Houzz Tour: Swanky and Playful in the British Countryside
Big beanbags, a Bubble chair, lacy black laquer — this family home proves there's more to U.K. country life than cottages and chintz
Tired of the chaos of London life, this family of four moved to the British countryside to slow things down. More square footage sounded great, but the clients also wanted their home to embrace family life and encourage outdoor living. Designer Carine Harrington and her team of three knocked down walls, creating a massive great room with outdoor access through bifold doors. A mix of modern and vintage furniture, a swanky lounge and playful kids' rooms helped create a warm, family-friendly home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Size: 3,200 square feet
Cost: About $530,000 for the full remodel
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Size: 3,200 square feet
Cost: About $530,000 for the full remodel
The downstairs great room went through the most changes in the remodel. Once four small rooms and a garage, it's now a combined kitchen and family area.
Kitchen cabinetry, counters: Intoto; all appliances: Miele
Kitchen cabinetry, counters: Intoto; all appliances: Miele
The connected family room has massive beanbags in lieu of a couch and an air hockey table for family fun.
Beanbags: Fat Boy; air hockey table: Liberty Games
Beanbags: Fat Boy; air hockey table: Liberty Games
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
Bifold doors: Bowalker Windows; zinc-top outdoor table: The Conran Shop; outdoor fisherman's lamps: Fields of Blue
Cedar now lines the fascia around the front and back of the house, breaking up what had been all brick. A clear view into the entryway met the clients' need for more natural light.
Hardly visible at first, a modern glass pergola blends into the glass entry facade. The clients named their house Wickets — noted on a subtle nameplate — after the cricket term. The village cricket grounds are located right next door.
Taking down dividing walls and putting in a glass bannister and railing transformed the home's entry. A bold pendant light and plain white walls complete the look.
Glass balustrade: Bowalker Windows; pendant light: Moooi
Glass balustrade: Bowalker Windows; pendant light: Moooi
What was once an internal garage and extra room is now the adult lounge and theater room. The clients wanted a visual cue to separate private spaces and the shared great room. Harrington worked with a darker color palette in all the private rooms and kept the family areas light, bright and playful.
Wall tile: slate, Wall & Floors; black carpet: Harmony carpets; floor lamp: Twiggy; fireplace: Fondis, Stoves Online
Wall tile: slate, Wall & Floors; black carpet: Harmony carpets; floor lamp: Twiggy; fireplace: Fondis, Stoves Online
Sconces: Kartell; textured wallpaper: Brian Yates
A comfy Togo sofa sits in front of a large flat-screen TV on the other end of the lounge area. When the blackout curtains are shut tight, the room becomes an instant mini theater.
Sofa: Togo, Ligne Roset; blackout curtains: Decor Innovation
Sofa: Togo, Ligne Roset; blackout curtains: Decor Innovation
In the guest room, one of two bedrooms upstairs, the traditional bed frame gets a modern twist with black lacquer, which contrasts beautifully with the classic plaid wallpaper.
French bed, bed linens, cushions: Coach House; wallpaper: Laura Ashley
French bed, bed linens, cushions: Coach House; wallpaper: Laura Ashley
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
Floating bed: Lago; cushions, bed linen, throw: House of Fraser; bedside lamps: Dwell; nightstands: B&Q
A classic Bubble chair makes the space feel extra swanky.
Bubble chair: Iconic Interiors; curtains: Habitat
Bubble chair: Iconic Interiors; curtains: Habitat
The en suite master bathroom echoes the bedroom's red and black palette. Black mosaic tiles shimmer in the rosy light that filters through red glass panels.
Mosaic tiles: Wall & Floors; red glass shower panel: Bowalker Windows; shower: Axis
Mosaic tiles: Wall & Floors; red glass shower panel: Bowalker Windows; shower: Axis
Custom additions, including color and cool new railings, upgraded the Ikea bunk bed in this kids' room.
Storage, pendant lamps: Ikea
Storage, pendant lamps: Ikea
Alternating colors of Ikea storage units create a bold cross in this kids' room. The sleek surface contrasts with the old-school radiator, painted matte black. "I love mixing old with new," says Harrington. "It immediately takes on a personality."
Bed: Ikea; light: Tom Dixon
Bed: Ikea; light: Tom Dixon
The family wanted the kitchen to have its own feel, with a light and fun ambience. Custom periwinkle cabinets and funky exposed bulbs from Muuto fit the bill.
Bulbs: Muuto; stools: Tolix, Graham & Green; dining chairs: The Conran Shop; table: Salvo Web