Step inside this gorgeous Georgian cottage in Sussex Downs, where clever updates and a gift for striking junk-shop gold creates a look that epitomises country-cool style.
Georgian cottage
Georgian cottage
The now modern-rustic kitchen was originally a washroom. Find wooden benches at Elemental. The Conran Shop's Pondicherry table is similar, but with teak legs.
Georgian cottage
A country-farmhouse feel is created with the white AGA, a vintage version from Sussex Classic Cookers. The shelf above it is handy for storing jar collections.
Georgian cottage
In the light, airy dining room, an unremarkable pine table has been transformed with a coat of white paint, while French mirrors, and interesting finds such as the huge tea urn, add character.
Georgian cottage
The collection of quirky paintings creates a mini gallery in an alcove. The subjects and styles may vary, but the fact that they're all oil paintings adds cohesion to the mix. Propping the pictures against the wall and leaving them unframed adds a relaxed look.
Georgian cottage
A Bloomsbury-style artwork hangs over the fireplace, which was opened up to provide a focus for the room.
Georgian cottage
The sofa was bought from The Conran Shop many years back and has been re-covered in ticking fabric, available at Ian Mankin.
Georgian cottage
The hallway doubles as a study area, with painted tongue-and-groove panelling used to add character. The floorboards were sanded down and treated with Swedish white wax oil, creating a lighter, brighter feel.
Georgian cottage
The sinuous dark-wood handrail and shutter painted in Farrow & Ball's dark grey Down Pipe give defnition to the all-white stairwell. A touch of texture has been added with the basket-weave light shade and delicate birdcages.
Georgian cottage
The walls in the main bedroom are painted in Albany's 6966 from Brewers, and the floorboards in Farrow & Ball's Strong White. The Broughton sleigh bed at Laura Ashley is a classic wooden bed.
Georgian cottage
The dressing table in the main bedroom is from French Finds. Plumo has cushions like this. Find a floral armchair at Laura Ashley.
Georgian cottage
The walls in this bathroom were very uneven, so a multitude of sins has been concealed behind floor-to-ceiling tongue-and-groove panelling. This can prove to be a better option than messy replastering, and with a sleek new surface, painting is easy, Wickes sells tongue-and-groove panels that can be primed for painting.
