Playful and Swanky in the British Countryside
Due to this chaos of London life, this family of four moved to the British countryside to slow things down. More square footage appeared great, but the clients also wanted their home to embrace family life and promote outdoor living. Designer Carine Harrington and her team of 3 knocked down walls, creating a massive great room with outdoor accessibility through bifold doors. A mixture of contemporary and classic furniture, a swanky sofa and lively kids’ rooms helped produce a warm, family-friendly home.
at a Glance
Who lives here: A household of 4
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Size: 3,200 square feet
Price: Around $530,000 to the full remodel
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Built in the 1980s, the home was in great shape but made bad use of its square footage. Closed-off rooms and hallways made it feel small, and circulation was awkward.
The family wanted the kitchen to have its own feel, using a light and fun ambience. Custom periwinkle cabinets and funky exposed bulbs out of Muuto fit the bill.
Bulbs: Muuto; stools: Tolix, Graham & Green; dining chairs: The Conran Shop; table: Salvo Internet
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The downstairs room that was fantastic went through the many changes in the remodel. After four small rooms and a garage, it is now a joint kitchen and family area.
Kitchen cabinetry, counters: Intoto; all of appliances: Miele
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The family room has massive beanbags instead of a sofa and an air hockey table for family fun.
Beanbags: Fat Boy; air hockey table: Liberty Games
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Bifold doors offer easy access to the deck and backyard.
Bifold doors: Bowalker Windows; zinc-top outdoor table: The Conran Shop; outdoor fisherman’s lamps: Fields of Blue
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Cedar now lines the fascia around front and back of the home, breaking up what was brick. A very clear perspective into the entryway met the clients’ requirement for more natural lighting.
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Hardly visible at first, a contemporary glass pergola blends into the glass entry facade. The clients named their home Wickets — noted on a nameplate — after the cricket term. The village cricket grounds are situated next door.
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Taking down walls and placing in a glass bannister and railroad transformed the property’s entry. A bold pendant light and plain white walls complete the appearance.
Glass balustrade: Bowalker Windows; pendant lighting: Moooi
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What was once an inner garage and extra room is now the adult sofa and theatre room. The clients wanted a visual cue to separate private spaces along with the shared great room. Harrington worked using a darker color palette in all the personal rooms and maintained the household areas light, bright and lively.
Wall Floors: slate, Wall & Floors; black carpet: Harmony carpeting; floor lamp: Twiggy; fireplace: Fondis, Stoves Online
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Sconces: Kartell; textured background: Brian Yates
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A comfortable Togosofa sits in front of a sizable wellness TV on the other end of the sofa area. After the blackout curtains are shut tight, the area becomes an instant mini theater.
Sofa: Togo, Ligne Roset; blackout curtains: Decor Innovation
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In the guest room, one of two bedrooms upstairs, the more conventional bed frame gets a contemporary twist with black lacquer, which contrasts beautifully with the classic plaid background.
French bed, bed linens, cushions: Coach House; background: Laura Ashley
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Before the remodel the clients had to walk through the bathroom to get into their bedroom. Harrington switched the layout, creating direct access to the bedroom from the hallway.
Floating bed: Lago; cushions, bed linen, throw: House of Fraser; bedside lamps: Dwell; nightstands: B&Q
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A classic Bubble seat makes the room feel more swanky.
Bubble seat: Iconic Interiors; curtains: Habitat
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The en suite master bath echoes the bedroom red and black palette. Black mosaic tiles shimmer in the rosy light which filters through red glass panels.
Mosaic tiles: Wall & Floors; reddish glass shower stall: Bowalker Windows; shower: Axis
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Custom additions, such as color and trendy new railings, upgraded the Ikea bunk bed in this kids’ room.
Storage, pendant lamps: Ikea
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Alternating colors of Ikea storage units make a bold cross in this kids’ room. The slick surface contrasts with the old-school radiator, painted matte black. “I really like mixing old with new,” says Harrington. “It instantly takes on a personality.”
Bed: Ikea; light: Tom Dixon