The saying ‘money can’t buy you happiness’ surely applies to this homeowner. Her last home, an enormous apartment, was in a luxury development where one walked in and was instantly wowed by the high-end luxe that oozed sleek sophistication. ‘But it never felt like home,’ she says. The beginning of this year saw a ‘360-degree change’ in her life. She moved out of the luxury apartment and bought this two-floor duplex maisonette which she has spent the last few months decorating. It is a world away from her last space with bold wall treatments and distinctive furniture. ‘But this is a home that reflects me,’ she says. ‘It has the “Ah factor” rather than the “Wow factor”, and that is what I was after.’ She bought the apartment brand new, and liked it for its abundance of light and the countryside views from the roof terrace. ‘But it’s less than half the size of what I used to live in, so I needed to be careful how I used colour so it didn’t look small,’ she says. To give herself more space, she closed off the balcony that leads from the living room, effectively extending the living room and creating an area that’s now a beautifully bright place to relax, with a view of the sky above. ‘As I have the roof terrace, I knew I wouldn’t miss the balcony, and it has made a real difference to the interior,’ she says. The stand-out feature of the apartment, however, is the mural that spans one wall. ‘I saw it in a magazine, and it just fascinated me, and I had to have it,’ she says. ‘Because of it, I had to change the colour scheme I had planned and the furniture I had ordered.’ But it was worth it, the large-scale pattern of tropical plants and flowers giving the apartment real personality and warmth. The greenery is picked up throughout the space with indoor plants for a verdant feel throughout. ‘To complement it, I have kept the rest of the decor with an earthy feel,’ says the homeowner. ‘The carpets are a natural fibre and the coffee table, my favourite furniture piece, is made from the stump of a tree.’ It all comes together to create a wonderfully comfortable home, that’s especially cosy at Christmas. ‘This place reminds me of the home I grew up in,’ says the homeowner. ‘I really enjoy living here – unlike where I last lived, I use every space, and I always look forward to coming home.’
Part of an open-plan space, the living room leads onto the balcony which has been closed off to create a larger living area. The coffee table is made from the stump of a tree. Pine boughs attached to the wall make a Christmas tree with a difference. Throws and pillows, ZARA home.
Conservatory
The balcony has been closed off, the homeowner incorporating a glass ceiling for light and also for
views of the sky. The plants give a luscious feel and echo the
dining room mural.
Kitchen
Although not large, the kitchen works well with sleek stainless steel units on one wall and an island which is also used as a place to sit and work, and gather when cooking.
Kitchen
Although not large, the kitchen works well with sleek stainless steel units on one wall and an island which is also used as a place to sit and work, and gather when cooking.
Kitchen
Although not large, the kitchen works well with sleek stainless steel units on one wall and an island which is also used as a place to sit and work, and gather when cooking.
Dining room
The mural, which is inspired by the gardens of Tibet (called Lhasa from Tres Tintas;
trestintas.com/en), gives the dining area, but also the entire open plan living space, character.
Complementing the natural look is the wooden dining table but with the grey tile flooring giving an industrial feel, the homeowner has added an industrial style light. All tableware, ZARA Home
Dining room
Complementing the natural look is the wooden dining table but with the grey tile flooring giving an industrial feel, the homeowner has added an industrial style light. All tableware, ZARA Home
Bedroom
What was a plain white space
has been transformed into an interesting room with paint and texture. The striped wall gives
the room a seaside shack-style feel which is complemented by the mix of bed linen and the
shell chandelier in one corner. Bed cover and throw, ZARA Home
Bedroom
What was a plain white space
has been transformed into an interesting room with paint and texture. The striped wall gives
the room a seaside shack-style feel which is complemented by the mix of bed linen and the
shell chandelier in one corner. Bed cover and throw, ZARA Home
Bathroom
The ensuite bathroom is a
calming space and is linked to the bedroom’s dressing room by the wood-effect porcelain tiles.
Bedroom
One of the children's bedroom in full monochrome effect
Top Floor
The top of the house and leading onto the roof terrace, this room is dramatic in black and white