Displaying posts labeled "Traditional"

London based interior designer Douglas Mackie does not follow rules. In fact, it seems he likes to break them. His mostly traditional spaces are filled with antiques yet there are modern surprises in furnishings and artwork. This melange of styles keeps the spaces from being too stuffy and classic, and his selection of beautiful rich colours and textures adds to the sophisticated look. British without the boring. 🙂

This home designed by British designer Ben Pentreath makes me want to sit on a chesterfield, drink tea from a teacup while nibbling on scones and watching Coronation Street. So quintessential British. (Jo featured Ben’s gorgeous former flat here)

How about this for a summer country getaway? The original and reclaimed features in this home are just to die for. From the portfolio of interior designer Caroline Holdaway (in case you missed last week’s feature of hers here). This property, originally two keepers cottages in West Sussex, is a cherished second home for my clients who wanted to enlarge to create space for entertaining, provision for guests and ancillary accommodation. Two extensions were added and a glass link to capitalise on the views of the glorious Sussex Downs. Reclaimed oak and elm timber was sourced and laid for flooring and reclaimed York stone slabs were selected for interface areas with the outside. The newly constructed rooms were all given character by the use of reclaimed timber wall muntin. Oak beams were found and mechanically hollowed out to conceal the necessary modern steel supports marrying new construction with the original part of the building. Lime plaster was used to soften edges and a harmony of new and old sit peacefully together.

I thought I would follow up the last rustic home with another because WHY NOT. This is an 18th century stone country retreat in Cotswold, U.K decorated by interior designer Caroline Holdaway. It is such a beautiful structure, you could pretty much fill it with anything and I would still be totally smitten. Old floorboards, stone walls, beamed ceilings and some vintage furnishings makes this the coziest little getaway. 

Classic and contemporary that is. I’m stalking the stylish inner Sydney suburb of Woollahra and this 19th century terrace house has beautiful bones, luxury finishes, a charming small garden and a fabulous art collection. Traditional and modern. The best of both worlds. Link here while it lasts.