Embracing an eclectic approach appeals to me. I don't subscribe to the idea of being bound to a single fashion trend.
Transform the Appearance
Kate and Arnold moved from bustling London to picturesque countryside, eager to provide their kids with the benefits of country living. Finding the perfect location proved challenging; their wishlist comprised closeness to London, excellent schools, and a local pub. After tireless viewings, they discovered their dream residence nestled near a village green. ‘It was large enough to suit our needs, but a great deal of renovation was required,’ says Kate.
Plans for renovation could only commence after obtaining a Heritage Report, which determined the age of every part of the house and highlighted areas of historical importance that must be preserved. ‘We worked harmoniously with our architect to remain faithful to the historical roots of the house while creating a layout suitable for our family,’ Kate explains. The planning approval process took 18 months, and finally, construction could begin.
** Expanding the Interior**
The house last underwent updates in the 1970s and needed a comprehensive overhaul, including lighting and spaciousness improvements. The solution was to replace a dilapidated lean-to with a pitched-roof extension, thus forming an airy kitchen-diner.
‘The extension's pitch mimics the house's, and we used similar roof tiles to blend it discreetly. The only dead giveaway is the contemporary glazing, which floods the space with light and offers a seamless connection to the new patio,’ shows Kate. ‘We added a gable window above the doors to make the most of the panoramic views.’
With the fresh kitchen-diner extension in order, Kate revamped the prior kitchen into a cozy nook. ‘I love blending eras. I don't believe one has to adhere to a single design,’ Kate states.
** Reimagining the Layout**
Efficiency was vital when it came to ground floor design and kitchen layout, and Kate increased the size of the utility room and snuck in a tiny pantry within the extension.
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‘The modern utility room was one of our best decisions, as all appliances can be hidden behind a reeded glass pocket door,’ says Kate. ‘To create a striking contrast against the pale walls and ceiling, we opted for cabinetry painted in Studio Green by Farrow & Ball and added brushed brass handles for a vintage touch.’
A quartz worktop is both hardy and user-friendly, making it the ideal option for a family kitchen.
Reworking the older part of the house, however, proved to be more challenges due to its Grade II listing.
The architects devised innovative solutions like splitting an odd yet historically significant area of the house into a guest en suite and a cloakroom.
Infusing Warmth and Personality
Kate has created a cozy, layered appearance that flows harmoniously from room to room, despite each space featuring a distinct character.
‘When decorating, I let the period features and daylight levels guide me,’ Kate says. ‘I've incorporated richer tones such as deep greens and pinks in the darker rooms, while the brighter rooms stay light and breezy. The original, rustic elements of the house have been enhanced with vintage furniture, textured tiles, and peculiar mementos.’
The beams required restoration. ‘We employed a company that specializes in low-pressure micro-strip soda blasting for listed buildings, and it was the wisest investment we made. The beams lend warmth and character to the rooms,’ says Kate.
‘The master bedroom was originally three tiny spaces - but it seemed perfect to transform it into a main suite, located away from the children's rooms,’ says Kate.
‘Eliminating all the partitions meant the ceiling had to come down, and that's when we discovered the beautiful attic beams, practically begging to become a vaulted ceiling.’
The couple also refurbished the wooden floor in the guest room, removing a screed to expose quarry tiles.
‘We've reused as much material as possible, including the upstairs floorboards, which became shelving in the utility and bathrooms, and wall cladding in our room. I even repurposed three mid-century cabinets, transforming them into vanity units.’
Restoring the Original Splendor
The master bedroom served as a snug before the renovation, but the couple had bold plans for it. ‘With ample space and an ideal position, we envisioned a main bedroom suite complete with a corridor away from the children's rooms,’ says Kate.
Eliminating the walls meant the ceiling had to come down, and the couple discovered stunning attic beams, which they transformed into a vaulted ceiling.
Removing the screed in the guest room, they exposed the original quarry tiles in the wooden floor.
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Louise O'Bryan
- Kate updated the prior kitchen into a charming nook, blending eras and opting for cabinetry painted in 'Studio Green by Farrow & Ball', creating a striking contrast against the pale walls and ceiling. (home-improvement, interior-design, lifestyle, home-and-garden)
- To add personality to each room while preserving the historical roots of the house, Kate used vintage furniture, textured tiles, and peculiar mementos, enhancing the original, rustic elements found during the renovation. (home-improvement, interior-design, lifestyle, home-and-garden)
