With blowsy florals, collected pieces and weathered materials, country house style is relaxed, elegant and a tad shambolic.
When it’s time for tea, the English eccentric has always been confident with colour, serving up floral prints alongside contrasting plains and lush velvet textures. One lump or two?
Photography/ Damian Russell
The interior architecture was very pared-back and calm, so designer Studio Ashby brought in character and richness with layering and a mix of bespoke designs, antiques and contemporary off-the-shelf pieces.
The palette was inspired by nearby Holland Park and features natural, earthy colours: greens, blues, russets, oranges and yellows. The rug, was designed as an ode to the park, incorporating peacock feathers as well as leaf motifs.
Bespoke sofas and coffee tables, all Studio Ashby. Sofas in Ombra in Lichene, £103m, Rubelli. Ottoman in Bark in Tobacco, 01342-008, £418m, Donghia. Dicentra daybed by Søren Lund, from £2,575, Another Country. Yellow cushions in cotton velvet in Soft Gold, around €100m, MM Design. Green and brown patterned cushions in 2819/11226, £180m, Gainsborough. Blue cushions in Berber Linen 1021239-594, £115m, Hodsoll McKenzie at Zimmer + Rohde. Wave table lamps in Ice Blue, £510 each, Tyson London. Painting, bespoke commission by Philip Maltman. Photographs, Samuel Zeller. Bespoke rug by Studio Ashby, Christopher Farr.
Photography/Philip Durrant
Evoke the spirit of an English summer garden with the latest blooms springing up on wallpapers fabrics, rugs and ceramics. Bold florals underfoot make a striking first impression in an entrance hall. For maximum impact, combine with a drop of large-scale blooms alongside more graphic details, such as a contemporary chair or table.
Photography/ Polly Wreford
To reflect the age of the property, interior design company Sigmar used traditional grey for the walls, providing a contemporary note with pale-green doors and woodwork. A stronger colour was added with green Kaare Klint Safari chairs and cushions in sea blue tones to create a calm but edgy look.
Safari chairs by Kaare Klint; Bonddot tray table by Carl Auböck; stoneware bowl (on table) by Aage & Kasper Würtz, all Sigmar. Daya striped cushions, £65 each, Caravane. Plafonnier Pivotants ceiling light, Serge Mouille. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Woodwork in Dusted Moss 1 eggshell, £16.42 for 0.5ltr, Dulux
Photography/ Petr Krejci
The SS20 forecast is in and it’s full of fantastical fabrics and papers inspired by sunny days and stormy nights. The intensity and vibrancy of sunset hues bring drama to the current trend for texture and curves.
Photography/ Jake Curtis
A daybed arranged with curated cushions becomes artwork in its own right and complements the trio of paintings that form a pleasing focal point above.
Languid Knows daybed, £3,900, The Sit Still Studio. Hikira rug, £2,240, A Rum Fellow. Woodpecker floor lamp, £299, Heal’s. Paintings (from left) Casting Round for Solid Ground, £2,400; Untitled, £550; Duality, £1,500, all Caroline Popham at Maison Artefact. Cushion in Bell Dusk, £98m, Mimi Pickard.
Photography/ Polly Wreford
Elegant statement pieces with a handmade, considered feel are key to a design-led interior. Here, showstopping sculptural lighting is accompanied by an inviting sofa based on the classic campaign design.
Campaign sofa in Flagstone, £3,000, Harp Cottage. Hand-tufted cushions, from £85 each, all Kate Cullum. 000 Layered Light unglazed porcelain pendant, from £4,000, Unit 89. Dante side table in Dark Bronze, £1,803, Julian Chichester.
Photography/ Polly Wreford
The simple yet striking wooden slatted divider sets the tone for this relaxed sitting area, where contemporary and antique pieces in different woods sit harmoniously together.
Photography/ Jan Baldwin
A teal ottoman adds sumptuous colour, while mirrored inserts either side of the fireplace amplify the sense of light and space. A large circular mirror above the fireplace adds a modern element in this other traditional space.
Photography/ Mark Bolton
A traditional space is the perfect setting for a classic fir Christmas tree that has been decorated in a minimal colour palette of blue and white.
Photography/ Jon Day
Black or very dark hues can be cosy and enveloping. When going for this look, be sure to include interesting accents as a foil. Choose an elaborate tile for the surround and add sharpness with a graphic floor rug. Then use candles and fairy lights to inject spark and chandelier.
Photography/ Chris Everard
The sitting room of this Victorian property has been been given a very sympathetic and elegant period treatment. A grand marble fireplace topped with a gilded mirror anchors the room. As well as framing the fine Victorian windows, the silk curtains with swags and tails lend a lovely touch of opulence.
The sharp seed heads of teasels are softened with sprays of delicate foliage, creating a beautifully unusual garland and wreath. Grosgain ribbon adds a colourful flourish.
Photography/ Simon Bevan
The gentle glow of candlelight, frosted silver and natural foliage combine for an atmospheric Scandinavian-inspired feel. The unusual array of garlands gives this formal room an air of whimsy.
Photography/ Simon Bevan
Upholster a compact sofa with an oversized print to create a strong, elegant statement piece set against a calm backdrop. A bold linear design rug offers a contrasting but complementary sense of scale and drama.
Photography/ Simon Bevan
Reminiscent of a late-summer garden, this hand-painted watercolour mural in shades of warm peach and spice creates a relaxed and expressive backdrop for pared-back modern pieces.
Photography/ Damian Russell
Celebrate raw materials, organic textures, natural scenes and crafts such as mark making and weaving. Sweeping lines, tactile surfaces and deep tones of copper and red combine to create a deliciously warm and cocooning interior, with contrasting textures and a touch of glamour.
Photography/ Damian Russell
Celebrate the heat and colour of the subcontinent with vibrant patterns and textural accessories. Shades of rose bloom in this flamboyant scheme, with touches of burnt orange to give a nod to tropical heat.
Photography/ Jan Baldwin
Celebrate the heat and colour of the subcontinent with vibrant patterns and textural accessories. Fabrics in shades of sapphire and emerald create a space that both soothes and energises.
Photography/ Jan Baldwin
A new wave of geometric designs, inspired by the work of abstract artist Sonia Delaunay, combines graphic shapes with exciting colour combinations to create a smart mid-century feel. Mixing a range of fabric designs featuring diamonds, circles and hexagons brings instant vitality, especially when directional light gives it a stripped appearance.
Photography/ Paul Raeside
