This house inspired us.
We adored the charm – arched doorways, weathered silver door handles, thick trim and the layout which offers a large living room and the separation of a galley kitchen with a walkout to a lovely garden. We wanted to be true to the character of the Tudor English-style cottage that was built three-quarters of a century before we arrived on the doorstep.
While her bones and soul were good, everything else needed to a lifeline. So we embarked on a top-to-tail gentle renovation. Without changing the home's footprint, we created a light-filled, traditional, fun home with modern twists.
Come on in and have a look at the final result and see what you think.
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
Traditional doesn’t have to be stuffy or boring. We contrast heavier wooden pieces with a backdrop of white and layer in waves of colour to make the look current, yet lived-in and comfortable. There’s also some tension between pretty and handsome. Romantic, feminine touches of turquoise velvet, faux fur and abundant flowers soften the more masculine influences of burnished gold, wooden boxes and leather chairs.
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
It was important for us to maintain the integrity of the home – we even kept the sofa that we found in the living room and had its faded teal satin cover reupholstered with a soft grey canvas. It seemed fitting to keep this piece that had been part of the home's décor for about 50 years.
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
While we wanted to respect the original features, to add a brighter, more modern feel, we did paint most of the wainscoting and trim white (I know, sacrilege to some).
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
We left the original trim along the stairway.
Lighting is one of our biggest indulgences. With such a simple home and palette, we didn’t scrimp. Investing in statement pieces really adds drama and quality to the space. It’s like faded jeans with diamond earrings.
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
PHOTO | Per Kristiansen for HGTV and Style at Home Magazine
We took an undersized, old garage and made it into a usable multipurpose room. We had our contractor build a bank of storage lockers that take up an entire wall to keep children’s stuff organized. We cut a walkout to the side patio, added metallic peacock wallpaper and now the room is also a lovely home office. It’s the She Cave, featuring majestic antlers and an always-stocked bar.
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
PHOTO | Justice Darragh for Apartment Therapy
