WHERE THE HEART IS
AN ODE TO HOME
Pip Graham ’ s move gave renewed impetus to her philosophy of a family home
02
Spring brings the promise of new beginnings with fresh flowers and bulbs appearing in the garden . The world feels like it is reawakening . I love it ! Both James , my husband , and I have birthdays in spring and the evenings begin to lighten . Moving to a listed 1740 cottage with woodland at the end of our garden means we ’ re closer to nature than ever before . We even put up a nesting box to see if we can attract a young family of birds .
Although I always wanted to live in a cottage in the country and renovate my own place , it was sad to leave our old townhouse ( pictured above ) and its memories behind . It ’ s where we lived when our children Wren ( three years old ) and Kit ( 11 months ) were born and it has been the cornerstone of our lives for such a long time .
But the move taught me that home is not merely a building , it ’ s about who and what you fill it with . Home is the place where I can truly rest , relax and be me .
Home is an extension of your personality , but you can take that everywhere with you . Even as a child I had very strong opinions as to how my bedroom should be decorated . I was mesmerised by my great aunt ’ s house , stuffed with tasteful antiques and interesting vignettes . I love how interiors can show you a little more about someone and their interests and passions .
I ’ m inspired by nature and the natural colours we see around us . I am always drawn to green . With its grand period features , big windows and high ceilings , our old house could take a bold style and colour . Our country cottage , on the other hand , suits earthy shades to reflect the soft countryside that surrounds it . As we rip the house apart and put it back →
HOMELIFE