Interiors

A welcoming North Yorkshire cottage and kilim furniture

THIS is the welcoming sitting room of a cottage in North Yorkshire, designed by Tor Vivian for her brother and sister-in-law Rupert and Philippa Abrahams. Giving space for four children, aged 10 to 16, there are several living areas in the cottage. This one is next to the main hall and is designed specifically for reading and playing music.

Bookshelves, painted in Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball (01202 876141; www.farrow-ball.com), have been built along the length of one wall. ‘Building shelves into a recess creates a neat look, which makes the room feel larger because the shelves don’t project into the space,’ explains Tor.

Key to the success of the relaxed mood of the room is the use of antique kilims, sourced from Turkey, mixed with a glorious combination of traditional patterns and colour, some vibrant, some faded. ‘Kilims are beautiful and soft, yet eminently practical,’ says Tor. ‘They are hardwearing and easy to clean, so there’s no need to be too precious about them.’

Although the sofa was made for the room, its vintage-kilim cover helps to lend character to the newly built extension. ‘The rather higgledy-piggledy arrangement of pictures, the simplicity of the fireplace with wood-burning stove and the eclectic mix of lamps and furniture all help to create the kind of rustic, inviting charm that suits a relaxed family home in the country.’ Amelia Thorpe Tor Interiors (020–7043 2410; www. torinteriors.com)