‘Mixing old and new furniture and accessories creates a warm atmosphere’
We bought a plot of land and built our own house, incorporating features that complement the furniture I’ve collected over the years. It allowed us to create exactly the home that we wanted.
The architecture of a home is the starting point.
We were inspired by a house in a nearby town – a new build in a classic Thirties style. We knocked on the door one day and the owners were kind enough to show us around. We contacted the architect the next day. We love the natural stone and brick, and the shutters at every window.
You have to know what your must-haves are.
For us, the essentials were large windows to let in plenty of light, high ceilings with cornices, connectedness to the garden and a bathroom with space for both a tub and a separate shower.
Design the layout around the way you live.
We like to enjoy the good life with food and drink, friends and family, and that inspired the layout and décor. A large kitchen-diner that would become the heart of the house was the focal point for us.
Colour is less important than the furnishings.
I chose a putty shade for the walls that would fit with almost everything. Using it throughout the house has created a tranquil, harmonious look, but it’s never boring. The colour seems to change throughout the day as the sun moves around the house.
One great find can be enough to inspire a whole room.
The black cabinet in the kitchen, which I bought with the very first money I earned, has inspired my decorating style ever since. It’s a mix of old and new that I adjust with decorative details.
An eclectic mix of furniture and accessories creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
It shouldn’t look too exaggerated, though: there has to be a common thread to keep the look cohesive. I’ve used texture and fabrics to bring a sense of comfort and I’m a florist, so fresh flowers are a must!