Category: pads

Pick of the Pads: Less is More

'Less is More' article title page in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

Sometimes you look at the exterior of a house and just know you’re going to like the interior. It doesn’t work out 100% of the time, but this is one of those occasions that it does. Perhaps you could say that it even exceeds expectations, we love it so much.

Cover of the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

The house belongs to Jo Weeks who owns interiors shop, Sixty Seven – and is featured in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine. I’m sure wouldn’t want to take all the credit as the house was bought and refurbished by Alex Legendre and Zoe Ellison who also own a homewares shop, I gigi. Jo had the wonderful luxury of moving in after all the hassle and dirty work was over – bliss!

Double bedroom decorated in natural colours from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

The house is situated in the North Laine area of Brighton – a place we know well. We’ve spent many an hour wandering round the North Laine (or North Laines as most people call them now) – browsing the shops, eating lunch and drinking in the many watering holes. In fact, Justin used to own a house there too twenty years ago. We wonder which street this one’s on.

Sitting room with cream coloured wood burning stove from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

We know one thing for sure – we absolutely love what they’ve done with the place – as they say. A lesson in creating a modern home whilst retaining character and atmosphere in bucket-loads.

Eclectic sitting room cum study from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

The colour palette is restful, but never dull. There are many layers of natural tone – and a pared back simplicity which allows spaces to breathe. In fact, there’s real discipline shown so as not to clutter or overcrowd. As the feature title says, “Where less is more”.

Bathroom with roll top bath from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

Many generations have called it home – and there’s a real sense of history and intimacy. Jo is now making it her own much loved family home.

Views of a bedroom fireplace and hallway balustrade from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

Usually, when you read a house tour something irks you a bit – the odd piece of furniture placement, a certain colour, a decorative object. We’ve had a good look – no, there’s nothing.

Three views of sitting areas from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

Rooms appear light and airy. They’re filled with some lovely vintage furniture such as the kitchen seating, the writing desk and the very comfy looking leather club chair. Where a contemporary piece is needed, such as the cream wood burning stove, it’s the perfect choice. Decoration is simple with fresh flowers and the occasional painting (which, surprise, surprise – we love too!). We wonder who the artist is? It’s very much like the landscapes of an artist we know called Geoffrey Key. We had to sell our Geoff Key oil painting to pay for a major operation on our dog’s leg – are you listening Fudge? :-).

Three views of sitting areas from the 'Less is More' article in the May 2016 edition of Country Living magazine

We know from experience that big gardens just don’t exist in the North Laine, but most houses have a small courtyard space. With a bit of creativity, these can be lovely little havens too. Here, the whitewashed space with with overhanging vine and tempting looking chairs offer the perfect spot for an evening G&T or glass of wine. When can we move in?!

Pick of the Pads: Northern Exposure

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Northern Exposure article in Elle Decoration magazine

Pick of the Pads is back with this stunning, light-filled home.

Elle Decoration magazine cover

It’s featured in the October 2015 edition of Elle Decoration.

Dining room in monochromatic home

The apartment belongs to Swedish fashion photographer, Maria Wretblad and her film photographer husband, Aril – the Northern Exposure title is a reference to its Stockholm location.

Dark painted walls in a monochromatic home

We love the pared back simplicity.

Dark painted walls with pile of books in a corner in a monochromatic home

Subtle, layered shades of white, black, grey and dusty pale pastels provide the backdrop.

Sitting room in a monochromatic home

Carefully selected classic design pieces are dotted throughout the apartment – some beautiful seating and lighting, in particular.

Work desk in a monochromatic home

Wood, textiles and lots of books provide warmth and homeliness; plants, seed-heads and feathers draw nature in.

Glass balloon light on a pile of books on the floor of a monochromatic home

It’s got a lot of impact but, at the same time, is calm and well-balanced – classic Scandi cool!

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Pick of the Pads: Modernist Mill

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Kitchen and stairs in a modernist mill

We’ve chosen this wonderful Italian modernist mill conversion for this month’s Pick of the Pads feature.

'Modernist Mill' article title page from Elle Decoration

It’s the home of fashion designer, Barbara Garofalo and is featured in the July 2015 edition of Elle Decoration – it even gets on the cover!

Elle Decoration magazine cover

Factory spaces aren’t common in Rome, and this former wool mill provides an amazing structure with which to work.

Minimalist dressing room in a modernist mill featured in Elle Decoration magazine

 It’s airy, clean and uncluttered… and we love it!

Minimalist bedroom in a modernist mill featured in Elle Decoration magazine

The colour scheme is largely white with muted, natural shades – and just the odd flash of strong colour which works superbly well – the red kitchen cupboards or striped textile on this bed for example.

Minimalist lounge area with floor cushions in a modernist mill featured in Elle Decoration magazine

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows let sunlight pour in…

Minimalist workspace area with floor cushions in a modernist mill featured in Elle Decoration magazine

…and there’s a distinct vintage industrial feel to the décor with rough hewn wood, wire racks, baskets, hooks and trolleys.

Tall, white wire cage storage in a modernist mill featured in Elle Decoration magazine

The spaces flow into each other so well and it’s both homely and functional – a difficult balance to achieve. It looks pretty much perfect to us!

Pick of the Pads: So Last Century!

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Mid century modern decorated sitting room

This fabulous house appeared in a recent edition of Stella Magazine.

'So Last Century' article in Stella Magazine from 29 March 2015

It’s the Marseilles home of Virginie & Jean-Baptiste Moutte, co-owners of vintage furniture store, Relax Factory.

Cover of Stella Magazine from 29 March 2015

As you’d expect from mid century modern dealers, their home is brimming with beautiful pieces from the era.

Armchair in a mid century modern decorated sitting room

We love their use of bright, primary colours which does indeed put you in a cheery, holiday kind of mood.

Kitchen in a mid century modern decorated sitting room

 It’s done supremely well – well judged and not at all gaudy.

Yellow bedroom in a mid century modern decorated sitting room

There are eye-catching feature walls, textiles & artwork – or, as in the case of the dining space below, bold chair covers to lift the more muted, natural tones of the room.

Dining table in a mid century modern decorated sitting room

With all the wonderful furniture, lighting and vintage accessories on view, the house could work as a staged shop display, but it manages to look very lived in and homely too – a little gem!