Displaying posts labeled "Traditional"

Layers of finishes breathe fresh life into this turn-of-the century Minneapolis Victorian. Folding in earth based elements like plaster, marble countertops and natural wood create a new beginning for the historical architecture. To accommodate a growing family, we relocated the kitchen and dining room to create spaces made for hosting.
This post is all about the details. In every photo. The carved wood detail of the newel post, the fireplace tile surround, the dining room paneling, the original stained glass windows, the placement and detail of the marble in the kitchen, the tiled arch in the bathroom…. Design: Yond Interiors; Builder: Tusk Builders; Cabinetry: Cabinetry Refined; Photos: Taylor Hall O’Brien.

I’m back with another Inigo beauty, again no castle this week because I spent the entire day yesterday shopping for plants, planting the plants and panicking about all things I need to do for an upcoming photoshoot of my house for a blog that is older (and way more “big time”) than this one. Eeeeeekkkkkkk!!!!
This elegant, wisteria-covered mid-16th century house sits in the centre of the pretty town of Colyton, close to south Devon’s beautiful coastline. Unfolding over 4,000 sq ft and surrounded by walled gardens, the Grade II*-listed Elizabethan house has been restored and decorated by the current owners (interiors writer Ros Byam Shaw). Unique original features have been preserved, such as oak panelling dating to c.1600, leaded windows, and flagstone floors. Contemporary interventions are timeless, including Colefax and Fowler wallpaper, and various Farrow and Ball colours. Its garden is complete with a swimming pool, a summer house, a small orchard stocked with mulberry, cherries and apples, and raised vegetable patches. A quiet and private oasis, the garden has views across the town, over hills and mature trees, and feels remarkably rural given its central location.

Historically the two cottages were separate entities however they were usually occupied together. The accommodation in each was compromised; bedrooms accessed through bedrooms, cramped kitchens and no space where the occupants could gather. The scheme joined the cottages with an extension which freed up the floorplan and consolidated the spaces and created a large convivial dine in kitchen. The form of the extension was designed to reference the original pitched roofs of the cottages whilst the materials chosen were to contrast those of the existing cottages. The intention was that new and old elements were easily and proudly distinguishable. Elsewhere particular attention was made to preserve the integrity and character of the original cottages making interventions when only necessary. The emphasis for the interior decoration was that it should feel layered and lived in.
I am always a fan of a mix of modern and traditional so this renovation is a win for me, particularly if it means getting a large, functional kitchen in the end. Designed by Anna Haines; Architect: Kathryn Manning of Adaptation Architecture; Photos: Rachael Smith.

I am really just posting all of these photos as an excuse to feature the one above. That chair upholstered in quilt fabrics is just about the cutest and covetable thing I have ever seen. Photos from several country homes designed by the always inspiring Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. (Some photos by Simon Upton)

Ok I’m packing my bags and moving to Picts Hill, Langport in Somerset. Though luckily I can save myself the trip because it looks like this incredible home is in the process of being sold. I am IN LOVE with this. Gothic style and stained glass windows, Victorian minton tile floors, many fireplaces, acres of land to landscape… I’d have to do something with that kitchen though. It’s as bland as a hospital room. Listed with Roderick Thomas.