the magazine with the most real homes APRIL 2017

25 beautiful
HOMES
Dreams fulfilleD
Striking self-build | Updated vicarage | Stylish lakeside retreat
make it yours
Smart decorating
ideas for every room

eXPert aDViCe
How to display art
Restoring period features
Adding a rustic touch

new looks
Shopping for pretty
pastels and
romantic florals

clever
conversion
‘from two flats to one family home’
Fairford Cashmere from the Shaker collection

www.howdens.com
or call 0800 0639 819 to request a brochure
 HANDCRAFTED
IN ENGLAND
smallbone.co.uk
+44(0)20 7589 5998

A member of the Canburg Group

 April 2017
20
inspiring homes
26 h e av e n ly t r a n s f o r m at i o n
An old listed vicarage in Oxfordshire ripe for
renovation proved a godsend for this couple
31 s i m P ly d i v i n e Key pieces shine inside
an understated townhouse in south London
37 a r t i s t i c l i c e n c e Having an interior
designer neighbour had its benefits for the owners
of this beautifully revamped London cottage
53 s m a l l b u t P e r f e c t ly f o r m e d
This family liked their new-look holiday home in
Sussex so much they opted to live there full-time
62 n at u r a l f l o w A bright and spacious
rear extension created a fun and functional
cover story
layout in this young family’s home in Hove
66 h o m e f r o m h o m e Creature comforts
and fine features combine in an Edinburgh escape
71 o P e n t o c h a n g e In order to afford
the Surrey home of her dreams, this owner
had to make some clever choices
82 a r t & c r a f t This Dorset detached house
has a bright and colourful homespun appeal
88 r e s t o r i n g t h e P a s t Old and new
Sleek designer
touches bring style
combine seamlessly in a Kent country house and sophistication
94 o n t h e wat e r f r o n t An intriguing to a listed vicarage
mix of furniture and finishes has had a dramatic
in Oxfordshire.
(page 26).
effect on a luxury lake house in Canada
2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 5
140
109 g r e e n e r p a s t u r e s How one family discovered
their rural idyll in a dilapidated former rectory in East Sussex
114 h e a r t ’ s d e s i r e Why this characterful country
cottage in Chichester won over a downsizing city dweller
118 t r u e b l u e Bold hues abound in a Parisian apartment
129 c u lt u r e c l a s h An owner’s exotic mixed heritage
is reflected in her elegant and eclectic southeast London flat
132 a d r e a m c o m e s t r u e How a woman’s long-
distance love affair with a semi in West Sussex became a reality
137 s c e n i c v i e w Set in the breathtaking Cotswolds
countryside, this converted barn has to be seen to be believed

82
new-build
48 s p a c e t o g r o w Following a fruitless search for a
bigger home, this Berkshire couple chose to build their own

replanned
20 b r i g h t o u t l o o k One couple took on the task
of turning two flats into a large, light-filled London home
42 t h e g o o d l i f e Buying a near-derelict farmhouse
set on 140 acres of East Sussex land proved an extremely
shrewd investment for this enterprising pair
124 d e s i g n e d f o r l i v i n g A spacious side extension
gave a garden flat in north London a new lease of life

unique
140 s t e p p i n g u p An unusual, ornamental staircase is
the standout star of this Edwardian semi in Southampton
144 g e o r g i a n g e m Intricate period architecture
provided interior inspiration for a Cheshire country house

distinctive
13 58
76
m o r e f o r l e s s Shrewd decisions helped stretch the
budget when updating a ‘horror show’ semi in Hastings
r e t u r n t o s p l e n d o u r This architect relished

66
the challenge of restoring a historic home in east London
101 r e t r o r e v i v a l This creative owner could not wait
to put her signature stamp on a 1930s detached in Surrey

regular features
13 n e w s This month’s hot shopping trends
17 Q & a Your decorating queries answered by our expert
87 r e a d e r o f f e r Get 20% off at Garden Trading
104 t h e s o u r c e Follow our tips and bring the ideas
seen in some of this issue’s properties into your home
113 r e a d e r o f f e r Great deals on fully escorted tours
135 r e a d e r o f f e r Big discounts on magnificent magnolias
151 s t o c k i s t s Find your favourite names here
162 r o o m e n v y The scheme that’s inspired us this month
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 CHESNEY’S
LONDON NEW YORK SHANGHAI

Fireplace and stove dealers throughout the UK

chesneys.co.uk
 n e ws | 25bh

april
T R E N D S | w h aT ’ S N E w | M U S T- h aV E B U Y S

2 3
1
4 5

8
7
6
say it with flowers
Embrace all that blooms with this season’s new-look romantic florals to add
Compiled by Erica MillEr

a feminine decorative flourish and bring the garden inside

1 pRETTY iN piNk 3 gET ThE Scoop 5 SEcRET SToRagE 7 pUll iT off
Katie alice Folk Festival side Flower measuring spoons, The camouflage company square Floral ceramic drawer
plate, £10, creative Tops £16, laura ashley zipped botanical chest, £19, QVc knobs, £10 for four, Dunelm
2 pUppY loVE 4 wEigh iT Up 6 STYlE & coMfoRT 8 cUBiST MoVEMENT
Spot the Dog cushion, £48.50, Walton rose scales, Durham armchair, £799, cube footstool in calista
Sarah campbell Designs £25, cath Kidston Marks & Spencer Pale Pink, £229, Multiyork

2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 13
25bh | n e ws

1
2 3
4 6

5
7
8
9
spring pastels
Whether it is mint green, candy pink, zesty lemon or powder blue,
these soft shades are the perfect way to revitalise your space
1 light the way 3 intO the blUe Georg Jensen koppel Harlequin for a set of four, ian snow
korridor concrete candle holders, ceramic bowl, £14, dunelm wall clock, £240, Houseology 8 hint Of mint
£23 each, a splash of colour 4 in the gROOVe 6 glass aCt smeg blender, £157.50, QVc
2 best in glass crosley cruiser i turntable, Pink ripple vase, £17, Homesense 9 mellOw yellOw
Zoffany tulipe lustre pendant £85, crosley 7 piles Of style kendall handpainted console
light in rose Gold, £210, amara 5 time’s Up! ditsy rectangular boxes, £10.99 table, £225, Next

14 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

tomhowley.co.uk call 0161 848 1200 for a free brochure. CODE K-BEHO08

London W1 Chelsea Alderley Edge Altrincham Beaconsfield Brentwood

Bristol Esher Guildford Harrogate Leamington Spa Tunbridge Wells
The best seat
in the house

visit us at arloandjacob.com
call us on 03300 379 703
or pop by our showroom

A range of styles starting from £735

 q & a | 25bh

Q&A
Our resident interiors expert
Rachel Leedham is on hand to
answer all your decorating queries

CONTEMPORARY FLORAL BEDLINEN

I’m on the hunt for some very striking floral bedlinen to
brighten a white guest bedroom. I am hoping to find a
contemporary design featuring vivid pink accents to team
with some plain fuchsia lampshades. Any suggestions?
JeAn HArvey, DerbysHIre

Eye-catching bedlinen is a simple way to bring pattern and colour

into a bedroom. Designers Guild (020 7893 7760, designersguild.
com) has a bold floral called Sibylla Fuchsia (right), from £19 for
a standard pillowcase. Bedeck (0333 200 7331, bedeck.co.uk) sells
the Sanderson Home range that includes Floral Bazaar, a pretty,
naive botanical print, from £12 for a pillowcase, and the Bluebell
Grey (0808 164 0130, bluebellgrey.com) Tetbury Meadow
collection has a painterly style, from £18 for a pillowcase.

RED CHECK FABRIC
While leafing through a
past issue of the magazine,
I spotted a lovely checked
fabric in the sunroom of
Lesley bailie (p72, October
2015). I’d like to make curtains
and blinds for my kitchen
in this material, can you
suggest something similar?
DIAnA MItcHeLL,
by eMAIL
Checked fabric is good for
adding a relaxed country feel.
Clarke & Clarke (01706
242010, clarke-clarke.com)
has a number of options
including the Clifford Check
in red linen, £29.50m. Ian
Mankin (020 7722 0997,
ianmankin.co.uk) is another
good port of call, have a look
at its Suffolk large check in
Peony (below), £27.50m.
WOVEN PENDANT
I am sending you a picture of a large
woven lampshade that would be perfect
for my dining room. can you identify it?
becky JAcksOn, bIrMIngHAM
A generous lampshade is perfect for making a
focal point within a dining area, while a woven
material such as bamboo or wicker helps to
bring a natural feel to the space. The shade you
spotted is, I believe, this Sinnerlig lampshade in
bamboo from Ikea (020 3645 0000, ikea.com),
which measures D50 x H54cm and costs £40.

2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 17
25bh | q & a
ARTIFICIAL LEAVES
Do you know of a company selling
realistic faux Swiss cheese plant
leaves? I have a beautiful porcelain
vase and would love to display one.
EmIly AShby,
North yorkShIrE
A lush Swiss cheese plant leaf
(‘Monstera deliciosa’ to give it its
proper name) makes a bold, graphic
statement in a room – and one of the
advantages of a faux option is that
FRENCH-STYLE ARMCHAIR
I spotted the perfect cream armchair in the canadian sitting
room of lidia van Zyl (p47, February 2017). Would you be able
to help me to source something similar in the uk?
JENNIFEr hollAND, by EmAIl
Armchairs in a rustic French style
are versatile additions to any
scheme. Have a look at the Reine
at Sweetpea & Willow (0345 257
2627, sweetpeaandwillow.com),
which comes in a number of fabric
choices, H92 x W83 x D98cm,
from £1,250 in cream calico
(shown). Oka (0844 815 7380,
18 | 2 5 b h A PrIL 2017
you won’t mark the inside of your
treasured vase with water. West
Elm (020 7637 9150, westelm.co.uk)
has a single Faux Monstera Leaf
measuring H80 x W25cm, £9.
For a more impressive display
(and this would require a sizeable
vase), Cox & Cox (0330 333 2123,
coxandcox.co.uk) sells a Botanical
Monstera Stem (right) with several
leaves, H133 x W70 x D70cm, £40.
Always use wire cutters on faux stems
if you need to trim them to fit.
COMPACT BASIN
We are installing a tiny cloakroom beneath the
stairs but I’m having trouble sourcing a small
handbasin with a projection of no less than 22cm.
GErAlDINE kNIGht, DurhAm
This is a great way to utilise that often-neglected space.
Aston Matthews (020 7226 7220, astonmatthews.co.uk)
offers a neat Micro Soho basin that measures just H8 x
W35 x D17.5cm, £133. Or try the equally compact Rondo
(below) from Victorian Plumbing (0345 862 2878,
victorianpumbling.co.uk), H9 xW36.5 x D18cm, £44.95.
oka.com) offers a design called
Chantal, upholstered in either
Off White or Natural cotton-
mix fabric, H95 x W77 x D86cm,
£885. Swoon Editions has an get in touch
elegant armchair called Lille, EmAIl rAchEl lEEDhAm at
available in nine cotton colourways 25_beautiful_homes@timeinc.com or write to her
at 25 Beautiful Homes, Time Inc. (UK) Ltd,
including Oatmeal, measuring 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP
H89 x W75 x D71cm, £399.
Renoir Collection
www.kaifabrics.com
www.ashleywildegroup.co.uk
 Bright OUTLOOK
Laura and Patrick Butler-Madden lovingly turned two
flats into a large family home full of light and colour
FeaTure KatHy HurSt | phoTography BrEtt cHarLES

20 | 2 5 b h a priL 2017
v i c to r i a n v i ll a | 25bh

repLanned

home truths
The properTy
Detached villa, built in 1853
L o c aT i o n
Southwest London
r o o m s Hall, drawing room,
sitting room/kitchen-diner, utility
room, cloakroom, five bedrooms
(one en suite), two bathrooms
p u r c h a s e d 2014
previous properTy
‘We lived in a period house just
a couple of miles away,’ says Laura.

KITCHEN-DINER
‘This room is north facing, but the
beautiful French windows ensure it’s
always flooded with light,’ says Laura.
Saarinen round table by Knoll, from £1,716,
Skandium. Fritz Hansen Drop chairs in Storm
Blue, £250 each, Nest. Beatrice chandelier,
£895, Graham and Green

2 5 b h a priL 2017 | 21
 SITTING ROOM
An open-plan layout creates a sociable feel.
Long Island corner sofa, from £1,480; Valentin
footstool in Amarena Dexter’s linen, £410, both
Sofa.com. For similar flooring try London White
engineered oak, £34.86sq m, Wood and
Beyond. Walls painted in Ammonite estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball

HALL
Encaustic patterned tiles make a dramatic
statement. ‘They’re a playful update on
Victorian mosaic tiles,’ says Laura.
Fired Earth Patisserie Sucre 2 floor tiles, When Laura
£49.75sq m, Tiles-direct.com and Patrick
Butler-
Madden
stumbled
across a leafy
enclave of red brick Victorian
villas in their favourite part
of south London, they didn’t
dare imagine that they
would one day have a home
in this area. ‘We were riding
around on our scooter and
came across a cluster of
grand period houses with
wide frontages, billowing
wisteria and beautiful
architectural details,’ says
Laura, an interior designer
and project manager. ‘It’s a
very tranquil area and it felt
like stepping back in time.’
The couple put the pipe
dream of ever living there to
the back of their minds, until
an estate agent called a few
weeks later with details of
a property that had been
converted into two flats.
‘Financially, it was well out
of reach and the council had
not yet granted permission
to return it to a single
dwelling,’ says Laura, ‘so it
was a bit of a risk. But we
offered what we could afford
and managed to reach an
agreement with the vendor.’
Their gamble paid off, and
permission to restore the
building to a family home
came through soon after the
sale had been completed.
First, the pair removed
the first floor kitchen,
stud walls and damaged
cornicing, and installed new
plumbing and electrics. A
single-storey rear extension
was added to create a large,
open-plan kitchen, and
period features such as the

22 | 2 5 b h A PrIL 2017
v i c to r i a n v i ll a | 25bh

DRAWING ROOM
Carefully chosen pieces complement the
period architecture. For Laura’s interior design
services, visit laurabutlermadden.com.
Lampert sofa, £3,595; Nixon coffee table in marble
and polished nickel, £1,950, both Jonathan Adler.
Madam Coco side chairs, £835 each, Sofa
Workshop. Walls painted in Dimpse estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball

2 5 b h A PrIL 2017 | 23
 MASTER BEDROOM
an upholstered buttoned bed and matching
love seat lend an indulgent feel.
Valentin king-size bed, £1,200, sofa.com. try
Harriet swing-arm wall lamp, £220, Hector finch
GUEST BEDROOM
‘this is a darker colour than i’d normally use,’
says laura. ‘the result is lovely and relaxing.’
Walls painted in Manor House Gray estate emulsion,
£43.50 per 2.5 litres, farrow & Ball. the celeste four- cast-iron fireplaces with
poster bed, £499, Maisons du Monde, is similar their ornate mirrored
overmantels, were restored.
‘We laid smoked white oak
chevron flooring throughout
the ground floor, which
really adds cohesion to the
space,’ says Laura.
With the shell complete,
Laura set to work on the
interiors, introducing calm
chalky tones for a soothing
and elegant look. ‘These
houses were originally built
for wealthy Victorians and I
wanted to create a luxurious
feel with touches of glamour
here and there,’ she explains.
In the bathroom, a
roll-top bath and bespoke
mirrored cabinetry are paired
with arresting Arabascato
marble tiling. The drawing
room features an impressive
bay window, and blue velvet
and shimmering metallic
24 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
furnishings. And a palette
of taupes and dusky pinks
lends a chic, grown-up feel in
the master bedroom. ‘I tend
to lean towards neutrals and
than add touches of colour
with either furniture or
works of art,’ says Laura.
It’s the kitchen, however,
that has seen the greatest
transformation, moving
from the first to the ground
floor. Light pours through
the new skylights, and at the
first hint of warmer weather,
the French windows are
thrown open to let in the
sunshine and spring air.
Now the house is finally
finished, Laura and Patrick
are delighted with their
bright, airy slice of London.
‘It was a truly serendipitous
find,’ says Laura. ‘We took
a chance, it came off and
we couldn’t be happier.’
 v i c to r i a n v i ll a | 25bh

after

first floor second floor

before
rear extension
extending at the rear has created a
spacious kitchen-diner/living space,
plus a generous utility room. Built into
the garden, the new structure is lower
than the original house. a feature was
made of this with a step leading down
ground floor
from the seating area into the kitchen,
delineating both areas.

EN SUITE
Pale oak flooring gives
warmth to this luxurious
monochromatic design.
Millbrook double-ended
bath, £775, cast iron Bath
company, is comparable.
Glass orb extra-large
chandelier, £750, the
White company

2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 25
 inspiring

h e av e n ly
transformation
Gemma May-Brown
and her husband Nick’s
prayers were answered
when they finally found
a beautiful old vicarage
ripe for renovation
Feature JANET McMEEKIN
photography RICHARD GADSBY
home truths
t h e p r o p e r t y Grade-
II listed detached vicarage,
built around 1840
l o C at i o n Oxfordshire
r o o M s Hall, drawing
room, dining room, kitchen,
snug, study, conservatory,
cloakroom, five bedrooms
four bathrooms
p u r C h a s e D 2014
previous property
‘We used to live in a garden
flat in south London that we’d
renovated,’ says Gemma.

SITTING ROOM
To maximise light, the couple opted to
restore the property’s original shutters
rather than hang curtains.
Casablanca wall light, £219, Heathfield & Co.
For a similar mirrored coffee table try Reflect,
£499, Dwell. Bespoke cushions by Aiveen Daly

26 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
 g eo rg i a n v i c a r ag e | 25bh

CONSERVATORY
The couple wanted to create a cottage-style look in this large
space, to warm it up and make it a little ‘softer around the edges’.
Chester ottoman, £435, Oka. Sofa covered in Alderney in Wolf,
£39.95m, Just Fabrics. Langham large two-seater sofa, from
£1,850, Laura Ashley, has a similar shape

SITTING
ROOM
These dramatic
paintings were the
inspiration for the
rich blue scheme.
Artworks by
Ailsa Read, £1,900
each, Woodbine
Contemporary Arts.
For similar seating,
try Jane sofa, £629,
Modern. Andromeda
six-arm chandelier
by Heathfield & Co,
£1,234, Uber Interiors

KITCHEN
A mid-century
style pendant
is the crowning
glory in this
chic black-and-
white scheme.
Artichoke pendant
light in white, £329,
A Modern World.
Clayton bar chairs,
£99 each, John
Lewis, are a good
alternative

KITCHEN
Gemma chose mirrored metro tiles for the wall behind the
oven in order to reflect extra light around the room.
Mirror silver glass tiles, £109.95sq m, Walls and Floors, are comparable.
Cabinetry, price on request, J&S House of Design; painted in Purbeck
Stone estate eggshell, £60 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 27

While many homebuyers might be intimidated by
the prospect of completely restoring a grand Georgian
house, experienced renovator Gemma May-Brown
relished the opportunity. ‘From the moment I saw
the vicarage online, I had a good feeling about it,’ she
says. ‘I could see it had the right proportions and that
there was vast potential to transform it into the elegant home my
husband Nick and I were desperate for and that had so far eluded us.’
Back in 2014, the couple had been propelled into a house-hunting
frenzy, having unexpectedly received the full asking price on their
London apartment the day before they got married. ‘We postponed
our honeymoon so that we could take up the offer,’ explains Gemma.
Despite initial hopes of finding a city home, nothing suitable emerged
so the couple decided to look in Oxfordshire, an area they both liked.
‘As soon as we spotted the vicarage, we went to view it and I could
hardly contain my excitement,’ recalls Gemma. ‘We were overjoyed
when our offer was accepted straightaway.’
Once the sale had gone through, the pair began planning how
they would alter the property to enhance its period features. ‘The
whole place was drowning in heavy, dark curtains and patterned
wallpaper,’ says Gemma, a project manager and owner of Kingdom
Projects. ‘So I got straight to work creating mood boards, trawling the
b e s t b u y ‘I love our sumptuous velvet cushions in the bedroom, which
I spotted in HomeSense. At under £20 each, they were a real bargain’
28 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017
DINING ROOM
Modern meets traditional
to dazzling effect in here.
Petworth french walnut
extending table, £1,835, oka.
agnes chandelier, £525,
lmodernlighting. star dust
silk wallpaper in panels,
£100sq m, Phillip Jeffries
internet and visiting stores and showrooms to find the perfect
furniture, lighting and pieces needed for the each room.’
However, with so much work to do, the couple needed extra
help, which came in the shape StuartBarrCDR construction,
based in nearby Thame. ‘We met Stuart and I could tell that his
philosophy and attention to detail would match our expectations,’
says Gemma. While the couple removed the old curtains and
tired carpets themselves, Stuart’s firm overhauled the electrics
and plumbing, before plastering the walls and retiling the new
bathrooms and floors. The sash and French windows were replaced
with new ones, and the original shutters, fireplaces, cornicing and
the magnificent mahogany staircase were all carefully restored.
‘Nick and I did the painting and anything else we could
to help,’ says Gemma. ‘I remember one Saturday night, standing
on scaffolding boards in the hall at two in the morning, with a beer
in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, wondering what on earth
we were doing all this for!’ But thankfully, after seven months, all
the hard work came together and they were able to move into their
exquisitely restored home.
‘It was such an amazing feeling to finally move in, and every day
I still feel excited about our home,’ enthuses Gemma. ‘It’s been an
absolute honour to give such a special house a new lease of life.’
 g eo rg i a n v i c a r ag e | 25bh

BATHROOM
‘We deliberately chose large tiles for the floor and walls to help
bring a feeling of pure luxury to this space,’ says Gemma.
try calacatta oro polished marble tiles, £349.99sq m, Mandarin stone
for a similarly seamless effect. Matrix freestanding tap, £279, Victoria
Plumb. the coniston freestanding bath, £3,900, cP Hart, is a match

HALL
Bold black-and-
white tiles create a
dramatic entrance.
illusion White and
fantasy Black floor
tiles, both £49.95sq
m, original style.
rV astley aston
cylinder ceiling
light, £709, House
of isabella. london
prints, £120 each,
by Jennie ing

CLOAKROOM
‘This is a space
where you can go
a bit over the top
with glamour,’
says Gemma.
Junction wall lights,
£109 each, Heal’s.
Harlequin sumi
wallpaper in ivory/
Mustard, £65 per roll,
John lewis. calacatta
Honed Pluto basin,
£354, Mandarin stone

BEDROOM
This sophisticated space, with its upholstered headboard
and citrus bright cushions, oozes boutique-hotel style.
ochre cushions, £19 each; table lamp, £49; both Homesense.
Gallery luna leaner mirrors, £199 each, Very. try Misha mirrored
chest of drawers, £370, out there interiors

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 29

Great British kitchens
direct from the manufacturer

Milano & Shaker kitchen £4,876

For all these fully built kitchen units 

61 showrooms nationwide, visit wrenkitchens.com

Priced kitchen is for units only and does not include the price of worktops, appliances, sink, tap, props, accessories or small worktop appliances. Price taken 4.1.2017
 pe r i o d tow n h ous e | 25bh

HALL inspiring
Bold wall paint and eye-
catching artwork increase
the sense of drama in here.
Chevron light brown parquet
wood flooring, £85sq m, Kährs.
Tree stand by Katrin Olina,
from £423, Swedese

home truths
The properTy
Victorian townhouse
L o c aT i o n South London
r o o m s Hall, sitting room,
dining room, kitchen, office
area, cloakroom, five bedrooms,
two bathrooms
p u r c h a s e d 2015
previous properTy
‘I moved here from a house
in Wimbledon 18 months ago,’
says Swedish-born Pia.

SIMPLy dIvIne
Designer Pia Rosling brought the best out of her characterful
period home using her signature understated style
FeaTure DILLY ORME | phoTography VERONICA RODRIGUEZ

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 31
25bh | pe r i o d tow n h ous e

d e s i g n t i p ‘Furniture, paintings
and decorative items need space to
be able to shine, so try to leave
plenty of room around each object,
so that it can be clearly seen’

DINING ROOM
Carefully placed pieces
help draw attention to
elegant original features.
Bespoke oak dining table by
Konk. Cowhide rug, from
£180, The French Bedroom
Company. Copper bronze
pendant light, £255,
Tom Dixon

32 | 2 5 b h A pril 2017
 sITTING ROOM
Walls have been whitewashed to show
off Pia’s paintings to full effect.
Take a look at Trengilly glass coffee table, £349, Made.
Chunky throw, £95; grey cushion, £85, both Mitzi B

Keeping things simple and
light and letting beautiful
materials speak for themselves
is the ethos that Swedish-born
artist and designer Pia Rosling
kept in mind when decorating
the south London home she shares with her
partner and her daughter, Hanna. ‘I’m the
design director for Sola Kitchens, so I work
with design every day,’ says Pia. ‘I seem to
find it so easy to make decisions on colours
and style for clients, but when it came to my
own project, it was different. That’s why it
works so well to stick to a simple template.’
When Pia first viewed the property, she
was impressed by the proportions and the
splendour of its features. ‘It’s packed with
original Victorian elements such as stained-
glass windows and doors, seven fireplaces,
light switches and doorplates,’ she says.
Despite the details having great appeal,
the existing decor was not to Pia’s taste.‘The
front room was painted a deep violet and
there were four different types of flooring
on the ground level,’ she says. ‘It made sense
to keep the traditional floor tiles in the hall,
so I had them polished, then I replaced the
rest with a beautiful parquet, which creates
a rustic warmth. I’ve also fitted timber
flooring upstairs to open up the whole
house and help the spaces flow.’
During the renovation, Pia stayed
true to the period of the house, enhancing

KITCHEN
‘We all love cooking and the new
layout works well for us,’ says Pia.
Slatten light grey units, price on
request; Nero Assoluto Flamed granite
worktop, £700sq m, both Sola Kitchens

2 5 b h A pril 2017 | 33
25bh | pe r i o d tow n h ous e
MASTER BEDROOM
Eye-catching shades of
yellow and a striking artwork
make the bed the focal point.
dandelion ceiling lamp, £1,607,
Moooi. le corbusier chaise
longue, £3,558, the conran
shop. innermost rd2sQ
floor lamp, £370, david
Village lighting
and reinstating fittings and fixtures. ‘We’re
carefully trying to restore as much as we
can, while creating a balance with modern
living requirements,’ she explains.
‘I was a part-time artist for two years,
and have sold many paintings and exhibited
in several countries in Europe,’ continues
Pia. ‘It was very important to me that my
paintings had the best exposure in my own
home.’ It is for this reason that the majority
of the walls have been kept white, with
OFFICE AREA
A handy work space has
been set up on the landing.
Hay upholstered office chair,
£355, Nest. the Jual curve
writing desk, £199, Wayfair,
would suit this space
34 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
the exception of the hall, which has been
painted a dramatic battleship grey. ‘The
staircase creates such wow factor, I wanted
to complement the drama with a bold colour.’
Once the walls were painted throughout,
Pia turned her attention to the kitchen. ‘It
was a priority because we all love to cook,’
she enthuses. ‘As I’m constantly designing
schemes, I had a really clear idea of what
I needed. I wanted to maximise storage
and surface space and create a clean area
H A N N A’ S
BEDROOM
Warm timber and white
walls offer serenity.
Ninni rund curtains, £50,
ikea. Boutique Hotel
linear bedspread, from
£60, John lewis
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
to work in that suits all our needs and dietary
requirements. I also have two grown-up sons,
Felix and Jordan, who visit often, and we all
practically fight over whose turn it is to cook.’
With the kitchen complete, Pia is pleased
with the overall result, although she says it’s an
evolving project. ‘There are so many things
that I like about this house, but I feel we still
have a way to go yet,’ says Pia. ‘I plan to replace
the bathrooms and excavate the basement, but
I’ll keep it in mind that it has to be simple.’
B AT H R O O M
Clean lines create a
chic, minimalist look.
orient mahogany bath,
£1,152, Uk Bathroom
store. try antalya crema
wall tiles, £73.73sq m,
topps tiles
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KITCHEN
A striking corrugated
iron ceiling is
complemented by
a cluster of pendants.
Cabinetry designed by
Spencer & Wedekind,
and painted in Castle
Gray estate eggshell, £60
per 2.5 litres, Farrow &
Ball. Davey Box Wall
Lights, £438 each,
Original BTC at Heal’s

ARTISTI C L I C E NCE
A dash of imagination and a little help from their next-door neighbour enabled director
Jonathan Munby and actor Martin Hutson to create the perfect city retreat
FEATURE EMMA J PAGE | PHOTOgRAPHY BÉNÉDICTE DRUMMOND

INSPIRINg

home truths
THE PROPERTY
Victorian mid-terrace cottage
L O C AT I O N London
R O O M S Hall, sitting
room, kitchen, bedroom,
study, bathroom
P U R C H A S E D 2004
PREVIOUS PROPERTY
‘We moved into this house
from a basement flat nearby,’
says Jonathan.

2 5 b H A PRIL 2017 | 37
 KITCHEN
Painting the cabinetry and walls in the same
hue creates a seamless unified feel.
Architecture White Matt wall tiles, £49.42sq m, Fired Earth.
French Gray floor paint, £66 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘We love the light-filled kitchen and the wonderful view of the

SITTING ROOM
The pair made a bold choice by papering a wall
with this eye-catching print. ‘It adds character
and is a great dramatic touch,’ says Jonathan.
Cow Parsley wallpaper, £76 per roll, Cole & Son.
Vintage drinks trolley, leather sofa and coffee table,
price on request, all The Old Cinema. Large
Kinvara mirror, £165, Oka

38 | 2 5 b h A PrIL 2017

T
rading a dark basement flat
for a charming mid-terrace
cottage was a lucky move for
theatre director Jonathan
Munby and his husband, actor Martin
Hutson. And serendipity struck again
when they found that their new
next-door neighbour was an interior
designer who shared their enthusiasm
for rejuvenating the tired property.
‘This lovely street in a quiet
west London enclave sold the house
to us,’ says Jonathan. ‘But the cottage’s
interior was very uninspiring. It was
a bachelor pad with few redeeming
features apart from a bright kitchen.
But on the upside, we had a blank
canvas to work with. Then we met
our next-door neighbour Nicholas
Spencer and his wife Sophie and
everything slotted into place.’
Having spent some time settling
into their home, the couple already
knew that they wanted to modernise
it and create room for their treasured
garden makes it a great place to entertain’
SITTING ROOM
This cosy spot at the
rear of the house
is the perfect nook
for a work space.
Vintage desk and
chair, price on request,
The Old Cinema. The
Barometer work lamp
has this look, £30, Ikea
c i t y c o t tag e | 25bh
artwork and books, while staying true
to the property’s period roots. ‘When
we found that Nicholas was an interior
designer, asking him to get involved
was a no-brainer,’ explains Jonathan.
Thus ensued many relaxed get-
togethers where the trio cooked up
ideas, finally settling on a look that
introduced subtle industrial touches
that would complement the creative
details that reference Martin and
Jonathan’s life in the arts.
A palette of soft blues, greys and
greens prevails throughout, enlivened
by textural touches such as patterned
wallpaper in the sitting room and
bedroom, a painted runner on the
staircase, tactile linens and rugs and
plenty of rustic wood. But the pièce de
résistance is the corrugated iron ceiling
in the kitchen. ‘It’s something that we
would never have thought of,’ says
Jonathan, ‘but Nicholas persuaded us
to give it a go. We were hesitant at first,
but now, of course, we love it.’ The
2 5 b h A PrIL 2017 | 39
25bh | c i t y c o t tag e
STUDY
‘This is a wonderful place to read or listen
to vinyl,’ says Jonathan.
Walls painted in stiffkey Blue estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres, farrow & Ball
B AT H R O O M
The controlled palette and vintage
fittings lend a modern yet period feel.
Millbrook double-ended cast iron tub,
from £875, the cast iron Bath company
40 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
decor’s industrial elements came
together naturally once the corrugated
roof was installed and bring distinction
to the relaxed palette. A collection of
mismatched pendants with glowing
exposed filaments sets off the look in
the kitchen, a zinc desk in the study
introduces an ergonomic aesthetic and
the metal bedstead and rustic table
lamps in the master bedroom add
a utilitarian but welcoming note.
Best of all, neighbour Nicholas
was on hand to offer the pair guidance
when needed. ‘It was great to source
colours, fabrics and furniture with his
input,’ says Jonathan. ‘Having him as a
neighbour was also a bonus. He would
come knocking at the door with tiles
or swatches he loved and many of these
were discussed over a glass of wine or
a coffee – definitely the best way to
f u t u r e p l a n s ‘We may consider
extending into the loft or widening the kitchen’
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
make creative decisions.’ The result is
an understated and deeply comfortable
home filled with a carefully curated
selection of Martin and Jonathan’s
favourite finds, from an extensive
library of books in the study to framed
prints showcasing productions that
the pair have been involved in.
‘It’s a great space for entertaining,
whether dinner for family and friends,
relaxed Sunday lunches or barbecues
in the summer,’ says Jonathan. ‘But it’s
also a fantastic retreat where we can
sit and read, listen to records or cosy
up with a film.’ Next on the agenda is a
possible loft extension or the widening
of the ground floor. And of course
should that happen, Martin and
Jonathan won’t have to cast their net
too wide. Fortuitously, they need only
look next door to realise their plan.
MASTER BEDROOM
An iron bedstead and exposed
filament wall lights nod to the
industrial style, while patterned
wallpaper softens the look.
Garden craft wallpaper by Morris
& co, £61 per roll, fashion
Wallpaper. framed Butterfly
drawer from £160, digs. domeo
table lamps, £95 each, loaf
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 The GOOD life
Lisa O’Connor and Toby Smallpiece’s lives took a turn for the
better when they upped sticks and moved to the country
FEATURE ALI HEATH | PHOTOgRAPHY EMMA LEWIS

Kitchen
‘i took a slightly Scandinavian style
approach to the extension,’ says Lisa.
Blue Tolix chairs, £29 each, Ardingly
International Antiques & Collectors Fair.
Walls in Earthborn White Clay paint,
£64 per 5 litres. Burchetts large table
cloth, £78, Molly Mahon

42 | 2 5 b H A prIL 2017
 c o u ntry fa r m h o us e | 25bh

REPLANNED

exterior
A contemporary glass atrium
links the original house with the
new steel-and-brick structure.

home truths
THE PROPERTY
FAVOURITE ROOm ‘As a family, we spend most A 17th-century farmhouse
with later additions
of our time in the main living space – having a log fire L O C AT I O N East Sussex
here is wonderful, especially in winter’ R O O M S Sitting room, dining
room, kitchen-diner/snug/
playroom, sun room, office,
cloakroom, four bedrooms
(one en suite), bathroom
P U R C H A S E D 2008
PREVIOUS PROPERTY
‘Before moving here, we lived
in a 1950s farmhouse in a more
urban location,’ says Lisa.
 sitting room
this cosy area in the old farmhouse was
created by removing a partition wall.
Sofa, £1,700, John Lewis. Plush armchairs,
£50 each, Lewes Antiques Centre. Vintage
rug, £150, Gorringe’s

FAVOURITE ITEMS ‘I love the Molly Mahon cushions and lampshade – mixing
modern prints with vintage furniture works perfectly and adds a little twist’

sun room
this is a great spot to sit
and take in the views.
For similar seating, try the Vittorio
corner sofa, £849, Made

44 | 2 5 b h A PrIL 2017
 c o u ntry fa r m h o us e | 25bh

C
after raving rural
tranquillity, Lisa
O’Connor and
her husband
Toby Smallpiece bought an
old farmhouse in East Sussex
and set about transforming it
into a characterful home and
thriving business enterprise.
Toby had just left his
job in internet marketing
when an estate agent sent
the couple details of 140-
acre Hawthbush Farm
(hawthbushfarm.co.uk).
ground floor
‘It was perfect timing,’ says
former marketing executive,
Lisa. ‘We were both looking
to do something different
and this provided the perfect
opportunity to create our
dream home, instigate real
lifestyle changes and develop
new business ideas.’
The couple decided
to take the plunge and buy
the near-derelict property
and embark on a lengthy
renovation project. Work
started straight away on
converting two outbuildings
into holiday cottages. When
finished, these became a
temporary residence for the
couple and their children
Zac, now 9, and Didi, 7,
while renovations began
on the main farmhouse.
‘We chose Meredith
Bowles of Mole Architects
to create an extension, as we
loved his utilitarian design
and how it blended with the
existing farm buildings, says
Lisa. ‘The new structure,
which has a curved steel roof,
snuggles up to the old house,
with a glass atrium bringing
the two buildings together.’
On the extension’s
ground floor, a large, open
space combines a kitchen,
dining area, snug and
playroom and, with its vast
expanse of folding glass
doors, there is a wonderful
sense of light and connection
with nature. Upstairs, the
wood-lined master bedroom
follows the arch of the roof,

dining room
antique pieces complement the rustic features
and lisa’s own artwork adds a colourful touch.
Dining table, £500, May’s Antiques. Newby House
Interiors has a similar Windsor armchair, £410
first floor

before
all change
‘Three outhouses made
way for the new extension,’
says Lisa, ‘where we created
a kitchen-diner with a
master bedroom above.
In the older building, we
moved the stairs and turned
the former main bedroom
into a bathroom, and made
the old kitchen into a utility
room and entrance hall.

2 5 b h A PrIL 2017 | 45
25bh | c o u ntry fa r m h o us e
with a window offering a
stunning 180-degree vista.
‘The new space is incredible,’
says Lisa. ‘It’s our own
personal sanctuary.’
The original house has
a more cosy feel with its low
beamed ceilings and small
windows. ‘We reinsulated
the roof and walls, lowered
floors, removed the existing
kitchen and knocked the
sitting room and study into
one,’ explains Lisa. Upstairs,
the children occupy two of
the four bedrooms, while the
remaining spaces were turned
into a guest bedroom and a
family bathroom.
Solar panels provide
the farmhouse with energy,
and a filtration system draws
in warm, fresh air. The
buildings, including the guest
46 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
master
bedroom
‘the shape of this
space makes me
feel cocooned,’
says lisa.
chest of drawers,
£65, closet & Botts.
Benches, £50 each;
rocking chair, £80,
both ardingly
international
antiques &
collectors fair
F a m i ly b at h r o o m
‘i collect old paintings from flea markets,’ says lisa.
Winchester bath with resin feet, from £470; chrome
freestanding mixer tap, from £849; both Bathstore. try
the adjustable height slatted stool, £146, smirthwaite
guest bedroom
‘recycling is part of our eco-friendly ethos, so i turned
this fruit crate into a bedside table,’ says lisa.
cottages, are each fed by a for a similar french-style bed try the chateau, £998,
communal wood-chip la Maison chic. lamp, from £126, Molly Mahon
boiler and natural spring
water from the farm’s own
source – unearthed by Lisa
with the help of a dowser.
‘It was important for us
to make the most of natural
materials, so everything is
non-toxic,’ says Lisa. ‘The
electrics are encased in copper
to reduce electropollution,
and we’ve used oil- and
acrylic-free clay paint.’
In addition to offering
guest accommodation, Lisa
and Toby have launched
other businesses, which use
natural ingredients sourced
from their land. ‘We love our
family life in the country,’ says
Lisa. ‘It’s the busiest we’ve
ever been, but the happiest
and healthiest, too.’
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
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 new-buiLd

home truths
The properTy
Three-storey detached house
L o c aT i o n Berkshire
r o o m s Hall, sitting room,
kitchen-diner/family room,
utility room, cloakroom, studio,
six bedrooms (two en suite),
two bathrooms
p u r c h a s e d 2013
previous properTy
‘Before moving here, we lived in
a 1920s semi nearby,’ says Eloise.

48 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
 ec o s e lf-b u i ld | 25bh

kitchen-diner
‘As it’s such a large room, we’ve gone for a recirculating
extractor that cleans the air and recycles it,’ says Eloise.
amadeus extractor, £1,963, air Uno. Walls painted in Flint
absolute matt emulsion, £66.50 per 5 litres, little greene

hall
Eloise, a photographer, took these fun portraits of her
children and placed them above their coat pegs.
Cabinet on wheels, £160, Witney Warehouse

s pac e T o
grow
Unable to find a house that met their family’s needs,
Eloise and Paul Radziwill decided to buy a large plot
of land and build their dream home instead
FeaTure sTEpHaniE smiTH | phoTography david gilEs

2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 49
 dInIng AREA/
FAmILy Room
These zones are linked by
complementary upholstery and
matching pendant lights.
for a similar look try the teardrop-
shaped ceiling pendant light,
£163, arrow electrical

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘I love the huge kitchen-diner. We didn’t have the space to invite

people over to our old house, but now we have plenty – it’s what the build was all about’

SITTIng Room STAIRS

‘We’ve kept our existing leather A striped runner
sofas,’ says Eloise. ‘The new rug and adds interest to the
cushions have updated the look.’ handmade stairs.
Manhattan patchwork rug, £150, rock n roll tainted
flair rugs. kensington silver cushions, love wool runner,
from £15 each, dunelm £57.30sq m,
alternative flooring

W
hen Eloise and Paul
Radziwill outgrew
their Victorian semi in
Berkshire, it was difficult
to find a new home large enough home for
themselves and their young children Barnaby,
Alexei, Felix and Willow. ‘We were beginning
to feel a bit hemmed in,’ explains Eloise, who
had her heart set on a large space where
everyone could be together to eat and relax.
She also wanted each child to have their own
room, and ideally a spare one for guests.
‘We love the community spirit, schools
and greenery here, but there weren’t any
properties for sale that fitted the bill, which
was very frustrating,’ reflects Eloise. ‘The
idea of building our own timber-frame,
eco-friendly house appealed to us, so we
WILLoW’S BEdRoom
Accents of soft pink bring
cohesion to this fun design.
Beaumont linen Blush blind,
£88, tuiss. kiddy Print patchwork
rug, £70,flair rugs
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
mASTER BEdRoom
‘Our old sleigh bed just keeps
going, so we treated ourselves
to new bedding,’ says Eloise.
try the santino faux-leather bed,
£600, Bensons for Beds. Mohair
blanket, £75, designers Guild
started looking for land and development
plots, but they all seemed a little overpriced.’
Finding a small 1930s house on a
decent-sized site in the summer of 2013 was
the turning point for the Radziwills. ‘We
could see that demolishing it and building
a much bigger home would work well,’ says
Paul. ‘It’s a lovely spot.’ Knowing that the
planning process would take a long time,
the couple rented out the original house
while the preparations were being made.
‘TV architect Charlie Luxton, a great
champion of eco projects, was recommended
to us as he lives fairly locally,’ continues Paul.
Charlie asked the couple to write down a
wish list, which helped them see what was
important and where money should be spent
and where it could be saved. ‘The flow of the
ec o s e lf-b u i ld | 25bh
BAThRoom
The shape of this attic
room lends itself well to
a large walk-in shower.
tumbled marble Grigio
wall tiles, £69.95sq m,
original style
house was extremely important,’ says Eloise.
‘It had to function well, with all the rooms
connected to each other. Plus, it needed to be
eco friendly, sustainable and well insulated,
to keep the running costs down.’
The couple also added a separate studio
as Paul, a marketing consultant, often works
from home, but with the idea that it could be
used as a granny annexe one day, too. ‘We
tried to think about our needs now and over
the coming years, as this is a long-term house
for us,’ explains Eloise. And the couple had
equally strong feelings about the details,
such as paint colours and finishing touches.
‘We’re so pleased with how it’s turned out,’
says Eloise. ‘Buying a house this size would
have been much more expensive; by building
our own, we’ve got exactly what we want.’
guEST BEdRoom
‘We used wallpaper to add
texture,’ says Eloise.
designers Guild Marmorino
wallpaper, £54.40 per roll,
Wallpaper direct
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 p e r i o d c o t tag e | 25bh

inspiring

home truths
T h e p r o p e r T y End-of-
terrace cottage, circa mid 1600s
L o c aT i o n East Sussex
r o o m s Sitting room,
kitchen-diner, four bedrooms,
two bathrooms (one en suite)
p u r c h a s e d 2015
previous properTy
‘Before this, we were living in a
six-bedroom detached Victorian
house nearby,’ says Helen.

smaLL BuT
PERFECTLY FORMED
Helen Smith left her sprawling house in the country and took
a chance on a bijou home in a nearby market town
FeaTure AMY MAYNARD | phoTography RICHARD GADSBY

2 5 B h A pRIl 2017 | 53

KITCHEN-DINER
The beams are a wonderful
contrast to the modern
cabinets and furniture.
Philippe Starck for Kartell
Masters chair in grey, £131,
John Lewis. Black cage
candle holders, £25
each, Ashbee & Co
d e s i g n t i p ‘Don’t feel like you always have to think practically when making
54 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
With a background in interiors PR and now
running Harper and Hugo, a store selling
accessories for dogs, Helen Smith has an eye
for design and detail. She was living in a
six-bedroom country house set in five acres
in East Sussex, with husband Nick and
children, Oscar, 12, and Isabella, 10, when she turned
her attention to finding a townhouse in nearby Rye.
‘Nick had started working abroad and wanted me to
have a project to keep me busy,’ explains Helen. ‘I used
to love visiting Rye, and always said to him that I’d like to
have a house there. So one day he told me I should arrange
to see some properties – I didn’t wait for him to change
his mind and immediately arranged five viewings.’
Helen saw the potential of an unloved end-of-terrace
cottage full of beams in the oldest part of the town,
and persuaded Nick that it was the perfect renovation
to undertake. After nearly losing out to another buyer,
the couple secured the house, and Helen set about
meticulously planning a complete interior overhaul.
Fast forward a few months and gone were the yellowed
walls, dirty carpets, dated kitchen and bathrooms. In
their place, Helen chose sleek fixtures and fittings, a
mixture of walnut-hued wooden floors and sumptuous
grey carpets against a palette of muted colours with
splashes of rose-gold and jewel tones. She selected
a modern grey kitchen with an oval-shaped island and
copper splashback. ‘The scheme for the kitchen-diner
came from the three bare-bulb lights that now hang in the
dining area with their rose-gold fittings and navy electrical
cords,’ says Helen. ‘I loved that combination, which led to
me having the idea for the burnished splashback.’
Next door, the sitting room has a panelled feature
wall, constructed from MDF and painted a dark plum
shade. A multicoloured velvet sofa and cut-crystal pendant
lights add to the chic, intimate atmosphere. Upstairs, the
family bathroom houses a large shower with metro tiles,
plus a reclaimed sideboard, painted charcoal by Helen and
transformed into a bespoke sink unit.
Helen was so delighted with the result of all her
hard work that the family now rent out their main house
and spend all their time at the cottage. ‘We bought our
previous larger house because we wanted what I like to
call a “death or divorce” house – it’s the sort of lifelong
home that only comes on the market when someone dies
or gets a divorce!’ she jokes. However, while the cottage
was bought as a weekend home, its irresistible revamp
and the fact that Nick is away working for weeks at
a time makes it a more convivial full-time home.
Now, Helen can’t praise her new location enough.
‘It’s so easy when it comes to running errands – everything
is on the doorstep,’ she enthuses. ‘Most Sundays we go
down to a café for breakfast, and if there’s ever an evening
when I don’t feel like cooking, we have a big selection of
restaurants to choose from. We really do love living here.’
 p e r i o d c o t tag e | 25bh

SITTING ROOM
The opulent velvet fabrics and jewel tones give
the feel of an exclusive members’ club.
Brighton sofa in Harlequin fabric, from £1,598, Sofas
& Stuff. Crystal lights, £169, Lee Broom. Curtains in
Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little. Viceroy
fabric, price on request, Rectory Interiors in Rye

choices – sometimes it’s OK to shop with your heart and not your head’

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 55
25bh | p e r i o d c o t tag e

GUEST BEDROOM
Like the sitting room, this space also features
a striking panelled wall fashioned from MDF.
Bedspread, £299, the shop Next door. Wilson
ottoman bed in silver, £299, dreams

f a v o u r i t e s h o p ‘I love The Shop Next Door in Rye for bright soft furnishings’

MASTER BEDROOM
The geometric wallpaper complements
the angles of the attic ceiling.
circuit wallpaper in green by albany, £29 per
roll, Wallpaper direct. cushions, £65 each;
bedspread, £422; all the shop Next door
B AT H R O O M
This family space is a calm haven
featuring a huge walk-in shower.
Metro tiles, £11.50sq m, tons of tiles.
the savoy charcoal grey basin unit,
£669, Bathstore, is similar

56 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

Designed by you. BY APPOINTMENT TO
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
MANUFACTURERS OF BEDSTEADS & BEDDING
STAPLES & CO
UNITED KINGDOM

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your bed and it will be handmade just for you.

To view our full range and find your nearest store,

visit bensonsforbeds.co.uk
 sitting/dining room
Soft shades create a welcoming atmosphere.
Walls painted in Teresa’s Green estate emulsion,
£43.50 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball. Ercol
footstool upholstered by Louise Body, using
Celestial Sky, £55m, Jane Clayton

distinctive

home truths
t h e P r o P e r t y Semi-
detached house, built in 1890
L o c at i o n Hastings
r o o m s Sitting/dining
room, breakfast room/kitchen,
six bedrooms, bathroom
P u r c h a s e d 2008
Previous ProPerty
‘We lived in a large one-bedroom
flat in a Victorian house in
Brighton,’ says Louise.

58 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
 c oa s ta l s e m i | 25bh

more
for
less
Just when Louise and Jonny Body
began to wonder if they could afford
a spacious family home, some lateral
thinking made their funds go further
Feature CAROLINE FOSTER
PhotograPhy DAVID MEREWETHER

breakfast room/kitchen
The tree-lined mural is a relaxing backdrop.
Forest Midnight mural, £275, Louise Body.
Floor painted in Frigate heavy duty floor paint,
£28.49 per 5 litres, Leyland Trade. Norden
table, £170, Ikea. House Paper Barrel pendant
lights, £8 each, John Lewis, would work

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 59
25bh | c oa s ta l s e m i

MaSTER
BEdRooM
Geometric pattern
and wood tones Initially hoping to buy
combine seamlessly. a house in Brighton, Louise
Walls painted in
Porcelain 111 pure flat
Body and her husband,
emulsion, £55.80 per Jonny, soon discovered
2.5 litres, Paint & Paper that prices there were
library. sillerup rug, higher than they’d
£95, ikea, is a match
thought. Reluctantly, they looked a little
further afield. ‘Searching along the coast,
we were amazed at how much cheaper
Hastings was,’ says Louise. ‘We viewed a
Victorian semi there, and it was a horror
show, with the kitchen sink hanging off
the wall and stained walls. But it had six
bedrooms, and we could see that there was
the potential to create the lifestyle we
wanted for ourselves and our children,
Isaac, 10, and Marney, 7.’

clever choices
The couple bought the house, and after
a year of being unable to cook in the
dilapidated kitchen and making meals on
a tabletop hob in the dining room, they
called in builders to start the structural
work. ‘Walls between the kitchen, sitting
room and dining room came down,’ recalls
Louise. ‘It took six months in all.’
With that done, Louise was on
a tight budget, so she opted for some
cost-effective solutions. ‘I went for fairly
inexpensive kitchen cabinetry, painted the
floorboards instead of buying new flooring
and chose blinds for the bay window, to
create an expensive shutter-style look at
a fraction of the price,’ she explains. ‘We
d e c o r a t i n g t i p ‘Look out for new did all the work ourselves, including
wallpapers made to peel off with ease, so that when sanding the floors, painting and papering.’
you want a change, stripping the walls isn’t a hassle’
personal touches
When it comes to decor, Louise favours
neutral tones, to set the stage for lively
accessorising. Every room in the house
MaRnEy’S
BEdRooM includes furniture that has been handed
Neutral walls allow down through her family. ‘I’ve kept it all,
for fun colour pops. except a painting of a great aunt that had
Weaver Green Juno
to go because she looked so disapproving!’
collection rug, from
£130, John lewis, laughs Louise. ‘But I’ve held onto the
will create this effect frame and will add a mirror to it one day.’
Louise is a wallpaper and fabric
designer and has reupholstered lots of the
heirlooms in her own designs. This, and
creating feature walls throughout, has put
a unique stamp on the house. ‘Each room
has a character all of its own,’ she says.
‘In time, we’d like an en-suite bedroom
in the attic,’ adds Louise. ‘But with the rest
of the place finished, all we want right now
is to enjoy our beautiful home.’

60 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

 PA I N T E D K I T C H E N S
H A N D M A D E I N B R I TA I N S I N C E 1 9 7 2
SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE | 0700 278 4726 | WWW.JOHN-LEWIS.CO.UK
 NATURAL fLow
A spacious rear extension has given Emma and Chris Capron a light-filled
open layout that works perfectly for their young family
Feature JANE CRITTENDEN | PhotograPhy JAMES FRENCH

KITCHEN
The wooden stools, shelf and flooring
bring warmth to this bright white space.
Mora units in warm white matt lacquer,
£6,600, Schüller at Showcase Kitchens.
Weathered oak stool, £175, Cox & Cox

62 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
 1 93 0 s s e m i | 25bh

KITCHEN
‘We stripped and painted the dining table INSPIrINg
and chairs that came with the property,’
says Emma. ‘I like that we’ve kept some
of the house’s history.’
For upcycled furniture try Distressed But Not
Forsaken. AÏr 600 Lift and Slide doors, price
on request, Benchmark Windows

home truths
the ProPerty
A 1930s semi-detached house
L o C at I o N Hove
r o o M S Hall, sitting room,
kitchen-diner, office, utility
room, cloakroom, four
bedrooms, bathroom
P u r C h a S e D 2007
PreVIouS ProPerty
‘Before moving here, we lived
in a four-bedroom Victorian
house, also in Hove,’ says Emma.

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 63

W
hen interior architect
Emma Capron and her
husband, Chris, moved
into a spacious semi in
Hove, East Sussex, they were brimming with
ideas on how to improve the space. The pair
instantly fell in love with the 1930s property,
seeing beyond the dated wallpaper and floral
curtain pelmets. ‘The light and space were
a refreshing contrast to the linear Victorian
house we had lived in previously,’ says Emma.
The couple, who have two children, Esmé
and Luca, tackled the smaller jobs first,
painting walls in neutral shades, removing
carpets and reinstating the sitting room wall
to create an office for Emma’s company, Bean
Interiors. Then they redecorated the four
bedrooms, before planning a rear extension.
Space and flow were important
considerations for Emma when drawing up
the plans. She experimented with different
layouts, striving to find a solution that would
i n s p i r a t i o n ‘I like the contrast of textured wood with sleek, contemporary
surfaces – a palette of natural colours and materials is very “me”’
64 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017
work for her family for many years to
come. Then came a eureka moment.
‘The west- and east-facing light is a fantastic
feature of our home,’ she explains, ‘so I
redrew the floor plan, removing the dog-
leg in the hall, repositioning the kitchen
doorway and installing double-glazed
doors to allow plenty of light to permeate
throughout the entire ground floor.’
Emma submitted plans for an extension
angled by six degrees to maximise the light
and connect a capacious new kitchen and
dining area with the existing sitting room.
‘I love that we can be together and still
have our individual spaces,’ she says.
Additional building work included
converting part of the garage into a utility
room, and extending the bathroom. Then
Emma could put her interior ideas into
place. ‘My taste has evolved over the years,
but mostly I prefer a neutral palette with
ecru tones and natural materials, combined
SITTING ROOM
Cushions and throws have given
old furniture a new lease of life.
Bobble cushion, £50, Muskett &
Mazzullo. Grey throw, £80, John lewis.
rollo table lamp, £289, fabrics & Papers
with artwork and pieces we’ve collected
on our travels, each telling a story.
Warm white walls, an engineered oak
floor and chunky timber shelves, which
Emma designed, tie the sitting room and
kitchen together. New cushions and throws
update existing sofas and armchairs, and
Emma recycled kitchen chairs she inherited
from the previous owners. ‘I like that they
remind us of the original scheme,’ she says.
‘Despite being a designer, I don’t feel that
everything has to be brand new.’
Art features throughout with entire walls
devoted to framed travel photos, pictures that
spark fond memories and paintings by the
couple’s favourite artists. It’s these personal
touches that shape and enliven the Caprons’
home and, more importantly, cement Emma’s
aspiration to create an interior that’s eclectic
and unique. ‘When friends and family walk
in and say, “This is so you”, then I know
I’ve done a good job,’ smiles Emma.
 1 93 0 s s e m i | 25bh

HALL
The pale palette
keeps this space
light and airy.
textile artwork
by Helen Jewell.
£795. Wayfair’s
chatelet console,
£38, is similar

B AT H R O O M GUEST BEDROOM
The table beside the Vintage touches create an
freestanding bath elegant, French-style feel.
brings an indulgent air. Headboard, £350, three angels.
Pura essence sanderson riverside damask
freestanding bath, £699, in dove is a matching blind
Majestic Bathrooms fabric, £82m, Jane clayton

MASTER L U C A’ S
BEDROOM BEDROOM
An artwork sits A yellow shelf
well against the adds a bright
gentle hues. pop of colour.
Playa Coyote for a similar
etching, £295, shade see english
rachael kantaris Yellow chalk paint,
£18.95 per 1 litre,
annie sloan

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 65

25bh | v i c to r i a n c oac h h ous e

SITTING
ROOM
This silk wall art
caught Viv’s eye at
an interiors show.
surface View has a
wide range of wall
canvases. The Rustic
reclaimed coffee
table is similar, £149,
steven bowler
designs, etsy

KITCHEN
Grey wall and floor tiles allow
the classic cream Shaker-style
cabinets to stand out.
Try Homestead Cottage Charcoal
floor tiles, £12.95sq m, Walls and
Floors. The Rattan pendant shade,
£125, Cox & Cox, is similar

hoMe FroM hoMe

66 | 2 5 b h a PRil 2017
 insPiring SITTING ROOM
Viv likes to add character by mixing
high-street bargains with handmade
pieces and quirky one-ofs.
The Molly armchair in Raspberry burst is
similar, £349, Made. Miss lala’s gold
looking glass Mirror, £399, The French
bedroom Company, is a good match

home truths
the ProPerty
Former coach house
L o C at i o n edinburgh
r o o M s sitting room,
dining room, kitchen, cloakroom,
two bedrooms, bathroom
PurChaseD
inherited in 2011
PreVious ProPerty
‘This lovely house is our holiday
home, our main residence is
in glasgow,’ explains Viv.

DINING ROOM
This bold wallpaper lends a touch
of drama, while complementing
the sitting room’s pink accents.
Malabar wallpaper, £78 per roll,
Cole & son. Mizzle is a comparable
wall colour, £43.50 per 2.5 litres,
Farrow & ball. Four-tier, 60-wine
glass chandelier, £300, litecraft

Viv Lumsden called on her creative experience when redesigning this deceptively spacious
former coach house, transforming it into a glamorous yet restful holiday retreat
Feature Fiona Reid | PhotograPhy douglas gibb

2 5 b h a PRil 2017 | 67
25bh | v i c to r i a n c oac h h ous e
MASTER BEDROOM
The striking Vivienne Westwood
wallpaper (now discontinued)
provided design inspiration.
try Graham & Brown for plaid
wallpapers. antler candleholders,
£40 each, sweetpea & Willow
LANDING
A reupholstered chaise ofers
the perfect place to read.
the Bouji chaise longue is similar
in style, £349; Marcos side table
in white, £49; both Made
Viv used the curtain fabric to
make decorative wall panels.
the charlotte dressing table
is a match, £229, Maisons du
Monde. try the White company
68 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017
B AT H R O O M
The Vitrolite tiling and bath were
retained, with new fittings added.
Get this look with polished black
porcelain tiles, £19.95sq m, Walls and
floors. for a similar pedestal basin
try the savoy, £60, Bathstore
GUEST BEDROOM
Portreath quilt, from £150
F
rom the exterior, this 19th-century
former coach house may not have the
grandeur of its Edinburgh neighbours
but, once inside, the building is much
larger than you might expect and has a bold and
confident beauty.
Viv Lumsden inherited the property, in the
highly prized Blacket conservation area, from
her mother who had lived here for 30 years.
Viv and her husband Alan live in Glasgow, but
refurbished the property to use as a home-from-
home whenever they feel like a break.
Interior transformations are nothing new for
Viv. The retired former broadcaster and journalist
worked as a news presenter for the BBC and STV,
co-presenting STV’s The Home Show with Alan
for six years, which won a BAFTA for the Best
Special Interest Programme back in 1997.
‘I learnt a lot on The Home Show,’ reflects Viv.
‘I came to realise that design and interiors have
little to do with cushions and curtains; it’s more
about the distribution of space and light, as well as
layout.’ Viv acknowledges that those years also led
her to embrace a more contemporary aesthetic. As
DESIGN TIP ‘ Use dramatic
feature wallpaper to add
punches of pattern and create
focal points in a roomÕ
she explains, ‘Before, I was always into Victorian
style, antiques and bric-a-brac.’
As the house hadn’t been touched in decades,
it required a bit of an overhaul, such as new
wiring and plumbing, but it was also apparent
to Viv that the layout needed reconfiguring,
too. Central to this was creating a social cooking,
dining and seating area. A simple Shaker-style
kitchen is in keeping with the age of the house,
while modern slate-style floor tiles run through
to the dining area to unite the spaces.
Throughout, the couple added quirky finds,
such as the retro-style dining furniture that
Viv bought at auction in Glasgow. ‘I was really
excited as I thought these were genuine vintage
pieces, then I turned them upside down and
realised they were Ikea!’ she says.
Viv hasn’t been afraid to add the occasional
flourish of bold pattern, as with the glamorous
wallpaper in the dining area or the Vivienne
Westwood tartan wallcovering in the ground-
floor bedroom. The latter is particularly dramatic,
and seems perfectly fitting for this newly revived
coach house, which can now proudly hold its own
next to its grand neighbours.
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
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 e dwa r di a n a pa r tm e nt | 25bh

Open to change
INSPIRINg

Lisa James adjusted her house-hunting criteria and

found the spacious family home she was searching for
home truths FEATURE CAROLINE FOSTER | PHOTOgRAPHY CHRIS SNOOK

THE PROPERTY Ground-

floor apartment in an
Edwardian villa
L O C AT I O N Surrey
R O O M S Hall, sitting room, kITcHEn-dInEr
kitchen-diner, utility room, A mixture of tactile soft furnishings give
snug, three bedrooms the dining area a relaxed, eclectic look.
(one en suite), bathroom Wilbur rattan pendant lights, £52 each, Habitat. The
P U R C H A S E D 2015 Teak dining table and bench, £360, Sustainable
PREVIOUS PROPERTY Furniture, is similar. The Benny upholstered bench,
‘We lived in a detached house £349, Swoon Editions, would work in this space
nearby, but wanted a more
convenient location,’ says Lisa.

F
aced with the need to downsize,
Lisa James was keen to stay in
the beautiful conservation area
that she knew and loved. However,
after a seemingly impossible search to find
a three-bedroom family home within her
budget, she changed her focus entirely. ‘I
began looking at two-bedroom properties,
which had the potential to create a third,’ she
explains. ‘I was also prepared to consider any
style, including apartments. That’s how
I found our current home.’
Lisa’s ground-floor apartment forms
part of a handsome Edwardian villa, reached
by a private drive through wooded communal
gardens. ‘As I drove up, the exterior looked
gorgeous, but I was soon brought down to
earth when I walked in the door,’ recalls Lisa.
‘The interior was dreary and soulless. What
really shone through, though, were the huge
rooms, which offered more square footage
than our old house, and the layout, which
could be reconfigured into three bedrooms.’
Having purchased the flat, Lisa was able
to begin refurbishment while she and her
children Taylor and Siena (then 14 and 13),
lived in a rental property nearby. ‘Initially,
I had an architect draw up some ambitious
plans,’ explains Lisa, ‘but the work he
suggested was too expensive. I knew what

2 5 b H A pRIL 2017 | 71
25bh | e dwa r di a n a pa r tm e nt
i wanted, so i enlisted the help of natalie
mchue of nK design who came up with
some brilliant, affordable solutions. ‘my
priority was to convert what had been the
kitchen into a bedroom for my son taylor,’
says Lisa. ‘once the units were ripped out we
could see what a great space it was.’
next on Lisa’s wish list was the creation
of a kitchen-diner in the existing large dining
72 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
room. ‘remodelling the layout has given us
greater flexibility and a fantastic family room
that we now use all the time,’ she says.
original features were revealed when all
the carpets were ripped out. ‘Beautiful boards
that had been hidden for decades brought
the sitting room and kitchen to life,’ says Lisa,
‘i was overjoyed to discover parquet flooring
in the master bedroom. ‘i wanted an elegant
dining area
‘I like that the plantation-style shutters
show off the large windows,’ says Lisa.
Shutters, from £900, Shutter Works.
Iris Furnishing sells similar mother
of pearl inlaid cabinets, from £850
Kitchen
Exposed brick walls add warmth and work
well against the dark and dramatic cabinets.
The VIDA pendant light in concrete grey, £108, The
Lighting Company, is a match. Howdens kitchen,
price on application; painted in Railings estate
eggshell, £60 per 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball
 INSPIRATION ‘Danish hygge – where you
create a warm atmosphere and enjoy the
good things in life with people you love’

sitting room
Lisa’s chandelier injects a touch of
glamour to this understated scheme.
For a similar look try the wooden bead
chandelier, £195, Horsfall & Wright.
Walls painted in Down Pipe estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres, Farrow
& Ball. Hampen high-pile rug in beige,
£30, Ikea. All patterned cushions
from Hi Hi Store, from £50 each
look with industrial accents which would
add character. So, in the kitchen we exposed
the brickwork and housed the electrical
cables in metal pipework.’
Injecting an industrial element included
using old scaffolding boards, which proved
a cost-effective option. ‘In the sitting room,
we used the boards to frame the fireplace and
took the timber right up to the coving,’ says
Lisa. ‘Finishing them in a dark grey wash
gave an aged appearance and really made
a feature of the chimney breast.’
Upgrading the family bathroom and
en suite in a traditional style sympathetic to
the period of the house was a must. ‘I love
how they both look, but in hindsight I wish
we’d put in underfloor heating,’ admits Lisa.
The once bland, magnolia apartment
has been transformed into a stylish and
welcoming family space thanks to a clever
mix of materials, paints and furnishings.
‘When the renovation was complete, I missed
our builders when they left, which is not
something everyone would say,’ smiles Lisa.
‘As a team, we worked so well together – I
had ideas and they came up with the design
solutions. This home makes me feel complete.
I never dreamt that we could be so happy
living in an apartment, but even if I won the
lottery I wouldn’t live anywhere else.’

MASTer bedrooM
Reclaimed scaffolding timbers have
been limewashed to make a unique
sliding door leading to the en suite.
Hay Mondrian quilt in thunder,
£185, Nest.co.uk. for a similar
light shade, try the apollo Bamboo
Ball pendant light, £22, dunelm

FAMILy bAThrooM TAyLor’S bedrooM

An all-white colour scheme
prevents this compact scheme
from feeling cluttered.
chevron bath mat, £20, linea at
House of fraser, has this look
This characterful, two-tone space
was previously the kitchen.
fiona Walker Bull terrier mounted felt
dog head, £68, Home Birdhouse. slogan
duvet set, from £11.99, dunelm, is similar

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 e dwa r di a n a pa r tm e nt | 25bh

Insight
Working With
rustic materials
Be inspired by Lisa James’ use of raw finishes
and natural elements to create a homely scheme

F
rom rough wooden plank
doors to exposed brickwork,
Lisa James has successfully
incorporated rustic materials
into her home. It’s a striking look – the
key is to tone down harsher notes with
softer, tactile elements.
Back to basics
Additions such as limewashed timber,
reclaimed or concrete flooring and
industrial-style lighting will each bring
their own sense of character to an
interiors scheme. If this is a style that
appeals, start with the bare bones
of the building to create an organic,
weathered, not-too-new look.
This can be simply achieved by
removing coverings to reveal brickwork,
timber joists or original floors, then
adding reclaimed or untreated fittings.
This look works well with many different
styles of property, particularly where the
original building has unusual features
or is constructed from good quality
materials. If you think outside the box,
Leather stands out in a exposed brick works well
pared-back rustic scheme with wood and metal
e x p e r t e y e ‘Think about restoring some
FEATURE emma j page
introducing rustic elements can be an
affordable way of adding personality. For
example, in Lisa’s home, limewashed
scaffolding boards make striking sliding
doors, which are both space-saving and
characterful. A rough-textured timber fire
surround is also a cost-effective substitute
for a traditional design.
Cosy contrast
The rustic look can be carried through in
furniture and accessories, too. Choosing
materials such as driftwood for lamp bases
or cast-iron for table legs will enhance the
effect of an exposed brick wall or metal
pipework. These elements, however, can
feel rather hard, so soften them with clever
touches, such as woven rattan shades,
chunky knit cushions and tactile throws.
Opting for warm lighting rather than
stark white will also soften the look.
Deep wool or silk rugs work well on
polished concrete or wood floors, while
faux fur adds a touch of luxury. A moody
colour palette in deep greys or midnight
blues will enhance the scheme.
These reclaimed wooden
doors have been limewashed
professional advice
‘Rustic materials add visual
interest and character to
many settings. Try the look
in your home by working
with existing features or by
sourcing salvaged options.
Install copper, brass or zinc in the form of
counters, tables and lighting or introduce
natural elements such as weathered wood.
Salvaged materials can be further adapted.
For example, I used reclaimed wooden doors
in a warehouse loft. These were cut and fitted
to specification, and then painted and sanded
to give an aged look.
Be creative when considering how to make
the most of the unfinished feel. For
instance, why not run electric cables
through galvanised metal pipes. This works
well in a kitchen or an open-plan setting.
If you are planning to introduce rustic
or reclaimed elements, make sure they
complement the scheme so there is a sense
of continuity. Choose fixtures and fittings
with an aged effect. Look online at
architectural salvage sites and visit auctions
and antiques stores for a standout item,
then build your design around this.
Warm industrial interiors have a modern
but timeless appeal. The look can be
more masculine in style, with brick walls
and Crittall windows, or softened with
cushions, aged wood and wool rugs.’
AlmAs shAmsEE,
maISha DeSIgn, maIShaDeSIgn.Com
address book
■ British Institute of Interior Design
020 7628 0255, biid.org.uk

professional organisation for interior designers

of your home’s original features to complement in the UK. Find BIID-registered suppliers
rustic elements. Details such as period tiling and designers for your project here
and decorative panelling usually have a story ■ Roselind Wilson Design
020 3371 1779, roselindwilsondesign.com
to tell, adding another patina of detail to a living space’ London-based design studio providing an
RosElind Wilson, RoSeLInD WILSon DeSIgn interior architecture, design and styling service

2 5 b h a pRIL 2017 | 75
 Return to
SPLENDOUR

DINING
ROOM
An oversized urn,
originally intended
for the garden,
makes a powerful
statement in here.
Red resin Spring
lamp, £250,
Marianna Kennedy

Restoring a historic east London house to its former

glory was a labour of love for Chris and Sarah Dyson
FEATURE ANTHEA GERRIE | PHOTOgRAPHY RICHARD CLATWORTHY & ALEX JAMES

76 | 2 5 b H A PRIL 2017
 g eo rg i a n te r r ac e | 25bh

KITCHEN-DINER
This room blends traditional
and contemporary design.
Bespoke island unit, table and
stools designed by Chris Dyson.
Nora grey rubber flooring,
from £47.50sq m, First Floor

DISTINCTIVE

home truths
T H E P R O P E R T Y Terraced
house, built in 1720
L O C AT I O N East London
R O O M S Sitting room,
dining room, drawing room,
kitchen-diner, three cloakrooms,
three bedrooms, bathroom
P U R C H A S E D 1996
PREVIOUS PROPERTY
‘We lived in a house nearby, but
it was too small for us,’ says Chris.

2 5 b H A PRIL 2017 | 77
25bh | g eo rg i a n te r r ac e

f a v o u r i t e f e a t u r e ‘I wanted original Georgian display niches for the

alcoves. I found only one at a salvage yard, so I had it copied by a carpenter’

78 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
W
hen Chris and Sarah
Dyson first set eyes on
what was once the grand
home of an 18th-century,
east London physician, it was a derelict
wreck. But as an architect well versed in
the history of Samuel Worrall, the builder
responsible for many of Spitalfields’ houses,
Chris relished the challenge of returning

1
the property to its former glory.
The couple moved into the five-storey
house with their now grown-up children,

2 1 SITTING ROOM
Dark painted woodwork and
furniture in rich tones lend an
appropriate sense of gravitas
to this atmospheric scheme.
Leather Chesterfield sofa, £900,
Lots Road Antiques Market.
Writing bureau, £900, Lassco

2 & 3 DRAWING ROOM

Hidden behind panelling in the
chimney breast is a cupboard full
of books. This keeps the space
devoid of clutter so the artworks,
furniture and original features
can be better appreciated
Wingback chairs by Matthew
Hilton, £2,500 each. Corinthian
columns either side of fireplace,
£1,000 per pair, Lassco. Lamp,
£250 per pair; chandelier £350,
both Les Trois Garcons

Oliver and Isabella, in 1996, and then spent

the next 17 years turning it into a family home.
‘The house has a chequered history,’ says
3
Chris. ‘It had lost its original features in the
1930s, when it was turned into a warren of
sweatshops, and it was one of a pair in the
street that suffered bomb damage in World
War II. By the time we moved in, the façade
brickwork had been rendered over and the
wooden sashes replaced by steel-framed
windows. It was structurally sound but
needed a new roof, plumbing and rewiring.’
Creating a liveable layout was made
easier by the property’s postwar rebuilding.
‘The house was never listed, so we had no
constraints, and steel joists had been put in,
giving it strength and flexibility,’ says Chris.
Another plus was that the ground floor
had high ceilings to accommodate the
original shop, a feature that was common in

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25bh | g eo rg i a n te r r ac e

houses of the period. ‘It’s now the sitting

room where we entertain, while the drawing
room above is for relaxing,’ says Chris.
The couple turned the basement into
a kitchen, and fitted out bedrooms for
the children and a family bathroom on
the second floor. The open-plan master
suite, with zinc tub and dressing room, is
on the top floor. ‘There’s no loo,’ says Chris,

1
‘but there are three WCs on other floors.’
Throughout the house, the floorboards
were stripped back to reveal their natural

1 mAsTeR beDROOm
A vintage bedspread softens the
2
look of a modern four-poster.
for a similar bed, try the Goa,
£430, Maisons du Monde.
Wayfair has a similar bench, £196

2 & 4 bAThINg AReA

A deep zinc tub is an indulgent
touch in the master bedroom.
Bath, £5,000; basin, £350, both
William Holland. Wall cabinet,
£300, Beedell coram. for a similar
dressing table mirror, try french
spire, £595, exclusive Mirrors

3 lANDINg
Access to the master suite is via
a bespoke mahogany staircase.
selling antiques has similar clocks,
from £500. light fitting, £225, old
spitalfields antique Market

3 4 beauty and the walls painted white, with

some blue and grey details that emphasise
the original features. The house gradually
acquired its period trimmings with Chris’s
savvy job-lot purchases in a salvage yard.
‘I got a recessed display niche for the sitting
room, columns for the first-floor fireplace
and an ornamental column for the front
door surround, all in one fell swoop,’ he says.
In 2011, Chris tackled rebuilding the
frontage. ‘The render was stripped off, along
with the first skin of brick,’ he explains.
‘And we replaced rotting timber.’ Next
came the timber detailing to recreate the
effect of the original shop front, including
a magnificent 8ft-high door. ‘These final
touches really reveal the quality, character
and craftsmanship we put back into the
property,’ says Chris. ‘Restoring this house
has been a fantastic learning experience.’

80 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

 inspiRing

home truths
The pRopeRTy
Detached house, built in 1892
L o c AT i o n Dorset
R o o m s Hall, sitting room,
kitchen-diner, boot room,
cloakroom, study, six bedrooms
Dining area (one en suite), bathroom
The scheme was inspired by the green tones in p u R c h A s e d 1997
the canvas Helena inherited from her father. pRevious pRopeRTy
For similar table and chairs try ebbe gehl Mira ‘Before moving here we lived in a
six-seater, £650 and Duhrer chairs, £150 each, Victorian terrace in Notting Hill,
both John Lewis. Try Fired earth’s handmade London,’ says Helena
classic Terracotta floor tiles, £9.52sq m

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 v i c t o r i a n d e tac h e d | 25bh

ART & cRAfT

Helena Barrowcliff’s family home is decorated in gentle colours to showcase
a collection of paintings and heirlooms, as well as her own lampshade designs
feATuRe aNNaBeLLe gruNDy | phoTogRAphy coLiN pooLe

Hall
artwork in all
shapes and sizes
gives this space a
gallery-like feel.
pure Limewash
in Lime White,
£27.60 per 5 litres,
rose of Jericho

2 5 b h a priL 2017 | 83
T
wenty years ago, Helena and
Peter Barrowcliff made the
decision to leave London for
peaceful Dorset and, before long,
they had found a neglected Victorian house
set in rolling countryside. ‘It was a substantial
building, which was handsome rather
than pretty,’ says Helena. ‘It needed a huge
amount of work, but the location was very
special and there was potential to put down
roots, make it a home and give our four
children an idyllic rural upbringing.’
Gradually, the couple renovated the
property, reorganising the rather haphazard
layout to improve the flow and make it
more practical for family life. They rewired,
replumbed and decorated, then upgraded
the bathrooms and kitchen. All the rooms
are generously proportioned and wide
picture windows bring commanding views
of the countryside into the ground-floor
space. A modern fireplace, designed by
Helena, is the focus of the sitting room.
‘It’s an imposing feature, but it had to balance
the scale and height of the room,’ she says.
‘I think it’s important to go with what works
in a space rather than trying to fight it.’
Helena’s interest in interiors and her
artistic eye – she has been a successful
knitwear designer and now creates bespoke

sitting room
an imposing modern fireplace, made to
helena’s design, perfectly complements the
room’s impressive scale and height.
for a traditional radiator try Neoclassic 3-column,
from £460 each, cast iron radiators

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 v i c t o r i a n d e tac h e d | 25bh

master Bedroom
Bedlinen and curtains in soft pastels
create a soothing, tranquil atmosphere.
key West kubu rattan headboard, £230,
Maisons du Monde, is comparable. for a
similar french-style dressing table and stool
try la rochelle, £500, Homesdirect 365

decorative lampshades, (tmolighting.com) –
is reflected in the decor. The look she has
created has grown out of her eclectic taste,
as well as her confidence in combining
different styles, rather than following trends.
Easy-on-the-eye background colours allow
the furniture and accessories to take centre
stage. ‘The walls are traditional lime plaster,
so we had to work with specialist lime-based
paints, which naturally produce a soft, chalky
effect,’ explains Helena. ‘The colours aren’t
necessarily exciting in themselves, but there’s
always an element of red in them for warmth,
and they’re a great foil for everything else
that’s happening in the rooms.’
Much of Helena and Peter’s furniture has
been collected over the years, so heirlooms
and antiques sit alongside high-street pieces,
while the homely sofas and chairs are piled
with brightly-patterned cushions. As the
couple are keen art collectors, the house
resembles a gallery with pictures filling every
wall, alongside ceramics, sculptures, textiles
and Helena’s own stylish lamps.
The children have mostly flown the
nest now, but the house is still unmistakably
a lively family home full of character and
personal touches. ‘We wanted a place we’d
grow into rather than grow out of, and that’s
exactly what we’ve got,’ says Helena.

Bedroom B at h r o o m
the wallpaper’s subtle a narrow floor-
pattern allows helena to to-ceiling mirror
accessorise with bold prints. maximises light.
laura ashley’s Percy cream for a similar basin try
floral wallpaper, £34 per roll, the carlton with
is similar. try ferm living chrome stand, £792,
for Black semicircle cotton aston Matthews
canvas cushions, £36 each

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
25bh | v i c t o r i a n d e tac h e d
Insight
showcasing art
Use frames imaginatively to create your own home
gallery, just like Helena Barrowcliffe has done
W
hether you are looking
to add drama with
a statement piece, or
would like to display
the beginnings of a collection that will
grow over the years, here are a few pointers
when planning how to show your art.
Frame it right
Introduce a note of cohesion to ensure
a stylish effect. For instance, a modern
artwork in a plain black frame creates
a striking look set against period features.
The opposite approach also works well:
ornate vintage frames can add a grandiose
element to a more contemporary interior.
For a casual look, use a range of eclectic
frames. However, if they are very different
in shape and style, keep the artwork
similar, whether it’s a collection of pencil
drawings, watercolours or graphic prints.
Don’t overlook less obvious places, such
as landings, cloakrooms and alcoves,
for an effective group display. Consider
proportion, too. A modest work of art
hung above a sofa can easily get lost on an
For a cohesive look in a contemporary space,
choose similar frames in different sizes
e x p e r t e y e ‘Avoid using string or thin wire for larger
pictures. Instead, to help distribute the weight of the frame,
opt for straphangers – metal hanging fixings secured to
either side of the frame. Or, for support, screw a bespoke
length of wood into a level wall – this is called a split batten’
Tim blake, john jones london
86 | 2 5 b h A PRIl 2017
otherwise empty wall, but one overscaled
piece or a generous cluster of contrasting
designs will instantly draw the eye.
Tricks of the trade
Hanging art – especially awkward or
heavy pieces – is best done with the help
of another person. It’s important to be
exact with dimensions, so have a tape
measure, pencil and a spirit level handy.
If you are hanging a painting over
a sofa, console or bed, place the art
centrally, both horizontally and vertically.
Ask your helper to hold the frame against
the wall before you add fixings, to see
if it works with your scheme and to get
a sense of how it fits with all the other
design elements in the room.
Decide whether your artwork should
be a harmonious addition or a talking
point that adds contrast. If you are trying
to create a more informal installation,
take inspiration from Parisian salon style,
which embraces different mediums, sizes
and frames. For a varied look, start in the
middle of the wall and work outwards.
Create an eclectic Parisian salon style
with a variety of frames and art forms
professional advice
‘Regardless of current trends,
display your paintings where
you will be able to enjoy them
at their best, whether that’s
in a relaxed grouping featuring
several different styles and
frames, or a more formal grid format.
We usually follow gallery guidelines of
hanging a frame at a distance of 156cm
from the floor to the centre of the picture.
However, you may need to modify this
advice depending on the height of your
walls. Alternatively, hang your painting
at eye level, where it really becomes
part of your decorative scheme.
If you are displaying a triptych or a pair
of large-scale pieces, allow sufficient
space between each picture so that
they complement one another rather
than compete for space.
Protect your display from direct sunlight,
as UV light can damage artwork and also
cause a glaring reflection, spoiling the
visual appearance of the piece.
Place your art at a safe distance from direct
heat sources such as radiators and electric
heaters. Fluctuations in ambient temperature
can lead to long-term damage, which will
result in costly restoration treatments.
Never hang valuable artwork near damp
areas such as bathrooms, spaces with
poor ventilation and steamy kitchens.
Over time, moisture and humidity can
cause significant damage to artwork.’
alexandra schafer, velvenoIR
address book
feaTUre emmA j PAge
■ John Jones 020 7281 5439, johnjones.co.uk
Bespoke framing company specialising in the
preservation and presentation of fine art.
■ Velvenoir velvenoir.com
Art consultancy and gallery focusing on
sourcing, curating and hanging artworks.
 r e a d e r o ffe r | 25bh

Get ready for stylish

al fresco dining.
Cornbury drinks
dispenser, £22; enamel
pitcher, £28; granite
seasoning set, £27; marble
chopping board, £25

savE
20% E xc l u s i v E d i s c o u n t
at garden trading
Brighten up a patio or terrace this spring with some super-stylish outdoor buys

G
arden Trading is renowned for its high-quality everyday
products that are so stylish you will be tempted to buy
more than one item. Now that spring is here, it’s time to
get outside to enjoy your garden. Set up the picnic table
for al fresco dining, with a platter of delicacies and a pitcher of
lemonade. Get the patio ready for sunny days with a display of plants
and flowers in pots and planters in all shapes and sizes. And as this
is the month for April showers, stock up on boot-room essentials,
too, with a door mat and welly rack to keep your hall mud-free! Visit
gardentrading.co.uk and enter code 20BH to get your 20% discount.
how to claim your 20% discount
■ o n l i n e Visit gardentrading.co.uk and enter code
20Bh at the checkout
■ by p h o n e call 01993 845559 and quote code 20Bh
tErms and conditions Code 20BH must be used to
redeem this offer. This offer is only valid once per customer.
Delivery charges are excluded from this offer. Only one discount
code can be used per order. Large garden furniture items are
excluded from this offer. This offer is valid until 30 April 2017.

create a tiered display Bring a touch of the Keep your hall

of herbs and flowers. hacienda to your patio. puddle-free.
Barrington plant stand, Winstone planter, from £40 Welly store, £180
£85; Withington ceramic
pot, from £6.50

2 5 b h A priL 2017 | 87
 KITCHEN
The countertop, made from a recycled wooden dining
table, unites all the natural elements in this space.
Kitchen cabinets, price on application, Hoad & Bonard.
INSPIRINg range cooker, £8,240, everhot. Find a similar bespoke
splashback at rough old Glass

home truths
restoring
T H E PA S T
T H E P R O P E R T Y Listed
16th-century country house
L O C AT I O N Kent
R O O M S Hall, sitting room,
dining room, kitchen, snug,
utility room, two cloakrooms,
boot room, garden room, six Lucy and Dan Walker breathed new life into an old house,
bedrooms, three bathrooms
P U R C H A S E D 2013 reviving its period charm while adding 21st century touches
PREVIOUS PROPERTY
‘We lived in a Victorian terrace
in Fulham, London,’ says Lucy. FEATURE Karen Jensen-Jones | PHOTOgRAPHY nicK smitH

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 t u d o r h o us e | 25bh

HALL
Ornate decorative touches enhance the
simple beauty of the original features.
ettie console table, £1,376, sweetpea &
Willow. triptych mirror, £525, one.World

KITCHEN
The wooden dining table echoes the
rustic charm of the beams above.
camargue weathered oak dining chairs,
£189 each, oka. Designer Petti stools,
£70 each, elm Home and Garden

2 5 b H a PriL 2017 | 89
 SITTING ROOM
‘This is an elegant, welcoming space for grown-ups,
yet it’s still cosy for the children,’ says Lucy.
For a similar armchair try Armelle, £499, Swoon Editions.
Botanical butterfly cushion, £12, Marks & Spencer.
Glass-topped Triomphe tripod side table, £325, Oka

Looking at the
estate agent’s
details for a
16th-century
house in Kent,
Lucy Walker
had to be persuaded to view the
property by her husband Dan.
‘It was down a country lane and
seemed a long way from the main
road, so I started to have my
doubts about the location,’ recalls
Lucy, co-director and founder of
LaVita Style interior designs.
‘Luckily, Dan wasn’t put off
and, once we saw the house and
garden, we both fell in love with
it and could see ourselves living
there with our two daughters
Isla, 5, and Daisy, 3, forever.’
The Walkers wanted to leave
busy Fulham in London to live
nearer Lucy’s family, as well as to
gain more space for their growing
children – and a period property
was top of their wish list. ‘We
love the Tudor character of the
building and the fact that it
has a history,’ she says. ‘When
we viewed the property, Dan
spotted a photo on the wall and
I was in it. It turns out that I had
been at school with the owner
of the house, the artist Jessica
Russell Flint. It was such a
coincidence and made us feel
that it was meant to be our home.’
As soon as they moved in,
Lucy set about reconfiguring the
kitchen. ‘It was very small with
a separate dining room and snug,’
she explains. ‘We wanted an
open-plan kitchen-diner without
losing the period features.’
With this in mind, Lucy
worked with a local design
company to create the kitchen
cabinets using wood and
natural materials. ‘I had my
heart set on a concrete worktop,
but the carpenter suggested
a salvaged railway sleeper to
complement the original ceiling
beams,’ says Lucy.
‘In the end, the carpenter
stripped back an old dining table
and covered it in resin to create
a unique counter that’s totally
in keeping with the look of the
house, as is the aged paint-effect
on the cabinets,’ she adds.
Upstairs, in the master
bedroom, the beamed ceiling
dominates the room, so Lucy

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 t u d o r h o us e | 25bh

hALL
The stone arch beautifully
frames the view beyond.

MASTER BEDROOM
An opulent French-style bed balances
the proportions of the pitched ceiling.
Firenze super-king size, £3,950, Simon Horn.
Drawers, £819, Chelsea Textiles. Feather
cushions, £19 each, Zara Home

2 5 b h A pril 2017 | 91
25bh | t u d o r h ous e

GUEST BEDROOM
Lucy has given this space the look
of an elegant French chateau.
sweetpea & Willow’s louis XV chest
of drawers, £431, is comparable

ISLA’S
BEDROOM
A classic bed sits well
with the modern mural. chose warm but subtle blue
alderberry single bed hues and soft textures to add
frame, £120, argos. femininity and light. ‘My style
kyoto wallpaper, £120
per roll, little Hands is luxury mixed with high-street
brands,’ she says, ‘and when I see
something I like, I let my heart
rule my head.’ Her French-style
BATHROOM bed is a particular favourite;
Exposed pipes and a roll-top
bath add period authenticity. its contemporary design with
antonian rimini cast-iron bath, classic influences balances the
£1,182, aston Matthews, is similar look and size of the room.
‘I also adore wallpaper,’ says
Lucy. ‘Behind Isla’s bed is a
wonderful design called Kyoto
by a Portuguese company called
Little Hands. I love it so much
I could never take it down.’
Along the landing, Lucy has
brightened the guest bedroom
by decorating it with a neutral
palette of white and cream,
then adding colour in the form
of florals in the Roman blinds.
The botanical prints, popular in
the Victorian era, are a reminder
that this house has lived through
several centuries, their modern
mirrored frames bringing the
look right up to date.
With the work finished,
Lucy and Dan are now settled
in the country. ‘It turns out it
was worth journeying down
that winding lane,’ says Lucy, ‘as
we found a hidden gem that we
have truly made our own.’

decorating tip ‘Paint can make a wall look flat, so try a plastered finish
or paint applications where you can see the movement of the brush’
92 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
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 inspiring

home truths
The properTy
Cape Cod-style 1960s house
L o c aT i o n Ontario, Canada
r o o m s Sitting room, dining
room, kitchen/family room,
recreation room, media room,
four bedrooms, five bathrooms
p u r c h a s e d 2000
previous properTy
‘We used to live down the road in
a ranch bungalow,’ says Michele.

verAndA
michele has used plants of all sizes and shapes
to add scale and colour to the neutral decor.
Victoria rattan corner sofa set, £849, Oak
Furniture House, is similar. nordic House
has extra-large lanterns, £155 each

94 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
 c a n a di a n l a k e h ous e | 25bh

On the waterfront
Michele Hatziioannou has captured the essence of Cape Cod
to create a family home that has old world charm
FeaTure jenny COaD | phoTography rObin STubberT/Gap inTeriOrS

sitting room
A variety of textures creates a feeling of warmth.
The Gower three-seater striped sofa, £1,099, DFS,
is a good alternative. Wayfair has a similar sheesham
wood coffee table, £178; its Marbella ceramic stool,
£156, will also create a similar effect

2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 95
25bh | c a n a d i a n l a k e h o us e

b e s t b u y ‘We had this table made 20 years ago. It’s now part of the
family – all of our children have eaten at it since they were tiny’

f a m i ly a r e a
This is part of a wider open-plan space
that also incorporates the kitchen.
The Annabella chandelier, £295, John Lewis,
is comparable. Made has similar velvet
sofas in vibrant colours, from £899

96 | 2 5 b h A PriL 2017
 kiTcheN
‘The look is traditional Shaker style with
an organic twist,’ says michele.
For a walnut bar stool like this one try
Atlantic Shopping’s Alicia, £90. Burlington
marble worktop, £254 per 120m-length,
Victorian Plumbing, is a match

DiNiNG room
This glamorous setting has a chic 1930s feel.
Endon wall sconce in brushed satin gold, £78, Scotlight
Direct, is similar. Take a look at Darjeeling wallpaper
in Welsh Slate, £50 per roll, Mini Moderns
Michele Hatziioannou’s Cape
Cod-style home, close to Lake Ontario
in Canada, is an exercise in artful
collecting. The house is full of
intriguing flourishes that catch the
eye but work together beautifully,
too – it’s like a very well curated and coordinated
take on a curiosity shop.
The interior designer, who owns a furniture shop,
House Warmings, with her husband Leo, describes
the look as a casual mix of styles. ‘We buy pieces we
love and then make them work,’ says Michele. The
house has been given the sort of confident touch you
would expect from a designer. For instance, the same
over-sized pendant light has been placed above the
dining table and kitchen island to unite the two zones,
and an opulent blue sofa the couple bought in an
antique shop in Toronto when they were first married
brings vibrancy to a neutral sitting area.
In the dining room, a white pattern on grey
wallpaper puts one in mind of the Portuguese
tiling typical of Porto and Lisbon, while the pendant
light with its cluster of caged bubbles makes a
quirky addition. The chairs are modern and sleek,
and the geometric shapes continue in the floor-
length curtains. All of which is set against gold
embellishments and the dark wood of the floor and
dining table. This is the room where Michele, Leon

2 5 b h A PriL 2017 | 97
25bh | c a n a di a n l a k e h ous e

b at h r o o m
the decor in this
space has echoes
of regency style.
cole & son’s orchid
95/10058 wallpaper, £76
per roll, amara, is similar.
the saffiano slipper
bath, £650, Better
Bathrooms, is a match

i n s p i r a t i o n ‘I decorate with my
heart. If I see something that speaks to
me, I make it work, no matter what’
master bedroom
Contemporary accessories and traditional
furniture prove a surprisingly successful pairing.
try sophia armchair, £375, crown french furniture.
New england bed, £259, time4sleep, is comparable.
somerton stool, £95, Barker and stonehouse, is similar

and their three children, Simon, 20, Claire, 18, and

Cameron, 16, celebrate Thanksgiving and other special
occasions, and tuck into Sunday family suppers.
In the sitting room, two sculptured ceramic stools
have been placed in front of the fireplace. This is
flanked by built-in shelving on which Michele has
displayed a collection of vases and photos. The worn
rug shows that this room is well used.
The back porch, which overlooks the pool,
is decked out with rattan patio furniture, weathered
side tables and large hurricane lanterns. The vibrant,
green potted ferns and palms, and the striped
cushions add a dash of colour. The whole effect is
charming and nostalgic, an amalgam of British
colonial decor and early 20th-century Cape Cod style.
A fitting theme, considering the town’s historic links
to England and the house’s proximity to water. ‘The
location has influenced the colour palette we’ve used,
which is primarily neutrals, with some muted shades
of blue,’ says Michele.
Understandably, the family spends a lot of time
outside. The surrounding trees give privacy, and a
screened-off dining area and cabana make the ideal
place to unwind together. ‘This house is more than a
home – it’s captured our hearts,’ says Michele.

98 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

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DINING AREA
‘I wanted the colours of the chairs to match
the artwork in this space,’ says Colette.
Oslo oak extending table, £1,022, Oak Furniture
Solutions, is similar. Pamono sells a choice of
vintage pendant lights, from £300

RETRO REvival
A passionate collector of all things vintage, Colette Meechan has
used her 1930s home to showcase her gloriously quirky finds
FeaTure SALLY SMITH | phoTography FIONA MURRAY

disTincTive

home truths
The properTy
A 1930s detached house
L o c aT i o n Surrey
r o o m s Hall, sitting room,
dining room, kitchen, family room,
TV room, utility room, cloakroom,
four bedrooms (one en suite),
family bathroom
p u r c h a s e d 2004
previous properTy
‘We lived in a house just one street
away from here,’ says Colette.

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 101

 KITCHEN
Colette spotted these encaustic
floor tiles in a restaurant in Dorset
and replicated the look in here.
for similar try Berkeley charcoal tiles,
£67.56sq m; Metro wall tiles, £18.50sq m,
both topps tiles. Units, price on
application, krysalis kitchens

f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘I like to enjoy wine with friends in our technology-free sitting room’

SITTING ROOM
Plain walls and carpet allow
bold fabric and vibrant
accessories to shine.
Bespoke sofas designed by
colette and made by thorngate
Upholstery, £800 each. Walls
painted in london stone estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres,
farrow & Ball

102 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017

 1 9 3 0 s d e tac h e d | 25bh

A
fter living in Florida for two
years, Colette and Jim Meechan
returned to their old home in
Surrey in 2002. ‘It was great
to be back, but the house felt small in
comparison to the grand American home
we’d been living in,’ says Colette. ‘It didn’t
take long for us to decide that we wanted
more space for us and our two young
children, Darragh, now 21, and Iona, 18.’
The couple did not have to look far to find
the perfect place – a four-bedroom detached
house just around the corner. ‘We wanted
to stay in the area, and this was just what
we were looking for,’ says Colette. ‘The big
rooms gave us all the space we were missing.’
MASTER BEDROOM
An imposing bed, which the
Theory of evolution couple brought back from
Once the Meechans had moved in, Colette America, sets a grand tone.
was keen to put her unique interior design Walls painted in straw estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5
plans into practice. ‘I can look at a room and litres, farrow & Ball
I know exactly what I’m going to do,’ she says.
‘It does take a while, though, as ideas then F A M I LY B AT H R O O M
‘The original scheme was tired,
evolve over time. Through the years, the
now it’s simple yet chic with
house has undergone many changes but, hints of glamour,’ says Colette.
initially, we re-tiled and replaced all the the florida round illuminated
bathroom suites, laid carpets upstairs, fitted led mirror, £71, Better
Bathrooms, is a good match
new windows and repainted throughout.’
The couple only upgraded the kitchen GUEST BEDROOM
a year ago. ‘I wanted a minimalist look,’ says This has a cosseting 1970s feel.
Colette. ‘It definitely had to be white and Hip Hop wooden bed frame,
£400 for a double, Bensons
easy to clean, but I couldn’t resist giving for Beds, is comparable. for
the room a 1970s twist. I chose metro tiles similar bedding try orla kiely’s
as I knew they would create a retro look, flannel Giant stem collection,
£80 for a duvet cover
and I really didn’t want to have a standard
stainless steel extractor hood, which looks
too conspicuous. As an alternative solution,
we had it encased inside a tiled surround.’

A taste of the past

Ever since Colette was a student, she has been
collecting all things vintage, and her greatest
pleasure is visiting antiques fairs and markets.
‘I’ve always liked clothes and furniture from
the 1950s, ’60s or ’70s,’ she says. ‘The quality
is amazing, and it’s such good value.’
Colette’s home is a true reflection of her
vivacious personality and style. ‘I have to get
a creative fix each day, so I’m always looking
in magazines and online for inspiration,’ she
says. ‘I like pieces that have a story to tell – if
I see something interesting, I’ll buy it. I often
don’t know where it will go, though, and it
can take years to find the right spot. In fact,
I’ve had to put a stop to my collecting for now
at least, as we’re running out of space and we
really don’t want to move again.’

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 103

 the source
Erica Miller shows how you can achieve the style secrets in this issue’s homes
sliding door
When space is at a premium,
often the solution is to
think outside the box,
like Lisa James did
with her bedroom. She
installed an interior sliding
Pages
71 – 74 door, behind which is
concealed a compact
en suite bathroom. Instead of swinging
open into the room, the door glides along
a top track. When it is closed, it blends
seamlessly into the painted wooden wall
panelling. As an alternative, you could
opt for a pocket door. This also slides, but
it disappears when fully opened into an
adjacent compartment or wall cavity. It
usually travels on rollers suspended from
an overhead track, but in some models,
this can be on the floor. The downside
of this door is that it has hidden parts
and hardware, making it tricky to repair.
104 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
Design ideas
let terbox window
This is a horizontal, narrow
window, often used behind
a sink unit to let in light
without sacrificing privacy,
as demonstrated in the
Caprons kitchen. To frame
Pages
62 – 65 the window, the couple
added a thick wooden shelf
that is slightly wider than the length of the
opening – a great place to display favourite
pieces of china. This style of window
is particularly useful in a kitchen where
a property is overlooked, so you get the
benefit of natural light without upsetting
the neighbours. It’s also a great choice
where you need plenty of storage but don’t
want to compromise on brightness, as
the window can be slotted in between
units, allowing the upper ones to be
taller. Or it can sit at countertop level to
highlight a particularly good view outside.
motif shutters
Clare Standing has
enhanced her bedroom
by adding custom-made
wooden shutters with
a cut-out heart motif,
reminiscent of the type
Pages
114 – 117 used in Alpine areas. This
charming yet simple shape
not only adds a touch of romance, it also
lets in light while keeping the space private.
Plain white shutters will allow you to
change the interior decor in years to come
without having to replace them. Plus, they
help retain heat, thereby saving money,
and can add value to your home. Choose
shutters crafted from sustainable wood in
a style and scale that suit the room. Most
shutter companies provide a home service,
where a consultant measures up and fits to
your requirements, but a skilled carpenter
would be able to make something bespoke.
 g e t th e l o o k | 25bh

Inspired shopping
Abstract
wallpaper
Eloise and Paul Radziwill’s
stylish sitting room has
been brought to life with
an abstract wallpaper
Pages design. For a similar arty Pages
48 – 51 mural try Oasis 117-1, 144 – 148
£39.95 per roll, Galerie.
Classic
table lamp
Two ceramic table
lamps with a
geometric design
stand elegantly on a
chest of drawers
in Nicky and Peter
Barratt’s sitting room.
For a comparable style
try The Evelyn, £120
base only, Dar Lighting.

Dramatic
pendant light
If you admire Gemma
May-Brown’s modern
pendant light, then
take a look at the
Pages Electrum chandelier,
26 – 29 £1,995, Jonathan Adler.

Quirky pottery
Colette Meechan’s kitchen Glass coffee table
walls are decorated with A show-stopping coffee table
her collection of vintage creates a striking focal point
ceramics. Make your own in Julia Rouzaud’s sitting
retro display with these room. For something equally
Pages pastel lustre vases, £39.95 Pages dramatic, go for the Batu
101 – 103 for a set of three, MiaFleur. 118 – 122 Batu, £699, Pad Lifestyle.

Pages
20 – 25

Square-
back sofa
This stylish sofa
takes pride of place
in Laura and Patrick
Butler-Madden’s
sitting room. The
Renzo three-seater,
£1,975, Oka, is a
good match.

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 105


Wall sconce
Jonathan Munby
brightened up the home
he shares with husband
Martin Hutson using
wall lights. Try something
Pages similar with this sconce,
37 – 40
£52, rockett St George.
106 | 2 5 b h A PrIL 2017
Inspired shopping
Pastel shades
Anne Cowan used
soft blues, pinks and
greens for her finishing
touches. Add spring
Pages colour to your home
144 – 148 Pages with a luxurious Elvang
140 – 143 classic throw in mint,
Square clock £90, Houseology.
With its retro face
and chrome frame,
the clock hanging
on Nicky and Peter
Barratt’s kitchen
wall lends an Art Deco
aesthetic. Take a look
at The Quad, £125,
Newgate Clocks.
Bold
signage
Create drama
in a white space,
like Colette
Meechan has
Pages done in her
101 – 103 kitchen, with
this neon sign,
£89, PIB.
Mirror tiles
The metallic, mirror-tiled
splashback in Gemma
May-Brown’s kitchen
alcove adds an almost
futuristic touch. To
Pages emulate this look try
26 – 29 Glassworks, £200sq m,
Original Style.
Floral
cushion
Add a pop of colour,
as Anne Cowan has
done in her neutral
sitting room, with a
florrie cushion, Pages
£50, Bluebellgray. 140 – 143
 g e t th e l o o k | 25bh

Design solutions
on the tiles
Halls, bathrooms and kitchens need hard-wearing floors, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring

classic look b o l d b at h r o o m first impressions

Terracotta is warm and One of the most popular Seeing an eye-catching
natural with a lovely flooring options, ceramic floor as soon as you open
uneven, worn character, tiles are a great way of your front floor has the
making it the ideal introducing colour, pattern ultimate wow factor. Laura
backdrop for many styles or texture in a room. and Patrick Butler-Madden
of decor. With the sun The Barratts have laid have created just this with
Pages
82 – 85 streaming into Helena Pages
144 – 148 a geometric pattern in their Pages
20 – 25 patterned encaustic tiles
Barrowcliff’s dining bathroom to give the neutral in their hall, an update of
area, the Mediterranean-style tiles add space dynamism. These tiles work well by mosaic flooring of the Victorian era. Here,
ambience and blend beautifully with a shower or bath as they are waterproof porcelain tiles have been used to recreate
the wooden furniture. Because they are and stain resistant. In this scheme, bold the beauty and impact of geometric floors
unglazed, they are porous and will require monochrome tiles have been used to great found in historical buildings. A plain
sealing, but this will deepen their colour. effect and are extended up the wall to border has been set in from the wall
In this space, terracotta tiles have been emulate the look of a skirting board. to give the scheme a framed effect. Play
laid in a basket-weave pattern. Reclaimed Black walls add to the drama. Brixton One porcelain-style floor tiles in layout
floor tiles, £109.82sq m, Fired Earth. floor tiles, £67.56sq m, Topps Tiles. 7-3, £174sq m, Domus.

5 oF the Best Gold-framed mirrors

Gild your wall with a looking glass in a sunburst, mosaic or overlapping petals design

Bronze gold Twig mirror, £259, GD100 round mirror, Liliana mirror by Safavieh, Alison Cork Zedel round Premier Housewares Alida
Decorative Mirrors Online £299, Mirrorworld £133, Wayfair mirror, from £175, QVC gold mirror, £230, Argos

fO r S TO C k I S T D E TA IL S g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h A PrIL 2017 | 107

 LET’S
CLEAN
IT UP.
Make the world
a little cleaner.

Buy a newIcon pedal bin

and you’ll support
The Ocean Cleanup

brabantia.com/clean-it-up
 g eo rg i a n r ec to ry | 25bh

Kitchen
‘This open-plan space works as a cooking zone,
diner, family room and play area,’ says Kate.
Units and island, price on request, John Hollis.
Cabinetry painted in Pavilion gray and off-Black
estate eggshell, both £60 per 2.5 litres, Farrow &
Ball. Magis Bombo stool, £464, John Lewis

inspirinG

home truths
tHe prOpertY
greener
pa s t u r e s
a former rectory, built in the
early 1800s
L O c at i O n east Sussex
r O O m s Hall, drawing room-
library, dining room, kitchen-
diner, two studies, orangery, six
bedrooms (three en suite), two Kate and Rob Kitchen left a bustling part of London for
bathrooms, one-bedroom flat
p u r c H a s e d 2008 an old rectory in the countryside, which they lovingly
previOus prOpertY
‘Before relocating to Sussex, transformed into an elegant family home
we lived in a modern flat
in London,’ says Kate.
Feature Penny Botting | pHOtOGrapHY RoB SandeRSon

2 5 b H a PRiL 2017 | 109

25bh | g eo rg i a n r ec to ry

SITTING Room
‘Sofas in a sumptuous soft lilac fabric add
richness to this neutral area,’ says Kate.
For a similar sofa try Snowdrop in Lupin
velvet, £2,040, Sofa.com. Elementi Fiamma
wallpaper, £80 per roll, Zoffany. Ribbon wall
light, from £612, Porta Romana

Having been brought up in the Somerset countryside,
Kate and Rob Kitchen wanted to create a similar
rural idyll for their three children, Charlie, 13, Harry,
10, and Amelie, 6, so they decided it was time to leave
central London for the open spaces of East Sussex.
‘We were living in a modern flat in Chelsea’s King’s
Road, with all the conveniences you’d expect nearby – fabulous cafés
and restaurants, art galleries and endless shops,’ says Kate. ‘Now,
things couldn’t be more different – a good cappuccino is a four-mile
drive away and our only neighbours are sheep, cows and rabbits.’
This Georgian rectory was just what the couple were looking for.
‘It has original period features, a large garden, is close to the children’s
schools and an easy commute to London,’ says Kate. ‘We also loved
the tranquil views, and the outbuildings offered great potential for
redevelopment.’ An interior designer with her own company,
Reverie Interior Design, Kate was ready to take on the challenge

110 | 2 5 b h a PRIL 2017

 DINING Room
‘This space looks very glamorous and sophisticated. When
we eat in here, it feels like a special occasion,’ says Kate.
Melody Maison’s Boudoir display cabinet, £345, and Genevieve
three-drawer console table, £212, are similar. The Isaura branch glass
chandelier, £795, Chandelier & Mirror Company, is a match

and had a plan from the outset. ‘I wanted a contemporary edge while
still respecting the age of the house,’ she says. ‘The first thing we did
was remove the wall between the library and sitting room. That’s when
we found out that we had an extensive infestation of the timber-
eating deathwatch beetle. The floorboards on the entire ground floor
and some of the joists had to be replaced.’
After re-plumbing and rewiring, work started on reconfiguring
downstairs so that the kitchen would no longer be accessed through

2 5 b h a PRIL 2017 | 111

25bh | g eo rg i a n r ec to ry

BATHRooM MAsTeR
The roll-top bath BeDRooM
enjoys prime position An ornate headboard
by the window. makes the bed the star.
Versailles bath, £1,975; for a similar headboard try
for a similar towel rail, antiqued, from £279,
try Holmwood, £1,300, la Maison chic. frou frou
both fired earth. chandelier, £125, the
charlie chest of drawers, french Bedroom company
price on request,
knowles & christou

a warren of corridors. Internal walls were knocked down, a staircase
was removed, access to the cellar changed and an orangery added.
For more than a year, the family lived in the front of the house
and used a Portakabin for a kitchen. ‘Being on site was helpful,’ recalls
Kate, ‘as I was able to deal with building issues as they happened. But
at the same time, it was also hard on us as a family, especially when
it snowed. We had no heating, there was very little hot water and
the cabin was freezing. We finally moved in on 25 December, even
though it wasn’t quite finished or heated. My sister and her family,
who live in Hong Kong, stayed with us for the holiday – their first
Christmas in the UK for five years – the cold was a bit of a shock.’
After the celebrations, Kate made a start on the interiors. ‘I chose
a neutral palette and introduced accent colours to create warmth,’
she explains. ‘I then added further colour and texture so that each
room has its own character, but feels connected to the next.’
Kate and Rob are thrilled with the result, and are enjoying rural
life. ‘The children love exploring the woods,’ says Kate, ‘and the city
is only an hour away, so we really do have the best of both worlds.’

AMelIe’s BeDRooM CHARlIe’s BeDRooM

French-style furnishings and a palette of pretty Kate’s clever design is perfect for a boy who
pinks create a space that Amelie adores. is on the cusp of becoming a young adult.
charlotta bed, £650, Maison Home interiors. oliver bed, £499; Houston bedside trunk, £825;
dressing-up rail, £100, Great little trading co both feather & Black. cushion, £108, rume

112 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

 r e a d e r o ffe r | 25bh

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■ Escorted by an experienced tour manager ■ Escorted by an experienced tour manager ■ Escorted by an experienced tour manager

To book or for a free brochure, call 01283 743370 or visit tbhriviera.co.uk

terMs ANd coNdItIoNs *Supplements applicable for certain regional stations. Cruise durations may vary. Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are
per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. 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 Time Inc. (UK) Ltd.
25bh | v i c t o r i a n c o t tag e

kitChen
‘the units were
originally a vivid orange
pine,’ says Clare.
Cabinetry painted in
a mix of Paris Grey and
Greek Blue chalk paint,
both £18.95 per 1 litre,
Annie Sloan. Cutlery rack
£35; vegetable box, £28;
both One World

heart’s desire
Clare Standing never imagined a property in town could win her over, but when
the time to downsize came, that’s where she found the perfect home
Feature MAGGIE COLVIN | PhotograPhy TONY TIMMINGTON

W
hen three of Clare
Standing’s five children
left home, the spacious
bungalow they had all lived
in began to make her feel isolated. ‘But it was
by the sea and I was reluctant to move away
from the coast,’ she says. Nevertheless, when
a cottage in Chichester came on the market,
she found herself agreeing to view it.
‘I was so surprised by it,’ says Clare. ‘Even
though it was just a short walk from the city
centre, it was on a quiet street, with residents’
parking.’ And despite its 1980s interior,
complete with dated pine kitchen units and
orange floor tiles, Clare liked the square
rooms and the huge garden. ‘In my mind’s
eye I saw the interior transformed, with soft
grey walls, and furnished with vintage
accessories and painted pieces,’ she explains.
Inspired, Clare bought the cottage and
set about brightening it up. The first job was

114 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017

 INSPIrINg

sitting room
‘the exposed brickwork around the
fireplace adds texture,’ says Clare.
Polka dot table lamps, £95 each, J&B
Interiors. Mirror, £55, Home Sense.
Floral cushions covered in Down to Earth
fabric, £48m, Vanessa Arbuthnott

home truths
t h e P r o P e r t y Cottage,
built in 1843
L o C at I o N Chichester
r o o M S Hall, sitting room,
kitchen-diner, study,
three bedrooms, bathroom,
garden guesthouse
P u r C h a S e D 2013
PreVIouS ProPerty
‘We lived in a large bungalow
ten miles away before moving
here,’ says Clare.

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 115

25bh | v i c t o r i a n c o t tag e

dining area
dark blue table legs and chairs help
give this rustic design a strong focus.
Walls painted in chic shadow emulsion,
£14 per 2.5 litres, dulux. table legs and
wooden chairs painted in Graphite chalk
paint, £18.95 per 1 litre, annie sloan

116 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017

 master
bedroom
soft blues and delicate
wings above the bed
lend an ethereal note.
Josette wallpaper
in duck egg, £34
per roll; walls painted
in duck egg matt
emulsion, £35 per 2.5
litres, both laura ashley

guest bedroom
White painted vintage furniture
creates a relaxed, shabby-chic feel.
the cable roman blind in Mist, from £21.81,
roman Blinds direct, would work here

b at h r o o m
Coastal touches add
character to this room.
the emmanuel rattan
heart, £39.99, Maisons
du Monde, is a match.
Wooden seagull, £41.95,
coastal Home, is similar

to have the light-guzzling shrubs removed
from the front and rebuild the porch. And
then the fun, as Clare saw it, began. She
adores reworking rooms and everything that
involves. Upcycling old furniture is a passion
for her – it has become an all-consuming
hobby – and she also loves collecting heart
and angel carvings, paintings and ornaments
for the home, which she buys in second-hand
shops. ‘Friends have given me the nickname
“Queen of Hearts”,’ she smiles.
It therefore came as no surprise to
anyone that Clare’s first project in the new
house was to design some panelled shutters
with fretted hearts for the windows. ‘I found
a local man in his eighties who made them
for me, hand-carving the hearts. They look
just perfect,’ she says.
Clare had the plaster removed from the
chimney breasts to add a rugged touch of
exposed brick, and then set to work on the
kitchen. She reduced the size of the island,
which had dominated the space, and moved
it nearer to the garden door. A few coats of
paint later and the room had acquired the
tranquil character Clare wanted.
The next task was the bathroom which
was in need of a total overhaul. The ‘hideous’
old corner bath was removed, along with
a wall of melamine cupboards, and finally a
new floor was laid. ‘I wanted this room
to be awash with heart motifs and
accessories,’ enthuses Clare.
Although the renovation of the house
itself is now complete, Clare still loves to busy
herself with upcycling projects. ‘There is
always something waiting to be painted in
the shed,’ she says. ‘And when my children
come home for one of our family’s famous
all-season barbecues, we gather around the
garden table, and my “boys” take charge of
the cooking on our outdoor stove. The
cottage is so cosy, with its pretty touches,
that it feels like I’ve been living here for
years. I’m so glad I made the move.’

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 117

 TRUE BLUE
Julia and Julien Rouzaud used various tones of a select group of colours to
create a distinctive environment for their mix of 1950s and Scandi furniture
FeaTure Ruby RogeRS/A DeSign FeATuReS | phoTography Anne-CATheRine SCoFFoni/A DeSign FeATuReS

118 | 2 5 b h A PRiL 2017

 pa r i s i a n a pa r tm e nt | 25bh

SITTING ROOM inspiring

Unlike the kitchen and bathroom, which are decorated in bold green,
the couple used a soft pastel shade to create the ideal space for relaxing.
Designers guild Morning Sky matt emulsion, £39 per 2.5 litres, Posh Paint.
Crumpet in navy, £1,595, Loaf, is a similar sofa. Retro leather lounge chair
and ottoman stool, £595, and wire stool, £392, both bauhaus uK, are similar

home truths
T h e p r o p e r T y Top-
floor flat in an 1890s building
L o c aT i o n Paris
r o o m s Sitting room, dining
room, kitchen, study, two
bathrooms, three bedrooms,
dressing room
m o v e d i n 2013
previous properTy
‘We used to live in a flat close to
here in Montmartre, which also
had incredible views over the
city,’ says Julia.

2 5 b h A PRiL 2017 | 119

25bh | pa r i s i a n a pa r tm e nt

DINING ROOM
The display cabinets have been given
a rich blue shade to create a dramatic
space for entertaining, while painting
the upper part of the wall white
ensures the room retains its lofty feel.
A good match for the paint shade
is Napoleonic Blue, £39.95 per 2.5 litres,
Annie Sloan. 1stdibs has similar antique
Baumann chairs, price on application

120 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017

O
n entering Julia and Julien
Rouzaud’s apartment, shared
with their children, Manon and
Leon, the bold colours are the
first thing you notice. Then your eyes are
drawn to the striking assembly of furniture
– an eclectic mix of vintage and designer
pieces, which work surprisingly well together.
Situated in the heart of Paris, a short

1 2
distance from the famous Montmartre, and
Sacre-Coeur, the flat resides within an 1890s
Haussmannian building. It is a prime example
of classic Parisian architecture, constructed
during a renovation of the city on the orders
of Napoleon. The location is fantastic, but
when the couple moved in, the decor was
dull, with muted colours throughout and very
little personality. So they decided to bring
it to life with some colour. Julia, the founder
of goodmoods.com, a successful interiors
blog, is passionate about interior design,
while Julien loves vintage furniture and retro
accessories, so it’s no wonder their home is
such a treasure trove of fabulous finds.
Julia and Julien were initially drawn to
the apartment because of its voluminous
rooms, grand fireplace and balconies offering
stunning views. ‘I loved the brightness of the
flat. It’s south-facing and is located on a high
floor overlooking the rooftops of Paris,’ says
Julia. ‘And, to top it all off, it’s only five
minutes walk from Manon’s school.’
The couple brought the furniture from
their previous home with them, but the high
ceilings and larger rooms in the apartment
beckoned them to add to their collection.
This offered the perfect excuse to visit their

1 SITTING
ROOM
stunning views over
the city’s rooftops.
3 4
‘My favourite piece For a French-style patio
in the flat is the Art chair try the Segur
Deco clock over the cane armchair, £320,
fireplace – it’s the Maisons du Monde
perfect size for the
space. Plus, it’s from 3 KITCHEN
my parents’ house, so Julia loves sitting in
it’s particularly special this room, because
to me,’ says Julia. of its bright, exotic
Versailles Sunburst feel and the 1960s
clock, £65, Shropshire decor. ‘I had a lot of
Design, is similar. For a fun decorating this
Scandi-style armchair, flat,’ she says.
try the Bailey, £449, Get the Smeg fridge
Swoon Editions freezer in blue, £1,170,
from Paul Davies. Chess
2&4 BALCONY floor tiles in white and
The flat has a lengthy black, £8.67sq m, Tile
terrace, which ofers Mountain, are similar
25bh | pa r i s i a n a pa r tm e nt

favourite haunts – Paris’s largest flea market,

Saint-Ouen, and Drouot auction house.
For the interesting and unique items
the couple found, it was important to create
a series of backdrops that would enhance the
pieces. They also wanted to add ‘sparkle’
to the lacklustre interior and give it some
ambience. ‘I like it when spaces offer a really
strong mood – while maintaining a certain

12
sense of cohesion,’ says Julia.
Taking inspiration from recent trips to
Brazil, where they fell in love with the bold
colours used in interior design, Julia and
Julien set about brightening up the flat with
some lively paints, complete with exotic
names. ‘We used shades called Cactus Green
for the kitchen and dressing room, Thai
Sapphire for the dining room and office, and
Morning Sky for the sitting room,’ says Julia.
‘All the colours evoke a feel-good atmosphere.’
The Rouzauds also transformed their
flat with new flooring in the bathroom and
kitchen. The black-and-white checked tiles
are very dramatic, especially when combined
with vivid green walls. In the other rooms, the
couple retained the original parquet flooring
and mouldings, as they were keen to create
a balance between their mid-20th-century
taste and traditional Haussmannian style.
‘It’s definitely not a boring or sterile place,’
remarks Julia. And, indeed, it isn’t. Artworks
and flamboyant furniture sit alongside
minimalist Scandinavian pieces while

34
second-hand items mix seamlessly with more
modern designs. The couple weren’t afraid of
these contrasts and their bravery has really
paid off. ‘I work here everyday so I had to
create something I’d love,’ says Julia.

5 6 1&2
beDrOOm
master 4 b at H r O O m
the same vibrant
retro lighting and Cactus Green paint
graphic print cushions has also been used
reference the style of in the kitchen.
the sitting room. copy this look with
for a similar effect, use dulux Buckingham
tweed spring Green diamond eggshell, at
wallpaper, £12 per roll, travis Perkins mixing
Graham & Brown desk, price on request

3 manOn’s 5&6 leOn’s

beDrOOm beDrOOm
below the dado rail, box shelving in pastel
the wall is painted a shades makes a
crisp white to contrast delightful focal point.
with the vivid pink. Pinkapple Muuto
crown Quick kiss matt, module shelving, from
£13 per 1.25 litres, £80 per box, is similar.
B&Q, is comparable try a PH5 pendant light,
£494, skandium

122 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

 p r o m o t i o n a l f e at u r e | 25bh

Tess sofa featuring

G Plan SnugSit

Milton sofa

Pip sofa featuring

G Plan SnugSit

home comforts
Sit back and relax with G Plan’s great range of supreme-quality seating

M
odern, busy lifestyles make
the comfort of our sitting
rooms ever more important,
so it’s good to know that
luxury coupled with timeless design lies at
the heart of every beautifully crafted G Plan
sofa and armchair. As a company that
started in 1898, G Plan knows all about
traditional craftsmanship and enduring
quality. During the 1950s and 60s it became
an iconic brand, setting the benchmark for
British furniture making. Styles may have
changed since then, but the passion is still
there, which is why G Plan remains one of the
UK’s leading upholstery manufacturers.
Each piece of G Plan furniture is
handcrafted to order at its Wiltshire base,
using premium fillings and springs. They also
feature the latest innovations, such as G Plan
SnugSit with its specially developed layers of
softness. To find just the right sofa or chair
for your home, choose from a wide range of
classic and contemporary designs, including
large, corner and compact models, powered
recliners and seating offering different levels
of support. Each piece is available in a host of
specially selected fabrics and leathers, sourced
from some of the finest mills and tanneries
around the world, with co-ordinating scatter
cushions and footstools also available.
G Plan understands that buying a sofa or
armchair is a big investment, so you can relax
safe in the knowledge that each piece of G
Plan furniture comes with a ten-year frame
and spring guarantee.
To find your local stockist,
view or order a brochure,
and request free fabric
and leather samples,
visit gplan.co.uk.

2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 123

25bh | v i c t o r i a n g a r d e n f l at

SITTING ROOM
This was the only area to
remain structurally
unchanged during the
renovation work.
1950s italian armchairs
covered in Harlequin velvet
fabric, £47.37m. Hooked
pendant lights in Nude,
from £390 for set of three,
Buster + Punch. For a similar
storage ottoman try the
Casey, £155, Wayfair

repLanned

designed
home truths
The properTy
Ground-floor garden flat,
built in 1897
L o c aT i o n North London
for living
r o o m s Hallway, sitting-dining
room, kitchen, three bedrooms Sam Watkins McRae and husband John have created
(one en suite), bathroom
p u r c h a s e d 2014 an ingenious extension to transform a pokey flat
previous properTy
‘For eight years we lived in a into a stylish home that meets all their family’s needs
two-bedroom flat close to our
new home in Haringey,’ says Sam.
FeaTure BeverLey ByrNe | phoToGraphy CoLiN PooLe

124 | 2 5 b h A PriL 2017

 DINING AREA
‘The Eero Saarinen marble table was
a wedding present,’ says Sam.
About a Chair by Hay, £199, Amara
W
hen Sam and John’s
daughter, Grace,
grew into a lively
toddler, the couple
realised that their flat was too small
for a family of three. So they went
in search of a more spacious home.
‘We wanted to buy a house in the
same north London neighbourhood,’
says Sam. ‘However, even though our
flat had increased in value, the next step
up was proving prohibitively expensive.
We realised we had to approach house
hunting in a more creative fashion.
‘As John is an architect and I’m
an interior designer, we decided to
combine our skills to create a bespoke
home.’ ‘With this in mind, we began
looking for anything with potential
to build that was reasonably priced.
We drove round looking for disused
land, and then went knocking on
doors trying to find the owners.
‘In the end, we found this flat in a
neighbouring area on the internet. It
had been on the market for four months
without a single offer. On viewing, we
could see why. The front door opened
directly into a dark and pokey corridor,
which gave access to all the rooms, and
the kitchen was in a lean-to. It felt
disconnected and awkward, but it had
2 5 b h A PriL 2017 | 125

KITCHEN
A modern island
extractor fan keeps
the breakfast bar free
from cooking smells.
cda island extractor
hood, £529, appliances
direct. soft touch
Basalt Grey matt
lacquer kitchen,
£20,000, Urban Myth
real potential, especially as there was
room at the side for an extension.’
That evening, the couple sketched
out a layout on a napkin. ‘Within
the existing building we’d retain the
original sitting room and create a new
kitchen, master bedroom and en suite,’
says Sam. ‘A side extension would give
us an entrance hall, plus two additional
bedrooms and a bathroom. ‘We emailed
John’s plans to the estate agent, along
with our offer, which was accepted.’
As their own property sold quickly,
the couple had to find a place to live
while the building work was being
carried out. Luckily, they were able to
126 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017
MASTER BEDROOM
Discreet storage does not
distract from the simple decor.
Grey and white flooring,
£45sq m, M&l carpets
GRACE’S BEDROOM
Cleverly concealed
floor-to-ceiling cupboards
create a seamless finish.
rent their old flat from the person who inferno upholstered single
bought it. ‘We could only stay there bed in dusty rose cotton
for six months,’ explains Sam, ‘so it was matt velvet, from £864,
sofa.com
important that the project began on
schedule. But, until we got planning
permission, we couldn’t even dig the
foundations. Fortunately, consent came
through on time and work started on
the extension. It was constructed using
bricks from the existing lean-to kitchen,
supplemented with reclaimed stock,
and then we added a sedum roof.
Just four months later, the family
moved into their new home, pleased that
their meticulous planning had paid off.
‘When we designed the layout, our
 v i c t o r i a n g a r d e n f l at | 25bh

d e s i g n t i p ‘Unless you are

overlooked, don’t obscure elegant
Georgian windows with curtains
– use shutters or blinds instead’

priority was to establish natural flow John’s structural design. From the clever MASTER B AT H R O O M
throughout and maximise storage and brass furniture on cupboard doors to BEDROOM The tiles have a
light,’ says Sam. ‘And that’s exactly what statement lighting and retro furnishings, To contrast with the stunning onyx-
greys of the walls and alabaster-effect, which
we’ve achieved, especially with the old and new have been blended together furniture, Sam has reflects beautifully
concealed floor-to-ceiling units within with an elegant and sophisticated touch. added colour with an in the wall unit mirror
the extension and the compact utility The entrance to the property is now ornate table lamp and and shower screen.
matching cushion. refracted Bamboo
area in the hall. Even with a tight budget at the rear of the building, in the new Valentin upholstered porcelain tiles, from
we were still able to include such luxuries extension, and is accessed through the super-king bed in soft £112sq m, Bibliotheque.
as remote-controlled roof lights, oak landscaped back garden. ‘Walking up wool, £1,320, sofa.com. countertop sink, from
parquet flooring and bespoke joinery.’ the path and stepping through our own Walls painted in Purbeck £329; crosswater Mike
stone estate emulsion, Pro monobloc basin,
Sam’s distinctive interiors add front door makes the flat feel more like £43.50 per 2.5 litres, £199; scheider Wangline
a defining flourish. A former fashion a house,’ says Sam. ‘And that’s just what farrow & Ball. Hooked illuminated, three-door
and home furnishings designer, her we envisioned. I’m so glad John and 1.0 nude ceiling light, mirror cabinet, £1,288;
£190, Buster + Punch. all cP Hart. Walls painted
talent for marrying sumptuous textiles, I decided to think outside the box, for a similar throw in strong White estate
bold colours and quirky details enhance because it means we’ve ended up with try Gant tolland, emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5
the architectural flow established by the home we always wanted.’ £140, Houseology litres, farrow & Ball

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 127

HOUSES & GARDENS ■ STYLE & SHOPPING ■ FOOD & LIFESTYLE

APRIL 2017
£4.40
ON SALE
2 March
2017

touch of glamour BeAutIful fAmIly hOmeS wIth An elegAnt twISt

H&G EDIT APRIL
The people, products and places creating a buzz this month

We’re bringing a quirky, contemporary

note to Easter decorating with hand-
patterned eggs. Easy to create using
fine felt-tip pens, they look striking
displayed in combination with delicate
mottled quail eggs and pretty pralines.
Clarence Court Braddock Whites duck eggs, £2.50 for six,
Sainsbury’s. Quail’s eggs, £3.29 a dozen, Daylesford.
Praline Quail eggs, £10.95 for 16-18, Rococo Chocolates.
Lara Natural linen tea towel, £14.99 set of two, LinenMe.

design sPring
whERE to buy, pAgE 199

solutions gardens
decorating from a pretty
with mirrors waterside retreat
perfect to a luxurious
SIDeBOArDS contemporary terrace
stylish
wall lights Plus
A delicious

Styling Ali Brown PhotograPh Helen CAtHCArt

seasonal menu

spanish design

shaped by the
land Using local granite and naturalistic
planting, the owners of this former mill
have created an inspired evergreen
scheme in keeping with the wild beauty
of the surrounding landscape
Words Stephani e M ahon PhotograPhs Claire takaCS

RECALL: 5/4/17

TRENDS 2017
Be inspired by the latest looks
128 | H&G | APRIL 2017

LibRARy
The linen used to cover the
walls is continued onto the
day bed, armchair and blinds
for a soft and cohesive feel.
Interior design, Cathy Kincaid,
cathy-kincaid.com. Walls,
furniture and blinds in ashok
in duck egg, £133m, penny

dream plUS
morrison interiors and Fabrics,

DREAM LIVING
pennymorrison.com.

ROOMS bedrooms
dEsign idEAs n EXpERt AdViCE n shopping
dEsign idEAs n EXpERt AdViCE n shopping
68-PagE
drEaM
LIVINg rooM
& BEdrooM
sUPPLEMENt 1920s apartment

Ever-lasting
beauTy
Expert interior design and exquisite craftsmanship have ensured this
renovated New York home has a classic elegance that will last for years
Wo rds natal ie Wain P h oto g raPh s F ranCe S Co l ag e n e S e

APRIL 2017 | H&G |

 pe r i o d a pa r tm e nt | 25bh

dining area
The vintage teak table
extends to seat six.
For a similar teak table
and chairs try Retro Living,
price on request. Blinds in
Askham fabric, £111m, Jim
Thompson Fabrics

insPiRinG

home truths
THE PROPERTY
Apartment in a Victorian terrace
L O c AT i O n
CULTURE CLASH
Southeast London
R O O m s Sitting room, kitchen, Deftly mixing exoticism with contemporary design,
two bedrooms, bathroom
P U R c H A s E d 2015 Anouska Tamony’s home reflects her East-West heritage
PREviOUs PROPERTY
‘Before moving here, we lived in
a smaller, two-bedroom flat in FEATURE SERENA FOKSCHANER | PHOTOGRAPHY KASIA FISZER
nearby Forest Hill,’ says Anouska.

2 5 b H A pRIL 2017 | 129


sittiNg rooM
anouska designed the cushions to
contrast with the sleek velvet sofa.
cushions, made from Miramar fabric,
£72m by Matthew Williamson for osborne
130 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017
& little (rear) and tibetan sun by
Jim thompson fabrics, £144m (front).
izzy sofa from £1,100, sofa.com. White
marble and green agate side table is
similar, £119, atkin & thyme
KitcheN
Blue-and-white tiles enliven
this once-clinical space.
tangier Blue tiles, £3.04 each,
tons of tiles. try the european
enamel light, £90, the conran
shop. shelf, £30, Ben
simpson furniture
As a child, Anouska Tamony spent
most of her school holidays with her
grandmother, a talented tailoress
whose clients ranged from Hindu
princesses to Malaysian magnates.
‘My grandmother was Chinese and
she married a Dutchman,’ says Anouska. ‘They
moved from Malaysia to Britain in the 1960s and
their house was a real mix of Chinese antiques,
Japanese artworks, Mid-Century furniture and
Eastern fabrics. So I’ve always been drawn to a
combination of exoticism tempered with modernity.’
That stylistic DNA proved useful to Anouska
and her partner, Scott Clifton, when it came to
decorating their own home. ‘There was a bidding
war for the flat and we ended up going over budget,’
says Anouska. ‘So we had to draw on our creative
reserves to make this place express our taste.’
Grand structural alterations were out. Instead,
personality has been added through even-handed
blending of colour, texture and pattern. Ikat mixed
with velvet, silk with seagrass, and palm-tree prints
have transformed the interior so that it feels, as
Anouska puts it: ‘exotic, but not hippy-ish.’
Her rule-breaking approach to colour has the
effect of making the two-bedroom flat feel larger.
‘It’s tempting to stick to neutrals in small spaces,’ she
says, ‘but I like to be different.’ This approach can
be seen in the bedroom, where oranges smoulder
against jewel-bright mauves. ‘People often go for
subtle colours in the bedroom,’ says Anouska,
‘but I wanted a warmer, more sumptuous look.’
The previous owners had installed the current
kitchen. ‘It looked a little cold and sterile, but we
had to work with what we had,’ continues Anouska.
So the grey tiles were swapped for a rich blue design.
A copper tap and bespoke shelf introduce warmth
and an industrial pendant floats above the worktop.
‘This second level of light makes the room feel cosy
at night,’ says Anouska. The same layering effect
also transformed the bathroom, where she painted
the roll-top bath in forget-me-not blue. The blind
fabric inspired the palette of brooding blue, while
the palm-frond wallpaper evokes Eastern climes.
The influence of her perfectionist, detail-
loving ‘Poh Poh’ (Cantonese for grandmother)
also stretches to the sitting room. In front of the
fireplace sits a battered but treasured Chinoiserie
fire screen that the couple found in Malacca. It is
framed by bookcases which Anouska transformed
with smoky-jade paint. And there is yet another
reminder of Poh Poh in a carved table that travelled
with her from Malaysia. Now it sits by the bed,
perfectly at home among the East-meets-West
allure of this unusual and colourful home.
 pe r i o d a pa r tm e nt | 25bh

d e s i g n t i p ‘Play with colour

and pattern. We went for bold
choices, like the deep cobalt paint
in the bathroom and metallic
palm print wallpaper’

Master BedrooM B at h r o o M guest BedrooM

a rich palette of colours and a mix of vintage New flooring, shimmering wallpaper and this character-filled space also serves
and new pieces creates a personality filled look. a dramatic paint colour transformed this space. as a study and dressing room.
try Madeline double bed in Ganges roosevelt Palm leaves wallpaper, £82, cole & son. Pitch Blue Vintage famous Gems poster is similar, £18, Bygone
velvet, £1,040, sofa.com. lampshade, £38, Punica estate emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres, farrow & Ball Press at etsy. try ludde sheepskin, £30, ikea

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 131

 a dream
comes true
When Helene Morris moved into the house she had coveted for years,
she set about turning it into a stylish home full of quirky details
Feature AndrEA Childs | PhotograPhy dAvid WoollEy

132 | 2 5 b h A Pril 2017


SITTING ROOM
Oversized pieces match the
room’s grand proportions.
Artemide Tolomeo floor lamp,
£490, Paper rooms. JuJu hat
feather wall hanging, £195,
rockett st George. Mirror, from
a selection, swag Antiq
insPiring
home truths
the ProPerty
late-victorian semi-detached
L o c at i o n West sussex
r o o m s hall, sitting room,
dining room, kitchen, study,
four bedrooms, bathroom,
P u r c h a s e d 2013
Previous ProPerty
‘We lived in a similar property in
the same town, but with much
smaller rooms,’ says helene.
O
nce a week, on her way to the
supermarket, Helene Morris
would slow down as she drove
past a property she had fallen
in love with. ‘It ticked all the boxes,’ she says.
‘Not only is it close to work, it’s Victorian,
set back from the road and has a pretty white
façade. I never thought that I’d actually ever
get to look inside, let alone buy it.’
Helene owns two fashion and lifestyle
boutiques in West Sussex. One day, when
chatting to a customer, Helene found that
the she lived in the house. ‘Over time we
became friends – not just because of where
she lived – and I was often invited for
dinner,’ explains Helene. ‘Inside was just as
beautiful as I’d imagined. It has an imposing
central staircase that blew me away, and
KITCHeN
‘Retro accessories displayed
on modern cabinetry create
period charm,’ says Helene.
The Giant Electric clock, £350,
newgate. Feather duster, from
£22, labour and Wait. vintage
scales, £225, The squash Court
v i c to r i a n s e m i | 25bh
I loved the height and proportion of the
rooms.’ Some time later, her friend got
divorced and the house went on the market.
‘The circumstances were obviously difficult
for her, but I also knew this was an
opportunity not to be missed. I said to my
boyfriend, Robin, “I want that house!”’
Thankfully, the sale went through without
a hitch and the couple, along with Helene’s
children, Claudia and George, moved in.
Much as she loved her new home, Helene
wanted to make immediate changes, and
even booked a decorator to come on the day
the keys were handed over. ‘I got him to take
out the wall units in the kitchen and paint
the remaining oak cupboards black,’ she
explains. ‘I couldn’t live with them as they
were for even a day.’ The kitchen sums up
2 5 b h A Pril 2017 | 133
25bh | v i c to r i a n s e m i
DInIng room
‘I mixed metal and wood to create an
industrial chic scheme,’ says Helene.
archibald mango wood table, £600,
Maisons du Monde, is a match. for
similar shelves try a baker’s trolley,
£500, atkins & thyme
Helene’s blend of period and contemporary
pieces, mixed with quirky design ideas, which
is why she replaced the ceiling spotlights
with an elegant teardrop crystal chandelier.
‘It’s great when a room has a surprising
feature. This light isn’t very kitcheny, which
is why it works so well in here.’
That sense of the unexpected is carried
through to the adjacent dining room, where
she has created a fusion of kitchen and dining
elements for a less formal feel. So, alongside
a table with legs on castors, there’s a butcher’s
block and vintage industrial shelf unit, plus
elegant displays of decorative pieces.
‘Although we spend most of our time in
the kitchen, my favourite space is the sitting
room,’ says Helene. ‘It’s so much larger than
the one in our previous house. In fact, I had
134 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
mASTer
beDroom
A grey palette
creates a cosy space.
Bow bed, £499,
is similar; kartell
componibili cabinet,
£100; original Btc
Hector table lamp,
£159; all John lewis
bATHroom
‘I haven’t touched this
to buy more furniture to fill it. The sofas are space as I loved the deep
new, but other pieces come from the local bath with the marble
surround,’ says Helene.
antiques market. I buy things not knowing rose & Grey has a selection
where they will go, then have fun rearranging of retro mirrors, from £59
the furniture until I get the look I want.’
The house is decorated in a monochrome
palette, except for the master bedroom,
which is painted grey. ‘I love the dark
aesthetic of this space, but it’s not one I can
live with in every room,’ explains Helene.
‘It works here because it’s so cosy.’ To keep
the look clutter-free, none of the bedrooms
have a wardrobe. ‘Instead, we use the fourth
bedroom as a dressing room, where we have
individual rails for our clothes.’ It’s clever
style solutions like this, plus the character
and charm Helene has created, which make
her home such a special place.
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
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2 5 B h A PRIL 2017 | 135

 ba r n c o n v e r s i o n | 25bh

inspiring

scenic view
Susi Jones has turned an old hay barn into an elegant
home, making the most of the breathtaking countryside
FeaTure VIVIENNE AYERS | phoTography POLLY ELTES

home truths
The properTy
Converted 18th-century barn
L o c aT i o n Cotswolds
r o o m s Hall, drawing room,
dining room, snug-living room,
kitchen-diner, utility, cloakroom,
three bathrooms, four bedrooms
previous properTy
‘We lived in a nearby village, which
was located down a lane and
surrounded by woods,’ says Susi.

DRAWING ROOM
A neutral palette and classic
furnishings create a refined scheme.
Ikea Ektorp three-seater sofa, £350,
is a match. Try Sanderson Lymington
for similar cushion fabric, £46m

H
appy with their lovely woodland
home, Susi Jones told her late
husband Tony that she would
only ever move if they found
a property with a better view, sheep at the
bottom of the garden and an Aga. So she took
a lot of persuading to look at a barn conversion
he had spotted in the For Sale section of a
newspaper. ‘I was so surprised to walk around
the house and find everything on my wish list,’
says Susi. ‘I fell in love with it straight away.
And it was so cosy, too, even though it had
once been a hay barn and was 300 years old.’
The property had been neglected, so the
couple knew they were embarking on a major
project. ‘It was very dark inside,’ says Susi.
‘A huge oak beam in the kitchen effectively
cut the room in half, blocking light and
making it feel like a stable. In fact, the whole
house needed a complete rethink.’
The Joneses knocked down walls on
both floors to make bigger rooms or to create

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 137

 DINING rOOm
Used for formal entertaining, this room features an
eminently welcoming inglenook fireplace.
for similar antique-style furniture, try the Bradley table,
£1,436; Jansen chairs, £399 each, both Newby House interiors
138 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
KITCHeN
Shaker-style units in a cool grey-blue are contemporary
in design but also add a vintage feel.
kitchen cabinets, painted in oak apple by farrow & Ball
with caesar stone in osprey worktops, both by
cotteswood kitchens, price on request
KITCHeN-DINer
Mahogany antique furniture mixed
with modern accessories capture the
essence of a period country home.
classical table, £448, and stick back Windsor
side chairs, £442 each, at inadam, are similar

d e s i g n t i p ‘Using a neutral palette for walls and flooring throughout the house allowed
me to add warmth with soft furnishings in a variety of delicate colours and prints’
mASTer BeDrOOm
Classic French style was the basis for this scheme,
which is anchored by the chest at the end of the bed.
louis XiV-style rattan bed, from £1,050, the french
furniture company is a match. for a similar bench, try
old rectory two-seater, £121, Wayfair. colefax and
fowler alderney fabric, £179m, has a similar pattern
bathrooms, extra windows were installed and
the layout was rearranged to make better use
of the space. Then Susi set about tackling the
kitchen, which had been gutted. ‘I decided on
a fairly traditional design that was in keeping
with the style of the barn,’ she says. ‘And
because I entertain a lot, I had a central island
installed where friends can sit and chat while
I prepare a meal. I needed extra storage, too,
so I turned the cellar into a walk-in larder.
The easy-on-the-eye neutral palette of the
kitchen is followed in the rest of the house. ‘I
fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1
ba r n c o n v e r s i o n | 25bh
love cool hues,’ says Susi. ‘They are so easy
to live with, but I also needed to add colour,
which I did using fabric, rugs and accessories.
I had a vision of the look I wanted to achieve
– a classic country style. Luckily, the furniture
from our previous house fitted in perfectly. I
did, however, have to have new curtains made,
but I recycled the old ones.’ BATHrOOm
Susi is delighted with the end result. ‘It’s An ornate mirror creates a bold
focal point in a small space.
a lovely area to live in and it’s easy to drive into atkin and thyme has a similar
the big towns,’ she says, ‘but I love going home. carved wooden mirror, £169
It’s everything I wanted and much more.’
2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 139
 HALL
The staircase is a real conversation
starter when new guests arrive.
The Palladio 5 porcelain chandelier
by Bassano, £700, italian lighting
centre, would suit this space

uniQue

home truths
The properTy
Edwardian semi
L o c aT i o n Southampton
r o o m s Hall, sitting room,
dining room, kitchen, TV room,
stepping up
four bedrooms, family bathroom A stunning staircase and other period features are
p u r c h a s e d 2005
previous properTy
‘We moved here from a smaller
at the forefront of Anne Cowan’s redesigned home
terraced house nearby,’ says Anne.
FeaTure AmAndA HArling | phoToGraphy nick cArTEr

140 | 2 5 b h A Pril 2017

 e dwa r di a n s e m i | 25bh

SITTING ROOM
The soft grey-green wall colour
creates a restful atmosphere.
Walls painted in Evening Seas,
£32 per 2.5 litres; Henley stripe
blind fabric, £45m; both Susie
Watson designs. Abingdon sofa,
£1,450, laura Ashley

The decorative carved and turned architectural
detail embellishing the staircase was the clinching
factor for Anne Cowan and husband Andy when
they first viewed their Edwardian home. ‘I stepped
into the hall and knew I wanted to live here,’ recalls
Anne. ‘It had so much character, with the original
tiled fireplace still in situ as well as the ornamental staircase.’
Dating from 1911, the four-bedroom property forms part of
a terrace of semi-detached houses, and the couple were delighted
to find that only a few, mainly cosmetic, changes had been made.
‘Apart from Artex on the ceilings, little had been done to the place
in decades,’ says Anne. ‘So we got on with refurbishing from top
to bottom, keeping the lovely features but removing the textured
ceilings. At one point, we had five rooms being redecorated, which
was a challenge, as our son Ben was just a baby at the time.’
Anne and Andy met while at Southampton University. ‘Andy
was studying medicine and I read history,’ says Anne. ‘But I’d
always been interested in interior design, so I started an online

2 5 b h A Pril 2017 | 141

 DINING ROOM
Anne designed the dresser and made
the shade for the vintage standard lamp.
lampshade and cushions made with spray
flowers Blue fabric, £20m, cath kidston.
take a look at scion Zing multicoloured
stripe curtain fabric, £30m, John lewis

FAMILY ROOM
Bespoke French windows
allow maximum light to enter.
dijon muslin curtain fabric, £12m,
John lewis. Blue bobble trim,
£8m, Pompom & twiddle

KITCHEN
This compact area is packed
with character and charm.
the Mechanical kitchen scale,
£13, Wayfair, has a vintage look

course when I was pregnant with Ben. However, once he was born,
it was impossible to find a spare minute, let alone an hour or two.’
Nevertheless, Anne had firm ideas about how she wanted to decorate
her new home, choosing pale colours for the walls and a country-
classic style throughout. ‘I like to keep the look light and bright,
with soft furnishings adding accents of stronger colour.
‘The furniture is mostly traditional, which suits the house, but
there’s the odd contemporary piece providing contrast,’ continues
Anne. ‘Soon after moving in, we had the dresser in the breakfast
room custom-made, which I painted pale blue. I’m always looking
out for vintage pieces of china to put on it – sometimes I’ll arrange
the shelves with my blue-and-white collection, and have a random
mix of colourful floral designs in spring. Andy leaves design matters
to me, but he does veto anything too flowery,’ she laughs.
Over the years, the couple – who also have a daughter, Sophie
– have made a series of changes to ensure the house adapts with

142 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2016

 e dwa r di a n s e m i | 25bh

SOPHIE’S BATHROOM GUEST

BEDROOM Moorish floor tiles add
Splashes of pink lend a Mediterranean feel.
a fresh, girly feel. Heritage mix floor tiles,
letter light, from £57.50, £54sq m, on the tiles.
the consortium. the Panelling painted in
daisy day bed, £399, lamp room Gray estate
John lewis, is similar eggshell, £43.50 per 2.5
litres, farrow & Ball
BEDROOM
This restful scheme is
based around the iron
bed Anne inherited from
her grandmother.
for a similar bed try the
canterbury in ivory, £335,
feather & Black

MASTER BEDROOM
Anne painted the antique bed
to complement this space.
flora rose, £12m, curtains Made
simple, is a matching curtain fabric.
take a look at the shabby chic shelf
storage with hooks, £25.99,
amazing Grace interiors

their family’s changing needs. ‘We’ve recently updated the bathroom
for the second time, in order to install a separate shower,’ says Anne.
‘And our next project will be building an extension to create a larger
kitchen with dining area. I’d also like to convert the loft into a master
en suite. But whatever changes I make, I plan to incorporate lots
of storage, because chaotic and cluttered isn’t a good look.’
Three years ago, Anne was fortunate enough to land the perfect
part-time job, working two days a week in the Southampton branch
of The Consortium – an interiors store selling new, retro and
vintage pieces, as well as pre-loved items on behalf of customers.
‘It’s a small set up, so it’s pretty hands on, with everyone taking turns
buying, selling and displaying the goods,’ explains Anne. ‘Once a
month, on Mondays, I teach classes in Annie Sloan paint techniques
in our Winchester shop. We particularly enjoy visiting the major
regional antiques fairs, such as Ardingly and Detling, where I’ll
often find beautiful furnishings for my home, too.’

fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 | 143

Georgian
GEM
Nicky and Peter Barratt
used their Grade II listed
home’s period architecture
to inform their interior
decorating decisions, with
stunning results

Feature JO LEEVERS
PhotograPhy RACHAEL SMITH
l i s t e d d e tac h e d | 25bh

uNIque

home truths
the ProPerty
Georgian country house
L o C at I o N Cheshire
r o o M S Hall, drawing room,
sitting room, dining room,
kitchen, study, utility room,
seven bedrooms (one en suite),
dressing room, four bathrooms
P u r C h a S e D 2015
PreVIouS ProPerty
‘We moved here from a 20th-
century house in a nearby
village,’ says Nicky.

Drawing room
A sofa in berry velvet adds a bright,
modern edge to this period setting.
Astoria sofa, around £4,000, Laura
Ashley. Lotus wallpaper, £112 per roll;
walls painted in Purbeck Stone estate
emulsion, £43.50 per 2.5 litres, both
Farrow & Ball. Mirror, £255; table
lamp, £155; both Arthur Lee

2 5 b h A PRIL 2017 | 145

25bh | l i s t e d d e tac h e d
dINING rooM
This exudes a relaxed
grandeur. ‘Guests love to
linger here,’ says Nicky.
St Antoine wallpaper, £112
per roll, Farrow & Ball.
Weatherby dining table,
£1,199, Marks & Spencer
HALL
Varnished floorboards
bring warmth to this area.
Procuratie wallpaper, £150
per roll, Cole & Son. Black
console, £750, Arthur Lee.
See the MaxHeat Heritage
cast-iron radiator, from
£107, Heat&Plumb.com
146 | 2 5 b h A PriL 2017
KITCHEN
The central island is the ideal
spot for relaxed gatherings.
Bespoke units with Caesarstone
worktops, Tom Howley. Elstead
Lighting Provence rise-and-fall
ceiling pendant light in polished
nickel, £240, The Lighting
Company, is a match
T
he clean-lined grandeur of a Georgian
house in Cheshire very much appealed
to Nicky and Peter Barratt. ‘We both
thought, “Now, that is something very
special”,’ recalls Nicky. The property’s generous
proportions and high-ceilinged rooms also had a
practical appeal. ‘My husband and our son Harley,
now 15, are both over six-foot, so the pitched rooms
in our previous home always felt cramped to them.’
The framework of this house offered a more
open, expansive feel for the whole family, which also
includes Brontë, 19, and Madeleine, 17. So, once the
place was theirs, the couple set about making it their
own. As the building is Grade II listed, they had no
intention of changing the layout, which meant Nicky,
a stylist and florist, could focus on the decor. ‘People
kept asking me about my plans,’ she says. ‘But, for
once, I didn’t go in with firm ideas; it was more a
matter of gradually taking in the architecture and
letting the house suggest its own style.’
Nicky and Peter’s old house had more of
a country, rustic character. ‘I was a big fan of Cath
Kidston back then,’ says Nicky, ‘but this place felt
grander and more substantial, with rooms, fireplaces
and architectural elements all played out on a larger
scale.’ The main ceiling roses and cornices remained
intact, a banister displays a graceful turn and an
unusual set of pillars adorn a wall in the drawing
room. ‘Even the front door is handsome and solid,’
says Nicky. ‘It announces that this is a house with
f a v o u r i t e r o o m ‘We love the dining space because
of its formal period features, yet it’s still a really
comfortable and relaxing space’
25bh | l i s t e d d e tac h e d

MAsTer beDrOOM
A opulent bed sits perfectly
in the grand oriel window.
rouen low foot-end bed, from
£1,448, sofas & stuff. colefax
& fowler Bowood wallpaper,
£59.95 per roll, fashion interiors

MADeleINe’s
beDrOOM
A favourite pink throw
provided inspiration for
this soothing scheme.
sanderson chelsea
wallpaper in cream/silver,
£58 per roll, Jane clayton.
Bed, from £675, Next
bAThrOOM
Photos and flowers add a
welcome splash of colour.
Parquet charcoal floor
tiles, £42.95sq m, Neisha
crosland at Harvey Maria.
chest of drawers, £499,
swoon editions
stature. When you’re surrounded by classic Georgian
architecture, you don’t really want to obscure it.’
The hall decoration picks up on the crisp outlines
of the property’s façade, with wallpaper that echoes
the arched doorway and a stair runner in a similar
geometric design. Grey tones are repeated through
the rooms, making bold patterns feel restful rather
than distracting. ‘I know grey is very on-trend at the
moment, but I think it will endure in this setting,
as it suits the sober, calm proportions,’ says Nicky.
This redesign also gave the couple the opportunity
to seek out antique and vintage pieces to furnish the
rooms. ‘We went to Newark Antiques & Collectors
Fair, which was great fun,’ says Nicky. Many of the
couple’s existing furniture did not suit the new space,
though they found a new role for a tall armoire that
had been used for bathroom storage. It now stands
in the dining room, where its shape complements the
generous windows, which extend almost from floor to
ceiling. ‘I haven’t put up any blinds,’ says Nicky. ‘The
windows speak for themselves and don’t need dressing.’
To prevent the interior style from becoming stuck
in a traditional groove, Nicky introduced a statement
sofa in a bright berry shade into the mix. ‘I’m not
usually drawn to Deco shapes, but I felt the simple
lines didn’t detract from the architecture,’ she says.
Nicky’s easy mix of old and new furniture brings
just the right amount of character. ‘Our house looks
imposing and formal from the outside, but inside
it’s very much a warm family home,’ she smiles.

148 | 2 5 b h a Pril 2017 fo r s to c k i s t d e ta il s g o to pag e 15 1

Insight
restoring period
architecture
Want to enhance your home’s features like Nicky
Barratt? Consider these points before you start

F
rom intricate plasterwork such
as cornicing, coving and ceiling
mouldings to original fireplaces,
doors and skirtings, the period
details of a home can lend character
and visual interest. Adopting a sensitive
approach when restoring these features
will pay dividends in the long-term.
All in the detail
It’s important to determine the exact
age of your home before restoring historic
features – seek specialist advice if you
are unsure. Beware of removing original
sash windows in favour of double glazing,
indiscriminately stripping softwood
panelling of its paint, replacing lath and
plaster with plasterboard or painting
cornices and ceiling roses with modern
emulsion. Instead, repair catches, stays and
hinges on windows and doors, use a gentle
distemper on coving and employ a ‘like-for-
like’ policy when repairing plasterwork.
When it comes to finish, very often
the cornicing and ceilings are painted
plain white for a clean look. However,
this can lower the perceived height of the
room. Why not try a different approach
by painting them the same colour as the
walls to make a room feel loftier, while
also adding a contemporary feel?
Bear in mind
If you are thinking of using salvaged
materials to replace architectural features,
be aware that this can sometimes confuse
the understanding and appreciation
of a building, even making the original
details seem spurious. SPAB (The Society
for the Protection of Ancient Buildings)
advises that trade in reclaimed items
can sometimes encourage the destruction
of old properties, whereas demand for
the same materials, created new, helps
to keep them in production.
Externally, new additions such
as extensions often work best if they
accommodate modern needs in a modern
language, serving as contemporary foil
to the original architecture. This enables
the new to relate to the old in a way that is
positive and responsive at the same time.
professional advice
‘If you want to retain the
special interest of an old
building, the overarching
principle is to preserve
existing features, repairing
them if necessary. Where
this isn’t possible, consider restoration
in the context of returning architecture
to its genuine, if imperfect, state.
Any restoration work carried out should
be essential to the long-term well-being of
the building, using technically compatible
methods and materials. For instance, do
repair softwood with softwood, and patch
lime plaster with traditional lime plaster
and not modern gypsum.
Where a feature is replaced, it doesn’t have to
exactly reference a property’s age. In fact, it’s
often better to add something that’s clearly of
our own time, although not incongruous with
what already exists – and this is where the
skill comes in. We recommend seeing an old
building as a biography, with each generation
adding its own chapter to an ongoing story.
Bulging, bowing, sagging and leaning
are signs of age, which deserve respect.
Good repair will not officiously iron
them out, smarten them or hide the
imperfections. Age can confer a beauty
of its own. These are qualities to care
for, not blemishes to be eradicated.’
douglas kent, SPAB

Contrasting shades are used Painting the wood panelling Antique pieces complement address book
to highlight original details grey has updated the look the period architecture
■ SPAB 020 7377 1644, spab.org.uk
Source specialists via the Technical Advice
e x p e r t e y e ‘All too often, decorative Line, open 9.30am to 12.30pm weekdays.
■ London Plastercraft 020 7736 5146,
FeatuRe emmA j PAge

cornicing, including ceiling roses, has been painted londonplastercraft.com

over so many times that it ends up losing a lot of Find a host of hand-crafted plaster products
delicate detail. To prevent this from happening, here, plus an installation service.
■ Invitation to View invitationtoview.co.uk
use a specialist finish such as a soft distemper or limewash’ A scheme offering visits to inspirational
chaRlotte cosby, FArroW & BALL old buildings rarely open to the public.

2 5 b h A PrIL 2017 | 149

 .co.uk

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VISIT US TODAY
Idealhome.co.uk/gardens

where to buy
April’s list of contact numbers and web addresses
A A Modern World, 020 3432
4050, amodernworld.co.uk.
A Splash of Colour, 0161 920 7406,
asplashofcolour.com.
Air Uno, 0113 201 2240, airuno.co.uk.
Aiveen Daly, 020 8962 0044,
aiveendaly.com.
Alternative Flooring, 01264 335111,
alternativeflooring.com.
Amara, 0800 587 7645, amara.com.
Amazing Grace Interiors,
01992 577735,
amazinggraceinteriors.co.uk.
Annie Sloan, 01865 247296,
anniesloan.com.
Appliances Direct, 0871 984 4416,
appliancesdirect.co.uk.
Ardingly International Antiques
& Collectors, 01636 702326,
iacf.co.uk/ardingly.
Argos, 0845 640 3030, argos.co.uk.
Arrow Electrical, 020 8450 0000,
arrowelectricals.co.uk.
Arthur Lee Interiors, 01565 633134,
arthurlee.co.uk.
Aston Matthews, 020 7226 7220,
astonmatthews.co.uk.
Atkin and Thyme, 0844 409 9834,
atkinandthyme.co.uk.
Atlantic Shopping, 0121 230 1644,
atlanticshopping.co.uk.
B Barker and Stonehouse,
01642 230988,
barkerandstonehouse.co.uk.
Bathstore, 0330 053 5661,
bathstore.com.
Bauhaus UK, 07572 257709,
bauhausfurnitureuk.com.
Beedell Coram, 07981 559601.
Benchmark Windows,
01903 755388,
benchmarkwindows.co.uk.
Bensons for Beds, 0808 144 6160,
bensonsforbeds.co.uk.
Better Bathrooms, 0844 484 7678,
betterbathrooms.com.
Bibliotheque, 020 8365 2084,
bibliotheque.co.uk.
Bluebellgray, 0141 221 0724,
bluebellgray.com.
Buster+Punch, 020 3176 5871,
busterandpunch.com.
C C P Hart, 0845 600 1950,
cphart.co.uk.
Cast Iron Radiators, 01723 321000,
castironradiators.ltd.uk.
Cath Kidston, 0845 026 2440,
cathkidston.co.uk.
Chelsea Textiles, 020 7584 5544,
chelseatextiles.com.
Chesney’s, 020 7627 1410,
chesneys.co.uk.
Chris Dyson, 020 7247 1816,
chrisdyson.co.uk.
Closet & Botts, 01273 945398,
closetandbotts.com.
Coastal Home, 01625 578105,
coastalhome.co.uk.
Cole & Son, 020 7376 4628,
cole-and-son.com.
Colefax and Fowler,
020 7244 7427, colefax.com.
Cotteswood Kitchens, 01608
641858, cotteswood.co.uk.
Cox & Cox, 0844 858 0744,
coxandcox.co.uk.
Creative Tops, 01536 207710,
creative-tops.com.
Crosley, crosleyradio.eu.
D Dar Lighting,
darlighting.co.uk.
David Village Lighting,
0114 263 4266,
davidvillagelighting.co.uk.
Decorative Mirrors,
01635 818800,
decorativemirrorsonline.co.uk.
Designers Guild, 020 7351 5775,
designersguild.com.
Dfs, 0800 110 5000, dfs.co.uk.
Digs, 00 44 127 362 4531,
digsign.co.uk.
Distressed But Not Forsaken,
07872 038464,
distressedbutnotforsaken.co.uk.
Dulux, 0844 481 7817, dulux.co.uk.
Dunelm, 0845 165 6565,
dunelm-mill.com.
Dwell, 0845 675 9090, dwell.co.uk.
E Earthborn, 01928 734171,
earthbornpaints.co.uk.
Elm Home and Garden,
01904 705345,
elmhomeandgarden.co.uk.
Etsy, etsy.com.
Everhot, 01453 890018,
everhot.co.uk.
Exclusive Mirrors, 01709 477701,
exclusivemirrors.co.uk.
F 1stdibs, 1stdibs.com.
Farrow & Ball, 01202 876141,
farrow-ball.com.
Fashion Interiors, 024 7601 1299,
fashioninteriors.co.uk.
Fashion Wallpaper, 0115 939 8487,
fashionwallpaper.co.uk.
Feather & Black, 01243 380600,
featherandblack.com.
Ferm Living, 00 45 7022 7523,
fermliving.com.
Fired Earth, 0845 366 0400,
firedearth.com.
First Floor, 020 7736 1123,
firstfloorfulham.co.uk.
Flair Rugs, 01457 850660,
flairrugs.com.
G Galerie, 01892 700730,
galeriehome.co.uk.
Gorringe’s, 01273 472503,
gorringes.co.uk.
Graham & Brown, 0800 328 8452,
grahambrown.com.
Great Little Trading Co,
0344 848 6000, gltc.co.uk.
H Habitat, 0344 499 4686,
habitat.co.uk.
Harlequin, 0845 123 6815,
harlequin.uk.com.
Harvey Maria, 0845 680 1231,
harveymaria.co.uk.
Heat&plumb.com, 020 3113 2122,
heatandplumb.com.
Heathfield & Co, 01732 350450,
heathfield.co.uk.
Hector Finch, 020 7731 8886,
hectorfinch.com.
Hi Hi Store, 01883 722505,
hihistore.com.
Hoad & Bonard, 01892 670152.
Home Birdhouse, 01723 447223,
homebirdhouse.com.
HomesDirect 365, 01642 455589,
homesdirect365.co.uk.
HomeSense, 01923 47356,
homesense.com.
Horsfall & Wright,
horsfallandwright.co.uk.
House of Fraser, 0345 602 1073,
houseoffraser.co.uk.
Houseology, 0330 363 0330,
houseology.com.
Howdens, howdens.com.
I Ian Snow, 01271 858649,
iansnow.com.
Ikea, 020 3645 0000, ikea.com/gb.
Inadam, 020 8443 2827,
inadamfurniture.co.uk.
Iris Furnishing, 01273 671443,
irisfurnishing.com.
Italian Lighting Centre,
0800 043 5014,
italian-lighting-centre.co.uk.
J J&B Interiors, 07718 161009,
jandb-interiors.co.uk.
J&S House of Design, 01865 596768,
jshouseofdesign.co.uk.
Jane Clayton, 01761 404505,
janeclayton.co.uk.
Jessica Russell Flint,
00 44 77 4892 0328,
jessicarussellflint.co.uk.
John Lewis, 0345 604 9049,
johnlewis.com.
Jonathan Adler, 020 7589 9563,
jonathanadler.com.
Just Fabrics, 0845 498 9043,
justfabrics.co.uk.
K Kahrs, 023 9245 3045, kahrs.com.
Knowles & Christou, 020 7352
7000, knowles-christou.com.
L La Maison Chic, 0800 133 7828,
la-maison-chic.co.uk.
Labour and Wait, 020 7729 6253,
labourandwait.co.uk.
Lassco, 01844 277188, lassco.co.uk.
Lassco Ropewalk, 020 7394 8061,
lassco.co.uk.
Laura Ashley, 0333 200 8009,
lauraashley.com.
LaVita Style, 07721 020895,
s to c k i s t s | 25bh
lavitastyle.co.uk.
Les Trois Garcons, 020 7613 1924,
lestroisgarcons.com.
Lewes Antiques Centre,
01273 476148.
Leyland Trade, 01924 354477,
leylandtrade.com.
Litecraft, 0161 359 4777,
litecraft.co.uk.
Little Greene, 020 7935 8844,
littlegreene.com.
Little Hands, 00 351 93 891 0446,
littlehandsillustration.com.
Lmodernlighting,
lmodernlighting.com.
Loaf, 0845 468 0697, loaf.com.
Lots Road Auctions,
020 7376 6800, lotsroad.com.
Louise Body, 07734 907357,
louisebody.com.
M M & L Carpets, 020 8341 0914.
Made, 0344 257 1888,
made.com.
Maison Home Interiors, 020 8940
0230, maisonhomeinteriors.com.
Maisons du Monde, 0808 234 2172,
maisonsdumonde.com.
Majestic Bathrooms, 0844 800
1500, majesticshowers.com.
Marianna Kennedy, 020 7375 2757,
mariannakennedy.com.
Marks & Spencer, 0333 014 8000,
marksandspencer.com.
Matthew Hilton,
matthewhilton.com.
Melody Maison, 01302 741000,
melodymaison.co.uk.
MiaFleur, 0116 2986393,
miafleur.com.
Mini Moderns, minimoderns.com.
Mirror World, 0333 800 8181,
mirrorworld.co.uk.
Mitzi B, 020 8977 8683, mitzib.com.
Modern, 0344 482 7660,
modern.co.uk.
Mole Architects, 01223 913012,
molearchitects.co.uk.
Molly Mahon, 01342 825700,
mollymahon.com.
Moooi, 020 8962 5691, moooi.com.
Multiyork, 0845 303 7134,
multiyork.co.uk.
N Nest, 0114 243 3000, nest.co.uk.
Newby House Interiors, 0800
040 7719, newbyhouseinteriors.co.uk.
Next, 0844 844 8939, next.co.uk.
NK Design, 07969 500058,
nkdesignandbuild.houzz.co.uk.
Nordic House, 0845 475 1610,
nordichouse.co.uk.
O Oak Furniture House,
01235 888364,
oakfurniturehouse.co.uk.
Oak Furniture Solution,
0845 363 6135,
oakfurnituresolutions.co.uk.
Oka, 0844 815 7380, oka.com.
2 5 b h a pril 2017 | 151
25bh | s to c k i s t s
Old Spitalfields Antique Market,
oldspitalfieldsmarket.com.
On the Tiles, 023 8032 2300,
onthetiles.co.uk.
One World, 020 8974 2211,
one.world.
Original Style, 01392 473000,
originalstyle.com.
Orla Kiely, 020 7585 3322,
orlakiely.com.
P Pad Lifestyle, 0131 225 9012,
padlifestyle.com.
Paint & Paper Library, 020 7823
7755, paint-library.co.uk.
Pamono, 00 49 30 809 520555,
pamono.co.uk.
Paper Rooms, 01444 230844,
paperrooms.co.uk.
Paul Davies, 01204 387767,
pauldavieskitchensandappliances.
co.uk.
Phillip Jeffries, 0844 800 2522,
phillipjeffries.com.
PIB, 020 3445 5150, pib-home.co.uk.
Pink Apple, 01582 227701,
pinkappledesigns.co.uk.
Pompom & Twiddle,
pompomandtwiddle.com.
Porta Romana, 01420 23005,
portaromana.co.uk.
Posh Paint, 01837 55565,
poshpaint.com.
Q QVC, 0800 514131,
qvcuk.com.
R Rachel Kantaris, kantaris.com.
Reverie Interior Design,
reverieinteriordesign.
Rockett St George, 01444 253391,
rockettstgeorge.co.uk.
Roman Blinds Direct, 01924 481728,
roman-blinds-direct.co.uk.
Rose & Grey, 0161 926 8763,
roseandgrey.co.uk.
Rose of Jericho, 01935 83676,
rose-of-jericho.demon.co.uk.
Rough Old Glass, 0345 548 8586,
rougholdglass.co.uk.
Rume, 01273 777810, rume.co.uk.
S
Sarah Campbell Designs,
sarahcampbelldesigns.com.
Scotlight Direct, 01896 830421,
scotlightdirect.co.uk.
Selling Antiques, 01293 804684,
sellingantiques.co.uk.
Showcase Kitchens, 01273 596140,
showcasekitchens.co.uk.
Shropshire Design, 0800 009
6465, shrops-design.co.uk.
Shutter Works, 01883 722419,
shutterworks.co.uk.
Simon Horn, 020 7731 1279,
simonhorn.com.
Skandium, 020 7823 8874,
skandium.com.
Sofa Workshop, 0844 249 9161,
sofaworkshop.com.
Sofa.com, 0345 400 2222,
sofa.com.
Sofas & Stuff, 0808 178 3211,
sofasandstuff.com.
Sola Kitchens, 020 3405 6799,
solakitchens.com.
Surface View, 0118 922 1327,
surfaceview.co.uk.
152 | 2 5 b h A PRIL 2017
Susie Watson Designs, 0844 980
8185, susiewatsonsdesigns.co.uk.
Sustainable Furniture, 01726
884123, sustainable-furniture.co.uk.
Swag Antiques, 01273 688504,
swagantiques.com.
Swedese, swedese.com.
Sweetpea & Willow, 0345 257 2627,
sweetpeaandwillow.com.
Swoon Editions, 020 3137 2464,
swooneditions.com.
T The Cast Iron Bath
Company, 01723 585896,
castironbath.co.uk.
The Chandelier & Mirror
Company, 01322 437112,
chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk.
The Conran Shop, 0844 848 4000,
conranshop.co.uk.
The Consortium, 01794 522569,
theconsortiumonline.co.uk.
The French Bedroom Company,
01444 707044,
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.
The French Furniture Company,
01923 710612,
thefrenchfurniturecompany.co.uk.
The Lighting Company, 01643
707505, lightingcompany.co.uk.
The Old Cinema, 020 8995 4166,
theoldcinema.co.uk.
The Squash Court, 01202 639249,
thesquashcourt.org.
The White Company, 020 3758
9222, thewhitecompany.com.
Thorngate Upholstery,
thorngateupholstery.co.uk.
Three Angels, 01273 958975,
threeangelsbrighton.com.
Tile Mountain, 01782 223822,
tilemountain.co.uk.
Time4Sleep, 01484 500560 ,
time4sleep.co.uk.
Tom Dixon, 020 7183 9737,
tomdixon.net.
Tom Howley, 0161 848 1200,
tomhowley.co.uk.
Topps Tiles, 0800 783 6262,
toppstiles.co.uk.
Travis Perkins, 01604 752424,
travisperkins.co.uk.
U Uber Interiors, 0333 220 5550,
uber-interiors.com.
UK Bathroom Store, 01524 487750,
ukbathroomstore.co.uk.
Urban Myth, 020 8531 3413,
urbanmyth.net.
V Vanessa Arbuthnott,
vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk.
W Wallpaper Direct, 01323
430886, wallpaperdirect.com.
Walls and Floors, 01536 314730,
wallsandfloors.co.uk.
Wayfair, wayfair.co.uk.
William Holland, 01305 251930,
williamholland.com.
Witney Warehouse, 01993 862921,
witneywarehouse.com.
Woodbine Contemporary Arts,
01406 330693,
woodbinecontemporaryarts.co.uk.
Z Zoffany, 0844 543 4748,
zoffany.com.
25 beautiful
HOMES
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF DEBORAH BARKER
Personal Assistant Vera Purbrick (020 3148 7311)
Editorial Assistant Sally Dominic (020 3148 7154)
Commissioning Editor Emma J Page (020 3148 7159)
Creative Director Andrea Lynch
Art Editors Melanie Brown/Paula Jardine
Chief Sub Editor Catriona Summerhill
Deputy Chief Sub Editors Maxine Clarke/Becky Ambury
Senior Sub Editors Jennie Filer, Rachel Holcroft
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PUBLISHING
CEO Time Inc. (UK) Ltd Marcus Rich
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S y N D I C AT I O N
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C I R C U L AT I O N
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READER OFFER ENQUIRIES
020 3148 6340
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020 3148 7641
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PA to Publisher and Head of Homes Network Lucienne Watson (020 3148 7641)
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PRODUCTION
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(24 hours) Vol 20 No 4 ISSN 1369529 © Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 2017. Distributed
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All prices quoted in this issue – including VAT at the current rate – were correct at the time of
going to press, although you are advised to check cost and availability before buying. 25 Beautiful
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Marketplace
Looking to buy something for
your home? You’ll find it in our
easy-to-follow guide

MARKETPLACE CATEGORIES
159 Bathrooms 161 Home Improvements
159 Beds & Bedding 161 Interior Design
158 Conservatories 158 Kitchen Accessories
161 Conservatory Blinds 161 Kitchens
161 Fabrics and Decoration 159 Lighting
159 Floor Coverings 161 Miscellaneous
157 Furniture 154 Sofas and Sofa Beds
160 Garden Furniture 161 Windows
161 Holidays & Travel 161 Window Shutters

Why not
visit our online
interiors
directory at
housetohome.
co.uk/directory
Marketplace
sofas and sofa beds

INTEREST
FREE CREDIT

0%
SAVE
£490 APR
REPRESENTATIVE
WAS £3139
NOW
£2649

At Saxon, we take great pride in every single piece of furniture we make, which is why each sofa and chair
is hand-crafted to order. Combining carefully seasoned beech hardwood frames, with the finest leathers
and fabrics and traditional British craftsmanship, means that our furniture is built to last.

View our full collection at www.SofasbySaxon.com

OVER 1000 REVIEWS
Brochure Freephone 0800 182 2262 Quote BHOMES48F

Nick & Diana. Battersea, London

Have a newly built apartment, prefer neutral
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So it’s tailored to you.

Stores in London & Nationwide

Let’s design together Call us on 08081783211 or visit sofasandstuff.com
154
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 Marketplace
sofas and sofa beds

T R A D I T I O N A L B R I T I S H U P H O L S T E RY

Quote H i n t o n 2 s e a t s o f a i n Z o f f a ny G o n d ol i e r v e l ve t
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frame warranty l Direct from the manufacturer VISIT A SHOWROOM

• Bristol • Cambridge • Cheltenham •Guildford •Harrogate
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www.kirkdale.co.uk MADE IN UK
Leamington Spa •Manchester •Marlow • St Albans
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w w w. we sley - barre l l . co. uk 0 2 0 76 2 9 2 01 9
Call for your free brochure 01495 243999

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THE

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Call us on 0845 468 0577 or visit our London showroom | willowandhall.co.uk For a FREE brochure call 01443 771222 or
*Selected ranges. Visit www.willowandhall.co.uk/our-terms-and-conditions to find out more.
click www.thomaslloyd.com
155
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Marketplace
sofas and sofa beds

GREAT BRITISH SOFAS

Direct from the Manufacturer

nce
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For a free colour brochure call 01495 244226

HELL☺ I’M

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I’M MADE WITH LOVE IN THE UK AND AVAILABLE IN OVER 100 BEAUTIFUL FABRICS

Violet 4 Seater in Soft Woven Chenille - Wolf Eye £1,349

Sign up to
our newsletter
for our latest Find me at theloungeco.com and in our 21 galleries nationwide
offers

156
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 Marketplace
sofas and sofa beds

The Handmade
Sofa Company divani
THE ONLINE SOFA COMPANY

At the Handmade Sofa Company all of our furniture is

hand built to order in the UK, using the finest quality
Only £349.
fabrics and leathers.
We offer an extensive range of models from
Only from us.
traditional to contemporary. Choose from various styles
including the timeless Chesterfield, modern corner
sofas or more classic Chaise Longues.

Online brochure available

www.handmadesofacompany.co.uk Contemporary sofas delivered
The Handmade Sofa Company Ltd
direct from our UK workshop
Unit 4, Manor Farm Business Centre, Gussage St Michael, For a free brochure call
Wimborne, Dorset BH21 5HT 01685 844444
Telephone 01258 841414
www.divani.co.uk
furniture

Melody
Maison Mirrors
From £6.25

Furniture Ranges
From £40.95

Tiffany Range
From £211.95 Gifts & Accessories
From £2.95
Vintage Chic Furnishings & Beautiful French Style Accessories

www.MelodyMaison.co.uk
Why not visit our Yorkshire based showroom or Call us on 01302 741000
157
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Marketplace
furniture

Handmade for you with a

bespoke choice like no other

www.thedormyhouse.com | 01264 365 808

conservatories

Leather Care BLINDS I CURTAINS I SHUTTERS I CARPETS

SCUFFS & SCRATCHES

& Repair
Specialists
COMPLETE RESTORATION
COLOUR CHANGE
CLASSIC & MODERN CARS
DIY KITS
Leather cleaning & restoration kits
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kitchen accessories

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tablecloths custom cut to size up to
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01606 833886 TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR LOCAL ADVISOR
CALL FREE 0800 587 6431 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK
*T’s & C’s apply
158
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 Marketplace
bathrooms lighting

What makes an Albion bath unique?

Our exclusive bath material creates a difference you can feel.
With over 50 models available, we’ll have a size for bathrooms big or small.

Request your brochure on: 01255 831605 or go to: www.albionbathco.com

the ALBION bath co

Handmade bathrooms directly from our factory

floor coverings beds & bedding

01509 234000 - www.floorsofstone.com

01509 234000 - www.floorsofstone.com

revivalbeds.co.uk
Request a brochure 01777 869 669

159
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Marketplace
conservatory blinds home improvements

s
FF bric Stunning blinds Call us Learn more
O fa 01296 481220 osmouk.com
25
% la r
pu
create a more
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to t p
up mos
welcoming room no
ou
r matter what the weather NATURAL WOOD

STAYS LIGHT

POLYX® -OIL RAW: Retains the wood’s natural light colour

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MICROPOROUS NATURAL OIL-WAX BASED DURABLE HIGH COVERAGE

garden furniture

British made ironwork

door canopies

sit ne ers
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w t ou st o
si te
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window boxes steel planters

Our versatile blinds have specialist fabrics to help reduce
heat & glare, and also protect your furniture from fading.
All made-to-measure and created by our team of experts in
our own UK factory.

Call now, or visit our inspirational website

0800 071 88 88 conservatory catalogue available

www.conservatoryblinds.co.uk BLINDS limited 01225 851577
garden-requisites.co.uk
160
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 Marketplace
windows kitchens

Replacement aluminium windows HANDMADE KITCHEN FURNITURE

AT SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE PRICES
for period and new homes

The Conservation Range

• Single or dual RAL colours • A-rated energy efficiency
• Fit into timber or direct to stone • UK manufactured

Handbuilt, made to measure in solid wood,

cabinetry for the average sized kitchen @ only £7k.
For expert advice call 08008 401 508 REQUEST YOUR FREE BROCHURE TODAY.
www.thwc.co.uk
Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton
SEE US IN STORE - OR ONLINE www.creamerykitchens.co.uk

BV01_2609

BH01_MAR17
Lynx Trading Estate, YEOVIL BA20 2HL T: 01935 434700

holidays & travel interior design fabrics & decoration

HOLIDAY COTTAGES
CHECKED OUT BEFORE YOU CHECK IN Seeking new interior
concepts and refurbishment
at affordable cost?
Please contact us on
07766 933 488
01647 434306 info@beatrix-interiors.com
helpfulholidays.co.uk www.beatrix-interiors.com

window shutters miscellaneous

AMERICAN
SHUTTERS Over 20 Years Experience

Renowned for a bespoke top quality product, service and attention

to detail with short lead time from order
Tel: 0845 475 1630
Email: sales@americanshutters.co.uk Visit our website: www.americanshutters.co.uk
161
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25bh | i d e a s to s h a r e
Room envy
Each month we bring you a scheme that intrigues, delights or dazzles us
I
n a scheme so elegantly influenced by
nature and springtime as this, only
the most minor of touches is needed
to carry the room through the
different seasons. From the unvarnished
floorboards and chunky jute rug, to the
rustic wood furniture and curtain fabric
with its mad March hare print, this room
is bright, full of colour and cheerful.
So, at Easter, the simplest suggestion
of the spring festival goes a long way
in this garden-fresh sitting room. The
162 | 2 5 b h a pril 2017
Natural materials and
fresh, garden colours,
bring a touch of spring
to this sitting room
pastel-painted eggs displayed in a trio Get yo u r
of gold-trimmed vases, the bouquets of d a i ly
flowers and the simple wreath hanging at fix of
the window bring a sense of vitality and interiors
wholesomeness to the space. the next best
The gilded glint of the metallic pendant thing to buying
light creates a feeling of the sun’s rays 25 Beautiful Homes
beaming down. Not only does it add magazine is to log on to our brilliant blog
warmth in such a verdant room, it’s roomenvy.co.uk. discover our favourite
a modern, unexpected touch against this room schemes, and please don’t forget to
traditional colour scheme – and very share your opinion – we’re always keen
welcoming on a chilly spring evening. to know what you think of them.
 *24 months interest free credit is available on orders over £3,000 +VAT, with an upfront 30% deposit. Finance is subject to status.
BRITISH HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE
THE PERFECT INVESTMENT

FREE 100 Page Brochure
British Design & Craftsmanship
Nationwide Design Service
10 Year Guarantee
When you choose Neville Johnson you are investing in high quality
bespoke furniture, attention to detail and superb customer service.
For over 30 years we have been using the finest materials and
craftsmanship to create exquisite furniture with longevity and style,
so you can sit back and relax, in the comfort of your own home.

24 MONTHS INTEREST visit nevillejohnson.co.uk

FREE CREDIT * or call 0161 873 8333 for our latest brochure
QUOTE CODE BEHOA48

STUDIES BEDROOMS LOUNGES LIBRARIES STAIRCASES

 Made for
dreaming

100% cotton and linen bedding, from £35