In the heart of Barnes, with views towards the winding Thames, is this stunning family home which we were lucky enough to work on.
The owners were very hands-on and knew exactly what they wanted. They enlisted the help of James Bell of Richmond Bell Architects and they credit him for many of the ways in which the house has opened up to create an atmosphere of lightness and space, yet also cosy and practical. Each member of the family has their own area to relax, work, play or just for peace and quiet. But downstairs the house is always buzzing with friends and family and children.
The interiors were largely created by the owners but they benefitted from professional advice from Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen at Nicholas Haslam Design. The aim was to loosely emulate the style of a large family home in the foothills of the South of France and this was readily achievable since they had inherited many pieces of furniture and artwork from houses their parents and grandparents had owned in those regions and elsewhere. The challenge was to introduce the more modern furniture, sculpture and paintings that the couple had already accumulated.
As you enter the house, the drawing room welcomes you. The lights here, and throughout the house, are mainly from Porta Romana. The bespoke rug, designed by Jennifer Manners, using as inspiration the colour palette of the owner’s favourite Missoni coat, is a favourite spot for Pepper.
The Teal Blue family room to the other side of the entrance hall owes its colour to Farrow & Ball; a place of large sinking sofas from Andrew Martin and Soane Britain.
The Kitchen, by Poliform, and the dining area which seats 12 occupies the width of the house and opens onto a terrace and garden beyond. The vibrant chairs are from Soane Britain.
All the stone floors throughout the house were supplied by Artisan Tiles Ltd while the Moorish tiles upstairs came from Fired Earth.
On the first floor is the master bedroom – a haven of white peacefulness, with painted white floors. Dividing this room with the bathroom is the walk-through closet which keeps perfect order of the clothes, shoes and bags within. Beyond is the spa style bathroom, with hardware and fittings from CP Hart and a mesmerising painting from Envie d’Art in Paris.
Upstairs is child heaven. On the landing is their own library, complete with a ladder on a rail.
The orange flavoured bedroom has a stunning fabric by Turnell & Gigon, and the blue bedroom has curtains by Tissus D’Helene. The last bedroom has soft furnishings by C&C Milano
The curtains were all handmade by Melanie Sauze
Wallpapers are by Thibaut, and most of the plain materials come from Romo. There are also a number of fabrics by Paola Moschino for Nicolas Haslam.
This is our house of the month. Or maybe the year.
