Co-founder and stylist of Surrey-based Heritage Park Interiors, Linda Park of @nestandcovintage is also renovating their own 18th century home room by room. Characterised by muted tones and inviting hints of Jim Lawrence brass, this home is one to watch.

Please tell us about your beautiful home. What drew you to this property, and when did you move in?

We moved in at the beginning of 2022 after our search to find a house with the potential to renovate and create a home for our family. I was drawn to the original features and the architectural design of the house which was built in 1890. The house is surrounded by trees and has a large garden for my boys to enjoy and where we love to entertain friends and family in the warmer months.

Heritage Park Interiors was founded last year by yourself and designer Karen Heritage, offering design services and even sourcing vintage pieces for the home. How did you come to start the business?

We meet through selling antique and vintage homewares and immediately bonded over our shared interest of interiors. I had a large client base both here and in the US and Karen had an established design studio, so we wanted to combine our experience and expertise to create interiors with a timeless appeal using antique and vintage pieces. We have lots in common, yet bring different strengths to the business so we work well as a team sharing creative ideas with clients on how to incorporate antiques and vintage pieces in a space. We love to source time-worn pieces with a story, and you will often find us at antique markets and fairs around the country hunting for beautiful furniture, homewares and artwork that will add character and charm to interiors.

Your own home features carefully considered treasures throughout, where do you source these unique and reclaimed items?

Many of the pieces in my home are one-of-a-kind items sourced during my many trips to antique and vintage fairs and brocantes. Over the years I have established close relationships with traders and have direct sources for many of the pieces. I have also found antique and vintage treasures online, at charity shops and car boot sales, as well as during travels to Slovakia where I am originally from.

Why is sourcing vintage important to you?

 I love how unique the pieces are and how it creates a bespoke look in a room scheme with lots of charm and character. Vintage pieces have a story to tell and were often crafted using techniques that make them harder wearing and longer lasting than their modern counterparts. Sustainability is ingrained in my approach and our business practices at Heritage Park Interiors so it’s important to reuse and repurpose what already exists to reduce landfill waste and minimise our environmental impact for future generations. An heirloom piece of furniture doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

We love seeing our lighting thoughtfully placed amongst your antique finds. How important is it to balance the old and new?

So important! Antique and vintage pieces have a history that brings a sense of nostalgia and ground a room, but there are certain antique items such as lighting where it can be difficult to find matching pairs. This is where I find the Jim Lawrence range works perfectly alongside older finds. The Jim Lawrence lights have a timeless design and high-quality finish which blends so well with antique pieces.

When first designing a room (for a client or yourself), how big a role does the lighting play?

Lighting is one of the key components of interior design. At Heritage Park Interiors we always specify different forms of lighting in a design scheme including table lamps, floor lamps, pendants, and wall lights to give definition to a space and create ambience. Distributing light around a room makes it feel larger and creates zones for different activities. Lampshades add texture and softness to a room, so we often add them in kitchens to counteract the harder surfaces.

Each of your rooms are layered with natural, rustic, textures with sparing use of colour, save for natural greens. What is the benefit of bringing the outside in?

I always have a bunch of fresh flowers in my main living areas and enjoy displaying large branches in vintage pots around my house. I find it so relaxing and calming to bring nature indoors. Our designs at Heritage Park Interiors take into consideration the principles of biophilia and the connection between nature and wellbeing. Being indoors so much, we can all benefit from being closer to nature whether it’s a view from a window or a simple floral display in our homes.

Do you have any advice for others who wish to implement a simpler, more thoughtful approach to decorating their own homes?

Creating a home takes time, so try not to rush it and enjoy the process as much as you can. Start by decluttering and looking around to see what pieces you love and need in your home; less is often more! Move furniture and artwork around your home, what doesn’t work in one room might be perfect in another space. I always create a neutral palette as a backdrop and layer with furnishings and textures to create cosy, timeless spaces.

What are your plans for Heritage Park ?

As a newly established company, we have big plans! Foremost to exceed the needs of our clients and share our passion for sustainable, timeless interiors with others. We would love to collaborate with like-minded companies and champion antique and vintage interiors along with designing our own product range with longevity and quality at the forefront.

A few quick-fire questions…

What’s the staple homeware piece that everyone needs?

It is so hard to choose just one, but I would have to say linen fabric. I use it throughout my home as it is hard wearing, sustainable and adds a natural texture to a room.

Which is your favourite room of the house?

My hallway as I love the spacious entry and character of the front door and leadlight windows. It is the first impression people get when welcoming them into my home and is an indication of my relaxed, timeless style.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?
 

The Brooke wall lights in antique brass, they are a timeless design and instantly elevate a room. I love the simplicity of these lights while still making a statement. The neutral shade adds texture and works perfectly in my home paired with the artwork and decor.

Follow Linda on Instagram (@nestandcovintage) to see more of her beautiful home, and @heritageparkinteriors for Linda and Karen’s design studio. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE @NESTANDCOVINTAGE LOOK

Carrick Plug-in Wall Light, Fulbourn Bathroom Pendant, Cushion Cover in Limestone, Fisher Wall Light, Brooke Wall Light

Documenting the renovation of her beautiful 17th Century West Midlands barn on Instagram, Rosie of @thegrade2barn has consistently styled Jim Lawrence lighting throughout. We’ve always admired her home from afar, so what better time than Christmas to cross the cosy threshold and delve into the details to find out more about this statement country home.

Welcome to the Style Journal, Rosie. Firstly, please can you tell us a little about yourself and where you live?

I’m Rosie, I live deep in the countryside on the Cheshire/Shropshire border in a 17th Century, grade 2 listed barn conversion. I’ve previously worked in finance but currently spend most of my time renovating my home.

How did you find yourself in the world of interiors?

I’ve always had a passion for interiors. Even as a child I would constantly move furniture around in my bedroom, looking to create cosy corners.

Can you tell us about the history of the property?

The bones of the barn date back to the 17th century and were part of a farmstead belonging to a local Manor House which is assumed to be the most haunted property in the area! Our barn in particular was intended to be two separate properties, hence having the two staircases and two separate second floor areas. Unfortunately the original developer ran out of funds and the barn was left as one. We began transforming the barn just over two years ago and I guess you could say it’s a work in progress, constantly evolving!

Were there any surprises uncovered when renovations began?

On viewing the barn, we knew we would have to update all the bathrooms and kitchen. However, we didn’t expect to have to replace an underfloor ground source heating system and install a separate manifold upstairs, including all new radiators..! We also had to take up all the original limestone flooring throughout the barn, as it had been very poorly installed, lifting and cracking in many areas, past the point of repair. We also replaced both staircases.

In hindsight, I underestimated how tricky this property would be to decorate. Many of our room proportions are on the large side and both north and south facing. Resulting in a paint colour looking amazing in one half of the room and not so great on the opposite side.

We think you have done a fantastic job. The colour palette of your home is quite neutral and earthy, how much are you influenced by the natural materials and rural setting?

I take inspiration from the never-ending countryside surrounding the barn, bringing the soft neutrals indoors. I believe you can’t really go wrong, replicating the soft earthy colours of nature, amongst a property that is dominated by lots of natural oak beams.

Where else do you seek ideas for the home?

Magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, hotels and even Rightmove!

You have chosen many Jim Lawrence lights throughout the barn, what does good lighting mean to you?

Lighting can make or break a design and is therefore a really important finishing touch. I love your products, as there are so many to choose from, accommodating awkward spaces and low ceilings. I love great craftsmanship and classic designs.

Other than introducing bigger changes such as lighting and perhaps paint colour, what have you found is the most effective ways to transform a room?

I love to transform a space with good quality classic pieces of furniture and layering accessories, using colour and texture.

Like many of your followers, we have enjoyed watching the amazing evolution of lightening your darker wooden beams. Does the prospect of trial and error put you off any of these processes or are you confident in taking the plunge when it comes to any decorative ‘hacks’?

Ah thank you, I’m never confident taking on new interior hacks, such as lightening the beams! However, I do love a challenge and getting creative. I’ve always carried out my own painting and decorating, learning new skills along the way.

Do you have any magical tips up your sleeve for taking care of an older listed building?

Just to be sympathetic to your property and work with its historic features, not against. Embrace the quirks, even if it goes against your usual style of interior decorating and styling. Oh and wearing thermals are key too!

We are huge dog lovers at JL and always like to see your two gorgeous dogs featured. Do they ever play a part in how you have designed the house?

Yes, we needed practical flooring to accommodate our cockapoos and general country lifestyle. We chose solid oak and stone flooring with our girls in mind. A rustic feel, nothing too polished or shiny was always the brief.

We are slipping into the cooler, cosier months now, how are you ensuring every corner is comfortable and inviting for the season?

As we’ve worked through each area of the barn, I’ve introduced as much additional sources of heat as possible. The Aga was a must, underfloor heating, mini stoves…. not to mention cosy throws, rugs, and candles.

Do you have any major interior aspirations for 2024?

To introduce more colour into the barn to compliment the exposed red brick work. I have some new colour schemes waiting in the wings that I can’t wait to get started on.

A few quick-fire questions…

What’s the staple homeware piece that everyone needs?

A good quality classic sofa. Nothing spells home like timeless upholstery.

Which is your favourite room of the house?

Favourite room in the house has to be the kitchen. A modern country design, with warm neutrals. I never tire of this space, an absolute joy to work in. It was so worth the investment.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

My favourite Jim Lawrence lighting, that’s a tricky one…. I have so many and love them all! If I had to make a choice, the Mia Pendant Lights. Understated, delicate, classic design with a big impact.

Follow Rosie on Instagram (@thegrade2barn) to see more of her beautiful home. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE @GRADE2BARN LOOK

Mia Pendant Light in Antiqued Brass, Abercrombie Table Lamp, Mia Bathroom Wall Light in Nickel, Club Wall Light in Antiqued Brass

Set alongside the River Gavenny, the 17th century Little Mill boasts a unique interior with a charming vintage appeal. The Welsh Mountain views and wild swimming spots on the doorstep are enough to entice you, but the rustic walls, a folky colour palette, and antique furniture are bewitching in their own right. Unpretentious in its approach, the Little Mill embodies cosy cottage styling in its most authentic sense. Unique in its simplicity, the house is dressed with traditional wool blankets and bedside candles, whilst colourful door frames and flooring adds a playful edge to whitewashed walls. We caught up with host Hayley to find out more about this historic Welsh hideaway.

How did you come to be the custodians of this beautiful property?

We were actually renting the property next to it, when it came up for sale. We had been looking for nearly one and a half years, so it felt like fate.

The Mill has incredible bones, can you tell us about the history of the home?

It is a late 16th century corn mill, sat next to the river Gavenny. I believe it was one of two mills in Abergavenny. At one point it was owned by the local Pen-Y-Fal Psychiatric hospital that loomed on the hill above. It produced flour for the people interned there. After that it was purchased by the NHS, and the local Doctor used to live next door. It fell into disrepair in the early-mid-19th century until it was purchased in the 90’s by two local musicians who began the works of restoring the old building.

Have there been any big surprises on your renovation journey? 

Too many to count! Some good, some bad. I love discovering the history of the building, so I was thrilled when we uncovered the old miller’s handwriting all over the lime plaster walls. We found the old mill stone in the undergrowth in the garden as well. I have no idea how we are going to move it, as it weighs a few tonnes! We have a lot of the old machinery including two large mill wheels and a 17th century staircase still in situ.

Your decor choices are intentional in their gently folky rusticity. Where does this influence stem from, do you have a background in design?

I did not grow up in the countryside or in cottage style homes but have always loved the aesthetic of a rustic country kitchen. I think it stems from my grandma describing her childhood in rural Estonia. It was a very simple aesthetic from her description, with a lot of handmade textiles, wooden furniture, and endless blankets in the winter. She grew up in a mill, so it is rather serendipitous that I have ended up living at one too.

What inspired the colour palette of your painted doors and floors?

As we were working on Little Mill, I went through so many colour changes, but one colour I always knew I wanted was the sorrel green floors upstairs. The colour is very saturated but without being garish and reflects the real natural tone I find in the garden in spring.

You’ve chosen to feature our beeswax ironmongery throughout, how easy have you found it to find new items that are sympathetic to the era of the house?

I love the beeswax finish. It is the right level of industrial and beauty that fits the mill perfectly. Brass finishes felt too showy for the rustic aesthetic. I have spent hours trying to find products to complement the building. Some felt to purposely ‘olde’ and others too new and shiny. I found the Jim Lawrence simple designs and finish worked in harmony with what was already there.

We’re interested in your sourcing secrets as a whole…where is your favourite place to gather antiques and other homely treasures?

I am an auction room addict. I don’t often get to attend them, but I am always looking online.

We love your dedication to ‘slow living’. Not just in terms of the aesthetics of the Mill, but the fact there is a vegetable garden to pluck from, no television, and a focus on enjoying all the nature on your doorstep. What can visitors expect when they book to stay with you?

We really want our guests to relax and step back from the day-to-day stresses when they visit Little Mill. There is a calmness in the space, which guests often remark upon, and the constant sound of the river rushing past can be very hypnotic.

Do you have any advice for others who wish to implement a simpler, more thoughtful approach to decorating their own homes?

Take your time. Don’t feel the need to finish everything in one go. Sit with a patch of colour for a while. Live with a painting in a certain spot, and don’t be afraid to change your mind the next day. Simple handmade items (whether it is furniture or textiles) always bring me so much joy. I have tried to allow Little Mill to breathe and tell its story, without feeling drowned in too much clutter.

What are your plans for the Little Mill going forward?

We are opening up the second half of the Mill in October which is really exciting. It has been a real labour of love and I can’t wait to have her finally open. We will also launch our artist residency in 2024.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions…

Three words to summarise how you want your guests to feel when they step through the front door?

Calm, quiet, informal.

Three words for when they leave.

Nourished, content, settled.

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

Wool blankets and beeswax candles.

Follow the Little Mill on Instagram (@little_mill_abergavenny) for more enticing interior shots and visit littlemillabergavenny.com to book your stay. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Suffolk Latch in Beeswax, Pendant Lampholder, Self-closing Portiere Rod, Beeswax Door Hinge 

You’d be forgiven for stumbling across Dani’s Instagram profile and assuming your eyes were scanning the beaches of South Africa, the vast wildernesses of North America or another far-flung location. But, as her username ‘@the.devon.good.life’ perfectly reveals, the bulk of her beautiful imagery and video content captures life on the Southwest Coast of England. Between renovating a 19th century coastal cottage and pulling on a wetsuit to paddle board with seals, we caught up with Dani to discuss the concept of home and why nature is key to that good life feeling.

Tell us about your move away from city life, what made you take the plunge? 

I had lived in London for coming up to a decade and whilst I loved it for the most part, the city lifestyle had started to wane just before Covid hit. I’d always grown up in a countryside setting and I was craving space, nature and a slower pace of life. I was also desperate to make a home. With soaring property prices in the city, I’d had years of moving from one rented room to the next. I think city life can cause an element of instability, some people thrive from that kind of challenge, but not me. When the pandemic changed the ways of working, I was suddenly able to do my job remotely and it was a chance to make a completely different lifestyle change that I knew I couldn’t pass up. So began the quest of finding a country cottage to renovate, which had always been a dream of mine to do.

Why Devon? 

Devon has always been a special place for me, it’s where I was born and where my family are from. The thing I love most is just the variety that this one county brings, I feel more than any other. I can start my day hiking the tors on Dartmoor National Park and finish my day with a sunset at one of our many beautiful beaches. There’s so much wildlife and marine life, and because it’s so big there’s always new places to explore. Now I’m here, I realise there are more and more younger people moving here, looking for this way of life, so it’s lovely to be surrounded by such like-minded people.

Working for a travel company and documenting new locations for your Instagram page means you are often on the move! How do you ensure your home is a sanctuary that you always look forward to coming back to? 

As we are mid-renovation that’s an interesting question because sometimes it’s hard to look past the mountain of jobs still to do which can be a bit overwhelming. I’m proud of what we have achieved so far though, doing the majority of work ourselves which does give a real sense of satisfaction at the end of the day. For me, it’s about making my home as light and spacious as possible using neutral colours, and then utilising as much natural texture as possible; woods, limestone, and linens for example, to make it cosy and warm. Nature and exploring new places is soul food for me, so if the inside of my home can remind me of what’s outside beyond it then that gives me a lot of joy.

Do you know much about the history of the cottage?

I believe it dates to around 1890 and over the years has had many alterations. In the last two decades, I understand the previous owner of next door was in some financial difficulty, so kept selling off sections of his house and garden to the previous owners of my cottage. My cottage looks quite small from outside first impressions, so I do enjoy seeing people’s reactions when they come in and the layout is always different to what they expect.

What has been your most unexpected discovery when getting stuck into the DIY side of things?

This is my first proper renovation project and so far, I’m thankful that we haven’t had any disaster discoveries like you see on all the renovation programmes. We managed to reveal what I think has turned out to be a beautiful fireplace which was always a hope of mine. We also paint stripped all our wooden doors and they ended up being so beautifully rustic that they’re now a favourite feature of the house. Over the years, some of the character has been removed so my aim is to really add that back in.

We are here to talk interiors, but what is it about being outside that you find so inspiring? 

For me, the outdoors and creativity go hand in hand now. Shortly after moving to Devon, I picked up my camera and finally felt like I had reason to use it every day so it’s lovely that one passion has completely sparked another. I get so much excitement from exploring somewhere new and seeing places for the first time, but once you move somewhere, there are less and less new places to find. For me, it’s inspiring because whether it’s the change in seasons, or that one sunset is always different to the next, the outdoors can give you a totally different experience, whether somewhere new or old. Time in nature is humbling, it provides me with a mental reset and a perspective on what’s important.

Your interior style appears to focus on pared-back natural materials. Does your love of nature impact the design choices you make?

Oh absolutely! After living in a city, I wanted a lifestyle that meant I had nature on my doorstep. For me, your home absolutely contributes to that lifestyle, and reflects your personality so for me it all goes hand in hand.

Where else do you seek ideas for the home?

Instagram and Pinterest are firm favourites, the ease at which you can consume and save inspiration is something I love. But I also find I get really inspired when I travel, especially places like Canada, the USA, and Europe. I’ve never been to Australia, but I know I would LOVE the interiors over there. That’s where interior coffee table books are also such a favourite of mine as there is often inspiration from all over the world. A couple of my favourites are the Surf Shack series by Nina Freudenberger and Still: The Slow Home by Natalie Walton.

Do you have any advice for those seeking out their first property?

Location is everything. It’s tempting to move for a house, but in my opinion it’s not enough. Loving where you live is so important, and you can change pretty much everything about a house, but not where’s located. If you’re moving to a completely new area like I did, I would really recommend renting before buying. By doing that, you can see what different areas are like at different times of year, how different locations and amenities would impact your lifestyle and in doing so, save yourself a lot of time, stress, and money, by having to move again.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions…

In three words, what does ‘the good life’ mean to you?

Nature, Contentment, Home. Or…work life balance!

Where’s next on the list to visit? 

Hiking in the Italian Dolomites or Norway.

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs? 

A comfy, stylish sofa!

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

It’s got to be the Club Wall Light; I just love them.

Follow Dani’s journey on Instagram (@the.devon.good.life) for a feast of beautiful travel and home photography. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

SHOP DANI’S LOOK

The Club Wall Light, The Club Plug-in Wall Light

Neha Shah is the founder of NS Interior Design, a Hertfordshire based studio. Characterised by bright spaces and warm accents, NS Interior Design specialises in a timeless style by offering spatial planning, interior design, and design management services. We’ve loved watching Neha fine tune her design with perfectly placed Jim Lawrence lights and are delighted to welcome her to the Style Journal.

When did you begin your journey into interior design?

I carved my own footsteps in the industry 4 years ago, in 2019. Having worked for other established interior design firms within London for 10 years, I was ready to take the big leap and go it alone.

For us, your styling has a relaxed, comfortable appeal which is elevated by elegant detailing. Can you tell us about your design ethos?

One key design statement I channel is creating interiors that have understated elegance and timeless feel. I naturally gravitate to neutral and calming colour palettes throughout and tastefully injecting subtle colour through items the client could easily change themselves in years to come. It’s key to get the right balance between style and function.

We initially connected over some images of your Little Venice project, a dainty property where maximising on space (particularly in the kitchen area) was key. In your experience, how important is lighting in helping to make the most of smaller areas?

That’s right. With that project in particular, lighting was important especially with regards to creating zones for the client. As I reconfigured the space to a single large open plan area, it was important we catered to each area and get the right balance of decorative lighting as well as practical lighting. Pairing the Edgeware Flush Mount Ceiling Lights with the Thornton Glass pendants is a great example of this.

Other than introducing bigger changes such as lighting and perhaps painting, what are the most effective ways to transform a room?

Once you have considered the fitted elements of your home, the next phase is the furniture and soft furnishings. This will truly complete the transformation of a room. It’s important to first ensure you establish the furniture layout before executing this with your choices. This allows you to ensure items are proportionate to the room.

Our favourite project of yours is your recent Maida Vale holiday home which weaves laid back neutral tones with swathes of warm brass. It is so welcoming and fresh. What are key pieces of styling advice for creating inviting bedroom and living areas like these?

For me personally and as you pointed out, spaces such as these in my opinion should be kept calming and comfortable. The choice of colours you place within a room, be it on the walls or furniture have an impact on how you feel within a space; how you’re able to relax within a space. Really think about the intensity and tone of colour you insert, as well as how much.

How can we all refine our own personal style?

It is so easy to get carried away with looking at inspiration online and say, “I’d like this, this and this in my living room” and assuming it will look amazing and cohesive. It’s important to really sit down and think what truly works, and what works well together based on your preferred aesthetic. Putting a mood board together to assist you will allow you to visually see it all together or always consult with an Interior Designer to assist in this.

You work with a variety of properties, but we know older homes can sometimes present unusual challenges when renovating. What’s the key to perfecting a period project?

I suppose there are two parts to this question if you’re considering a renovation project in its entirety. Structurally, be realistic and always expect more works are required than you imagined. Typically, older properties are built differently internally with weaker structures that may not withstand the renovation. They also usually require rewiring to ensure they are up to current standards.

Visually, I would say try your utmost to retain any period features. These elements provide character and charm to a room and can really elevate what may appear a clinical space to a warm and tastefully designed room. I love the juxtaposition within classic details and contemporary clean lines.

What advice can you give to those passionate about interiors but not quite knowing where to start on their own home re-design? Do you have a go-to for sourcing new ideas and inspiration?

Having an Interior Designer on board is just as important as considering all other trades for your project, whether you’re quite confident in what you’re creating or haven’t a clue where to begin. The first request I always ask of clients is to spend some time on platforms such as Pinterest or Instagram. This steppingstone allows me to visually understand their vision too.

A few quick-fire questions…

What are your top tips for making a house a home?

It is all in the layering; once you’ve considered all the fitted elements, think about the furniture, followed by soft furnishing, artwork, mirrors, decorative lighting and so on.

What’s your favourite room to design?

Usually, a bedroom or lounge. But then I love the kitchens I’ve designed recently!

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

A good quality made bespoke sofa!

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

Tough question and I’m struggling to choose as there’s so many classic timeless pieces in your collection. Can I choose two? For a while I was hoping to use the Barchester and Arlington pendants and so glad I got to in the Maida Vale Holiday Home). They are realty timeless, and I feel in 10 years’ time they will still make the interiors feel fresh.

Follow @ns.interiordesign on Instagram for further images of her beautiful homes. If you’re in need of a design revamp, visit  www.nsinteriordesign.co.uk to browse the portfolio and discover more about Neha’s services. Interior photography featured by Christopher Snook who you can follow @snookphotograph.

To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE @NS.INTERIORDESIGN LOOK

Edgeware Mounted Ceiling Light, Thornton Pendant, Carrick Plug-in Wall Light, Carlisle Three Arm Pendant, Dulwich Wall Light, Putney Wall Light

If you’re an interior design lover, then SJ Axelby won’t need too much of an introduction. Her delectable watercolours of period homes ooze charm and style, featuring the cosiest corners of renowned interior designers. A painter with an antique restoration heritage; SJ has art in her bones. As someone who captures the delight of other people’s properties for a living, we wanted to delve a little further into her own rooms that she calls home.

Welcome to the Style Journal, SJ! Before we get into your own interior, could you give us a rundown of your background as a painter? Where did it all begin?

From an early age my Grandfather and mother actively encouraged my art as they too loved to paint and ran the family antique restoration business together. I’ve been watercolour painting since I was a child and can’t remember a moment in my life when I haven’t had some sort of creative project on the go. I have a degree in textile design but can also turn my hand to ceramics, print making and anything practical. I have a roll my sleeves up kind of attitude to most things.  I now love exploring mixed media in combination with watercolour, the effects are truly wonderful.

You come from a long lineage of creatives, including Henry Corbould who designed the Penny Black and his son Edward Henry taught watercolour to Queen Victoria’s children. That’s quite a legacy. How has this knowledge impacted your life as an artist?

Every now and again I wish my Grandfather could see what I’m up to now, I know he would be chuffed to bits. As for my ancestors I am in awe of their work and achievements, it must have been quite an honour to work for the royal household. I love to visit EH Corbould’s work at the V and A Museum in London and I would love to see some of the palace’s private collection of his work, that would be a dream.

Your training in textile design emerges in your work in that the images feel tactile and alive, as though you could turn a handle and step into the page. Tell us how you layer a room with colour and texture to make it sing in real time.

In my work that’s entirely what I try to do. I want the viewer to feel the room as well as see it. Just like a painting filling a room with things is a process, layer upon layer until it feels right. A friend always said to me once you think it’s right…take one thing away. It seems to work every time. I couldn’t live without textiles and textures in my home, from the vintage madeleine tins I glue gunned onto metal beams to the tartan wool blankets that are thrown over the back of each kitchen chair.

Many of your paintings feature a rich tapestry of pattern and antique style. How important are vintage treasures in your home?

It’s hard for me to buy something new, it’s in my blood to find old antique and vintage finds. One man’s treasure and all that…

When you were designing your own decor, was it hard not to view each corner as a vignette of sorts? Or did that help you construct the space?

I do have to tell myself to stop. My husband is a minimalist and over time he has mellowed to my bits and bobs. He will chuckle when I come home with a new find. I sometimes start with a painting or a fabric or wallpaper I know I want to use in a space and then work everything around it. Although I don’t like things to be too matchy matchy.

Do you have a favourite room of the house?

Right now, it’s the kitchen, we are lucky to have views over the garden and fields beyond and springtime is such a joyful time of year with all the daffodils out. We recently changed the décor in here from quite a neutral palette to a softer warmer scheme of butter and red. It works really well with all the brass fittings.

Styling paintings we love in the home can be tricky. Do you have any tips for our audience who are keen to introduce artwork into their decor but aren’t sure where to start?

Frames are everything, my go to is @aprinart, he made me a special range of zigzag frames for an exhibition last year and I have these dotted about the house. I try to make my work easy to fit standard frame sizes to keep the costs down so most of my work will fit straight into an A4 nicely without the need for a mount. I would always just buy what makes your heart sing, after all its you that’s going to be looking at it most of the time.

We were thrilled to spot the Single and Double Howard Wall Lights in your kitchen and dining areas. What drew you to these designs?

Oh, golly these were perfect for the kitchen. I’d been looking for ages for something brass that would work with the DeVol kitchen, and these ticked every box for me. I don’t like fuss and this classic design is timeless.

Finally, a few quickfire questions…

What is your top tip for making a house a home?

Fill it with the people you love, a dog and lots of blankets (one can never have too many).

Can you describe your personal style in three words?

Homely, jolly, and eclectic.

We must ask…what’s your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

Ooh where to start, my lights are fabulous, but I really love all the other details too. I have used brass dolly switches and sockets and the floor sockets too which are perfect for hooking up a laptop and for the Christmas tree in the kitchen.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

I have so many lovely projects on which I’m hugely grateful for, a new book coming out in the Autumn and lots and lots of travel plans from Egypt to India and some interrailing too!

Discover SJ’s endlessly endearing artworks on her website and follow along on Instagram @sjaxelby. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

Shop SJ’s Look2 Gang Chrome Dolly Switch with Clear Backplate, Single Howard Wall Light, 2 Gang Brass Dolly Switch in Antiqued Brass

A writer and avid interiors lover, both of Donna’s passions are expressed through her popular Instagram account, @littlestonecottageonthill. Relaxed but brimming with personal detail, Donna’s home serves up laid back luxury with a gentle period twist. The 300 year old cottage is located in an historic Yorkshire village and suitably styled with floor to ceiling modern country charm. We caught up with Donna to find out more about her beautiful home. 

Donna, welcome to the Style Journal! Please tell us more about the history of your Little Stone Cottage On T’hill. 

We bought the cottage in 2012 – it’s over 300 years old, built in locally quarried Yorkshire stone and situated in an historical little rural village.

Your style leans into the contemporary, and though neutral in colour, your rooms always feels playful and inviting. How do you balance this look whilst staying true to the era of the house?

Everyone’s different, but when you live in such an old house, I prefer the bones of it to do the talking rather than overpowering it with patterns and excess colour. It’s all about balance. The neutral tones and soft fabrics we chose respectfully allow the house to shine, from the ancient beams and the uneven walls to the aging stonework… it’s all very beautiful and we feel so honoured to be a part of its history.

Let’s go straight go your bright and beautiful kitchen. Kitchens are functional spaces first and foremost, but so often they come to be the heart of the home. How do you make this practical space as comfortable as the rest the house?

When we moved into the cottage it had the tiniest kitchen and a very narrow dining room, but by knocking down the dividing walls and opening up the whole of the bottom floor we were able to embrace open plan living. We designed the kitchen area to have curved cabinetry for a softer, more relaxed feel. By blending the colours, textures and furnishings to complement each other, and keeping the palette neutral, the whole of the downstairs feels like one big room. We chose crushed velvets and linens to create a natural look that works really well with the rustic modern kitchen, making the most of every corner.

To anyone scrolling through your Instagram it’s clear you have an affinity for lighting. What’s the most important thing you keep in mind when layering light in a room?

I love ambient lighting. It enables you to enhance all those dimly lit areas (particularly in older houses), by adding warmth and depth. Whether it’s the gentle flicker of a candle on a window sill, a table lamp glowing warmly or some magical twinkling lights hung on a beam, there’s always somewhere inviting and cosy to relax.

We were delighted to collaborate with you on your recent bedroom re-style. You opted for the hand blown glass of the Putney Plug-in Wall Lights. What led you to plug-ins over traditional wall lighting?

Because the cottage is so old it’s always a gamble to start cutting out walls for lighting, so when we were introduced to your new Plug-in Wall Lights it was a real game changer. No professional installation needed, just a plug to pop in an existing socket. Genius!

How do you keep your home feeling fresh through the year, do you find yourself influenced by seasonal trends?

I’m not influenced by seasonal trends but I do like to enhance the cottage with seasonal flowers throughout the year. I’m very much a ‘less is more’ person though; one too many blooms or accessories can make the place look very cluttered, so I’m always minimal but thoughtful with any new additions.

We have to admit that we love seeing our customer Christmas interiors unfurl. How do you prepare the home for festive period whilst staying true to a ‘less is more’ approach?

Because the cottage is so small I like to keep Christmas decorations to a minimum. A Christmas tree, a simple mantel garland and a subtle Christmas tablescape is just enough without overpowering everything. I like to trim outside the front door too so the curb appeal isn’t forgotten!

A few quick-fire questions…

What are your top tips for making a house a home?

Layering with cushions, throws and rugs. Lots of mirrors to bounce the natural light around. Candles and subtle lighting. Make sure you make your home about ‘you’ and not what’s trending.

What’s your favourite room to style?

I love styling the whole cottage so I don’t have a favourite room. We’re fairly lucky though as it’s so full of character which makes it feel easy.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

We have Jim Lawrence lights all over the cottage and each one lends itself beautifully to its surroundings, so I’d be hard too hard pushed to choose one…

Finally, what’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

A dog!

Follow @littlestonecottageonthill on Instagram to follow Donna’s styling journey and revel in her joyously written captions. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Lynfield Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Hunstanton Velvet Cushion Cover in Mole, Single Cottage Wall Light in Matt Black, Putney Plug-in Wall Light in Antiqued Brass.

Fable Interiors is an interior design studio based in the picturesque town of Royal Leamington Spa. Experienced in renovating listed builings, it’s no wonder that owner Harriet Sinclair-Wilson is drawn to the heritage style of Jim Lawrence.

Fable interiors specialise in complete renovation and project management, helping clients to create bespoke interiors that suit individual requirements whilst embodying Harriet’s signature look: refreshed, elegant and ultimately timeless.

You started out owning the rather lovely Fable Interiors retail store for 6 years, so you are no stranger to homeware! Can you tell us a little bit about how your design studio came to be?

Whilst owning my retail store I found a lot if customers asked if I offered interior design services. I have always been very passionate about interior design and applied for a course that I could work through online. Once graduated I set up the interior design side of the business and ran a couple of competitions offering my services for free to trial the process and gain clients feedback.

We first connected via Instagram after you shared a beautiful boot and utility room featuring our lighting and hardware which is part of a larger Georgian Townhouse that Fable Interiors designed. We’d love to talk more about this project and why you chose to use so much JL throughout the property.

This was a full service complete renovation project, where we stripped back the property and refurbished throughout over a period of one and a half years. My clients were a family of 5 and our brief was to renovate tactically and in keeping with the period features, but also to create a future proof family home for modern living.

I have always loved JL lighting and used their products in projects previously. However my clients had recently visited the showroom and also fell for their designs. JL products are designed with a perfect mix of traditional and modern elements, so it was a great match.

Kitchen lighting is by far the largest draw for our customers, with interest showing no signs of waning! The shaker style kitchen you put together for the Georgian home is light and spacious but nonetheless very homely with warm brass accents. From a designers perspective, what can people do to elevate their kitchen from a good room to a great one?

Choosing the right hardware is so important when designing a kitchen and can really help to add interest and depth. Think about what finish your appliances have and choose your door knobs, taps and lighting accordingly. For me, I love to mix two or three different metals as I feel it’s a great way to create a homely look in a space that is essentially full of hard materials. For example, if you have a stainless steel range cooker, it might be nice to use antique brass door handles to warm the space, and choose a pendant light with a matching brass ceiling rose to tie everything together.

How do you help your clients to bring a touch of their own personality into the home?

I like to think about my clients lifestyles and what might be beneficial for them and the people they live with. I work with a variety of people and properties, from a retired couple who are renovating their new home in a town centre to a young family living in the countryside. Their requirements and aspirations will be completely different from one another.

Whilst working with my clients, I get to know what they are passionate about and what brings them joy, I will refer back to our conversations and think about what I can incorporate into the details or accessories in a space.

We were thrilled to spot a mention of the use of natural materials, fair-trade products and sustainability as a passion on your website. How can everyday people bring this message home with them and work into their décor?

I believe that less is more with accessories and buying quality items that you really love is a great place to start. There are some great companies that source beautiful fair-trade and sustainable homewares. Buying second hand furniture is also becoming more and more convenient.

Our favourite home in your portfolio has got to be the Grade II Listed Georgian house in Warwickshire mentioned above. Have you got one job that will always come to mind as your favourite project?

I loved working on this project too. I’m currently working on a family home in the Warwickshire countryside, that I am so excited about. The direction we are taking is right up my street and I can’t wait for it to be finished in around a years time and I think it will be a favourite for sure.

What advice can you give to those passionate about interiors but not quite knowing where to start on their own home re-design? Do you have a go-to for sourcing inspiration?

I would say that it is very important to know the direction you want to take before you start purchasing or booking in tradespeople. Take time to research different looks and read interior magazines for inspiration. This will save you both time and money in the long run and the outcome will be more harmonious.

Do you have one key piece of styling advice that you can share with us?

Books are so useful and something most people have already. There are so many different ways you can use them for styling. Stacked upright on a bookcase, lying flat with a vase on top to add height, or on a coffee table, they are so versatile and great to add a personal touch.

A few quick-fire questions…

What are your top tips for making a house a home?

To create a home that feels inviting and welcoming, try to use different natural materials, such as linen, cotton, wool and wood. By doing this your home will have more depth and will feel cosy.

What’s your favourite room to design?

Living rooms are always fun, they are used for so many different events through the year and I like to design them with these important dates in mind, such as Christmas, birthdays and so on.

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

A throw or bedspread.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

Fisher wall light: so versatile.

If you are looking for more elegant decor inspiration follow @fableinteriors on Instagram and soak up all their beautiful imagery. If you’re in need of a restyle, visit www.fableinteriors.com to browse the portfolio and discover more about their services. Interior photography featured by @annastathakiphoto and portrait of Harriet is by Katie McCullough @katiemccphotography.

To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE @FABLEINTERIORS LOOK

Grantham Wall Light in Antiqued Brass, Portland Floor Lamp in Old Gold, Romana Pendant Light in Old Gold, Fisher Wall Light in Antiqued Brass

Transforming a run down 17th Century build is no easy task, but Kate from @myoldpub has achieved a result that appears effortlessly stylish. Steeped in history with each room now boasting a beautiful interior, we were drawn in by the stunning beamed bathroom featuring out favourite Ava Pendant. The reality of a project like this comes with its challenges, so we caught up with Kate to uncover what it takes to take on a mammoth refurb like this one and how you can turn a rickety, stale old pub into a gorgeous period home.

Please introduce yourself and tell us how you came to be ‘myoldpub’.

My name is Kate and I bought a 17th century pub three years ago. It was converted to a home in the 1970s/80s but unfortunately it had been quite badly damaged by tenants before I bought it. It was in a sorry state and desperately needed some love. Over the last three years I have been trying to bring it back to life.

We can’t help but be curious about the day jobs of the accounts we follow, have you always been interested in décor and design?

I work with historic buildings/places that are in a poor state of repair and generally on the Heritage at Risk register, finding new uses for them, securing funding and coordinating their regeneration. I am very lucky, I get to work with some fantastic clients and amazing buildings! I have a background in design and worked as a masterplanner/urban designer at an architects in London for a few years, so always had a real passion for design and decor.

We should start with why you chose to pick this property to renovate. What made you fall in love with this location in particular?

Having said I didn’t want a project because it is too much like work, I fell in love with this place the first time I walked through the door and saw the ridiculously over sized fire place! Honestly, it was within seconds of walking through the door I knew it was the one for me. I think it was the fact that it so needed some love from someone and that underneath the dirt and smell it obviously had a nice feeling to it!

Your beautiful home was a working pub up until the 1980s, but originally having been built in the 17th century it’s clear that its very bones are steeped in history. Many of our customers will appreciate that renovating older builder can present unusual challenges when renovating. How much work was there to do when you first moved in?

A lot! Nothing structural, but just every single room was damaged in some way, it really needed a lot of love. It had been neglected by tenants and the damage was throughout. The smell was so bad when I viewed, the owners actually agreed to let me have the worst carpets removed and the place fumigated before I completed the sale. The first five weeks were spent with no electrics, then six months of scaffold to fix; windows that were about to fall out, chimneys, missing tiles, damaged bricks and since then it’s been constant DIY and some professional help. I really do like to get stuck in and have a go at everything! It’s definitely been blood, sweat and tears but I’m slowly getting rid of the interior waterfalls, house guests (rats!) and giving this place some love.

How long have you been living at the property now? And were there any surprises uncovered when renovations began?

I’ve been here for three years now. Lots of surprises along the way, probably the most interesting find has been the witch marks and other ritual markings on the beams which has been rather exciting.

Please do tell us more about the striking beams that run through the house!

They are rather wonky aren’t they! I’m lucky that through my work I have a friend who is a building archaeologist and when I first moved in he was kind enough to spend a day going around the building with me and trying to piece the history together. We came to the conclusion, fairly quickly, that not a single one of the beams is in its original location. In fact, he thought given the woodworm damaged to them, they were possibly from an old barn or previously stored outside for a long period of time before they were used to build the house in the mid 17th century.

There is one beam that is particularly amazing, he thought it might be as early as the 14th century and has holes in it where mullions and shutters would have been prior to glass being used! It definitely isn’t in its original location, but fascinating nonetheless.

What do you think is the key to perfecting a period project? Did you keep the heritage of the building in mind?

Good question! I’m not sure I know what is key to perfecting a period project, but personally I really want to let the historic fabric of the building do the talking. I think there can be a temptation to overly restore old buildings and therefore I like to keep things a little rustic (or at least that’s what I tell myself when a bit of DIY isn’t quite as perfect as I would like it to be!). I think you probably have to be quite flexible and fairly laid back. Things will take longer than you anticipate and you may need to tackle things in a different way to how your first envisaged.

We were thrilled to spot some details from our Bletchley range in your dreamy bathroom, as well as our popular Ava Bathroom Pendant Light. Of course we feel our products are a wonderful fit for your home, but what made you choose us?

I love your products, there is such a good range to choose from, which is particularly helpful when your rooms or spaces aren’t a conventional shape and size! What I particularly like is that the products are always beautifully proportioned and balanced, which means they don’t overwhelm spaces. They are also very good quality and show great craftmanship. The other thing that is important to me is that you are a local company and I can fairly easily visit your showroom.

Naturally we love using Instagram because it introduces us to fascinating people with splendid homes like yours, but it can sometimes feel oversaturated with decor ideas! Do you feel that using the app has influenced your approach to styling a home?

Oh goodness, it can be overwhelming can’t it? I also find it so hard because I love lots of different styles, from minimalist to mid century…makes it impossible to settle on a style! However, what I’ve realised is that I need to work with the house I have in front of me, not try and squeeze a style in that just doesn’t work with the architecture. I  do use the app constantly for design ideas and inspiration. It’s such a useful resource and people are just so helpful! I do find though that there are a few key accounts that I go back to time and time again. The other thing that has been a really lovely surprise, is how helpful people are, it really has saved me a great deal of time and money by being able to discuss things with other people on Instagram.

There is a lot of focus is put on your interior design (and rightly so) but we also very much besotted with the outside. Do you have big plans for the garden?

Thank you! Sorting out the garden was the first lockdown project. It had obviously been planted up by someone who really knew what they were doing about 20-30 years ago. But sadly, it was full of rubbish and was very overgrown when I moved in. The brambles were about five metres tall and most of the walls were covered in ivy, so much so I didn’t know they were there!

This year the plants have really started to mature which is lovely to see, its still an evolving project, but the main work is now done. At some point, I would love to create an open fronted oak framed garden building at the rear of the garden. The idea would be that it provides a bit more outdoor storage and a place for sitting with some cover…but that’s a few years off yet.

What rooms are you currently working on in the house?

I am currently working on finishing the utility room, which has a major overhaul and the downstairs loo! It is a small space that needs to work quite hard, but just reorganising it has made such a difference to its useability. That will be the last major bit of work to do on the house, although I’m sure there will be more surprises!

A few quick-fire questions…

What is your top tip for making a house a home?

I have learnt to try and not rush things (I am naturally impatient so this is hard), only buy things you love or have a special meaning to them.

Can you describe your personal style in three words?

That is so difficult, but I hope it is natural, cosy and timeless.

We have to ask…what’s your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

Has to be the Ava Glass Pendant, it’s so delicate and beautifully proportioned.

Is the Old Pub your forever home?

I am not sure! Can’t see myself moving any time soon, but never say never.

If you too are inspired by Kate’s home, follow her ongoing refurb journey at @myoldpub on Instagram. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Ava Bathroom Pendant, Button Finial Pole Pack in Matt Black, Bletchley Roll Top Soap Basket, Club Wall Light

Founded in 2021 by two friends, Charlotte and Kerrie, Torn & Cotton Interiors believe in creating interiors that are timeless, comfortable and considered. Creating drama with neutral palettes and bold contrasts alike, their decor is both harmonious and striking, a hard-to-reach achievement that we have very much enjoyed oggling over on their Instagram over the last year. We caught up with Charlotte and Kerrie to find out more about their ethos and how to ensure uniqueness is embraced in every home.

Can you tell us a bit about how you both discovered and refined the style of Torn & Cotton Interiors?

Discovering our style is something that happened gradually throughout our teens. Our tastes were often similar, and we would turn up to social events wearing the same outfit, or the same but in a different colour – we’ve ended up doing the same for client meetings sometimes too! It’s safe to say we always knew our styles were very much aligned, long before we were designing together!

When we were eventually old enough to be buying our first homes and renovating, we realised that not only did we buy similar clothes, we also had a very similar style when it came to interiors and a shared passion (read obsession!) for it. We both have a desire to combine classic and contemporary styles, and a shared love for nature inspired interiors by bringing natural fabrics, colours and pattern into the home. We always work together on our projects and really enjoy bouncing ideas off one another until it snowballs into this beautiful, shared objective.

Being in our second year in business, refining our style is something we work on continuously with each project that we take on, and it has a lot to do with the lovely clients who come to us because they’ve seen our work and like our portfolio and trust in us to express our style. We feel its hugely important as designers to have a signature style that brings in a specific client, but that also grows and evolves over time. As well as our designs reflecting our own style as a business, it’s also important to us to ensure the personalities of each of our clients are reflected into our designs. The interior of your home is a reflection of who you are, so we are dedicated to ensuring our clients homes are individual to them whilst getting the Torn & Cotton Interiors touch.

You have been friends for 10+ years, how did you meet and at what point did you decide to pursue a business together?

We met at school in 6^th form and became friends along with a larger group of girlfriends, who we are still very close with to this day! We had many a conversation about our desire to work for ourselves and run our own businesses one day (usually after a couple of red wines), however the matter of us actually working together wasn’t properly discussed until the pair of us started having children. The more we talked about it, the more it seemed like a great idea. It then of course took time for the cogs to start turning, and for us to work out the logistics, but we both ultimately shared the same goal, and our personalities seemed to complement each other, so we thought why not!? It’s been a beautiful whirlwind ever since.

Torn & Cotton Interiors believe in creating interiors that are ‘timeless, comfortable, and considered’, how does this translate in practice?

When we are developing designs for a client it is important to us that these three aspects are always reflected upon. Timeless design is so important to us as we want to create something for our clients that will stand the test of time and that isn’t just a fly by trend. Of course, there will always be trends that come and go in interiors, some may have their place or may be perfect for a client, but what is key is to ensure the design in its entirety has longevity to it. A comfortable design is vital as we want the spaces we design to be loved and ‘lived in’. We strongly believe that your home should be your sanctuary, somewhere that brings you peace.

A considered design quite literally means that we ensure each aspect of the space and the design has been carefully considered, all the details have been accounted for ensuring that everything in the space works in harmony together and is fully functional for modern day life.

We love how you layer tone and texture in your rooms. How do you go about choosing a colour scheme?

How we choose a colour scheme for a room will vary from project to project depending on a multitude of aspects, whether that’s the clients particular brief, the surroundings of the space, the amount of light within the room, the type of room, the age and style of the building. Once we have determined the brief and/or starting point from the client, we go from there and start gathering inspiration for the design. Before making any final decisions, it is always so important to ensure colours and samples are checked on site too.

You’ve used our Club Wall Lights and Fulbourn Pendant in a recent project and to beautiful effect we have to say! What do you look for when choosing lighting for a room?

Thank you! The club lights are a favourite of ours. When choosing lighting for a room they need to be functional for the particular area they are being used in, beautiful, and in line with the design scheme in terms of finish and form.

Though there is a wealth of gorgeous inspiration on platforms like Instagram, sometimes it seems like a lot of houses can end up looking the same based on what is trending at the time. How do you ensure a uniqueness is felt in each a home?

A big part of being an interior designer is working with people from all different walks of life. It’s our job to get to know our clients, attempt to climb inside their minds and work out what it is that they want and understand how they live. That’s why we ask questions like, what do you do for work? Who do you live with? What’s your shoe size? (Just kidding).

But seriously, we have to know these things. It’s actually in our job description to be nosey! After all, how could we possibly design a home for someone we barely know? We therefore ensure uniqueness by making sure the clients own personal style is reflected within our designs whilst also trying to push their boundaries in the most creative ways possible.

Do you have one key piece of styling advice that you can share with us?

Our key piece of advice would quite simply be to surround yourself with the things that you love. One thing we would say is not to get het up on ‘trends’ and so called ‘must haves’. Be yourself. Seen something unusual that you feel really drawn to? Get it. Love the idea of painting your own artwork for your hallway? Do it! Your home should be individual to you and reflect your style and personality. Style is so subjective. No two people will style a room the same so our advice would be to try not to worry about what’s right and what’s wrong. Don’t fear that what you are doing won’t be liked, just do what feels good to you and what you love the look of. Your home is your own sanctuary.

A few quick-fire questions…What are your three tips for making a house a home?  

• Add soft furnishings and natural textures to create a warm and inviting environment to ensure your space doesn’t feel too cold and clinical.
• Surround yourself with items that feel special to you. Collect pieces that make you happy.
• Make your home functional as well as beautiful, for example by creating useful/clever storage.
  

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

Some Jim Lawrence lighting of course! In all seriousness, Jim Lawrence is our go to for classic, quality lighting that will make a statement in your home.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

It has to be the Club lights: classic, timeless, simply beautiful.

Finally, what are you most looking forward to for Torn & Cotton Interiors?

This year we have lots of or beautiful projects coming to an end and we can’t wait to get them all photographed! Stay tuned!

If you too are inspired by Charlotte and Kerrie’s designs, for more of their interior styling portfolio follow @tornandcottoninteriors on Instagram. All Torn & Cotton images shown are taken by Laura Malin Photo. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE TORN & COTTON LOOK

Brass Curtain Pole in Antiqued Brass, Fulbourn Pendant Light, Burnt Orange Cushion Cover, Club Wall Light