I like houses that feel relaxed, undone, natural and free rather those that are overly constrained. Having said that, all freedom is underpinned by structure and discipline and there are definitely some things–like three-piece suites or matching anything–which give me the heebie jeebies.
Do employ an architectural interior designer
They will focus on getting the building’s form, structure and layout right before you do anything else. This is the point where everything is possible. If you bring in an interior designer after the architect you have already reduced the creative possibilities.
Don’t take down all the walls
People need their own space and it’s good to feel held.
Do invest in good windows
They are the teeth in the smile.
Don’t plan everything down to the smallest detail
You will risk the interior feeling predictable and anonymous. Embrace the random, the magic of chance. I like homes to feel as if they have grown into their individual natural beauty by sheer good fortune and luck. Happenstance and serendipity are my watchwords.
Do communicate and be honest…
…especially about your budget. It will save you a lot of time and help ensure your interior designer gets the most out of it.
Do bring the outside in
Treat the garden or even just the view as an extension of your home by referring to the colours and patterns you see outside. Gertrude Jekyll said that ‘for the best building and planting both architect and gardener must have some knowledge of each other’s business.’ A jug of flowers on a table instantly makes a room feel loved and fresh. Also make the most of the surrounding landscape and views:the windows are the art on the walls. Think about what you can see outside from wherever you sit in a room.
Don’t forget that how a room feels is more important than how it looks
Think about the senses: lighting, smells, sounds (acoustics), tactility. Aim for gentle lighting, soothing textiles, generous, comfortable, well-made furniture to sink into, natural flooring, a record playing, an open fire–these all help create a warm and soothing home.
Don’t do things in pairs
Instead enjoy what happens when things are slightly off, asymmetrical, motley and mismatched.
Do remember that it is not the possession of things that makes a home but how you put them together
Think accretion rather than acquisition. Don’t buy something to ‘fill the space’ and always mix things up. Treat your home as an opportunity to express yourself, home is where the heart/art is, after all. Be brave. Seek the unique. Make sure your home reflects you and your family. I like homes which are effortlessly beautiful, with a ‘take us as you find us’ feel which makes visitors feel instantly relaxed and welcome. No one wants to live in a hotel or a room set.
Do go off piste
My partner Simon always said ‘rules are for other people.’ Reject any dogma that says you can or can't do something in your home and insists you stick to a rigid structure or order.
Do use antique floorboards or aged parquet flooring
They will make the room feel wonderful even if you leave it almost at that.
Don’t buy anything that’s pretending to be something it’s not
Buy the real thing not the repro – if you can't afford it, wait.
Do keep the fireplace in a study, bedroom or bathroom
An open fire is the focal point of a room and creates a feeling of warmth and cosiness even when it’s not lit.
Do hang art wherever you will see it
High and low, above doors and at the bottom of the wall so you see it as you come up the stairs, at the end of the bath or across the room when you are sitting on a sofa.
Do plan your kitchen layout carefully
Think about how you are going to use it, and think about access as well as storage. Hide all the kitchen appliances. Most of them are not attractive and they take up so much space. I like to keep the worktops free for the things I want to see and the work I want to do.
Don’t let a TV dominate a room
I like to hide them away in cupboards or if possible not have one at all. A ceiling mounted projector and a drop down screen hidden behind the cornice is the best of both worlds.
Don't make your children's rooms too childish
Don't decorate or put anything into your children's rooms that you wouldn't have in your own.
Do think about how you will want to use your home in the future…
…perhaps as your children grow up and return to the nest.
Do make use of every single bit of space
Invest in good bespoke joinery that fits with the house and ensures you make the most of every inch. I am a big fan of secret cupboards. I like to hide shoes in the skirting, drinks cupboards can be squeezed into the smallest of cavities by a fireplace, DVDs can be hidden in pop-out shelving added to a redundant chimney breast and bathroom storage can be recessed into the wall hidden behind mirrors above a basin. All of these are spaces which would be otherwise wasted.
Do juxtapose different finishes and periods
It’s all in the mix!
Don’t forget to zone your lighting
You don’t want to find yourself in an all or nothing situation. Avoid spotlights, keep lighting low, and invest in good, original lamps that look as good off as they does on (look at the lighting at Charleston or Monk’s House for inspiration), and have dimmers everywhere.
Don’t underestimate the usefulness of a small, unusual and beautiful stool
They look great next to the bath, by a chair, at the end of a bed.
Do avoid anything too fashionable or popular
It will soon be bland, boring and ubiquitous.
Do keep things simple
My grandfather always said why gild the lily and indeed, why would you? The skill is in knowing when to leave well alone.
Don’t forget about the importance of touch
Think about how the weight and shape of a door handle feels in your hand, the softness of aged velvet on a stool, the reassuring warmth of thick cord on a sofa, raffia on the walls, linen blinds or curtains, a gloss finish on the ceiling, the feeling of a hand woven kilim or an antique carpet under bare feet.
Balance the importance of natural light with the need to eliminate ugly views
If a window offers a close up view of the next door neighbour’s wall or the side alley consider if you can move the window, do without it or replace clear with stained glass.
Don’t install bookcases unless you have something to put in them
It could be books or it could be a collection of lovely objects, but there is nothing sadder than a wall of empty or lacklustre bookshelves.
Don’t forget who is living in the house
No rooms should be exclusively for adults or reserved for special occasions.
Don’t overfill your house
You need to be able to see things to enjoy them. Negative space is key. Less is more.
Do remember that a period home is a responsibility as well as a privilege
Make sure you preserve architectural details and work with the character of the building.
Do go for unusual shapes and sizes
An octagonal shaped table can be placed almost anywhere in a room.
Do invest in antique rugs
The colours are so much softer, they are better made, more forgiving, and more beautiful than anything else you will find that’s new. They will appreciate in value and they are the foundation of every good room.
Do think about patina
The worn arms on a wooden chair, the soft sheen of a velvet stool–it’s the soulfulness money can’t buy. Plus antiques will be better made, more beautiful, more robust, more interesting and unique than new furniture.
Do make use of what you already have
Reconsider, recover, reframe, move to a new position – but only if it’s a well made thing.
Do expand your horizons
Go to historic houses and look at beautiful books for inspiration.
Don’t be afraid of colour
Throw in another colour and then another and another and another. The same goes for pattern and texture.
Do be patient
The best homes evolve over time. It can take time to find the right piece. A home, like a garden, is never finished and that is its joy.
