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A Sophisticated Country Cottage: Yes, it Can Be Done!
This period home in the English countryside has the perfect balance of style and charm for a young family
This impeccably decorated cottage is family friendly, spacious and bright, but it didn’t start out like that. “The house was small with just two bedrooms and had limited light and space,” says interior designer Louise White of W Design Studio London, who helped transform the property. The owners chose the cottage for its location. “They loved the fact that it’s very close to a park and only a short drive into London. They’re also close to family and good schools for the children. And they saw the potential to expand,” White says.
Originally an architect (Peter Gardner of ADS) and builders set about extensively reconfiguring the space, converting the two-bedroom property into one with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. White worked alongside them, with regard to room layouts, lighting and detailing such as cornicing. Her brief was simple: “To help create a family-friendly space with a sense of fun and sophistication combined. The owners wanted a contemporary home with a country feel.”
Originally an architect (Peter Gardner of ADS) and builders set about extensively reconfiguring the space, converting the two-bedroom property into one with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. White worked alongside them, with regard to room layouts, lighting and detailing such as cornicing. Her brief was simple: “To help create a family-friendly space with a sense of fun and sophistication combined. The owners wanted a contemporary home with a country feel.”
The kitchen has an inviting, modern-rustic look. The cabinets painted in a dark hue give it depth, and contrast nicely with the white shutters, white benchtops and stone floor, which has been laid in a traditional brick formation. Half-moon handles add to the country-ish air.
“It was important for the clients to maximise storage,” White says, so there’s a practical mixture of deep drawers and cabinets.
Finishing touches, such as open shelves for wicker baskets, bring in a variety of textures and help to break up the dark units.
Units painted in ‘Railings’: Farrow & Ball
“It was important for the clients to maximise storage,” White says, so there’s a practical mixture of deep drawers and cabinets.
Finishing touches, such as open shelves for wicker baskets, bring in a variety of textures and help to break up the dark units.
Units painted in ‘Railings’: Farrow & Ball
This home has tonnes of homey character, while being super-easy to live with. A classic Aga enhances the rustic feel. “It creates warmth and is aesthetically pleasing, plus the owners enjoy cooking. It was essential to the heart of the home,” White says.
Additional units painted in ‘Pigeon’: Farrow & Ball
Additional units painted in ‘Pigeon’: Farrow & Ball
A vase of fresh flowers and a bowl of berries add vibrancy and colour to the kitchen benchtop.
Slice of homemade bread anyone? The homeowners love food and cooking, and simple touches such as the recipe book holder, wooden ladles and glass decanters for vinegar and oil add to the homey feel.
The elegant white benchtop is made of quartz “as it’s more hard-wearing than granite or marble,” White says.
The kitchen and dining areas were knocked through to create one bigger, open-plan living area, helping to boost the overall feeling of space. The dining zone has a relaxed feel, with a rustic-style wooden table and upholstered chairs and bench.
“The clients wanted a space for entertaining family and friends – a sophisticated dining area that didn’t look out of place next to the living area,” White says.
“The clients wanted a space for entertaining family and friends – a sophisticated dining area that didn’t look out of place next to the living area,” White says.
The living area is off the dining space, and has a lovely view of the leafy garden. “The French doors were put in to maximise light and access to the garden,” White says. Lots of cushions, throws, books, candles and a beautiful wooden table make the living zone feel plush yet relaxed.
“This area is where the clients enjoy family time, so it was important that the flow of the space worked well and that it had a comfortable, relaxed feel.”
“This area is where the clients enjoy family time, so it was important that the flow of the space worked well and that it had a comfortable, relaxed feel.”
Nothing beats a classic fireplace, especially one with open bricks and beam. The stove keeps it cosy and avoids the hassle of an open fire. However, this isn’t actually an original feature but it’s done so cleverly, you’d never know. “The fireplace was put in with careful planning to make sure it looked like an original part of the house, and the client hand-picked the reclaimed beams,” White says.
Simple bunting strung across a shelf, along with a star light, add a sweet touch in the kids’ room.
The hallmarks of this house are whites and light shades combined with carefully chosen pieces that are subtle yet stylish – like this chic pouffe, rug and patterned radiator cover. The owners chose carpets for the upstairs “to create a cosy atmosphere and to help with sound absorption,” White says.
This main bedroom is the owners’ favourite, with its high ceilings, exposed beam and natural layered textures. It continues the overall effortlessly light, airy feel. “It was important for the clients to have as much natural light as possible,” White says. “By painting the property an off-white colour throughout, this complemented the natural elements such as the ceiling beams, while helping to throw the natural light around.”
The main bedroom has curtains, not blinds, to ensure the room is dark enough at night.
The main bedroom has curtains, not blinds, to ensure the room is dark enough at night.
A teepee, sheepskin and cushions create a cosy corner for the kids to play in. “We brought in an element of lightheartedness with details such as the fun yet elegant wallpaper in the children’s room, and the use of encaustic tiles in the family bathroom,” White says.
“It was important the house had space for the children to play,” she adds. “However, while the property had to be family friendly, it was also essential that it retained a sophisticated feel for the grown-ups too.”
Lucky Star wallpaper: Sissy and Marley
“It was important the house had space for the children to play,” she adds. “However, while the property had to be family friendly, it was also essential that it retained a sophisticated feel for the grown-ups too.”
Lucky Star wallpaper: Sissy and Marley
A double sink in the bathroom is ideal for families, especially if two children (or adults) need to brush their teeth at the same time.
Beige brick tiles in the shower area create an elegant feel and add more interest than plain white ones.
“My favourite room is the family bathroom, with its patterned encaustic tiles, freestanding bath and bespoke cabinetry for the wash basin,” White says. The eye-catching bath adds a sculptural touch, and includes a shower.
Encaustic floor tiles: Fired Earth
Encaustic floor tiles: Fired Earth
The family wanted a fun touch in the hall so bright encaustic tiles were laid. The tiles are also practical if you want to wipe down muddy paw prints. “The tiles were tracked down in Belgium and are handmade with bespoke designs,” White says.
Hooks and a storage bench keep things practical, while the ‘Relax’ sign sums up what this home is all about.
Hooks and a storage bench keep things practical, while the ‘Relax’ sign sums up what this home is all about.
The smart front door is painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Mizzle’.
Location: Surrey, UK
Property: Period cottage
Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Design: Louise White of W Design Studio London
The most striking thing about this home is the lovely, light, uplifting feel it has throughout. It features classic details but with a modern touch. “I’d describe the style of this house as contemporary, timeless, sophisticated country,” White says.
The essential ingredient is a soft, natural palette, which creates an impression of space, but without losing a cosy cottage-y atmosphere or ever seeming impersonal.