Gorgeous Home Guide
When interior designer Alex Coomer and her husband, Steve, bought their Victorian town house in west London three years ago they wanted to modernise it straight away. ‘It was dark, dreary and dated when we moved in,’ says Alex. Their previous home had been decorated quite traditionally so Alex was keen to do something different. ‘I wanted to create a contemporary family home but still be sensitive to the house’s period features.’
First they opened up the back of the house, installed glass concertina windows and added a glass domed roof. Once all the rooms had been reallocated and opened up, they began decorating in neutral tones. It was only when it was finished, did Alex realised how monotone it was all looking, so she began adding colour. ‘With every room I decorated, I gradually gained more confidence with colour,’ she says.
Alex’s bright green glass splashback makes a stunning statement in her kitchen. She has accentuated the green with accessories in the same colour. By keeping the rest of the room neutral, the green has maximum impact.
Alex has stuck with traditional style in her living room, but used a contemporary colour scheme. ‘I played with texture using soft tactile fabrics, and choose a modern palette of dove gray, aqua and aubergine,’ says says. Alex’s Eero Saarinen Arco lamp gives the room some wow factor. She has added colour and warmth with a stripy footstool.
Below: Dining room
Alex was aware that the bathroom could look cold, so she tiled the basin area with a glamorous mother of pearl mosaic tile. She softened the room by choosing key bold furnishings with luxurious curves. The elegant side table mimics the bath’s curved shape.
Alex chose an aubergine and silver floral wallpaper from Osborne & Little as an impressive backdrop for the walnut sleigh bed in her bedroom. Alex picked aubergine as her main colour and used it on the throw and cushions. It create a unique and inviting place in which to relax and unwind…
Words by Victoria Metcalf Styling and Feature by STYLE NV
Photos by Rachael Smith
Interior Design by A Interiors 07831 693 304
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10 Responses to “Gorgeous Home Guide”
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The ACHICA Living blog brings you interior design ideas and inspiration for your home, garden and lifestyle. The blog goes behind the scenes to highlight the hottest design trends, share essential expert advice and bring you exclusive interviews with the movers and shakers of the design industry so you can shop for the best products...
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Emily Peck
Founding Editor Emily has written for Grand Designs, Real Homes, Ideal Home, Woman & Home, Livingetc, Stuff, Wired UK, C4 & the BBC.
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Sarah Warwick
Guest Editor Sarah has written about interiors, design and style for The Guardian, Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and House Beautiful.
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Steven Short
Guest Editor Steven was previously the editor of Fabric magazine, he has written for Completely London, Livingetc, Square Meal and Elle Deco.
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Emma Morton Turner
Guest Editor Emma is a super stylist, having worked for Woman & Home, Style At Home, Feel Good Food, Woman and Ideal Home.
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Zia Allaway
Guest Editor Zia is author of How to Grow Practically Everything. She has written for Homes & Gardens & Garden Design Journal.
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Keya Modessa
Features Writer Keya has written for Drapers and Food & Travel magazines. She is always on the hunt for design inspiration and top home styling tips.
I think Alex has done a wonderful job making her house a superb contemporary home, although its very similar to a lot of modern family homes these days, i hope they have many happy years there & maybe it will evolve into something a bit more unique & homely given time.
Very impressed with this house. So many houses look “same old” but I think there’s alot of individuality in this property – particularly through the injection of colour.
Beautiful house – just my thing! Lovely clean lines yet cosy and homely. And practical! I wish I could ditch my old stuff and bring in the new to achieve this look.
where was the kitchen table bought from in Alex Coomer’s house?
Hi
I have been a member for some time but am unable to get into the site to purchase. When I put in my password you insist it is not recognised. When i press for a password reminder you do not reply. you now say that my email is not recognised so I tried to register again and you would not allow that. I have seen a number of items that I would like to buy so you are loosing money. Please resolve this for me.
Paula Howard
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Emily
great post, love the decor
Love the kitchen table and chairs, where did Alex buy them?
I am thinking of redoing my bedroom decor. I liked the idea of going in for floral wall paper and using a matching duvet. Thanks to Alex for providing the wonderful idea.
Beautiful house, decor a mix of modern with touches of eclectic. Love the colours, furniture and textures, but not so sure about wallpaper. Also love the kitchen and would not change anything about it, very well thought and positioned.