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Cate St Hill's Scandinavian Inspired London Oasis


Good morning! I hope you had an underbart weekend?! Get up to anything fun? We went on a road trip to the Blekinge archipelago to visit friends - if you visit Sweden, these islands are a must, they are so magical! The problem is that it was such a relaxing weekend, monday morning has hit me like a sledgehammer (is anyone else feeling slightly disorientated this morning?!), and I'm in panic mode about a 'scandinavian design' presentation next week (I think there are going to be up to 100 people in the room, gulp!). A central theme will be about how the 'less is more' philosophy of Scandinavian design has influenced so many people around the world, and this lovely home in Herne Hill, South London is a fine example! The house belongs to Cate St Hill, interior writer and stylist extraordinaire (check out her instagram feed here), her partner Olivier and very cute miniature dachsund Francis. I chatted with Cate to find out more about the soothing colour pallette, nordic influence and creating a little oasis in the heart of London.

//affiliate links marked with *//
 IKEA Kitchen cabinets, Hay J104 chair, Muuto platform tray

How did your passion for design begin?
I've always been interested in design and studied architecture at UCL in London before I became a design journalist.

Fired Earth tiles


Your style has a distinctly Scandinavian feel - do you have a long lost Nordic relative somewhere?
I really developed an interest in Scandinavian design when I travelled with a university friend for a month, spending a week in each country. We made little design pilgramages to as many Arne Jacobsen and Alvar Aalto buildings we could find.

Stelton coffee jug*, Teema mugs*


What inspires you about Scandinavian design?
I became inspired by the ways that Scandinavian interiors connect to nature and to people, and the respect for quality and craftsmanship. I like that a lot of Scandinavian design is built to last, they are pieces you can have in your home for a long time, the materials get better with age and the shapes and styles endure.

Have you carried out any extensive renovation work?
When we first found the house it was in need of a bit of work, the living room was painted bright purple for instance! So I wanted to strip things back, open the downstairs living room and kitchen up and transform two dark rooms into a light, open space.


What is important to you when creating a home?
 I want to create a calm, tranquil retreat in which to escape the world. I wanted a space that would grow with us, the neutral walls, becoming a blank canvas for everyday life.



How do you add a cosy feel to your home?
I like to use plants, accessories and books to bring life and texture rather than lots of colour.

This pic of Cate's hallway was taken a while back when the space was a work in progress, even so I thought it was too pretty not to share (I hope you don't mind Cate!). 

Can you tell us about the subtle colour palette?
It's blackened by Farrow & Ball on the walls and plain white on the floor (I used Ronseal floor paint).  

And finally, your garden looks like a lovely oasis, do you sit out there a lot?
Yea! it's really sheltered and not overlooked so you don't really feel like you're in London. We've been using it a lot this summer as it's been so warm. It's north facing, I thought it would be really dark but it's a little sun trap during the day.


Thank you so much for telling us about your home Cate.

What a treat this home tour was on a Monday morning  - do you feel inspired too?! Perhaps we should all head out into the garden with our laptops! I'm thinking I'm going to need Francis in tow too - isn't he wonderful?!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Just in case you're not quite ready to launch into the working week yet - you might just like to check out the grey and white home archive as well as these lovely London homes (makes me feel slightly home sick!). There's a chance Cate's might crop up first - if so, you know what to do (scroll on passed!)!

Have a fab start to the week!

Niki

Photography by Cate St Hill shared with thanks

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The funky side of London

Today is my last day in London before heading back to snowy Sweden. I thought it was only fair to do a small nod to the Big Smoke in today's post as I've had such a great stay. These spaces have been designed by London based interior design firm Precious McBain and have a definite touch of funkiness. It's not my usual style but if a new year's not for challenging your minds and to spread your interior design wings what is?






Precious McBain via Desire to Inspire

Although I'm not sure I could go for an all out patterned wall like the one shown I could definitely live with the furry pouff, light grey marbled bathroom with pretty glass cabinet and of course those fantastic views of my favourite city in the world. Bye bye London, I'll be back soon :)

PS Thanks for all your wonderful tips yesterday on where to go for design in Helsinki - I can't wait to go now! Exciting to hear all your get-away plans too, so many places to visit, such little time....

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Before and After: A Rundown Flat Becomes A Stylish London Pad



When you see pictures of a beautiful home it's hard to imagine the blood, sweat and tears behind the renovation - especially when the result exudes effortless charm. When Natasha Barry renovated House of Clay, a 3000 sq ft white stucco house in Islington, London not only was it a complete gut job, she also gave birth one month into the build! Imagine?! I'm pretty sure I was wondering around in a complete daze until my girls were at least 6 months old - I certainly wasn't working on projects of this magnitude! This one-bedroom flat occupies the House of Clay top floor and has been carefully restored to ensure original features such as the wood beams, floorboards and attic windows are intact and play a central role in the contemporary look and finish. I couldn't resist throwing in some 'before' and 'during' shots, so you can appreciate the total transformation!

Before





After



Tiles - Claybrook Studio, Tap - Devol Kitchens, Kitchen - Howdens, Handles - Buster & Punch 

The window frames have been painted in Studio Green from Farrow & Ball.





Before





After



Abstract Cubism* - print, lamp - Soho Home, sofa - Arlo & Jacob




Bedroom before




After




Bed - Habitat, Light fixture - Wo & We





Before

After





Although there aren't many of them, the 'before' pictures are perfect for showing just how far this apartment has come (especially the kitchen being converted to a bedroom)! Quite incredible.

I particularly love the kitchen (the handles are amazing!) - and the bathroom.

I also feel like I have a whole new source book for London!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

See more pictures from House of Clay here - and good news if you're looking for somewhere to stay in London, it's available to rent through The Plum Guide.

If you love a before and after as much as I do, don't miss these transformations too:

A dated Georgia house gets the Scandi treatment
a 1950s danish house gets a fabulous make-over
A drab Cape Town interior becomes a warm and cosy cottage

Vi ses imorgon! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Stathaki 
Styling: Rebecca Wakefield 

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2

The Lovely Georgian Home of a Textile Artist

Good morning, friends! Today, I'm taking you on a journey to Kent, England and the wonderful Georgian terrace belonging to textile artist Jessie Cutts. Jessie and her husband have been restoring the property on a tight budget, with much of the renovation done by hand. Jessie's love for textiles can be seen throughout, as can her passion for vintage finds. Keep a look out for details such as upcycled magistrate doors, beautiful kilim rugs and a unique blend of furniture and accessories. The interior may not be incredibly Scandinavian inspired, but I love it all the same. It's everything you'd expect from the home of a talented artist - and more! 

Charming in every way - and full of surprises! 

Loving the figurines with party hats! 

I have to say, looking around this house took me straight back to my early twenties in London. My Mother worked in the art world, and we'd often visit artists homes, all of which were wonderful and unique just like this one! There's something really nostalgic about the Georgian architecture too! 

I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did! Was there anything that stood out to you in particular? 

See more of Jessie's house and follow her ongoing renovation projects over at @townley_terrace

Oh, and here are a few other beautiful English homes to peek inside: 


Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography shared with kind permission from @townley_terrace

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