How did you begin the redesign and refurbishment process ?
Fortunately , the property already had really good bones , the layout really worked for what I needed from a home but sadly , the only original feature left was the fireplace in the reception room . I tend to always gravitate to Victorian or Georgian properties and I always lean more towards the traditional and timeless when making interior choices . The first thing I tackled were the walls ; they were in a dire state , some were fluro-yellow , some had 90 ’ s graphic floral wallpaper hanging on by a thread and some of the outer walls needed specialist treatments . After that we pulled out the primary bathroom and went for classic porcelain white metro tiles and finally decorative works in the kitchen .
Could you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your living spaces ?
I pride myself in taking direction from the elements , i . e . which way the aspects are facing and what are they facing . Is there an abundance of natural light , is it warm / cool , what is the house facing - a garden , the sea , a busy street ? From there I then go with what I love and what has real meaning to me . Ritual is a big part of my life and something that is present in all of our lives in one way or another . I believe our spaces should make more room for those moments , whether cooking is your thing , or if it ' s reading or meditation , think about how you can enhance those moments through the language of design . I feel by approaching your home in this way , you create a home that feels authentic , harmonious and welcoming .
LIVING ROOM . The living room is the only room in the house that has an original feature left and I wanted to make it pop ! ‘ Bambi ’ from Fenwick & Tilbrook was the perfect backdrop for the whole room and really allows the fireplace to sing . I ’ m a firm believer that living rooms should feel the cosiest and most restful place in the home , and if you don ’ t have a large kitchen / diner , it ' s the place everyone gravitates to . With that said , lighting plays a big part within this room for me . I ’ m always trying to achieve an atmospheric glow with warm lamps , candles and little pockets of light dotted around ; central ceiling lights are solely for aesthetic purposes in my house !
KITCHEN . The kitchen is visible from the living room via a large 1970 ’ s serving hatch which at first I hated but now love dearly as it frames the main wall in the kitchen and makes for a really sociable space . For that reason , we kept the same colour running through to the kitchen which lengthens the room . The finish of Bambi is also really practical for a kitchen , F & T ’ s ‘ Matt Plus ’ is possibly the best washable low VOC paint I ’ ve ever used . We went for some ceramic and brass handles for the cabinetry , which are possibly my next favourite thing , they feel so good to touch ! The tactile quality of objects is a really important factor in design for me too ; I want a space that delights the senses !
BEDROOM . This room was the one that was led by light the most , as it ’ s north facing , which meant we were quite restricted with base notes and I simply could not imagine leaning into the dark / coolness for my bedroom . I thought about how I wanted to feel every morning , and I mean who doesn ’ t want to wake feeling a sense of joy ! We went for saffronoranges and warm neutrals , coupled with a few antique walnut pieces ; the space feels super grounding , yet has areas that feel invigorating too .
131