17 minute read
HOUSE OF WOLF
your mood”
D E N O F DREAMS
The founder of House of Wolf explains how her Beaconsfield home inspired an interior design business with a little bite
Iwas first struck with interiors whilst in Denmark as a child (my father worked there for 18 months so we went over every holiday). Once we rented a house from a friend of his and it was a treasure trove of interesting designs that I’d never seen before and I was entranced. My grandfather was a sculptor and I definitely got some of his creative genes.
I ended up obtaining a diploma from the National Design Academy in 2003 – I knew that one day I would love to run my own business. I firstly had a long corporate career from 1999-2014 working in in-house recruitment. I learnt invaluable skills that transferred into setting up my own business – from building relationships/ stakeholder management to negotiation – and all were important groundings and skills I still use every week.
I was on maternity leave from my corporate role with my third and final child, which coincided with my role project managing the build of our family home. I grew up in Beaconsfield and my parents still live here – it was an obvious place to move to when we started a family as my parents were willing to help and we both worked in London at the time.
Once we moved in friends and family saw my work and asked me to help them – the stars aligned as the right time to throw in the towel corporately and bite the bullet. With a young family and my husband working away a lot, I felt having a role which was based from home was more workable for us at that point.
I would describe my home’s style as modern luxe with a vintage twist. I love the open plan kitchen/living/dining area, which is a good thing given how much time we spend in there! I love it even more since we finally completed a terrace outside last summer – when the doors are open, the connection with all of the outside greenery really makes my heart sing.
I find colour really uplifting and believe it has a strong connection to your mood. I often think interiors starting points can be a person’s wardrobe, as you often have clothing which makes you feel a certain way – this can translate into your home too as it is so closely an extension of your personality.
With House of Wolf, I want to offer accessible design in a flexible way. I think the industry can have a perception that it is out of reach, but I tailor my approach so individually to the specific client. I work on fixed fees, but also have an hourly rate option (House of Wolf “Happy Hour”).
Tapping into the story of the family
or the individual is super important – having accessories or artefacts that really connect with them as people. For instance, I love commissioning things such as artwork that reflect the person’s background or reflecting in other items. I collect Japanese Kokeshi Dolls having lived in Tokyo. For a music lover client I found an Acid House Love Blueprint for the wall, showing a history of dance music and rave culture mapped out on the circuit diagram of a 303 bass synthesizer. I don’t like things to be too shiny and new in isolation – I like to ground with some vintage pieces or a variety of textures.
What’s next for the House of Wolf? I would love to add more products to the HOWL (House of Wolf Loves) e-commerce section of my site. I have some vintage pieces and I’d also love to work on a cushion or fabrics/wallpaper collection.
house-of-wolf.com
All images courtesy of Sarah Rider Photography – sarahrider.co.uk
Lou Wolfenden
picks out two projects from the House of Wolf
LITTLE KIMBLE
The layout was not working – the kitchen was a tight squeeze and there was wasted space with a utility room and door onto the garden. The dining table was pretty much unusable as it was in a long galley room, making it hard to have more than two people sitting there. So we opened up the space and relocated the kitchen into a galley formation using the long run for the units. The transformation enabled us to have bi-folds onto the garden from the new dining areas (the old kitchen). The brief was bright and cheerful, so I came up with the green connecting the garden and some accents of orange to add some vibrancy (which you can see from the images on this page).
HAMPSTEAD BATCHELOR APARTMENT
This was a three bed brand new apartment – it was a blank canvas. The client was a single guy and wanting to start from scratch, so I steered him out of his comfort zone to embrace colour. The master bedroom is blue and grey, but I added some neon pops and coral to ensure some femininity and softness. We used a lot of local London independents. The blue hallway console was especially made to fit the space and have individual drawer space for scarves, hats, gloves etc. The client loves music and I persuaded him to give up the formal ‘dining room' as this was overkill with the open plan kitchen/ diner right next door. Instead, he now has an extra space to relax in (images of which you can see on pages 54-55).
Bed: Sandö | Fabric: Designers Guild Zaragoza Eggshell | Carpet: Light Beige | Bed linen: Storm Pebble & Driftwood | Headboard Pillows: Designers Guild Zaragoza Eggshell | Bedside Table: Holme Black
15 WIGMORE STREET | LONDON W1U 1PE +44 (0) 20 3982 3252 | marylebone@carpediembeds.co.uk carpediembedsofsweden | #myunwind | www.carpediembeds.co.uk
Mood changer
The experts at Practicality Brown on how to make the most of your outside space
Gardens give us space to relax and unwind outdoors, and the satisfaction of seeing the landscape change with the seasons can improve our mood and wellbeing. Practicality Brown have been helping create inspired outdoor spaces for over 20 years: here are just a few ideas on how you can make the most out of your outdoor space.
Property improvements
Taking the time to update or improve your garden may make your property easier to sell, should that be your goal. However, there are more immediate benefi ts for you and your family to use and enjoy the improved outdoor space.
A space to relax
Spending time outdoors can help alleviate stress, as well as improving mental wellbeing and mood. A garden designed and created with your needs in mind can bring all the benefi ts of spending time in nature into the comfort of your own home.
Garden themes
You could take inspiration from heritage properties and divide your garden into themed areas or rooms. Using trees or hedges will help create garden rooms, whether you want to create a relaxed outdoor lounge area or a dining area sheltered from the elements. Solar garden lights are also very decorative and a cost-eff ective alternative, used to either highlight paths and steps or simply strung in with foliage.
Screening and privacy
You can create privacy in your garden by planting mature hedging to give you instant screening. Buying pre-grown hedges, such as Practicality Brown’s Practical Instant Hedge™, ensures that you have a solution to create a private, secure garden without waiting for small plants to grow into a hedge.
Use of colours
An evergreen hedge isn’t just one colour; Practical Instant Hedge™ comes in many diff erent varieties to suit your individual taste. If you like bright modern colours, then the apple green leaves of Griselinia could be your favourite. If shiny leaves, which look great in the sunshine, are more your thing, then take a look at Common Laurel. For classic elegance, nothing can really beat the traditional Yew. Or if subtle greys will give your garden the look it needs, Elaeagnus would be perfect.
Planting at diff erent heights helps draw attention to specifi c areas of the garden, and mixing structured and soft foliage adds interest, depth and movement. Scented plants are great too, which release their perfume well into the night.
Garden oasis
There are many ways you can prepare your outdoor space for the summer months
Words SANDRA ROTHWELL
URBAN FIRES
Ialways make the most of sunny days in my garden in Cookham Dean – the garden table covered in fabric swatches and visuals for my next mood board, accompanied by a morning coffee! It’s a little oasis I have created and furnished just as I would a room in my home and I love spending time in it. Essentially, it’s an outdoor room and increases the footprint of my house each spring/summer. Comfy seating, natural daylight and an abundance of greenery draw me outside each day and fill me with inspiration and positivity.
Even the smallest spaces can work brilliantly with careful planning. Just as you would indoors, it’s a great idea to zone your outdoor space too, breaking up areas with screens or tall plants. Outdoor rugs create the illusion of an extra room and having the correct size rug can make all the
VINCENT SHEPPARD
difference – large enough to fit comfortably under the furniture.
Day beds are gaining in popularity and I love Vincent Sheppard who make stylish, yet practical outdoor and indoor furniture. For bright sunny days, a parasol is perfect and provides vital protection from the elements. I love Symo for stunning designs, but they also supply built-in lighting and heating for darker and cooler evenings. A canopy or sail is another good option for weather protection. You will also need some throws – I use gorgeous, practical ones from Mariaflora, who also make a great range of indoor/outdoor cushions and rugs. Just adding a few new accessories to your existing furniture can make a huge impact and create a very welcoming space.
Outdoor kitchens are a huge trend with built-in BBQs and sinks – so sleek but very practical. An outdoor bar is perfect for
CONTARDI
entertaining; add a counter with a fridge and bar stools and you’ll have a very sociable space. Incorporating an outdoor fireplace will let you enjoy your garden well into the evenings (a simpler option is a fire bowl or contemporary chiminea).
Lighting is especially important for evening entertaining. You can have a tailormade lighting scheme installed, which will make the most of your outdoor space by highlighting key areas – well worth the investment. Candles are perfect too in hurricane lamps and lanterns: Contardi have some stunning designs.
Solar garden lights are also very decorative and a cost-effective alternative, used to either highlight paths and steps or simply strung in with foliage. Planting at different heights helps draw attention to specific areas of the garden, and mixing structured and soft foliage adds interest, depth and movement. I love scented plants too, which release their perfume well into the night.
All items available from Sandra Rothwell Interiors. For advice on creating your perfect outdoor space, please email
enquiries@sandrarothwellinteriors.com
The Old Bakery is one of Denham’s oldest properties
Slice of History
Absolutely Home goes behind the scenes of one of Denham village’s oldest properties, The Old Bakery
Words MARK KEBBLE
The past meets the present
Denham village in Buckinghamshire has plenty going for it, and its beautiful old buildings are certainly one selling point for anyone looking to move here. One of its oldest properties, The Old Bakery, is believed to date back to the 15th or 16th century and is Grade II listed. “It is undoubtedly a landmark building,” says current owner Trevor Nash, who invited us in to have a closer peek at this monumental piece of the past.
The white room
The Drawing Room
“Unquestionably,” is the simple response from Nash when asked if this is his favourite room. It’s a space that dominates the ground floor with its vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, together with an impressive period fireplace and log burner. The period detailing in the sash windows adds another delicate touch, from which you can look on to the village itself. “It is a place to relax and reflect whilst being sufficiently spacious for the largest family gatherings,” Nash adds.
Period Features
Wherever you look at The Old Bakery, you are reminded of the past. The aforementioned beams are dotted throughout the property and give it a real USP. Both the dining and family rooms are heavily beamed and full of character with access to the outside terrace from the dining room. The two rooms are divided by a feature fireplace, with a gas fire, which certainly adds to the cosiness. What’s also key is how the interior design melts into the feeling of history. “The present furnishings complement the internal architecture,” confirms Nash. “The interior has been designed to complement the fabric of the building.”
The Bedrooms
Throughout The Old Bakery, the accommodation is generous. The principal bedroom is dual aspect, with yet again another delightful village outlook. On the other side of the house is a guest suite with more great views, and there are a further three bedrooms in the property – and you won’t have any trouble differentiating them. “Although neutrally decorated, the bedrooms are completed in different colour schemes and referred to as the blue room, green room, white room and so on.”
- H O M E S -
Your Local Trusted Builder
Sunningdale Building Services Ltd is a well established Building Contractors company that has built up an enviable reputation over the last 20 years. We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide a professional and speedy service at all times, whilst maintaining the highest quality of work. We have a proven track record of innovative designs, effective problem solving and attention to detail and our goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of every customer.
The Great Outdoors
The Old Bakery is accessed through a five bar gate, which is just the start when it comes to the outside space. The rear garden is wonderfully secluded and steps from the terrace lead up to the lawn area, and an old water well has been cleverly designed to provide a perfect seating area. “It’s perfect for children,” says Nash, “and dogs!”
“There is a lovely community within Denham village” A Modern Touch
Although the interior design has been created with the building’s history in mind, it doesn’t mean there aren’t the mod cons too. As Nash explains: “Just the bathrooms and kitchen have been modernised – all other areas have been maintained in keeping with a listed building.” The kitchen has all the appliances you’d expect in a 21st century home, and the principal bedroom has an en-suite bathroom that is beautifully appointed with a shower and free-standing bath.
Denham
“Denham is a real village,” Nash enthuses. “It has a lovely Norman church, which has been featured in episodes of Midsomer Murders, wonderful pubs and restaurants, and the River Misbourne running through the centre. There is a village cricket ground, an excellent infant school, plus the Buckinghamshire Golf Club and Colne Valley Country Park, which surround the northern side. There is a wonderful community within the village, where neighbours soon become friends.”
The Old Bakery on Village Road, Denham, is currently up for sale for £2,375,000 via Savills Beaconsfield. For more details, call 01494 731 950 or visit savills.co.uk
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G A R D E N PA R T Y
FURNISH YOUR GARDEN WITH THESE PRACTICAL AND DECORATIVE PIECES
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1 GLOW UP
AMBIENTEC Nao Tamura, Japanese designer of this stylish Turn+ outdoor lamp, was inspired by natural light and the gentle, familiar lines of classic lanterns. It's rechargeable, waterproof and portable.
ambientec.co.jp
2 SUN SPOT
HADEDA The Traditional Malawi Cane twoseater will bring rustic elegance to your garden. Sustainable and stylish, it’s been handwoven by skilled artisans in rural Malawi. It's available in black, white or another colour of your choice. £410
hadeda.co.uk
3 TOUGH LOVE
CELINA DIGBY Celina Digby's lovely waterproof textiles are designed for outdoors. This tablecloth comes in lots of sizes and prints, with or without an umbrella hole. £49.99
celinadigby.co.uk
4 INDIAN SUMMER
RAJ TENT CLUB The Palm Springs day bed is dual use, in that the canopy can be easily li ed off so that just the sofa section can be used by itself. It's perfect for a conservatory. £1,600
rajtentclub.com
5 METAL HEADS
BRIDGMAN This outdoor dining set is designed to be kept outside year-round. The anti-corrosive seats are stackable and lightweight, and the set has been expertly cra ed from galvanised steel frames. £1,399
bridgman.co.uk
MADE
Asuna Wide Sideboard, £399
made.com
EARTHBORN
Faerie paint 2.5 litres, £46
earthbornpaints.co.uk DAALS
Clarence velvet green sofa, £309.99
daals.co.uk
HOT POTTERY
Salad bowl, £35
libertylondon.com
GREEN LIGHT
This summer's hottest shade
By PENDLE HARTE
WOODCHIP & MAGNOLIA X FEARNE COTTON
Pondering Peonies Duck Egg Wallpaper, £99
woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk
GLOW LIGHTING OMG KITTY
Art Print Pink Green, £10
omgkittyclub.com
NICHOLAS ENGERT
Cage Cordless Floor Light Green, £566
nicholasengert.co.uk
ABODE LIVING
Fish Fish medium green glass £8.50 abodeliving.co.uk
