If walls could talk this detached Georgian home would have a thing or two to say. ‘In the 1950s it was used as a base for nurses working the night shift and in the 1970s, it was a renowned party house. There are rumours that Jimi Hendrix turned up here to join the fun!’ says the owners. The couple moved to the property just 18 months ago with their two children.
Because it’s a Grade-II listed building, renovations were restricted, but the couple have given the home its own unique slant with their inventive decorating ideas. It was the giant, airy rooms, oversized windows and idiosyncratic Greek-revival style (think columns and ornate embellishment) that became popular in homes during the 1800s, and that most attracted them to the property.
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Hallway
The hallway is the first place to showcase this original Greek style in all its glory. To counteract the sternness of the stone walls and floor, a distinctive wallpaper was added to bring a softer edge. ‘Everyone thinks this is a painted mural. It’s so unusual.’
Wallpaper
Designers Guild
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Living room
This beautiful room is a clever mix of femininity and modernity. Injecting colour was at the top of the agenda – ‘It was beautifully decorated but it was all in typical Georgian neutral shades beige, cream, white. I was desperate to add colour and we’ve since redecorated every room.’
Similar rug
Urban Outfitters
Coffee table
Knoll
Wallpaper
Caprifoglio wallpaper at Designers Guild
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Living room
The contemporary floral wallpaper is used to highlight the traditional alcoves in the living room, turning them into a modern feature. Plush fabrics and quirky accessories accentuate this look, giving it real personality.
Lamps
Moooi
Sofa fabric
Leighton viscose-mix at Designers Guild
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Kitchen
Kitchen cabinets in a daring colour, bring a vibrant energy to the heart of the home. A statement pendant in copper and flowing curtains that co-ordinate with the colour scheme really rounds the look off. ‘We started from scratch with bespoke modern units and these incredible lights, which I adore’ says the owner.
Curtains
Designers Guild
Pendant light
Holloways of Ludlow
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Kitchen
‘When we bought the house, we assumed the previous owner was leaving everything behind. When we moved in, there was only the Aga left.’ Contemporary wall-mounted plates above the traditional Aga make an eye-catching kitchen feature.
Wall-mounted plates
John Derian
Cooker
Aga Living
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Dining room
A rich colour palette for the dining room creates a charming place to entertain guests. Floor length floral curtains and teal velvet chairs add drama to the space. ‘In every room, there is an explosion of tones, with more than a smattering of punchy floral and feminine glamour.’
Similar fabric (chairs)
Designers Guild
Similar curtains
Designers Guild
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Hallway
High ceilings and a dramatic domed skylight complement the couple’s choice of statement accessories. ‘We included a lot of purple and lilac in the house, so there’s some kind of flow from room to room. It helps to have a semblance of unity.’
Sofa
The French Bedroom Company
Console
The French Bedroom Company
Wallpaper
Designers Guild
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Master bedroom
‘This is my favourite room’ says the owner. ‘It’s huge and the first few nights we slept in here, I felt so small. But I’m really pleased with the decoration – it’s so true to what I love.’
Bed
The French Bedroom Company
Similar chandelier
The Chandelier & Mirror Company
Wallpaper
Designers Guild
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Master bathroom
A bathroom fit for pampering – the decadent chaise sports creative upholstery that, coupled with a freestanding bath, turns this room from average wash space to pampering palace. ‘This is my retreat, I go here for time out when I need to relax.’
Bath
Aston Matthews
Similar chaise
The French Bedroom Company
Fabric on chaise
Porcelain Rose in Wedgwood and Manzoni in Dusky Rose at Designers Guild
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Children’s bedroom
This pretty room has style oozing from the walls. The cloud wallpaper is used alongside the bed for the sweetest of dreams. With a house this historic, it was always going to be a challenge to give it a contemporary update without losing its opulent and distinctive essence. ‘While I wanted to preserve its character and respect its heritage, I also wanted somewhere that felt it belonged to us, and I think we’ve achieved that. It’s a big, beautiful, family home.’
Wallpaper
Designers Guild
Rug
Emily’s House
