The Project
This elegant, classic-style newbuild in Hampshire was built by a property developer as his family home. It required an interior in keeping with its rural location that encompassed a wealth of natural materials. Because the homeowners enjoy entertaining, beautiful yet hardwearing flooring was a prerequisite.
‘In terms of flooring, we really wanted to make the hallway the main star of the show,’ reveals Millie Turner, project consultant at Artisans of Devizes, who worked on the floor design. A formal look was required that evoked a light and bright aesthetic, while also providing a warm welcome. The flooring also needed to be easy to maintain. ‘We chose as a starting point a Mallory limestone and tumbled cabochon layout as it creates a classic aesthetic in keeping with the countryside surroundings. We considered a chequerboard layout but we decided the cabochon was probably a little more understated while still formal. It’s a layout you see in a lot of Georgian properties and is a classic design for a hall.
The same stone clads the steps so it almost looks like a solid stone staircase. The material is suitable for high traffic areas so is practical when the clients are entertaining and have a lot of guests entering the house. Not only does it look incredible but it is in keeping with the style of the house.’ A border provides the perfect finishing touch.
Continuity and a harmonious feel were key to this project. The clients therefore decided to extend the Mallory limestone through to the open plan kitchen, kitchen-diner and family snug, but without the cabochon detail. ‘It ensures flow through all the entertaining areas,’ explains Millie. The Mallory limestone continues, too, into the bootroom and utility, as well as the statement powder room. It was introduced here to offset the moody scheme and inject contrast. Dark paint and a statement whimsical Cole & Son Fornasetti wallpaper featuring a skyscape depicting fantastical flying machines and ethereal creatures combine to create the wow factor. In addition, a bespoke floating vanity top was constructed with a mitred basin in Tora Blue limestone creating a sumptuous aesthetic.
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Using the same materials is a common theme throughout the house and natural stone flooring was installed in the upstairs rooms too.
The light and elegant master bathroom features Aliseo marble with deep accent colour introduced on the double vanity and roll top bath. ‘Natural stone will add value if designed correctly, and this bathroom features solid Aliseo marble clad walls in the shower with beautiful details, such as the inset niches,’ explains Millie. Aliseo marble was laid on the floor and is also used on the washstand. ‘The clients wanted something that looked luxurious so we made a mitred basin to complement the marble top and downstand. The use of materials in this room is cohesive and it creates a lovely ambience.’
Aliseo marble was chosen for the child’s bathroom, evoking a harmonious feel. Used in a tile format on the walls and main flooring area, herringbone tiles inject interest and a contemporary touch on the shower floor.
In the guest bathroom, Mallory limestone is showcased on the floor and shower splashback. ‘The homeowners really loved the warmth that Mallory brings, and it ties in beautifully with the chocolate brown hues and feather design Zoffany wallpaper featured in the room. The homeowners have really tried to join all the areas up,’ explains Millie. ‘The palette is soft and flows throughout. The natural elements of the surrounding countryside have been brought inside with the use of natural materials, and the tones are in keeping with the location. The interior lends itself to being at one with nature.’
Credits:
Developer: Harwood Properties
Photography: Adam Carter