby is taking up most of our time’
BATHROOM
The traditionalstyle radiator suits this setting. Savoy traditional heated towel rail radiator, £229.95, Victorian Plumbing. Millbrook bath, £925, The Cast Iron Bath Company
MASTER BEDROOM
Decorated in foliage and fairy lights, this four-poster bed has a festive feel. Try the Lincoln bed, £895, Crown French Furniture. Bedspread in Amelia, £78m, Kate Forman. Pineapple Complete lamps, £75 each, Laura Ashley
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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home truths THE PROPERTY Victorian villa L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, boot room, cloakroom, basement utility, two home offices, playroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), four bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2018 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a four-bedroom flat in Hong Kong,’ says Jennifer.
SEASON’S GREETINGS Jennifer and Edward Carmichael gave themselves a Christmas deadline to renovate their Victorian villa FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY
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SITTING ROOM Brass furnishings deliver a luxurious, yet timeless look. Architect bookcase £695, Andrew Martin. Garcon coffee table, £2,229, Julian Chichester. Walls in Hague Blue estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘For a completely seamless outside-in look, the tiles H A L LWAY Chequerboard tiles are a nod to the house’s Victorian heritage. Chequers Court tiles, £69.96sq m, Fired Earth
SITTING ROOM The blue sofa pops out against the silk wallpaper. Wallpaper, price on request, Gotham. Oscar sofa, from £1,180, Sofa.com
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KITCHEN Exposed brickwork adds warmth to the minimalistic scheme. Try the Sculptural glass geo ceiling lamp, £99, West Elm. The Clyde bar stool in Blue Denim, £87, Maisons du Monde, would work here
on the terrace in the garden match those in our kitchen-diner’ DINING AREA ‘The glazing slides seamlessly away so the kitchen can be completely open to the garden,’ says Jennifer. Hendre Gris tiles, from £30sq m, Mandarin Stone, are similar
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W
hen Jennifer and Edward Carmichael returned to London in 2018 after living in Hong Kong for 15 years, they were ready to put down roots. Their home in Hong Kong was a modern apartment, so they wanted a place with lots of space and character. A friend directed the couple to look at a beautiful tree-lined road with handsome detached Victorian villas, one of which was for sale. ‘Once we’d seen it, we knew we had to have it. It was perfect for us and our children,’ says Jennifer. ‘It had been in the same hands for over 30
years, but apart from putting in new bathrooms and updating paint colours, we didn’t plan on doing anything else.’ NEW ROOM
That soon changed when another friend put Jennifer and Edward in touch with an inspirational architect – Anton Ambrose of Dust Architecture. ‘Anton proved a game changer,’ reflects Jennifer. ‘He came up with ideas that far surpassed all of our expectations.’ Anton’s most influential design suggestion was replacing the old conservatory with a new extension that
includes two walls of floor-to-ceiling glass doors. ‘It’s a real feat of engineering,’ says Jennifer. ‘It has an amazing apex roof and the doors slide away seamlessly.’ Anton also reconfigured the first floor layout. ‘He removed a wall and repositioned our bedroom so it overlooks the garden, which is much more peaceful,’ says Jennifer. ‘He also linked our en suite with a wide dressing room corridor.’ As well as finding a gem of an architect, the couple were delighted with their builder – Mark Tiarks from Foxbury Building, who remarkably finished the entire project on time and
d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘Replacing single doors with panelled double doors
EN SUITE The his and hers basins and storage are a practical choice, but also give the room a sophisticated symmetrical look. Bathroom fittings, from a selection, West One Bathrooms
BEDROOM Jennifer likes introducing playful elements through her accessories. Cushions, price on request, Patrick Mavros. Wooden column lamp, £100, Oka
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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within budget. ‘Mark has a great eye for detail,’ says Jennifer. ‘Going beyond what we expected from a builder, he had the overall vision for our bathrooms and the kitchen. Being American, I thought twice about keeping the existing Aga but Mark and the kitchen suppliers made it work in the kitchen’s new design. Edward is more of a cook than I am and he loves it.’ BOLD AND BRIGHT
When looking for a style for the house, inspiration came from the couple’s artwork. A bright yellow painting found in Hanoi
was the starting point for the blue-andyellow scheme in the sitting room. ‘I have always liked intensely rich, almost iridescent colours,’ says Jennifer. The couple also share a love of horses and all of nature, which is expressed in their choice of wallcoverings, paintings and sculptures. Several pieces of furniture were brought back from Hong Kong and others were researched with the help of interior designer Francesca Grade, who Jennifer leaned on when choosing paint colours and key extra furnishings for the sitting room. Other colours were suggested by local company
The Painthouse. Jennifer and Edward wanted all the decorating to be done for their first family Christmas in London and it was. One of the highlights was when sons David, nine, and Alex, six, realised that Father Christmas was coming down the chimney just for them. ‘In our Hong Kong skyscraper the chimney was very busy,’ explains Jennifer. There was another surprise when Parker, the energetic Russell Terrier, also arrived in time for the holidays. ‘Of course, Christmas is all about the kids,’ says Jennifer. ‘And in this wonderful house they can enjoy it all the more.’
where possible gives a house a sophisticated upgrade’
MASTER BEDROOM Delicate wisteria wallpaper is a romantic choice and the strong lines of the headboard and blanket box are a beautiful contrast. Wisteria wallpaper, £153.60 a roll, Knowles & Christou. Bespoke headboard, The Painthouse
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STEP into CHRISTMAS Once a chaotic student house, Kibi Wright’s elegant home is now the perfect setting for peaceful celebrations with family and friends FEATURE SARAH BOLTON | PHOTOGRAPHY MARK BOLTON
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DINING ROOM
‘This is where I go to town at Christmas,’ says Kibi. Red ribbon at the windows adds to the festive cheer. Camargue dining chairs, £195 each, Oka. Walls in Gauze Mid absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Georgian terraced house built in 1825 L O C AT I O N Bristol R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, study, cloakroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2001 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before we moved here, we lived in a garden flat nearby,’ says Kibi.
best buy ‘The table in the hall, which I made from stone plinths and toughened glass’
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all me Mother Christmas – it’s what I’m known as around here,’ says Kibi Wright as she welcomes you into her house on one of Bristol’s Georgian terraces. Candy pink and adorned with a silver wreath, the door stands out among its more sober neighbours. Inside, the festive theme continues with candles, garlands, baubles and a vertigo-inducing tree glowing with fairy lights in the elegant first-floor sitting room. When Kibi and her late husband Mark first viewed the house in 2001, they needed all the power of their imaginations to see how it could work as a home for them and their two children, Eliza and Oli. ‘It had been used as student accommodation,’ says Kibi, ‘so there were four kitchens and all the main rooms had been divided.’ NEW CHAPTER Despite wanting to restore the house to its original layout, the couple still had to get permission to turn it back into a single home as it had been listed as flats in the Seventies. The restoration took six months, with a few horrors uncovered along the way. ‘The builders discovered a carjack holding up a beam in the attic. That meant the roof had to be redone, which wasn’t something we had factored in.’ Fortunately, all the original features, including fireplaces, cornicing and shutters, had been preserved, albeit hidden behind stud walls and fire doors. ‘Once they were uncovered and restored, 38 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
the whole house had a completely different feel,’ remembers Kibi. Having waited patiently for the building work to be completed, Kibi was finally able to turn her attention to the decoration. ‘It seemed like quite a grand house after our old flat, so I wanted an elegant scheme in keeping with its origins,’ she says. ELEGANCE REIGNS Today, classic Farrow & Ball-painted walls sit alongside more extravagant papered walls, while antique pieces seem perfectly at ease next to contemporary designs. ‘I have no problem with mixing things up,’ says Kibi, who draws a lot of inspiration from her travels. ‘I saw the most beautiful etched-glass door at a parfumerie in Paris and wondered how I could recreate it at home.’ She picked up two glazed doors at a local reclamation yard and enlisted an artist to design and etch them in a similar style. ‘I’m so pleased with them as I wanted a thoroughly glamorous and indulgent bathroom where I could disappear occasionally to escape the family hubbub!’ Over the years, the house has adapted to a growing family, which now includes Hector, 14, and Oscar, 12. Mark passed away in 2017 and the family are adjusting to life without him. ‘I did wonder if we should move, especially now the oldest two are at university,’ says Kibi, ‘but this house has been such a haven for us, as well as holding so many memories, that it wouldn’t be right to leave.’
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SITTING ROOM
Opulent wallpaper panels and seating for a crowd ensure this space is a cosy bolthole. Pushkin wallpaper, £105 a roll, Cole & Son. Färlöv corner sofa, £1,295, Ikea
KITCHEN
In contrast to the dining room, Kibi chose a more contemporary look, with an island that accommodates the whole family for informal suppers. Cabinetry, price on request, In-toto.
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
Lacanche Cluny Classic cooker, from £4,180, Range Cookers. Black and gold pendants, £112 each, Horsfall & Wright
EN SUITE
Kibi had the freestanding bath coated in copper leaf, which echoes the burnt-orange fabric on the antique chair. Copper leaf sheets, from £8.34 for 100, Wrights of Lymm. For a similar upholstery fabric, try the Canton Yellow
Chinese toile, £95m, Lewis & Wood. Try English Salvage for similar basins. Floor in Ronseal Diamond Hard in Slate, £31.73 for 2.5L, B&Q
MASTER BEDROOM
A chinoiserie wallpaper and gold accents bring a sophisticated touch. Artemis wallpaper, £185 a roll, House of Hackney. Walls in Nancy’s Blushes estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Boutique Hotel velvet stitch throw, £200, John Lewis & Partners
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Character piece Liz and Mark Warom turned a Tudor farmhouse and its outbuildings into a unique oasis in which to live and work FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
home truths
DINING ROOM
The beautiful wood features in this space are softened with generous curtains and upholstery. For similar chairs try the Gothic range, from £649, The Dining Chair Company. Try the 18th-century oak circular gateleg table, £720, Vinterior
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THE PROPERTY A 500-year-old farmhouse L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen-diner, study, library, scullery, four bedrooms (all of them en suite). P U R C H A S E D 1993 P R E V I O U S H O M E ‘We had a London apartment and a neo-Georgian country escape in Suffolk, ’ says Liz.
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The floor-to-ceiling window provides a perfect frame for Liz and Mark’s Christmas tree. Try the Large floral print fabric, £14.50m, John Lewis & Partners
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hen Liz and Mark Warom decided to relocate from Suffolk to Sussex, it really was a whole new beginning for them. ‘When we finally secured this place, all we had was a bed and a TV – but with a period house of our dreams, we were more than happy to start again,’ recalls Liz.
KITCHEN
Bright greys and blues are the perfect contrast to the traditional brickwork and beams. Units, price on request, Tom Howley
The couple found this property, which had everything they were looking for, after a year of fruitless househunting while renting in nearby Hove. ‘We fell in love with the fireplaces – there’s one in almost every room, plus the garden was exquisite,’ says Liz. ‘Half an hour after our viewing, we made an offer, which was accepted, but
with the purchase price and a planned extension, we had gone way over our budget, so we had to sit tight and just enjoy the empty space for a while.’ In the fullness of time, the couple decided to make a few adjustments. ‘When we bought the house, it had just two bedrooms, so the biggest project was putting a floor above the barn-style
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SITTING ROOM
‘The fireplaces in the house are our favourite feature,’ says Liz. Try the Beatrice range, from £75m, Osborne & Little, for similar curtains. Try the Noel battery light letter sign, £11.99, Lights4fun.co.uk
sitting room,’ says Mark. ‘This gave us additional bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, without sacrificing too much height downstairs – it seemed a big and brave step at the time!’ For decor inspiration, the couple drew on ideas they’d seen in hotels abroad, as well as schemes from interiors publications. ‘Several times a year, we
treat ourselves to a pile of magazines and store the cuttings on mood boards in a giant artist’s folder,’ Liz explains. These cuttings were particularly useful when they decided to convert the outbuildings to accommodate their company, Temple Spa, which they co-founded in 2000. Liz and Mark clearly appreciate the history of the farmhouse and its
original features, but there’s something else about this home. ‘For us, it’s the beautiful spirit of the place we love most,’ Liz says. ‘We set out to make our home a haven of peace for ourselves and our guests, and we entertain all year round. And at Christmas the house is totally magical – I look forward to it so much every year.’
BEDROOM
Velvet textiles in deep, rich tones create a feeling of warmth and luxury. Try the Juliette headboard, from £600, Feather & Black. Cushions, from £42 each, Oka
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FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Jo and Peter Flavell worked hard to create a warm and welcoming haven for the festive season FEATURE AMANDER MEADE | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
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SITTING ROOM
The green colour on the fireplace wall is Jo’s favourite shade and inspired the scheme here. Wall in Light Bronze Green absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Oscar leather sofa, £5,105; Oscar grey sofa, £3,736, both Matthew Hilton for SCP. Chair, made to order, Flavell Trading. Salisbury 5WS Series woodburning stove, £1,150, Chesneys
home truths THE PROPERTY Detached cottage L O C AT I O N Leicestershire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, garden room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Before moving here, we lived in a farmhouse in France,’ says Jo.
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i n s p i r a t i o n ‘We spend a lot of time walking and have used the colours of the countryside in our decorating schemes’
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H
aving spent a very happy decade living in France, Jo and Peter Flavell made the decision to return to the UK, and set their hearts on finding a rural property. An online search led them to a stone cottage in a hamlet on the border between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The Grade 11 listed cottage, which dates back to 1701, had been home to an elderly lady for many years and had a Sixties feel inside, but it was when the couple ventured outdoors that their minds were made up. ‘We were stunned by the incredible views across the Welland Valley and it definitely sealed the deal,’ says Jo. A moving date was set for December and with no central heating, the challenge was to stay warm during a vicious cold spell. ‘The house was freezing,’ says Jo. ‘We managed to get the old Rayburn oven working and as it was the only source of heat, we based ourselves around it.’ The couple set to work getting one bedroom and the shower room workable before hiring a builder to rewire and plumb the cottage, as well as converting the redundant garage into a new kitchen-diner. ‘The original kitchen was tiny and on the other side of the property. We knew
DINING AREA
A pine dining table (left) has been transformed with black linseed wax. ‘It has a more textural finish than paint,’ says Peter, who also made the chairs. Allback linseed oil wax, £47 for 1L, Swedish Linseed Paint. Coir mat made to order by Tapis Vert
KITCHEN
The oak island made by Peter has been paired with vintage office chairs for a modern industrial feel. Cabinetry by Flavell Trading in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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this room would become the heart of our home as we both love to cook and entertain,’ says Jo. The Flavells are creative entrepreneurs (flavelltrading.com). Peter specialises in furniture-making and Jo creates soft furnishings and accessories. Jo’s vision for the interior was a comfortable, cosy feel that suited the atmosphere of the property. Not a fan of bright colours, she has infused the cottage with the richer hues she loves and insists that people should not be afraid of deeper tones. ‘Dark, moody shades can add drama as well as being inviting – especially in winter. Choosing the right base blend means a scheme can easily be uplifted with additional colour and texture as the seasons change.’ Christmas is a busy time for the couple, but once they close their business for the holiday, the focus shifts to homemade food, log fires, dog walks with Ralphie the Lakeland terrier, and lunches with friends. ‘We use Christmas to recharge our batteries before New Year which is the big celebration,’ says Jo. ‘We used to go to London, but now our friends prefer to come here and consider our house their country retreat.’
MASTER BEDROOM
Peter made the lights behind the bed using vintage door panels, candelabra fixings and a corded bulb. He also made frames for some of Jo’s artwork. Velvet bedspread, £250, Habitat
SHOWER ROOM
A porthole mirror adds to the cosy ship’s cabin feel. Try raw oak towel ladder, £110, The Cotswold Company
LANDING
Dark beams stand out against white wall panelling. Panelling in Joa’s White estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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SNUG The original oak panelling provides a stunning backdrop for the festive scheme. The three-seater sofa is covered in Knightsbridge in Coral, £79m, GP & J Baker. Bespoke ottoman with bronze legs, £3,620, Roselind Wilson Design. For a similar blind fabric, try Miramont Wool Paisley, £105m, Ralph Lauren at Designers Guild
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Twenties mock-Tudor villa, with additions L O C AT I O N London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen-diner, snug, library, home office, playroom, five bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living just around the corner from here,’ says Katia.
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AN EXPERT EYE FEATURE ANDRÉE FRIEZE | PHOTOGRAPHY MEL YATES
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When faced with the challenge of turning a neglected villa into the home of their dreams, Katia and Philipp Wolf enlisted professional help 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019 | 53
d e s i g n t i p ‘Take some time to get to know each space and how you wish to use KITCHEN-DINER Vintage furniture is juxtaposed with an ultra-modern kitchen design for a look that is refreshingly individual. Hans Wegner Wishbone dining chairs, £912 each, The Conran Shop, are a match
K
atia and Philipp Wolf first saw their home and dreamt of living in it long before they actually came to own it. Located not far from where they were living at the time, the Twenties mock-Tudor house was well known in the area for its distinctive architecture, unusual history and allegedly eccentric past owners. Rumours about the house abounded locally: some people claimed that the Tudor panelling had been transported intact from a large 16th-century house in Sussex; others said that the house was a model from the 1926 Ideal Home exhibition. Intrigued by its history and legacy, when 54 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
the house came on to the market in 2014, Katia and Philipp decided to take the plunge and buy it. The couple wanted the space to be relaxed yet functional and in tune with the unusual architecture of the building. Updating the house to suit the needs of their family without sacrificing its unique character and style was a challenge, so they took the decision to enlist the help of an interior designer. ‘It’s such a special house,’ says Katia. ‘There’s a mix of stonework, Crittall windows, beams, joinery and architectural elements, and although I had a few ideas, I didn’t have the knowledge or the contacts to achieve them. I started
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it so you can marry how you want it to function with your own personal style’
10:
LIBRARY Roselind designed the bookshelves with black brackets and handles to match the original ironmongery in the house. Bespoke joinery, price on request, Roselind Wilson Design
DINING ROOM The family use this panelled space for leisurely weekend breakfasts, Sunday roasts and Christmas meals. Dining chair slipcovers in Sackville in Dust, £120m, GP & J Baker
looking around and eventually found Roselind Wilson. Happily, she understood and appreciated the house immediately.’ Before work commenced, it was discovered that the property had actually been built in two parts. ‘A previous owner had added a little cottage next to the main house in the Eighties, which a later owner had then connected,’ says Katia. With Roselind’s help, both parts of the house were carefully updated and redecorated with new fixtures and furnishings in keeping with the original features. Katia and Philipp have similar tastes, but with slightly differing priorities. Katia likes to travel and rummage around antiques and
vintage fairs, while Philipp likes hotels with eclectic style and pops of colour. ‘I love charity shops, the randomness of what you can find for next to nothing,’ says Katia. Roselind sought to create a uniform look that represented both Katia and Philipp’s personalities. She also consulted the couple’s teenage children, Annabelle and Elias, and drew up a decorating wish list for their bedrooms. Various structural and cosmetic repairs were carried out as the house was updated. ‘As the oak floors throughout had gone a bit “orangey”, we had them all lightened,’ says Katia. Doors were changed and bespoke pieces of furniture commissioned, such as 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019 | 55
25bh | c it y d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘Highlight beams by positioning accent lighting above them’
ANNABELLE’S BEDROOM The elegant drapery makes the daybed. an amazing place to switch off. Bespoke daybed, £4,320, Roselind Wilson Design. Try the Lyx light, £255, Bespoke Lights
MASTER BEDROOM Flowing voile curtains soften the architectural details of this oak-beamed retreat. For a similar voile, take a look at Dorio in Chalk, £100m, Designers Guild
Katia’s desk, her linen cupboard and glass display cabinets in the kitchen that hold her collection of china and ceramics. Reworking the interior decor was an important element of the updating process. ‘I did look at Scandinavian style, but ultimately the house dictated what we did,’ says Katia. ‘In the panelled rooms we fitted Roman blinds, so as not to cover up the beautiful wood panels. In the newer part of the property, however, we needed the visual interest that full curtains provided.’ To complement the wood panelling and stonework, Roselind suggested an autumn-themed palette, with rich terracotta, soft 56 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
coral, powder green and bursts of gold, set against a backdrop of neutral paintwork. Textured plain fabrics were chosen rather than patterns, to allow the patina and detailing of the panelling to be the focus of attention. Finally, mid-century furniture design classics were seamlessly mixed with antiques and more contemporary pieces, alongside the couple’s much-loved artwork. At this time of year, the house makes a magnificent setting for a traditional family Christmas. Katia and Philipp savour the wonderful atmosphere and congratulate themselves on the decision to become part of the story of this intriguing house. FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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TALL ORDER home truths
T H E P R O P E R T Y Sixties detached house L O C AT I O N West Sussex R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, utility room, boot room, six bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a terrace in southeast London,’ says Sonja.
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Sonja and Lucian Smithers took the derelict shell of a Sixties house and created a striking family home FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
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or Sonja Smithers, Christmas begins four weeks before the big day, when she orders her 14ft Christmas tree. ‘We have a double-height hallway and to get the size of tree I want, I need to order promptly,’ she says. ‘And when it arrives, putting such a large tree in a pot is quite a palaver.’ Next on the agenda is a walk to the woods with her children, Scarlet 11, Coco eight,
and Otto six, plus Bear the Schnauzer to collect twigs to make the Advent calendar, plus holly and ivy for the dining table and other projects. ‘The build-up to Christmas is a creative time,’ says Sonja. ‘My husband, Lucian, and I decorate the tree with gold baubles and white satin bows. We can just reach the top of the tree from the landing.’ Sonja, who has her own recruitment company, also runs wreath-making
HALLWAY
A huge Christmas tree and wood-burning fire create a warm, welcome in this double-height space. Double-fronted woodburning fire, price on request, Piazzetta
SITTING ROOM
The striking angel wings are permanent and not just for Christmas. Angel wings, £160, Cox & Cox. Plain orange cushions, £36 each, HomeSense
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DINING AREA
A classic mid-century sideboard adds a warm note of contrast. Wax tea light holder globes, from £15.95 each, Sarah Raven. Try Neptune’s Highbury candlestick, £42
KITCHEN
Oak worktops lift the dramatic, dark shade of the walls and units. Stools, £120 each, Atlantic Shopping. Walls in Off-Black estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
workshops to raise money for local charities, and has lots of Christmas tips to share. She wraps gifts in brown paper and teal ribbon with grey tags as befits a chic Scandi look – a style she’s chosen for her whole house. When Sonja and Lucian first bought their home, it was a derelict shell and had lain empty for two years. The ground floor was divided into five small rooms and the sitting room had a square bay. ‘We consulted
DINING AREA
Sonja’s elegant seasonal table includes napkins wrapped with string and place names calligraphed in gold ink. Pop chairs, £40 each, Origin Furniture
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several architects,’ says Sonja. ‘Most suggested knocking it down and starting again. But that seemed a shame as there were elements of the architecture we really liked.’ Finally, they found a design practice, Architecture Live, which shared their appreciation of the house. ‘They came up with plans to open up the ground floor, create a separate snug and double-aspect fireplace between the hallway and sitting
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room, and install extra windows,’ says Sonja. The house’s façade, where the chunky front door appears to float in a wall of glass, definitely cuts new ground. This was an expensive feature but, as Sonja says, ‘It’s a real showstopper.’ The couple thought carefully about the furniture for their new home. ‘We bought quite a lot of new items and stayed within budget by juggling eBay finds with more expensive pieces to create
the mid-century look mixed with Scandi style we were after,’ says Sonja. It’s a look that comes into its own during the festive period, when Sonja likes to keep things simple. For example, she uses white roses, rosemary and eucalyptus to create a serene table decoration for Christmas lunch. ‘This house works so well for us,’ she says. ‘But I always like to ring the changes. Perhaps we’ll build our own house next.’
MASTER BEDROOM
The muted upholstered headboard creates a luxurious feel, contrasting well with multicoloured cushions. Cushions, £36 each, HomeSense. Wall reading lights, £150 each, Artemide
BATHROOM
A long, narrow mirrored shelf fits neatly under the sloped ceiling and provides handy storage space. Brick wall tiles, £45sq m, Topps Tiles. Wash basin, £250, CP Hart
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A NORDIC BLEND
Ray and Gunvor Reynish have truly made this old country house their own with a beautiful mix of English and Scandinavian decorating traditions FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
home truths THE PROPERTY 18th-century detached house L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchen-diner, two home offices, conservatory, five bedrooms (one en suite), three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 1999 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We moved from a large Queen Anne house nearby,’ says Ray.
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D
eep in the Sussex countryside, Ray and Gunvor Reynish’s house is the stuff of fairy tales. With almost 400 years of history, it has a lovely ambience, which the couple have enhanced with a mix of their two cultures: Gunvor’s Swedish heritage and Ray’s English roots. Rewind 20 years, and the couple were living in a stunning Queen Anne house nearby. ‘It was quite big and grand,’ says Ray. ‘We decided we wanted a less formal place that we could really make our own.’ This property and its surroundings, which include an oast house, large pond and barn, had
huge appeal. ‘The house needed a complete renovation,’ says Ray. ‘So we took the opportunity to build a conservatory and extend the kitchen and bedroom above.’ For the interiors, Ray left the decisions to his wife, who used to own a fashion boutique. Gunvor chose a palette of neutrals, which evoke a Scandinavian feel. ‘We were happy for the outside of the house to look old, but inside we wanted it to be fresh and light,’ she says. The walls, for instance, are painted in gentle whites to balance the low ceilings and beams. ‘If you have a house with history, use empathy to maximise its personality,’ Gunvor
c o u ntry | 25bh SITTING ROOM A shelf was built at the top of this open fireplace to display family heirlooms. The Stocksund armchairs, £299 each, Ikea, are similar. For vintage Swedish straw goats, try Etsy
KITCHEN-DINER The lights at the window and a dresser-style unit give this space a lovely lived-in feel. Chichester kitchen, from £145 for a base cabinet, Neptune. Total Control five-oven range cooker, from £13,825, Aga. For ornaments with a similar feel, try The Worm That Turned
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25bh | c o u ntry MASTER BEDROOM The bedstead, bedside trunks and framed images are antiques and create a timeless feel. Vinterior offers a wide selection of antique trunks. Hanson wall light in Antiqued Brass, £107.60, Jim Lawrence, would work here
l a s t w o r d ‘Go with schemes that are simple, so they can easily be changed’ adds. And her approach can be seen in every room: from the classic grey-painted cabinets in the kitchen and exposed brick in the sitting room to the subtly toned wallpapers with traditional motifs and the many exquisite antiques, including an exquisite sofa and chair from Gunvor’s Norwegian grandmother in the study area. With the decoration finished, Ray and Gunvor thoroughly enjoy their home, with its historic soul and rustic charm inside and out. ‘We love having the natural world all around us,’ says Ray. And at Christmas, this is brought inside, with an abundance of 64 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
greenery trailing along the mantel, around windows and over shelves, alongside festive decorations, many of which have come from Gunvor’s native Sweden. This is also when the whole family – two daughters, Anja and Mirja, sons-in-law and six grandchildren – gathers, and in true Swedish style, the main event is on Christmas Eve. ‘We have a wonderful Scandinavian celebration, toasting it with our family’s award-winning English sparkling wine, Black Dog Hill,’ says Gunvor. The festivities, and indeed the surroundings, really are a true blend of Sweden meets Sussex.
HOME OFFICE Gunvor inherited the antique sofa and chair from her grandmother and re-covered them in rich velvets. Jasper Peony wallpaper in Aqua, £60.08m, Lewis & Wood, has this look B AT H R O O M A mirror at one end of the bath creates a feeling of space. Elephant Stripe wallpaper in Saffron, £62.50 a roll, Little Greene BEDROOM Little decoration was needed as the beams provide plenty of interest. The Sienna bed, from £1,145, Feather & Black, would work well here
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Comfort & joy Wendy Hazelwood and her husband brought a once dilapidated period cottage back to life FEATURE PENNY BOTTING | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
SITTING ROOM
A traditional Nordic theme is perfect for Christmas at the cottage, with simple red and white tree decorations, a faux fur rug and throw and plenty of candles. Upton weathered oak top console table, £1,395, Oka. Supersoft faux fur throw in Snow Fox, £250; Sumptuous sheepskin double rug in Ivory, £175, both Cox & Cox
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d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Whatever your style, don’t put away special things that have good memories. If they make you smile and you love them, keep them out’
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home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II* listed 16th-century house L O C AT I O N The Cotswolds R O O M S Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, snug, study, boot/utility room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, plus a separate en-suite bedroom, which is rented out P U R C H A S E D 2014 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We used to live in a Thirties detached property in Buckinghamshire,’ says Wendy.
SITTING ROOM
‘I love soft, warm shades – they’re relaxing and provide the perfect neutral backdrop in our historic home,’ says Wendy. Lamps, price on request, Su Chases Interiors. The Thurloe footstool in Bursa Antique, £599, Sofa Workshop, would suit this space
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DINING ROOM
A garland decorated with faux pheasant feathers adds rustic country charm. Pearl oval dining table, £895; Rosen chairs, from £249 each, all Scumble Goosie. Pioneer woodburner, from £1,182, Clearview Stoves
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ith their children leaving home, Wendy Hazelwood and her husband were ready for a change of lifestyle, and a move to Gloucestershire proved to be exactly what they were after. ‘We enjoyed living in Buckinghamshire, but we’d often go exploring in the Cotswolds at the weekend,’ says Wendy. In fact, the couple were spending so much time there, that they bought a holiday cottage in a pretty village. ‘We loved the relaxed way of life, so we decided to move here permanently,’ says Wendy. The couple sold their place in Buckinghamshire and relocated to the holiday home until they found somewhere bigger. Properties here are often snapped up before appearing on the open market, so competition was tough. ‘We were thrilled when a neighbour told me about this house,’ says Wendy.
‘I had the air-dried oak chandelier made to fit the space,’ says Wendy. ‘At night, it fills the ceiling with wonderful sparkling lights.’ Oak chandelier, £3,750, Life at Nettlebed. Shaker units; Artisan three-legged stool, both price on request, John Lewis of Hungerford
Fascinating history The listed building can be divided into four periods. ‘There’s a medieval chimney breast in an upstairs bedroom; the sitting room is 16th century; the dining room and boot room date back to 1738, and the single-storey side extension is a Victorian addition,’ says Wendy. Filled with excitement, the couple went to view it. ‘The property was in a desperate state, and it’s no exaggeration to say that everything except the roof needed attention,’ she says. Undaunted, the couple bought the house and steeled themselves for the huge project ahead. ‘We hired architect Julian Fellows from Abberley Designs, which specialises in period properties,’ says Wendy. ‘Our plans included new plumbing, wiring, doors, windows and bathrooms. We also wanted a new kitchen and to our relief, we were allowed a single-storey extension on the side of the house.’
Festive cheer
Once the structural work had been completed, Wendy chose soft creams and greys for the interior to complement the Cotswold stone outside. ‘I loved the character of the house so much that I didn’t want to hide it behind strong colour and pattern,’ she says. The feeling of calm is further enhanced by clever lighting, which includes low-level designs in hallways, wall lights, lamps, statement chandeliers and sensor lights in bathrooms and cupboards. At this time of year, twinkling lights and garlands bring festive cheer and set the scene for a family gathering. ‘Wherever they are in the world, the children like to come home,’ says Wendy. ‘It’s an ideal retreat for the work-weary and a wonderful place for us to get together.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘To make a scheme flow, follow a theme throughout with varying hues of the same colour palette’ BATHROOM
The tub is positioned to make the most of the garden views. Ellipse bath, £2,295; Cifial tap, £1,210, both Waters Baths of Ashbourne
BEDROOM
Painted wood furniture and soft textures lend a relaxed feel. The Chantilly white bed, £449, The Cotswold Company, is similar
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WINTER WARMER After several years of renovation, Tracey and Matt Kilgannon’s home is a truly welcoming retreat FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY RACHAEL SMITH
DINING ROOM
The muted green of a candle inspired Tracey to choose the subtle wall colour for this space. Walls painted in Ball Green estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Henley dining chairs, from £365 each, Neptune. Try Lavenham Cream Five Light chandelier, £190, Laura Ashley
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W home truths THE PROPERTY Detached Thirties house L O C AT I O N Surrey R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen-diner, four bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2009 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a much smaller house nearby,’ says Tracey.
ith its flickering candlelight, fire crackling in the hearth and the heady scent of pine and eucalyptus in the air, Tracey and Matt Kilgannon’s sitting room is the perfect space to hole up in over the festive season. ‘The build-up to Christmas is always incredibly busy so over the holidays, we love to retreat to this room to read or play games,’ says Tracey. ‘It becomes a real sanctuary.’ Tracey and Matt bought their house, which was built in the Thirties, 10 years ago, when their children, Lily and Jago, were aged just three and one. ‘We were looking for a place that would be our forever home,’ Tracey recalls. ‘We hesitated about this property because it needed so much work but the garden was stunning and we could see beyond the dated carpets and wallpaper. The house had a nice feeling about it – you could
tell that the previous owners, an elderly couple, loved it very much.’ The first tasks when the family moved in were to rip out the carpets and sand the floorboards in the sitting and dining rooms, as well as remove the wallpaper and repaint all the spaces. They also created a large family bathroom by amalgamating a shower room and adjoining loo. The next phase came five years later, when the small kitchen was extended to create the room that now incorporates the dining area and a family living space. ‘The extension has completely changed the way we use the house,’ says Tracey. ‘Before that, we were living on top of each other.’ While the family had stayed put through the smaller renovations, they had little choice but to decamp for the major works. ‘Fortunately, we have some friends up the road who let us stay in the guest house in their garden,’ says Tracey. Another good friend lent her services as a kitchen designer, helping the couple to come up
KITCHEN
Soft shades of off-white were chosen for the cabinetry to enhance the spacious feel of the extension. Galvanised pendant, £92, Tinsmiths, is similar. Dijon tumbled limestone floor tiles, from £45.60sq m, Mandarin Stone
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LESSON LEARNT ‘It took us a long time to complete each phase, but this worked to our advantage as our ideas did change. We have a house that works well for our family now and for when the children are older’
SITTING ROOM
Sumptuous textures of velvet, wool and linen enhance the cosy feel here. Sloucher large sofa in velvet (left), from £2,095, Loaf. Mercury glass candle holders, from a selection, The White Company
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with plans for the cabinets, which were then made by a local carpenter. Just a few months after the dust settled the next phase began, this time a loft extension that created a new master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. ‘We get on very well with our builders,’ quips Tracey, who adds that plans are afoot for the next chapter in the renovation. ‘We are applying for planning permission to build another bedroom above the kitchen and to transform the garage into a utility and boot room.’ In the same way that the work on the house has been done in phases, and when budget allowed, Tracey has furnished it over time, hunting down classic pieces that won’t date. ‘I think there is definitely a country feel to some of the schemes as the garden is such a big part of this home,’ she says about her choice of deep velvet sofas, buttoned upholstery and stools and chairs, some of which she found in antiques shops
and revived with a lick of paint. ‘I’m very happy to get out the paint brushes – Matt and I decorated most of the house ourselves,’ she adds. While the extension features different shades of airy whites, the sitting and dining rooms have a cosier ambience, with the former painted a warm mushroom hue and the latter, a muted green. ‘I think the colours reflect the fact that these rooms get used the most in the evening, so we wanted to create a more inviting feel,’ Tracey explains. At this time of year, when Tracey and Matt’s families descend on the house, the extension comes into its own. ‘The kitchen is great for hosting large numbers,’ Tracey says. ‘Lily loves to help me bake and both children like to decorate – we collect foliage from the garden and they have their own tree to dress in the family room. I like to think the previous owners would be thrilled to see the house being loved and enjoyed,’ she adds.
HALLWAY
The bureau, from Matt’s parents, was revived with a coat of paint. Loco floor lamp, £275, Loaf. For a similar antique bureau, try The Hoarde
MASTER BATHROOM
Tracey succeeded in squeezing a statement freestanding bath into this compact space. Bayou bath, £1,199, Bathstore. Stone candle holders, from £17.65 each, Only Home, would work here
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
MASTER BEDROOM
This calming sanctuary is tucked beneath the eaves in the new loft extension. Vienne quilt, from £225, The White Company. Brompton wall light, £100, Neptune
LILY’S BEDROOM
The chair is a junk shop find that Lily repainted in a gentle blue. Catherine Lansfield Wolf faux fur throw, £22.95, Linens Limited. Try vintage floral bunting, £12 for 5m, The Cotton Bunting Company
home truths
SITTING ROOM The Watch House is available for rentals through Unique Home Stays. Black metal vintage star is similar, £39, Rockett St George. Similar bunting, from £12 for 5m, The Cotton Bunting Company
T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II-listed home, built in 1821. L O C AT I O N East Sussex R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, family room, kitchendiner, watch room, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2012 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living and working in London when we bought this house,’ says Jonathan.
WHITE CHRISTMAS H A L LWAY The all-white entryway sets the tone for the Scandi-inspired interior. Try the painted country wooden sofa, £899, Scumble Goosie
c oa s ta l | 25bh SITTING ROOM Linen-covered seating and furniture made from reclaimed wood create a relaxing ambience. Try the Weekender sofa, from £1,195; armchair, from £795, both Loaf. Etsy has wooden pallet coffee tables, from £115
Jonathan and Sue Eley’s historic home is full of bleached-out seaside charm FEATURE JANE BOWLES | PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE HEMMINGS/GAP INTERIORS
KITCHEN-DINER Timeworn pieces add texture and contrast to this bright, light-filled area. Tolix dining chairs, 216 each, Made In Design. Anya white industrial pendant, £87.50, Enamel Shades at Notonthehighstreet.com
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25bh | c oa s ta l BEDROOM Blue and white hues echo the coastal setting. Try the Blue quilted bedspread, £260, Lexington at Royal Design. Hemnes white bed, £254, Ikea, is similar. Try the Mongolian sheepskin bench, £299, Suburban Salon
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ack in 2012, Jonathan Eley and his wife Sue were living and working in London when they began to think of owning a home by the sea. ‘Both Sue and I were born and raised near the coast and we wanted our children, Hope and Sam, to experience that same lifestyle,’ says Jonathan. The couple happened to be browsing The Sunday Times property section and saw this house advertised. Intrigued, Jonathan and Sue promptly arranged a viewing. ‘We fell in love with the house and we made the decision to do whatever it took to make it our home.’ A survey showed that some building work was required and, after replacing
all the roof tiles, remodelling the kitchen, adding a shower to the bathroom and landscaping the garden, Jonathan and Sue turned their attention to the decor. Given the coastal location, light-toned, Scandiinspired colours seemed a natural choice for the interior. ‘I’m a great fan of dark colours, but using them here would have been a risky strategy,’ says Jonathan. The couple then set about sourcing furniture and objects for the interior. ‘The previous owners left us quite a few quirky items,’ says Jonathan, who also found other pieces close at hand. ‘One of my favourites is the pallet table in the upstairs sitting room, which I salvaged from a neighbour’s front
garden.’ All of the local area is a good resource. ‘Rye is a fantastic place to find one-off pieces of furniture, as it’s packed with interesting shops selling pieces you won’t find anywhere else,’ says Jonathan. He also sourced some furniture online. ‘I can spend hours searching for what I want.’ The all-white scheme creates a serene backdrop to the family’s festive celebrations. ‘Christmas means family, pure and simple,’ says Jonathan. ‘We all watch It’s a Wonderful Life together on Christmas Eve beside the fire, with the tree lights twinkling and a glass of something fizzy and cold in hand. As long as we’re all together, that’s the best Christmas present we could ask for.’
B AT H R O O M The couple managed to squeeze a small slipper bath into this compact space. Try the Cambridge slipper bath, £369, Soak.com. The Plank mirror, £139, Indigo Furniture, is similar
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FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
FRENCH D R E S S I N G Amanda Knox has injected her own style into this 18th-century townhouse, washing its interiors white, before layering with vintage finds from France FEATURE JACKY HOBBS | PHOTOGRAPHY CLIVE NICHOLS
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home truths THE PROPERTY Red-brick townhouse built in 1750 L O C AT I O N Lincolnshire R O O M S Sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms PREVIOUS PROPERTY 'We lived in a cottage in the country,’ says Amanda.
SITTING ROOM
Amanda’s choice of fresh foliage, flowers and potted trees and plants brings a natural, rustic feel to her Christmas decorations. With its roaring fire, comfy sofas to sink into, glowing candlelight, plus piles of cushions and throws, this spot is a cosy gathering place for family and friends to celebrate. The Bluebell sofa, from £680, Sofa.com, would work well. Mantel mirror, £1,500, Decorative Country Living. Grey velvet cushions, £12 each, TKMaxx. Faux Christmas tree, £59, John Lewis & Partners
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A
manda Knox, by her own admission, has always been a magpie, a treasure hunter. Her fascination is for vintage French decor, inspired and facilitated by her parents’ home in France. ‘I scour the French country brocantes and store my finds in their barn before bringing them home,’ explains Amanda. ‘I love items crafted from natural materials, with texture rather than colour, and preferably faded or worn.’ Pleasure-hunting turned into a profession when Amanda established Decorative Country Living, an inspirational online and pop-up shop that’s full of unique, largely French vintage finds. For a few years, the pieces she collected for her business also worked in her home. ‘Then in 2009, we moved from a rustic country cottage to this elegant, three-storey Grantham townhouse, which has fabulous high ceilings and light spilling in through the large windows. I decided to send all the furniture in my cottage to my shop and start totally afresh,’ she says. Amanda began by completely gutting every room, paring the walls back to the plaster and ripping up carpets to reveal the original floorboards. ‘We found lots of pins in between the sitting room floorboards,’ says Amanda, who later discovered that the house was once owned, in the early 1900s, by three dressmaking sisters. A vintage dressmaker’s dummy in Amanda’s bedroom, strewn with second-hand bags and colourful scarves, pays homage to this snippet of the house’s history. C R E AT I N G A FA M I LY H O M E
Amanda washed the house in a chalky white throughout, creating a spacious, blank canvas for her faded and fabulous French furnishings. Initially, she planned to open up the entire ground floor, but she realised that her children, Felix, now 23, Flora, 21, and Delphi, 18, needed their own space while they were still living at home. So instead Amanda created a separate den for them with glass double doors that lead onto the dining and kitchen area. Despite the compact size of the kitchen, she managed to squeeze in a roomy range cooker by ingeniously opening up the fireplace. A space-saving utility area, neatly secreted behind a folding French
KITCHEN
A white palette creates an illusion of space in this compact room, while pops of pink add interest (and Dolly the dog waits patiently by the door). Walls and units in Pure White matt emulsion, £35 for 1L, Laura Ashley. Weathered vintage pierced screen, £220, Decorative Country Living
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FAMILY ROOM
The vibrant colours in the painting are echoed by the bright festive paper decorations, candles, ribbons and potted pink cyclamen. Rorchio assorted pleated paper decorations, £12.99 for a pack of 22, Amazon. Neptune’s turned wooden table lamp, £79, with grey linen shade, £28, is similar
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DINING ROOM
A fallen branch brings the outside in, bridging the gap between the pendant lights and providing a place to hang Christmas decorations. Pendant lights, £148 each, Urban Cottage Industries. For a similar table, try the Suffolk, from £865, Neptune. Metal painted dining chairs, £65 each, Newark Antiques Fair
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MASTER BEDROOM
Muted colours, natural fibres, subtle rose highlights and monogrammed accessories are found throughout this space, keeping in harmony with the property’s distinctive style. Walls painted in All White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Glass shaded chandelier, £375, Cox & Cox. For similar faded, rose-print curtain fabric, try Clarke & Clarke’s Delphine, £21m, Jane Clayton
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LAST WOR D ‘I love family
Christmas traditions; I make, bake and decorate a gingerbread house with the girls, and they still have stockings at the end of their beds’ wooden screen, and lots of open shelving serve to further maximise the tight kitchen space. Upstairs, Amanda has indulged herself with sumptuous sofas, tactile textiles and a host of ornaments – treasured finds, mirrors, lamps, plus throws and cushions made from vintage French fabric remnants, and curtains fashioned from French linen sheets. ‘In the sitting room, I discovered that layers of paint concealed a beautiful white marble fireplace,’ she says. “I watched a YouTube video and stripped and restored it myself.’ D E C O R AT I N G F O R C H R I S T M A S
Tones and textured whites are layered in every room, except for the children’s, where there’s a lick of grey for Felix, palest pink for Flora and aqua for Delphi. Pattern in the bedrooms is dominated by faded roses in the artwork and on quilts, cushions and throws. There are fresh flowers throughout the house and in Amanda’s own bathroom, rose-printed tiles. At Christmas time, the property is filled with brilliant colour bursts of pink and red, inspired by the abstract painting in the family room. ‘Christmas should be fun,’ says Amanda, who dresses downstairs with large concertinaed paper baubles, fuchsia candles, ribbon trims and potted pink cyclamen. ‘This year, I decided to declutter and decolour the Christmas trees, downsizing our traditional 10ft one to prettier, shorter, space-saving table-top versions.’ Decorated boughs and branches, plus hellebore-filled twig planters and leaf garlands create a natural, pared-back look. A foliage-filled natural door wreath hints at the stylish decor inside and the warm Christmas welcome Amanda has created for family festivities within.
BATHROOM
A classic cast-iron bath makes a stunning centrepiece, setting the tone for a timeless look along with the antique mirror and simple wooden furniture. The Cambridge bath, £399.97, Soak.com, is a good match. Cath Kidston Rose Sprig floor tiles, £46.80sq m, Harvey Maria
FLORA’S ROOM
Vintage textile prints and hints of pink combine to create a pretty, feminine bedroom for Flora, whose name appears on the wall in vintage shop lettering. Try Cath Kidston’s Spitalfields duvet set, £45. Walls painted in Middleton Pink estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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Playtime made portable. Shop our Kids collection now at swooneditions.com Pay in instalments with
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Labour of LOVE A venue for weddings, Sam and Rob Maclean’s home is also the perfect location for a family Christmas FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS | PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY ELTES
home truths SITTING ROOM Christmas-themed cushions and bold splashes of red enhance the festive feel. Try the Weekender armchair, from £795, Loaf. Similar antique brass lantern, £140, Nordic House. Notonthehighstreet.com has festive cushions, from £12 each
THE PROPERTY Farmhouse, built in 1450, with Georgian additions L O C AT I O N Essex R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, snug, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, bathroom M O V E D I N 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in London before moving here,’ says Sam.
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25bh | c o u ntry SNUG Family get-togethers around the open fireplace are a highlight of the season. Klippan Polka throw in Red, £69, Nordic Nest, is an alternative. Clockhouse stool, £95, Garden Trading, would work. The Robin cushion by Lorna Syson, £52.50, has this look
DINING AREA A red-painted dresser adds a burst of colour to the open-plan space. Try Downton Grey painted ladder-back dining chairs, £199 for two, The Furniture Market
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KITCHEN Sandblasted beams are complemented with a traditional design and centrepiece Aga. Range cooker, from £8,785, Aga Living. Take a look at the Westhampton clock, £75, Newgate
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hristmas Day also happens to be my birthday, so it’s definitely the biggest day of the year for me,’ says Sam Maclean. Happily, the farmhouse with idyllic grounds that she shares with her husband, Rob, and one-year old twin sons, William and Albert, could hardly be a more beautiful setting for this double celebration. So beautiful in fact, that it is also the location of a thriving business hosting wedding celebrations. ‘My parents bought the farmhouse back in 2004, along with the grounds, which also contained a dilapidated barn,’ explains Sam. ‘When Rob and I got married in 2010, we held our own wedding here, which sparked the idea of using the barn and grounds as a wedding venue. We decided to move here and live in the farmhouse in 2015, when our wedding business began.’ Sam and Rob knew that getting their farmhouse home into good decorative order would be a challenge. ‘The house hadn’t been touched since the Seventies,’ says Sam. ‘We decided to take everything back to basics and renovate it completely.’ A programme of building work was required in order to realise Sam and Rob’s vision. First, the beams throughout the house were sandblasted. Next, the old kitchen was stripped out and a partition wall knocked through to open up the space. The
internal beams in the wall were also exposed to create a statement feature. Then came a setback. To their dismay, the couple discovered that the house was literally built on mud, so new flooring had to be laid in several of the rooms. Upstairs, however, the ancient wide floorboards were still intact. ‘The floorboards in the guest room are part of the original 1450s house,’ says Sam. ‘They were black when we uncovered them, so we had them restored and taken back to their original colour.’ With the structural work complete, Sam began to think about the decor. ‘I was keen to respect the age of the house,’ she says. ‘The sitting room is Georgian, so I chose a pale blue and grey scheme, with authentic colours from that era.’ Elsewhere, she continued the neutral-toned palette to keep the focus firmly on the house’s original features. ‘Choosing the right colours was important, as it helps the house feel calm and relaxed,’ she says. Christmas has been special for the family right from the start. ‘I love the house at this time of year,’ says Sam. ‘It’s so cosy and the open fire and Aga make it feel so Christmassy. It’s a good excuse to go to town with decorating and I love adding pops of red. It’s a quieter time of year for the business, so we can simply be at home and enjoy the festive season.’
Favourite item ‘I love the Aga – it’s the focal point of our kitchen and helps the room feel cosy and welcoming at all times, but especially at Christmas’
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25bh | c o u ntry DECOR ATING TIP ‘We decided to keep to a fairly neutral palette as it allows the original features of the house to stand out’
BEDROOM The fairy lights are kept up all year to add a welcoming glow to the space. Try the Clementine duvet cover, £60, Cabbages & Roses. Get this look with Habitat trunks, £110 for a set of three
B AT H R O O M The roll-top bath and wooden panelling bring period elegance to this tranquil space. Cambridge roll-top bath, £409, Soak. The Lucy console, £812, Sweetpea & Willow, is similar
MASTER BEDROOM A patchwork quilt creates a cosy, rustic feel. Coco upholstered bed, £1,045, Loaf. Louise quilted bedspread, from £79, Forever England
EXTERIOR The farmhouse has a classic weatherboard style. Handmade wreath, from a selection, Samantha May Floristry
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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Open house A beautiful mix of antiques and vintage finds gives Janie Tennant and Jeremy Woolfenden’s cottage its laid-back appeal FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
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c oa s ta l | 25bh DINING AREA ‘I’ve never been a matching sort of girl,’ says Janie, which is reflected in this mix of dining chairs. Oak round seat dining chairs, £124 each, Turnball & Thomas, would work well here
LIVING AREA Having a fireplace as the focal point in a room really comes into its own at Christmas time. Sofa, £2,200; Mexican chair, £1,200, both Covelli Tennant
KITCHEN Removing the door emphasised the depth of the old walls. Vintage kilim, £40, Mo Logan Antiques Salcombe
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d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Go for seagrass carpet in coastal homes because it stays looking good even with sandy feet, messy children and dirty dogs!’
MASTER BEDROOM ‘I painted the joinery blue to contrast with the white walls after seeing the idea in a friend’s house,’ says Janie. Joinery in Hague Blue interior wood and metal paint, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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home truths THE PROPERTY 17th-century cottage L O C AT I O N Devon R O O M S Living/dining area, kitchen, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a Georgian house in London,’ says Janie.
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anie Tennant took a relaxed approach to decorating her 17th-century holiday cottage near Salcombe, surrounding herself with pieces she loves rather than conforming to a style. As Janie is one half of Covelli Tennant – an antiquessourcing business she set up with her friend Sara Covelli – it’s no surprise that she opted for vintage furnishings and antiques. ‘I didn’t have a vision – most of my decisions were accidental and thrown together, and I’m not even sure that anything really matches,’ she says. ‘I’m drawn to pretty things that catch my eye.’ Relaxation is exactly what Janie and her husband, Jeremy Woolfenden, were seeking when they bought the cottage. Seaside simplicity is the perfect antidote to the couple’s busy lives in London, encouraging them to dash down at weekends with Janie’s daughter, Tallulah, 10, and sometimes Jeremy’s three adult sons, Jake, 26, Buster, 23 and Douglas, 22. For Jeremy, the motivation for buying a property here came from memories of childhood holidays. The couple were delighted when Buckley Cottage, right next door to where Jeremy used to stay all those years ago, came on the market. ‘It’s lovely to have that connection,’ says
Janie. ‘We walked into the big living and dining room with a small kitchen off to the side and liked it straightaway. We replaced the kitchen and painted all the orange pine white to give the cottage a sense of light and space.’ Janie chose key pieces for the main living area, finding a reclaimed wood dining table in a London antiques shop and the chesterfield sofa on eBay, which she upholstered with a Twenties French linen sackcloth. ‘We customise sofas like this for Covelli Tennant and each piece is unique depending on the sackcloths that are available,’ she says. ‘The red, white and blue running through this textile became the threads of colour that repeat throughout the cottage.’ Early 20th-century kilim rugs appear in many schemes, alongside lampshades made from vintage sari fabrics and mementos from the family’s travels. Cushions are also made from linen sackcloth, while an Edwardian chair, by the fireplace in the living area, has been upholstered with blue linen, red piping and a bold panel of Mexican Otomi embroidery. ‘I love the colour and detail in antique fabrics, especially 18th-century Turkish, Indian and Mexican embroideries,’ says Janie. But it is her easy-going mindset that gives this cottage its charm. ‘Christmas is full of family fun, and during the rest of the year friends often pile back here after a day at the beach for an impromptu dinner,’ says Janie. ‘It has such a good feel – it’s what a holiday home is all about.’
MASTER BEDROOM Buckley Cottage is available to rent through sunrisecottages.co.uk
B AT H R O O M Janie was delighted to discover the pretty and practical arched alcove after the boiler was removed. Similar Turkish tiles, from £4.80 each, Otto Tiles. Brass marine bulkhead wall light, £60, Trinity Marine, has this look. Vintage mirror, £150, Honeybunch TA L L U L A H ’ S B E D R O O M The wall beside the bunk bed is covered in a coastal print as a nod to the cottage’s location and to bring a little fun to this scheme. Try Sanderson Sail Away wallpaper, £64 a roll, Fashion Interiors
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SITTING ROOM A cool grey and soft white palette creates the perfect backdrop for festive jewel tones. Stocksund sofas, from £399, Ikea, are similar. Cushions, from £25, Teasels Interiors. Yellow and grey throw, £60, The Old Pill Factory. Corsham footstool, £345, Alison at Home. White cabinet, £550, Present Locker at The Old Flight House
home truths THE PROPERTY A detached stone-built farmhouse, set in 550 acres of farmland L O C AT I O N Oxfordshire R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, family room, study, boot room, laundry room, seven bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2010 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We were living in a house in a village nearby and wanted to stay in the area,’ says Sarah.
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Turning on the
CHARM
Sarah and Jeremy Colebrooke just knew they could give a 16th-century farmhouse a new lease of life FEATURE ANN BROAD | PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN POOLE
HALLWAY
A vintage pew, softened with linen cushions and a woollen throw, provides practical seating and storage. Bench, £500; mirror, from £65; sleigh, £75, all Present Locker at The Old Flight House
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n abundance of berried foliage, roaring log fire and a Christmas tree laden with treasured decorations sets the scene for a welcoming Christmas in Sarah and Jeremy Colebrooke’s Oxfordshire home. ‘Winter or summer, this house adapts for all family gatherings,’ smiles Sarah. ‘The large kitchen-diner is a super entertaining space, and the island unit is a lifesaver.’ However, this wasn’t the case when the couple bought the farmhouse in 2010. ‘Chickens were living in the large roof space when I first saw the house,’ recalls Sarah. ‘It was rundown, the flagstone floor was very uneven and it was damp and
KITCHEN
Sarah chose to have base units only here to create a modern open-plan feel. The cupboards are painted in Elephant’s Breath estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L; walls in Skimming Stone estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Metal stools, £69 each, Cult Furniture. Wire fruit basket, £25; galvanized jug, £28, both The Old Pill Factory
lacked warmth and light. However, we could imagine that, with time, it could be transformed into a beautiful home,’ she says. ‘The house is only minutes away from main road links, but is nestled in its own setting of woodland and farmland, making you think you are miles away from it all,’ says Sarah. The family continued living in their previous home while the renovation work took place. ‘Looking back, we realise just how big a task it was, but of course well worth all the effort. We began by stripping back to find lovely original features, such as the large stone lintels and stone fireplaces,’ recalls Sarah. ‘We started at the top of the house, designing three
favourite room ‘ I love the open-plan kitchen; it’s the centrepiece of the house and a great space for entertaining, especially at Christmas’
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DINING AREA
The dresser, a family heirloom, and oversized clock smarten up the dining space. Wishbone dining chairs, £139 each, Cult Furniture. Try the Walplus Union Hotel clock, £125, Dunelm. Green glass vase, £35, The Old Pill Factory
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MASTER BEDROOM
Natural textures and a pale palette combine for an elegant, relaxed atmosphere. Wayfair sells a similar sleigh bed, Sussex Shores, £659.99
OLIVIA’S BEDROOM
Vintage-style bunting and bedding inspire nostalgia. Polka dot duvet set, £45, Leekes
BEDROOM
The dark wall adds a contemporary contrast to the white furniture. Swiss Army and Navy blankets, £35 each, Present Locker
BATHROOM
A simple pale scheme contrasts with the beam and creates a modern country feel. Try Present Locker at The Old Flight House for a similar chair, from £45
Lesson Learnt ‘Keeping a neutral palette has enabled me to update furniture and soft furnishings, without changing the overall scheme’ bedrooms for our children, Jack, 22, Olivia, 20, and Charlie, 18, with a bathroom accessible to all of them, positioned in the middle. We then worked our way down through the house to the cellar.’ The majority of internal walls were exposed stone, so the couple chose to plaster large areas throughout the house ready for painting, to give a lighter feel. ‘We then increased the level of natural light by adding roof lights, which has made a huge difference,’ says Sarah. Throughout the house, she has cleverly combined new and vintage furniture, using a pale palette and occasional pops of colour as a backdrop. And, inspired by her growing interest in interiors, 100 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
Sarah launched Present Locker in 2012 with her business partner Fiona Hoskins. They co-run the business, selling homeware from The Old Flight House, a local antiques and vintage centre. Styled with rich, jewel colours of gold, green and berry red, the Colebrooke home has an inviting festive feel. ‘Decorating the tree is a significant ritual. The children each have decorations from their very first Christmas – they are extremely precious and are always hung first, at the top of the tree,’ says Sarah. ‘At this time of year, our home has such a warm, sociable atmosphere. Come rain or shine, we never want to be anywhere else.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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SPARKLE & SHINE
Freya Manners’ converted carriage house is packed with personality, making it ideal for parties whatever the season FEATURE HAZEL DOLAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT DARBY
DINING AREA
Natural materials and layers of texture and colour bring warmth and cosiness to this part of the kitchen. Double ivory sheepskin, from £135, Graham and Green. Flos Spun floor lamp, £1,255, Skandium. Linara curtain fabric, £38m, Romo
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SITTING ROOM
Jewel hues add vibrancy. Swedese Lamino easy chair £1,728, and footstool, £605, Skandium. Long Island sofa, from £3,520, Sofa.com
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade I-listed converted carriage house L O C AT I O N Northumberland R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, two bedrooms, shower room M O V E D I N 2017 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Until recently I was a student, so this is the first home of my own that I’ve had,’ says Freya.
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here could hardly be a better backdrop to festive parties than the rugged stone walls and weathered oak beams of Freya Manners’ converted carriage house. And the property’s high ceilings, open to the rafters, offer ample room for the tallest of Christmas trees. The long and low L-shaped property is just one of a cluster of outbuildings in the shadow of her parents’ home – a medieval tower house – and Freya, newly graduated and returning home to Northumberland, jumped at the chance to make it her own. Previous owners had used the building as part of their business, so essential conversion work had to be done. ‘It was office accommodation at the time,’ says Freya. ‘Fortunately, because it’s Grade I-listed, they were only allowed to fit temporary partitions, so it was easy to remove them again.’ Another piece of luck was that the previous owners had fitted a bathroom and kitchen, so wiring and plumbing were also in place. Figuring out where to put the new divisions proved straightforward enough, too. The floor plan split easily into a large kitchen and dining area leading 102 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
i n s p i r at i o n ‘I love working with my mum – we always change our minds several times before coming back to our first ideas’
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Weathered oak stools create an informal gathering space. Cabinets, from £92 for a 600mm base unit, Ikea. Oak counter stools, £190 each, Cox & Cox
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to an open living space, two bedrooms and a shower room. Freya designed the interior as a joint project with her mother, Lesley. They had already worked together to convert the stable block at the family farm into holiday cottages. ‘We repeated things that worked well there, like the long kitchen island,’ says Freya. ‘Creating a relaxing sitting room was a challenge as it’s quite narrow and we wanted to avoid making it feel packed with furniture, but the big L-shaped sofa solves that and gives room for a little dining area, too.’ The stone-walled guest room is one of the most dramatic spaces. ‘We put the bed at an angle and it’s really effective – it helps to change the whole feel of the space,’ says Freya. When it came to decorating, Freya opted for fresh, modern design, with the emphasis on texture and colour. ‘We do like to mix it up. It’s been great to put bright, modern pieces in and lots of unexpected colour,’ she says, adding that all this vibrancy makes it even easier to dress her home up for the festive season. ‘At Christmas, the house feels magical – so much so that my grandfather comes to stay, as it’s his absolute favourite place,’ says Freya. ‘Then at New Year, this place really comes into its own – it’s made for parties!’
BEDROOM
Crisp linen and a bold headboard offset the rugged stonework. John Lewis’s Mocha faux fur throw, £95, would work here. Nymö lampshade, £18, Ikea
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1 DINING AREA The playful wall hanging is a hand-woven rug designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. Puzzle Multi rug (on wall), from £2,009, The Rug Company. The Flight dining chair, £119, Cult Furniture, is similar 2 MASTER BEDROOM A boldly patterned curtain lifts the neutral colour scheme. Palais bed, £6,465, And So To Bed. Curtains in Diva, £30m, Scion 3 SHOWER ROOM Clean lines give the space a sleek, contemporary edge, while iridescent tiles add shimmer. Voda Synergy Marbella basin and pedestal, £161, Bathshop321, is a good match
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Festive fresh Christmas is a simple, pared-back affair in Rikke Graff Juel’s home, with decorations that blend seamlessly with her stylish scheme FEATURE MELANIE WHITEHOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINA KAYSER ONSGAARD/LIVING INSIDE
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DINING AREA This space, which is part of the kitchen, is dressed for entertaining with cut glass, candles and the standout pendant light – a piece of art in itself. 1 Model light in brushed brass, £1,709, Anour. The Oregan extending oak dining table is similar, £995, Habitat
home truths THE PROPERTY Thirties house L O C AT I O N Copenhagen R O O M S Hallway, living room, kitchen-diner, office, orangery, laundry room, four bedrooms, one bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We had an apartment close to the city centre,’ says Rikke.
F D I N I N G S PAC E A wall of art defines the living room’s dining area. Gubi pendant shade in chrome, £320, Nunido. The Mid-century expandable round dining table is a match, £699, West Elm ORANGERY Rikke used a favourite terracotta shade to frame the French doors and the view outside. Red Earth estate emulsion is similar, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
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or homes stylist Rikke Graff Juel, Christmas is the time when she and her family have the chance to really benefit from her creative talents. ‘I like the tradition of dressing up my own home for a month,’ she says. ‘It makes the winter feel much more pleasant when you have this cosy break from normality and everyday life.’ Every year, Rikke makes her own simple pine wreaths for the windows and buys new baubles for the Christmas tree. ‘I did once try to decorate our home in traditional red with lots of Santa-themed elements, but it looked a mess and I had to stop myself tearing it all down,’ she says. ‘Now I decorate in the same hues and materials that I use all year round.’ Unsurprisingly, a simple decorating style suits this property, with its spare, functional architecture. Known as a ‘Funkis’ house, it was built in 1936 and designed by the Danish architect Knud Thorball. Scandinavian ‘Funkis’ had its heyday in the Thirties and Forties and its features include flat roofs, light and bright rooms on two floors, and the use of affordable materials such as concrete. ‘My husband Jeppe and I bought the house mainly because of its location, but we like Funkis style a lot because the space is used so well,’ says Rikke. ‘We fell in love with the orangery, which has direct access from the house, the first time we saw it. In the summer, it has a tropical atmosphere with lots of green plants and grapes all over the roof. It’s our favourite room in the house – everyone should have one.’ However, there was a lot to do when the couple first moved in. ‘There is too much to list,’ says Rikke. ‘We had to replaster all the walls and repaint. We carried out a major makeover of the bathroom and the guest cloakroom and sanded all the wooden floors on the top floor. The lower floor was dark, cold and neglected, so we did a huge renovation down there. We
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f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘The curved windowsill in the living room – it’s a small detail but typical of this style of house’
LIVING ROOM Design classics, such as the sculptural Frost chair and Fifties coffee table by Børge Mogensen, deliver mid-century style. Grey Frost chair, from £1,600, Stouby. Desert tufted rug, from £600, Ferm Living. The Brad sofa has this look, £1,049, Perch & Parrow
d e s i g n a d v i c e ‘Be true to the house or building you live in and let your decor reflect its style and era’
KITCHEN The earthy terracotta shade on the walls is modernised with a few black accents. &Tradition Mass light in marble, £170, Nunido. Try the Butler & Rose Elizabeth mono mixer tap in antique brass, £99.99, Tap Warehouse BEDROOM This streamlined daybed can be turned into a double bed for visiting guests. The Brimnes daybed is comparable, from £179, Ikea. Mushroom wall light, from £490, Le Klint
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dug out the entire floor to put in underfloor heating, which was an awful process with all the dust, dirt and noise. And we had no kitchen for three months. But it was worth it because we opened up the area between the kitchen and dining room. We also put a guest room in what was the laundry room and installed a secondhand kitchen because we couldn’t afford a new one.’ Rikke’s home has a mid-century aesthetic with a Scandinavian twist. ‘I’ve loved this look for many years and don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it,’ she says. ‘I like using lots of oak, cognac-coloured leather, wool, linen and concrete. I love soft tones of brown, sand, grey and various shades of green. I’m not into using very strong colours in my home.’ Beautiful collections of items that have a common shape, texture or material are grouped together in small tableaus around the house. For decoration, Rikke also collects exhibition posters from museums and ceramic heads. The house is now finished, apart from some small improvements such as handmade radiator covers – and a new kitchen. ‘We’re not going anywhere this Christmas,’ adds Rikke. ‘I often work way too much during December, but when the holiday comes, I spend time with my children, Olivia, 11, and Hugo, four, baking, making presents and enjoying trips to Christmas markets, which are the most amazing places for decorations and lights. With everything prepared, we spend Christmas Eve at home, or at my family’s house, and enjoy a huge feast. Then we dance around the tree, just like everyone else in Denmark. It’s an amazing tradition.’ FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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MASTER BEDROOM The rough-luxe paint finish behind the bed brings a tactile element to the room. For a similar concrete effect, try Artisans Pale Elements paint, ÂŁ49.95 for 2.5L, Craig & Rose. Minidot reflector bedspread, from ÂŁ137, Afroart
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FASHION SHOW
Artist Sue Dray captures the beauty, attitude and fast-paced nature of the catwalk in her abstract artworks, available at Runway Gallery Amid the chaos backstage at London Fashion Week, artist Sue Dray can be found sitting calmly, creating illustrations that perfectly grasp the story of a catwalk show. Her style combines strong lines with painterly textures and bright colours – a signature look that’s seen commissions roll in from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Pam Hogg and founder of The Alternative Miss World, Andrew Logan. Since retiring last year from her role as course leader of Fashion Illustration at London College of Fashion, the catwalk has become her full-time studio. ‘It’s where I come alive – I love the buzz and creativity,’ she says. DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ‘HAPTIC’ APPROACH. My work is about reacting
to a moment in time. Once the show begins, I focus solely on capturing my emotive response to the fleeting vision in front of me and let the lines dance across the paper. I call it ‘haptic’. I never rework anything. It takes practice to be confident in your mark and just let it be. The process is meditative yet exhausting at the same time. I feel like I’ve run a marathon by the end, even though it’s only been 15 minutes!
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU WORK WITH? I usually sit in the front row at
London Fashion Week, so am restricted to using coloured pencils. This year, however, I was artist in residence and worked from my easel alongside the press photographers, which meant I could paint freely without worrying about spilling paint on anyone’s Dior handbag! I love the unpredictability of acrylics; you never quite know how it’s going to turn out. I was approached by Apple to test the new iPad Pro. It’s another exciting drawing tool, but nothing quite replaces the human touch. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT SO FAR? Drawing backstage
for Vivienne Westwood. It wasn’t until I watched the film Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist that I spotted myself in the
background – I hadn’t realised they’d captured me on camera! HOW DO YOU HANG YOUR ARTWORK? I like to group artworks
against a neutral wall. One of my favourite groupings includes two paintings by John Galliano, a Twenties oil painting and three Renaissance-style miniatures I bought in Italy. They’re all very different, but each one is displayed in a black frame, which pulls the look together beautifully.
ANY OTHER ADVICE? Move artwork
around your home. Each piece becomes new again and I’m often surprised by things I hadn’t noticed before.
To buy contemporary, fashion-focused works by Sue Dray and other artists, visit runway-gallery.com
COMING NEXT MONTH… Corran Brownlee’s art features black-and-white images, primarily in charcoal and oil, that capture haunting snapshots of untold narratives. His ongoing Domestication series juxtaposes images of wild animals with decorative wallpaper. 110 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
FEATURE TARA KING
I was a student at London College of Fashion in the Seventies before completing a postgraduate MA in Communication Design at Central Saint Martins. My career began as a freelance illustrator, drawing for underground magazines including Spare Rib and titles published by The Women’s Press and creating book covers for authors such as Fay Weldon, Margaret Atwood and John Mortimer. Eight years ago, I took on the role of course leader of Fashion Illustration at London College of Fashion. I’d encourage students to draw live from the catwalk and I’d draw with them. I’ve captured the runway looks of designers at London Fashion Week ever since.
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Cristina and Thomas Colombini gave their apartment a new look as stunning as the mountain peaks that surround it FEATURE SEÁN O’CONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY ALESSANDRA IANNIELLO/LIVING INSIDE
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DINING AREA A blend of natural materials creates a modern-rustic feel. Gervasoni Brass 95 suspension lamps, £439 each, Ambiente Direct. Calia oak table is similar,
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£599, John Lewis & Partners. Westfire Uniq woodburner, £1,449, Stoves Are Us KITCHEN-DINER Cristina likes to socialise when
cooking, so she had the hob put on the island, allowing her to chat to her guests. Linear units, price on request, Boffi. Tolix white stacking chair, £216, Made In Design
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he holiday apartment of Cristina and Thomas Colombini couldn’t possibly have a more spectacular setting, sited in Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc. ‘The mountain defines this landscape,’ says Cristina, ‘and is partly why we wanted to buy a place in the area.’ Another reason they were drawn to the property was its history and character. ‘It was built in the 19th century as a boarding school,’ says Cristina. ‘Also, the architecture is solid, as it was built using traditional methods.’ When the couple viewed the flat, it was in the middle of being renovated and was
‘like a building site’, according to Cristina. ‘Fortunately, it meant we could put our own stamp on the place and reconfigure it to meet our needs,’ she says. ‘Plus, it allowed us to choose all our own fixtures and fittings.’ Since the couple have three daughters, Ludovica, now 19, Margherita, 16, and Bianca, 10, the layout of the house had to work practically. The girls’ bedroom now incorporates a loft space that accommodates three beds. Changes were made to the master bedroom, too, where Cristina and Thomas removed the adjoining bathroom walls, replacing them with a white iron and glass
home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Flat in a 19th-century chalet L O C AT I O N Courmayeur, Italy R O O M S Kitchen-diner/living area, three bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We also have a detached house two hours away,’ says Cristina.
LIVING AREA The soaring vaulted ceiling accentuates the feeling of space in here. Try the Lazytime corner sofa, from £3,380, Camerich. Flos 265 wall light, £775, Chaplins. Round leather pouffe, £109, Big Bertha Original, would suit this space
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structure. ‘It has made this space more functional and light-filled,’ says Cristina. This need for a light, open feel dictated the decor. ‘White is my favourite colour,’ says Cristina, ‘and as the ceilings and the floors are wooden, a pale scheme makes the interior brighter. We even chose white kitchen units for their clean, simple aesthetic.’ But, as in any mountain chalet, wood is never far away and, in the open-plan living space, an oak-topped kitchen table forms an inviting focal point, its warmth accentuated by the soft glow from a pair of oversized brass pendants overhead. ‘The table is the feature I love the most,’ says
MASTER BEDROOM A clever partition has created an en suite. Logan acacia wood side table, £79.95, Furnwise. Rectangular jute pouffe has this look, £345, Union Square
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Cristina. ‘It’s such a cosy spot for visiting friends and family to gather together.’ The family spend holidays in their chalet all year round, but winter is when it comes into its own. ‘I adorn the rooms with small lights around the window frames and pine branches that we’ve gathered from the woods,’ says Cristina. Twinkling candles combined with the glow of the woodburner create a magical atmosphere. ‘Your house should reflect yourself and your passions,’ says Cristina. ‘I think I’ve achieved this here and I hope this will remain a special place for all our family for many years to come.’
c o u ntry | 25bh
BEDROOM A sofabed allows this room to be an extra hangout space. Try the Brimnes daybed frame, £169, Ikea. Eames DSR chair, £255, Vitra. Amabel white shag
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
rug, £22.99, Wayfair. Similar basket, from £15, Dunelm EN SUITE The ladder is a beautiful rustic touch to this minimalist space.
Try the Ideal Standard Concept cube basin, £89, VictoriaPlum. com. Round wall mirror is similar, £17.99, H&M. The Aldsworth shelf ladder would work here, £165, Garden Trading
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Keeping up
TRADITION This year, like every other year, Mia-Louise Mailund Smith’s Copenhagen home is beautifully decorated for a festive family gathering FEATURE RACHEL LEEDHAM PHOTOGRAPHY ANITA BEHRENDT/LIVING INSIDE
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home truths THE PROPERTY Twenties detached house L O C AT I O N A suburb north of Copenhagen R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, family room, kitchen-diner, studio, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2015 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘Our last home was an apartment nearby,’ says Mia-Louise.
DINING AREA
The deep red woodwork of the French doors creates a dramatic feature and complements the cream walls. French door frames in Incarnadine estate eggshell, £28 for 750ml; walls in Tallow estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, both Farrow & Ball. Arco floor lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, £1,710, The Conran Shop
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f e s t i v e t i p ‘I hang up honey cakes with the children’s names on – they fill the house with a wonderful aroma’
SITTING ROOM
‘We chose affordable sofas as we didn’t want to be precious about them,’ says Mia-Louise. Reece sofa has a similar retro shape, £549, Made. Gubi Semi pendant in Matt White, £769, Utility
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FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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KITCHEN
A simple worktop overhang has created a cosy breakfast bar. High stools by Space Copenhagen, from £621 each, Mater. Fucsia pendant lights by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, £235 each, Nest
O
n Christmas Eve, the family of Mia-Louise and Mark Mailund Smith congregate at their home just outside Copenhagen, laden with food for the festive table. ‘We have about 20 people for dinner and everyone brings a specific dish, it’s a real feast,’ explains Mia-Louise, who works as an illustrator and runs her own design studio. ‘Then we sing carols and dance around the Christmas tree before the children open their presents. It’s a tradition I’ve known since I was tiny.’ Pretty though it is now, the house looked very different when they bought it four years ago. ‘It had been rented out for a number of years and it hadn’t been well looked after,’ recalls Mia-Louise. ‘I was very unsure about it, but Mark was smitten and said I should do whatever I needed to in order to make the house feel right.’ While many Danes favour all-white interiors, Mia-Louise’s approach was somewhat different. ‘I studied textile design at Chelsea College of Arts and I lived in London for six years, during which time I fell in love with the way the British paint their homes with tone-on-tone colours,’ she explains. ‘I think this definitely
influenced the palette I picked for the house.’ The kitchen-diner has been painted a warm shade of cream, while for the adjoining sitting room, she chose a soft shade of stone. In furnishing the house, quality was important for Mia-Louise, who commissioned a local blacksmith to make a base for the dining table and made her own top from Douglas fir floorboards. ‘We often entertain, so a really big table is vital,’ she says. A skilled boat builder was also brought on board to make other pieces, including a window seat in oak where the couple like to read and chat with their children, Herbert, 10, Huxi, seven, and Luella, two. Over the festive season, this side of the sitting room houses the Christmas tree, which is festooned with treasured decorations bought by Mark for Mia-Louise over the years, as well as inherited vintage glass ornaments. ‘We adorn the tree with candles, which we place in beautiful holders I’ve collected from Royal Copenhagen, and the tree stands on a Christmas mat that was embroidered by my paternal grandmother,’ she says. ‘There is a lot of history in our tree – Christmas wouldn’t be complete without it.’
MASTER BEDROOM Monochrome cushions tie in with the black wall lamp. Peacock Feather cushion covers, £2.99 each, Shein, are similar. Gubi BL7 wall lamp, £357, Skandium
BATHROOM
Mark made these shelves for Mia-Louise’s perfume bottles and candles. Shelf painted in Setting Plaster estate eggshell, £26 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball
The talk of the tiki bar. Shop now at swooneditions.com Pay in instalments with
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c o u ntry | 25bh
A WARM GLOW Lit by fairy lights, this beautifully decorated cottage perfectly showcases Louisa and Charlie Nicholls’ creative flair FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
DINING AREA
A bench provides plenty of seating for a family Christmas lunch in this compact space. Walls in Charleston Gray estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Quilted place mats, £40 for four, Biggie Best
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E home truths
T H E P R O P E R T Y Grade II-listed 16th-century cottage L O C AT I O N Berkshire R O O M S Hallway, lobby, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, study, four bedrooms (two en suite), bathroom P U R C H A S E D 2004 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a modern house nearby,’ says Louisa.
SITTING ROOM
Traditional furnishings were chosen to complement the original fireplace. Chair in Graphite chalk paint, £19.95 for 1L, Annie Sloan. Footstool in Suffolk small gingham check fabric, £29.50m, Ian Mankin
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very year, Louisa Nicholls gears up for Christmas by taking her 11-year-old daughter Phoebe on a walk with a purpose. ‘I bring my garden clippers and we scan the hedgerows for berries, ivy, fir cones and branches,’ she says. ‘It’s surprising what you can find.’ Louisa’s annual recipe for festive decorating is simplicity itself, creating a seasonal look with mostly natural ingredients and candles, probably as previous owners of her home would have done over the centuries. Having lived in a modern house, Louisa and her husband Charlie instantly fell in love with this period cottage. ‘It dates back
to the 16th century and has great character,’ says Louisa. ‘Set in a beautiful remote spot surrounded by meadows, it has quirky corners, a huge inglenook, beams and vaulted ceilings. We knew it had potential, but restoring it was going to be a challenge.’ With rotting floorboards, holes in the roof and a tired kitchen, the house needed Charlie’s skills and vision. ‘Fortunately, he’s a practical man and had the know-how to take on the work,’ says Louisa. Having been in the design business, she has a creative eye, so together they made the perfect team. ‘We found a builder who had experience with listed houses and he did a great job,’
festive tip ‘Try cutting a few branches off the bottom of your Christmas tree to make a beautiful garland’
KITCHEN
Grey-painted units bring a contemporary edge to this otherwise traditional space. Island in Railings estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Ingolf bar stools, £75 each, Ikea
says Louisa. ‘It took much longer than we’d hoped, but the costs were close to the initial estimate. Thankfully, the planners agreed we needed to take the roof off and get back to the bare bones. They even allowed us to remove the ugly Seventies addition.’ Using the existing footprint, the couple built a new kitchen extension with a guest bedroom above and clad the exterior with oak boards to blend with the older stone walls. As the leftover budget was not huge, Louisa spent the next year hunting for pieces on eBay, at car-boot sales and in junk
shops. ‘We sandblasted the black beams and I compensated for low ceilings by painting our old mahogany furniture in light greys.’ When it comes to festive decorating, Louisa likes to add new pieces every year. For the dining space, she found an old Hungarian wooden bowl in a junk shop and filled it with fir cones sprayed silver, fir twigs and candles. ‘Collecting quirky things you love takes a lifetime,’ she says, ‘which is why I hate to throw things away.’ The lead up to Christmas is a creative time for all the family. ‘Phoebe has her own
HALLWAY
tree in the kitchen where she showcases her eclectic handcrafted style,’ says Louisa. ‘It’s my way of editing what goes on the tree in the sitting room, which I like to look smart and co-ordinated.’ This description can actually be applied to the whole house. ‘Our home is an ongoing project and something is always in need of tweaks or repairs,’ says Louisa. ‘We’ve become tolerant of its foibles. Everything creaks, especially the floorboards. There are no straight walls and every door frame is too low, but all that just adds to its charm.’
MASTER BEDROOM
An alcove has been converted into a seating area and a place to hang coats. Panelling in Elephant’s Breath estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
Twinkling fairy lights highlight the intricate headboard. The Sienna bed, £1,145, Feather & Black, would work here
BATHROOM
A Victorian-style tub painted blue offers a fresh twist on a classic design. Rimini cast-iron bath, £2,500, Aston Matthews; in Bone China Blue intelligent eggshell, £64 for 2.5L, Little Greene
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
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SEASONAL CHIC home truths T H E P R O P E R T Y Late 19th-century detached villa L O C AT I O N Southwest London R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, playroom, boot room, six bedrooms, three bathrooms P U R C H A S E D 2008 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We lived in a terraced house in Fulham,’ says Evie.
SITTING ROOM
An oversized ottoman doubles as an area to play games as well as providing additional fireside seating for Christmas guests. Try the Hampstead footstool, £850, The White Company. Chesterfield sofas, from £1,825 each, Susie Watson Designs
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Sacrificing location for space gave Evie and William Martin room to host Christmas in style FEATURE MAGGIE COLVIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT SANDERSON
c it y | 25bh DINING AREA
Here, Evie has chosen more rustic, countrystyle furniture, which sets it apart from the modern kitchen. Camargue dining chairs, ÂŁ178 each, Oka
KITCHEN
The extra worktop space from the island is a lifesaver during Christmas lunch prep. For a similar kitchen, try Benchmarx Kitchens
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HALLWAY
BEDROOM
Putting a large mirror in a small space makes it feel much roomier. Halland window mirror, £395, Nordic Style
Evie wanted to give this guest room a luxurious scheme so she chose a French-style bed. Sienna bed, from £1,145, Feather & Black
MASTER BEDROOM
Perfect symmetry can help create a sense of calm. Silver lamps, £230 each, India Jane. Antique Chinese bedside tables, prices on request, The Old Cinema Antiques
I
nvitations to the school nativity plays and carol concerts kick-start Christmas plans in the Martins’ household each year. With three children, Clemmie, 11, Oscar, nine, and Ludo, five, Evie and William Martin find the holidays pretty full on. ‘We have three different carol services at three different schools to attend,’ says Evie. To make life easier, the couple divide up the festive to-do list. ‘Will makes the mince pies and chooses the tree, then the children and I decorate it,’ says Evie. ‘Every year we add to our collection and buy one or two more decorations. The rest of the house is traditionally decked with fir garlands, candles and fairy lights.’ All the family love mucking in at Christmas and, thankfully,
the house is well suited to accommodate the many friends and family who come to stay. The couple nearly missed the chance to buy this property. ‘We were living in a relatively cramped house and were looking for something bigger,’ says Evie. Her sister, who is in the property business, spotted this double-fronted house complete with high ceilings and Victorian proportions. ‘The location was the only drawback,’ says Evie. ‘I thought it would be a psychological hurdle moving south of the river. But three months later, William decided we should at least take a look and that was it. It was unlike any London house we’d ever seen – it had the proportions of a country house.’ The previous owners had made some great improvements in opening up the
BATHROOM
Shutters provide a boutique hotel look. Similar shutters, price on request, Hillarys
ground floor. The garden, however, was concreted over and divided by sculptural plinths. ‘We got rid of the plinths and put in raised flower beds,’ says Evie. One of their best design decisions was to install a focal point in the form of a woodburner in the snug where their Norfolk Terrier loves to curl up. Next, Evie worked her magic with new muted colour schemes to tone down the stark white walls, before sourcing larger pieces of furniture to suit the villa’s high ceilings. The family are looking forward to another Christmas in the house. ‘We eat Christmas lunch together overlooking the garden,’ says Evie. ‘It's such a precious time. We savour the moment, knowing that the children will grow up in a flash.’
l a s t w o r d ‘A home takes a lifetime to grow and reflect your personalities. I’ve never believed in a self-imposed finishing date’ 126 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
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PRICE INCLUDES ● Marvel at astonishing Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples on our guided tour of one of the UNESCO World Heritage site ● Admire Palermo’s gorgeous medieval and Baroque centre, Italy’s finest outside of Rome ● Explore the stylish hilltop town of Taormina and its ancient Greek theatre ● Take a guided tour of the Roman villa in Piazza Armerina and see some of the best preserved mosaics and frescoes from antiquity ● Experience the majesty of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe ● View the astonishing gold and glass medieval mosaics in Monreale cathedral on a guided tour ● Visit Siracusa, one of the Greek empire’s richest cities and home of Archimedes ● Enjoy authentic Sicilian food at a farmhouse ● Return flights from a selection of airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in four star accommodation, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
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Departures from March to November 2020
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PRICE INCLUDES ● Experience the iconic cathedral, vibrant streets and tranquil parks of beautiful Seville on a tour led by a local guide ● Enjoy the authentic tastes and traditions of tapas on an evening introduction to these delicious Spanish appetisers in Seville ● Explore the mountain fringed city of Granada and visit the outstanding Alhambra Palace ● Visit historic Córdoba and take a guided tour of the Mezquita, probably the world’s most beautiful mosque ● Marvel at the natural drama of Ronda, a city spectacularly situated across a plunging gorge ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Six nights in three star superior and four star accommodation, with breakfast ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICE INCLUDES ● Explore Dubrovnik, Byron’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, with its medieval and Baroque centre, on a tour led by an expert guide ● Marvel at the rushing waters of the Krka National Park’s dense and dramatic interlocking waterfalls ● Cross the iconic Stari Most bridge, now returned to its former glory in Mostar, once Europe’s border with the Ottoman Empire ● Immerse yourself in the history of Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace in Split, brought to life by the intimate knowledge of a local guide ● Discover the delights of medieval Trogir, one of Dalmatia’s most alluring old ports ● Explore the dramatic Dalmatian Coastline, visiting picturesque Cavat and a restored watermill ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in four star accommodation, with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICE INCLUDES ● Take a lake cruise to beautiful Bellagio on Lake Como, and visit the delightful Villa del Balbianello and its inspirational gardens ● Enjoy a full day visit to the chic resort of St Moritz, including a journey on the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular railways in the Alps ● Discover Bergamo, northern Italy’s most enchanting medieval town, on a guided tour ● Follow in the footsteps of the ‘Grand Tour’ with a visit to Lake Maggiore and the town of Stresa ● Visit Lugano, an elegant Swiss lakeside town with Italian influences ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of well located three and four star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner (stays at the Grand Hotel Menaggio are on a bed and breakfast basis, with dining options available) ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
Call 01283 743370 to book or for a free brochure, or visit tbhriviera.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are based on two people sharing and are correct at time of print. Single supplements may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of 25 Beautiful Homes, published by TI Media Limited.
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BRANCHING OUT Unusual handmade designs mix with traditional decorations in Alette Sluijsmans’ festive home FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY PEGGY JANSSEN / COCO FEATURES
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home truths THE PROPERTY Farmhouse, built in 1908 L O C AT I O N The Netherlands R O O M S Hallway, sitting room, kitchen-diner, office, playroom, four bedrooms, dressing room, bathroom, cloakroom P U R C H A S E D 2005 PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘This is the first house I bought after moving here from the small village I was born in,’ says Alette.
KITCHEN Gathered branches and flickering candles bring a festive feel to the open shelving. The kitchen was designed and fitted by Alette’s carpenter. Black Slate Honed tiles, £50sq m, Topps Tiles, would work
130 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
F
or interior designer Alette Sluijsmans, the start of each year heralds more than just a new beginning. It’s also a chance to look back and take stock – thanks to the efforts of her parents, for whom it’s a tradition to gift an annual poem to every member of the family. ‘My parents always compose a personal poem for each of us, reflecting on the past year,’ explains Alette. ‘It’s a beautiful Christmas ritual in our family, and I now have a whole book of works that I treasure.’ Tradition is important to Alette and her three children, Florence, eight, Julien, six, and Jérôme, four, reflected in their farmhouse in Eys, South Limburg, which is full of historical features and has a fascinating story to match. ‘The house was built in 1908 and originally its ground floor had a café,’ says Alette. ‘The first owner had 10 children and during the Second World War, many families lived here. By the time I bought it, the property needed major renovation work.’ So Alette restored the building to its former glory, replacing the roof and floors, repairing walls and updating electricity and plumbing. Once the bones were right, she sensitively reworked the ground-floor layout to improve the flow, widening doorways, incorporating an airy front
c o u ntry | 25bh DINING AREA A wall hanging is Alette’s creative take on a Christmas tree. ‘The branches are strung together with wire and each year I finish it differently,’ she says. Walls in Pointing estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. The Granso chandelier, £250, Lighting Direct, recreates this look
f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘The beams and skylights in the dining area make it such a light, inviting space. You feel as if you are sitting outside’
SITTING ROOM A traditional Christmas tree is joined by mini potted spruces in natural weave baskets. For rattan planters try Kalinko, from £28. Dunelm’s Pebble rug, from £89, has this look
c o u ntry | 25bh
c h r i s t m a s r i t u a l s ‘Eating together and being with family is what makes this time of year so special’
SITTING ROOM Floor-length curtains in dusky pink and a freestanding lamp with mid-century styling nod to the unfussy, feminine look Alette admires. Selection of cushions from Hay, Sissy-Boy, H&M and Ikea
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25bh | c o u ntry MASTER BEDROOM Cushions in jewel tones add depth to this otherwise simple scheme. Try cotton throws in Green and Black, from £34.99 each, H&M
B AT H R O O M A pair of basins is a practical addition. The Duravit Happy D.2 basin, £206, CP Hart would suit
and rear hallway. She also added a dining area where once there was only a storeroom, and carving out space for an office, playroom and cloakroom. ‘Retaining authentic details was key,’ she says. ‘For example, I know that our attic was once used to store grains. Heavy bags were lugged up and down the central staircase for years and so the steps bear those marks and indentations, which I cherish.’ New features were carefully designed to complement the old, and this effortless blend of traditional and modern extends to Alette’s decorative schemes, too. ‘Mixing pieces from different eras works so well,’ she reflects. ‘It gives your house a personal touch and lots of atmosphere.’ At this time of year, the family home is decorated for the festivities. A traditional tree takes pride of place in the sitting room, miniature trees are dotted around the house, and Alette’s favourite wall-hung tree, comprised of branches strung together to form a triangle, is retrieved from the attic each year and embellished with festive accessories, or as is the case this year, plenty of fresh, verdant foliage for a rustic look. Upcycling old pieces is something of a talent: linen presses inherited from her great-grandparents have been sanded down, repaired and repainted, while built-in cupboards original to the house have been restored and finished in soft putty hues. The look throughout is softly feminine but resolutely unfussy. The whole family love this time of year. ‘Winter here is pretty special and when we are not sledging after a snowfall, we spend a lot of time being cosy at home. From the windows, we can spot the changing colours of the seasons. There is always something to see in the undulating landscape. I think that’s wonderful and there’s no place I’d rather be.’
i n s p i r at i o n ‘Magazines, Instagram and Pinterest provide so many design ideas’ 134 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
FO R STO C K I STS G O TO W HER E TO B U Y
s to c k i s t s | 25bh
WHERE TO BUY Details of companies featured in the December issue
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Abberley Design 01285 644460 Afroart afroart.se/en Aga agaliving.com Alison at Home alisonathome.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Ambiente Direct ambientedirect.com Andrew Martin andrewmartin.co.uk And So To Bed andsotobed.co.uk Anour anour.dk Architecture Live architecturelive.co.uk Artemide artemide.com Atlantic Shopping atlanticshopping.co.uk B&Q diy.com Bathshop bathshop321.com Bathstore bathstore.com Benchmarx Kitchens benchmarxkitchens.co.uk Bespoke Lights bespokelights.co.uk Big Bertha Original bigberthaoriginal.com Boffi boffi.com Cabbages & Roses cabbagesandroses.com Camerich camerich.co.uk Cath Kidston cathkidston.com Chalk & Flint 07879 621310 Chaplins chaplins.co.uk Chesneys chesneys.co.uk Clearview Stoves clearviewstoves.com Cole & Son cole-and-son.com Covelli Tennant covellitennant.com Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk CP Hart cphart.co.uk Craig & Rose craigandrose.com Crittall crittall-windows.co.uk Crown French Furniture crownfrenchfurniture.co.uk Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Decorative Country Living decorativecountryliving.com Designers Guild designersguild.com deVOL devolkitchens.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com Dust Architecture dustarchitecture.com English Salvage englishsalvage.co.uk Etsy etsy.com Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Fashion Interiors fashioninteriors.co.uk Feather & Black featherandblack.com Ferm Living fermliving.com Fired Earth firedearth.com Flavell Trading flavelltrading.com Forever England foreverengland.com Foxbury Building foxburybuilding.co.uk
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Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk Gotham gothamnottinghill.com GP&J Baker gpjbaker.com Graham and Green grahamandgreen.co.uk H&M hm.com Habitat habitat.co.uk Harvey Maria harveymaria.co.uk Hay hay.dk/en-gb Heal’s heals.co.uk Helen Turkington helenturkington.com Hillarys hillarys.co.uk HomeSense homesense.com Honeybunch 07920 446464 Horsfall & Wright horsfallandwright.co.uk House of Hackney houseofhackney.com Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk Ikea ikea.co.uk India Jane indiajane.co.uk Indigo Furniture indigofurniture.co.uk In-toto intoto.co.uk Jane Clayton janeclayton.co.uk Jim Lawrence jim-lawrence.co.uk Joanna Jefferson jjeffersonarchitects.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com John Lewis of Hungerford john-lewis.co.uk Joules joules.com Julian Chichester julianchichester.com Kalinko kalinko.com Kartell kartell.com Kate Forman kateforman.co.uk Knowles & Christou knowles-christou.com La Residence Interiors laresidenceinteriors.co.uk Laura Ashley lauraashley.com Le Klint leklint.com Leekes leekes.co.uk Lewis & Wood lewisandwood.co.uk Life at Nettlebed lifeatnettlebed.co.uk Lighting Direct lighting-direct.co.uk Lights4fun.co.uk 01423 816040 Linens Limited linenslimited.com Little Greene littlegreene.com Loaf loaf.com London Mosaic londonmosaic.com Lorna Syson lornasyson.co.uk Made in Design madeindesign.co.uk Maisons du Monde maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com
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Mater materdesign.co.uk Meg Morton megmorton.co.uk Mo Logan Antiques Salcombe 01548 844515 Neptune neptune.com Nest nest.co.uk Newark Antiques Fair iacf.co.uk Newgate newgateclocks.com Nicola Hicks Designs 07801 700723 Nordic House nordichouse.co.uk Nordic Nest nordicnest.co.uk Nordic Style nordicstyle.com Norfolk Textiles norfolktextiles.co.uk Nunido nunido.co.uk Oka oka.com Only Home onlyhome.co.uk Origin Furniture originfurniture.com Original BTC originalbtc.com Osborne & Little osborneandlittle.com Otto Tiles ottotiles.co.uk Paint & Paper Library paintandpaperlibrary.com Patrick Mavros patrickmavros.com Perch & Parrow perchandparrow.com Piazzetta piazzetta.com Present Locker presentlocker.com Qualitas Construction qualitasconstruction.com Range Cookers rangecookers.co.uk Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk Romo romo.com Roselind Wilson Design roselindwilsondesign.com Royal Design royaldesign.co.uk Samantha May Floristry samanthamayfloristry.co.uk Sarah Raven sarahraven.com Scion stylelibrary.com/scion SCP scp.co.uk Scumble Goosie scumblegoosie.co.uk Shein shein.co.uk Sissy-Boy sissy-boy.com Skandium skandium.com Soak.com 0333 004 6333 Sofa Workshop sofaworkshop.com Stouby stouby.com Stoves Are Us stovesareus.co.uk Su Chases Interiors suchases.com Suburban Salon suburbansalon.co.uk Susie Watson Designs susiewatsondesigns.co.uk Swedish Linseed Paint swedishlinseedpaint.co.uk Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com
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Tap Warehouse tapwarehouse.com Tapis Vert tapisvertflooring.co.uk Teasels Interiors teasels.co.uk Temple Spa templespa.com The Cast Iron Bath Company castironbath.co.uk The Conran Shop conranshop.co.uk The Cotswold Company cotswoldco.com The Cotton Bunting Company cottonbunting.co.uk The Country Brocante thecountrybrocante.co.uk The Dining Chair Company diningchair.co.uk The Furniture Market thefurnituremarket.co.uk The Hoarde thehoarde.com The Old Cinema London theoldcinema.co.uk The Old Flight House theoldflighthouse.co.uk The Old Pill Factory theoldpillfactory.com The Painthouse thepainthouse.com The Rug Company therugcompany.com The Rustic at Heart therusticatheart.com The Wall Lighting Company thewalllightingcompany.co.uk The White Company thewhitecompany.com The Worm That Turned worm.co.uk Tinsmiths tinsmiths.co.uk TK Maxx tkmaxx.com Tom Howley tomhowley.co.uk Topps Tiles toppstiles.co.uk Trinity Marine trinitymarine.co.uk Turnball & Thomas turnbullandthomas.co.uk Union Square unionsquareaberdeen.com Unique Home Stays uniquehomestays.com Units Online unitsonline.co.uk Urban Cottage Industries urbancottageindustries.com Utility utilitydesign.co.uk VictoriaPlum.com 0344 804 4848 Victorian Plumbing victorianplumbing.co.uk Vinterior vinterior.co Vitra vitra.co.uk W&H Supplies whsupplies.com Water Baths of Ashbourne watersbaths.co.uk Wayfair wayfair.co.uk West Elm westelm.co.uk West One Bathrooms westonebathrooms.com Wrights of Lymm stonehouses.co.uk
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An advertisement feature bringing you the best value for those special purchases around your home.
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THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL NEED MORE SPACE - INSTALL A GARDEN ROOM The newest innovation from Quooker: CUBE. Equipped with a CUBE the Quooker tap provides filtered chilled and sparkling water alongside 100°C boiling, cold and hot water. All from one tap. It delivers water at true 100°C, saves time, water, energy and space and now also means you no longer need to buy plastic bottled water. Great for the environment!
SMART is one of the UK’s leading garden room suppliers, o�fering a wide choice of styles, sizes and optional extras enabling you to create your perfect garden space. Boasting full thermal insulation, double glazing and professional installation in your garden in a matter of just a few days, redefining your living space has never been easier. Contact us for a catalogue or a FREE no obligation site consultation. Tel. 0800 242 5559 Web. smartgardeno�fices.co.uk Email. contactus@smartgardeno�fices.co.uk
CALLING ALL CONSERVATORY OWNERS! A Rundle & Dorey insulated conservatory ceiling will give you back the luxury living space that you dreamed of. No planning permission required and every installation is covered by a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee. Also available is the Pinnacle range of lightweight, tiled roof replacement - fully approved and building regulation certified. Save up to 25% plus FREE Internal LED Lights. Interest-free finance at 0% APR.
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A MODERN CLASSIC YOUR KITCHEN WORKTOPS £100 OFF STYLISH DINING TRANSFORMED IN A DAY - SEATS FOUR
The Bojan dining set has a luxurious walnut finish with an elegant Scandinavian design. The four Bojan, Eames-style dining chairs boast an artificial leather cushion pad which can be easily wiped clean. The dining table measures 110cm in diameter and 75cm in height and has a luxurious walnut veneer finish.
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THE UK’s NO.1 CARPET WASHER ** Proven to clean better than the leading rental ^
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We’re obsessed with removing bacteria from our homes, but what about our carpets? Even if vacuuming makes them look spotless, potentially harmful stuff could still be living deep down - a layer of bacteria that can’t be removed by vacuuming alone, even in short pile carpets. The new Vax Platinum is our best ever carpet washer, cleaning your carpets 5 times better than a high performance vacuum cleaner^. It handles just like a regular vacuum, is simple to use and you can get rid of up to 93% of bacteria easily.
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Patented smart technology It’s packed with smart technology, treating the carpet with a precise mix of water and Vax Platinum solution. Our patented SpinScrub Technology and powerful XL brush bar agitate the carpet in two different directions, pushing the solution into the fibres before the bacteria and dirt are sucked away. In fact, the Vax Platinum cleans carpets better than the leading rental^. ** Vax Platinum Power Max. Sales by Value, UK market data for Wet & Wash Jan 2018 – Dec 2018 ^ Cleaning effectiveness on carpet, tested in deep clean mode according to IEC 628853:2014 part 5.2.1. For further information email claimsinfo@vax.co.uk * Tested in quick clean mode. Results may vary. Orders before 5pm Monday-Friday will be next day delivery. Outside of these times, orders will be despatched next working day. Offer only while stocks last.
Clean more than just your carpets The new Vax Platinum comes loaded with handy tools. The pre-treatment wand helps you get busy areas clean with ease. The SpinScrub tool and hose give your car interior, stairs and upholstery a deep-down clean; allowing you to remove the most stubborn of stains.
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Marketplace sofas and sofa beds
Autumn SALE
Let’s design together
13 Showrooms Nationwide
Saltdean in Textured Plain Bianco £1,3 4 £1,185
0808 178 3211 www.sofasandstuff.com
GREAT BRITISH SOFAS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER
SAVE FF 25% O R IN OU MN AUTU SALE
Florence 2 seater sofa was £949 - Sale price £749
For a brochure call 01495 244226 or visit www.sofasofa.co.uk To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
Marketplace sofas and sofa beds
LE ON SA W O N
TRADITIONAL BRITISH UPHOLSTERY SINCE 1987
SALE NOW ON Only £299. Only from us.
Monaco sofa was £399 - now £299
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www.kirkdale.co.uk Call now for your free brochure 01495 243999
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NO RISK 21 DAY HOME TRIAL 5 YEAR FRAME GUARANTEE FACTORY DIRECT PRICES
www.oakridgedirect.co.uk Tele 01685 844944 furniture
GREAT BRITISH HANDMADE LEATHER SOFAS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER
What’s unique about an Albion Bath?
was £1959 Autumn Sale price £1469 Our special material, Iso Enamel, keeps your bath hotter for longer, and only a third of the weight of cast iron.
Call now for a brochure or visit
01443 771222 www.thomaslloyd.com
Request your brochure for our range of 50 beautiful bath tubs.
01255 831605 albionbathco.com
ALBION BAT H C O M PA N Y
HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
Marketplace bathrooms
beds & bedding
Albion’s Handmade Bathroom Furniture
Handcrafted for you in Nottinghamshire
Beautiful and practical storage for bathrooms big and small. From 450mm to 1500mm wide. Painted to your choice.
The Ambassador Four Poster Bed
Request your brochure of our bathroom furniture. 01255 831605 albionbathco.com
HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
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FREE DELIVERY & INSTALLATION | 10 YEAR GUARANTEE
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fires/fireplaces
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To advertise here, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e The green and weathered blue tones echo the coastal location
ROOM ENVY magine the cosy nights you could have tucked up in here. This is The Lookout at the Artist Residence hotel in Cornwall’s picturesque Penzance. The best room in the house, the space benefits from multiple zones differentiated for sleep and relaxation. In the anteroom, a sense of comforting warmth abounds, anchored by the welcome log burner; a practical focal point rarely thought of for upstairs spaces. The orange glow of burning embers is reflected in the apricot and faded red of a North African area rug, again adding to the room’s snug feel. Pale spring green on the walls and a cool cerulean farmhouse-style door break up the heat, and the door’s sliding mechanism maximises space in the compact attic suite. Stained walnut floors create flow between the living space and bed area, 142 | 2 5 B H D EC E M B ER 2019
where an ever-popular Beni Ourain rug evokes softness and ease. Crisp white sheets and a simply upholstered linen headboard create a neutral backdrop for the cornflower-blue wool bed throw. The room is finished with a vintage reclaimed wooden import chest, topped with a light and potted foliage. If you have an unloved attic space, consider a conversion like this. You might just find it becomes your favourite place in the house. Downstairs, the warm, rustic vibe continues into the hotel’s The Cornish Barn restaurant, a space decorated with mismatched reclaimed furniture. Menus are piled with Mediterranean plates and bistro classics – think wild mushroom gnocchi, honey roast beets and spiced scallops. Order a bottle of red and finish the night in your room, curled up next to that flickering wood fire.
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY
I
Each month we bring you a hotel space that intrigues, inspires and dazzles
TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK Renovating your staircase into an exquisite feature is much easier and less costly than you’d imagine. In just 1-2 days and with no building work, we will transform the heart of your home, and add value to your property with a stunning, handcrafted staircase. All in a style to suit you and your budget. GLASS, STEEL & TIMBER DESIGNS NO STAIRCASE TOO LARGE OR SMALL BRITISH DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP NO BUILDING WORK TYPICALLY INSTALLED IN 1-2 DAYS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE BUY NOW PAY IN 12 MONTHS*
visit nevillejohnson.co.uk
for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333
*Buy now pay in 12 months finance offer is available on orders over £2,000 +VAT. Finance is subject to status, terms apply.