Appearances can be deceptive – and that's certainly true when it comes to the this country home. You might expect the chocolate-box house in Somerset to be awash with florals and pretty pastels, but not a bit of it. The interior exudes edgy urban chic, bold punches of color and playful patterns.
See: more inspiring house tours in our Spaces section
- See some of the world's best homes – beautiful properties from around the globe
The property
The couple moved to the area in 2014, feeling it would be an idyllic place to bring up their family. 'We adore traditional country homes,’ says the homeowner. 'And we loved the proportions and light of this house, and the fact that every window had a view.’ But it was tired and dated, so they knew they had to put their stamp on it. 'We wanted to make it contemporary and create an interior that was a total contrast to the exterior,’ says the owner.
They also enlisted the help of John Law and Nick Woodhouse of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law to help create the urban-chic look they craved.
'We wanted a contrast with the countryside - the house has stone walls and is surrounded by rugged landscape, so we chose to do the opposite inside,’ says the owner. 'We knew what we aimed to achieve, but we found it difficult to be daring with color. We needed to have that confidence to be bold. It was wonderful to work with Woodhouse & Law - they know what works spacewise, and John is great with color and encouraged us to be more experimental.’
As John explains, 'Our brief was to deliver a stylish and comfortable home that the family could enjoy, but also where friends could come and relax. We wanted to create an offbeat English country look – modern with charm and character.
A celebration of the views, along with the use of color is key to the decorating choices. The family room, for instance, was painted green. 'This palette reflects the exterior – you're hit by a mass of green rolling fields outside when you look out of the windows,’ explains John.
See: A festive Victorian rectory in the centre of Bath
Living room
In this sophisticated scheme, ornamentation has been kept to a minimum to allow the bold color choices to stand out.
Kitchen
Seating at the island was positioned facing the window, so the family can take in the amazing outlook.
Family room
The homeowner chose a palette of pale green and cream to create a relaxed mood, while an oversized pendant brings a glamours element into the scheme.
Dining room
The sawn-edged table is a nod to the landscape outside.
Clakroom
Nature was introduced in a modern way here with a wallpaper that features etchings depicting tempestuous skies.
Master bedroom
Comfort and grandeur are happy bedfellows in this elegant scheme, which deftly combines a striking chandelier and armoire with a classic quilt and window dressing.
See: An urban London home that is smart, contemporary and bold
Bathroom
Unexpected additions, such as the upholstered bench, bring character to this space.
Photography/ Paul Raeside
-
Best lightweight vacuums 2024 – easy-to-carry cordless and upright vacuums that don't sacrifice on cleaning powerOf the 53 vacuum cleaners we've tested, these are the four lightweight models that can suit any home and budget
-
I found not one, but two Le Creuset holiday sales – they won't last long, so here's what I'm adding my cart tonightTime to scoop up stocking fillers, mugs, bowls, and the ultimate holiday centerpiece
