25 Beautiful Homes

This issue is all about making the very most of the space you have – and for Louise and Patrick White that meant transforming a student rental into a characterful house inspired by their research into the origins of the property. The results on page 20 are amazing. Similarly, Jenny Thorpe looked to the past when she took on the renovation of her 1930s semi, bringing back the original layout that had been lost in more recent alterations. Have a look on page 54. Charlotte Woodwards’ clever use of colour and pattern has turned her dark and dated Victorian terrace into a joyful house that lends itself perfectly to family life. You can take a tour around it on page 78.…

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY Former rectory dating back to 1810 ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, garden room, boot room, utility room, cloakroom, study, six bedrooms, four bathrooms, games room, separate three-bedroom annexe LOCATION Suffolk ‘The building work – including the extension to get a bigger kitchen – honours the Georgian period’ it took a certain amount of chutzpah to believe this former rectory could become a welcoming family home, but Lindsey Rendall had the courage of her convictions. ‘The house had been gutted by a fire a few years previously and then poorly renovated with an insurance payout,’ recollects Lindsey who, as co-founder of Suffolk-based interior design firm Rendall & Wright, has spearheaded many a substantial renovation. ‘The interiors had been painted black, lime green and pink – it felt…

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A late-Victorian townhouse ROOMS Sitting room, dining room, snug, kitchen/living area, cloakroom, study, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, dressing room LOCATION Gloucestershire ‘THE FLOORING IN THE KITCHEN ADDS A WONDERFUL WARMTH AND THE HERRINGBONE PATTERN IS SMART’ Louise and Patrick White began the process of renovating their new home by going back in time, researching the house’s history in their local library. They were hoping for information on the original layout and period details that had since been stripped out by less appreciative builders. But then they struck gold, far closer to home. ‘We realised the house next door had been built around the same time and, thanks to our kind neighbours, we were able to see all the beautiful period details our house had lost along…

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A detached Victorian house ROOMS Double sitting room, playroom, kitchen-diner/media room, larder, utility room, cloakroom, office, five bedrooms, three bathrooms LOCATION West London HOW DID YOU COME TO BE INVOLVED WITH THIS PROJECT? The clients were working with Katherine Brown Curtains and Blinds – a frequent collaborator with my studio, Alex Interior Design – and Katherine introduced us. This busy family found themselves with a fully renovated house that was perfectly functional but lacked atmosphere, a sterile grey and white space, with furniture from their previous home that wasn’t quite right. WHAT WAS THE BRIEF? They were keen to inject the bland rooms with personality, which we did by blending period elements with a more vibrant contemporary edge. We layered rich colours, bold soft furnishings, bespoke…

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A semi-detached house built in 1891 ROOMS Sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen, den/office, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms LOCATION Washington, DC We chose Georgetown for its deep and rich history and proximity to great restaurants and shops,’ says Laura Kim referring to the Washington, DC location of the historic, 1891-built, Federal-style townhouse she shares with husband Chip Newton. The area, with its cobblestone streets and fashion and design shops, is becoming increasingly popular with an arty community and foodies alike. Laura and Chip fell in love with the charm and character of the house and the fact that it was in a quieter part of the city with a strong micro community with the bonus of everything being within walking distance. Although it had…

HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY A late 19th-century, three-storey, listed canal house ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen/dining/living area, laundry room, playroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms LOCATION Haarlem, the Netherlands When interior designer Nicole Dohmen first received a call from Haarlem-based couple Jacqueline and Tako, she quickly felt a connection. ‘They wanted their house to reflect the character of their family, to feel free-flowing, creative and, most importantly, not too serious.’ Stepping through the front door for the first meeting, Nicole found an easy-going atmosphere: children eating strawberries on the sofa; busy parents coming and going; a football flying through the room… ‘I loved that Jacqueline and Tako wanted lots of colour. It wasn’t meant to be a standard interior, but rather surprising. That’s exactly what I love to do.’ Jacqueline had a…