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04-18-2024 01:42 PM
First, I was just looking at English kitchens, then, thought it might be fun to take a whirlwind look at a few different English houses that definitely reflect their owners. So this will be a higgledy piggledy, seemingly random thread. Hope it makes sense!
Ben Pentreath is one of the foremost young English designers in a traditional vein.. Am enjoying the deceptive simplicity of this kitchen he did in rural Cornwall:
That lamp in the foreground is a witty tribute to the famous blue striped pottery of the region, Cornishware. But it also looks like mochaware, with that tree-like embellishment on the blue. Love the painted kitchen chairs, the Welsh dresser, the table, the two toned cabinets. Breath of fresh air.
I might be biased, since I adore the sea-bound county of Cornwall. This is the view, by the way, outside of this particular cottage, whew:
The thing that draws me to English decorating the most, is the happy use of color. Here's the dining area in Melanie Lissack's period house in Essex, on the edge of the Epping Forest. It looks like a fun place for a cuppa...
She does interesting things with her cupboard--
Love those 'fish scale' tiles ( or whatever you call them) in the kitchen--
Lively stair hall:
In her living room, she took her color cues from that unusual russet marble surround on her fireplace...
....selecting a richly shaded lamp and chair to complement... Mmm, cozy jewel tones...
By contrast, her TV room merges with the lush green garden outside...
For those of you who want to see the more utilitarian side of pretty houses, there was a picture of her vacuuming, or "hoovering" (?) the family room, but I can't find it now!
Diane Hill is an artist, as opposed to an interior designer. It's always fascinating to see how artists arrange their surroundings--
From her studio, and also from her wardrobe, I can already see we share a similar color palette-- yay, chalky pastels!
Her Hertfordshire house is a semi-detached structure, built in the Fifties. Love her living room's sapphire sofa, and the airiness of her blue and white scheme. Given the midcentury origins of her house, the fireplace is simple, but still so enhancing.
Those gorgeous Chinoiserie-type panels were painted by her, and bring a little of the adjoining pale pink kitchen, into the dining area...
And yes, she has a comfortable family room for stashing the kids! Still pretty though.
Her affinity for botanicals and dreamy pastels, extends to the romantic, traditional bedroom.
Designer Sophie Robinson had a conservatory attached to the house, that she didn't like. Hated the white, "plastick-y" windows. Her solution was also color-- she painted them a pale, bluey green. Then, took other color cues from a favorite painting:
You can see she really did get inspired by the light-hearted gaiety of the painting--
She was careful to incorporate sentimental family pieces, like the rattan settee with striped cushions. While her color temperature and love for patterns is a little bit "hotter" and more intense than mine, I see the skill employed here. The room really does look like a fun place to relax and take in the outdoors!
04-18-2024 01:55 PM - edited 04-18-2024 02:00 PM
@Oznell Your posts are so interesting. There is something in everyone of the rooms shown that I like. I especially like the Conseratory, the bedroom and the blue/white kitchen cabinets with the blue shelves and the blue lamp. I like antique lamps and have one very similar to the one with the fringe shade in my bedroom. Also like the teal door in the hall. So many interesting things in these rooms.
I am partial to color and love colorful rooms as shown.
04-18-2024 02:08 PM
Beautiful designs and decor!!!! Diane Hill's artistry is so impressive and lovely!!!! Very takented. There is something appealing in every room! I could easily feel comfortable and content in these settings!!!
04-18-2024 03:00 PM
Stunning use of color! I got my first clue that she might love ❤️ color in the very first picture when I caught a glimpse of the orange window shade to the left! What a gorgeous view outside too, just dreamy!
Although much of the artwork or strong colors wouldn't work with my current scheme, I do love it all! The style of my actual home is such that I could pull off a lot of color and bold, contemporary choices too. It's a shame I can't afford to completely start from scratch and redecorate...I'd love to sometimes.
Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy your posts so much.😊❤️
04-18-2024 03:01 PM
All the rooms are colorful and have a comfy feel. I like them.
04-18-2024 04:06 PM
I love photos 3 & 4. The bright yellow in the kitchen is so charming and warm and I also like photo 9 (I love the door and the view). I would move there in a nano second!
04-18-2024 04:10 PM
@Oznell I love how eclectic and colorful each room is.
i especially like the conservatory. Love the color and the view!
In my own home, my decor is also eclectic, and colorful, and I would love to transport each of these rooms to incorporate into my own space. Wouldn't that be fun and delightful?
04-18-2024 05:02 PM
Great pictures! I love English country kitchens and English conservatories.
04-18-2024 06:41 PM
So great hearing from fellow color-loving posters about your own tastes and rooms!
04-19-2024 11:26 AM
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