Pick of the Pads: Art House

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May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine with collection of fat lava pottery

For this month’s Pick of the Pads, we’ve chosen the gorgeous home of Tony & Theresa Tilly featured in the May 2014 edition of Elle Decoration. They share a passion for collecting, particularly Mid Century Modern, so it’s joy to view their pieces – and interesting to see how they’re displayed in a domestic setting.

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine with 'Art House' article title

Situated in the forests of Arden, this secluded modern home is built from locally sourced stone & wood – natural materials that sit perfectly in the landscape.

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine showing garden looking towards the house

It’s full of light and space – and large enough to accommodate their wonderful collection of art, pottery, furniture & cacti!

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine with 'Art House' article double page spread

The couple have filled their house with wonderful pieces – and we like their philosophy for collecting. To quote Tony –  “Before buying a piece, I ask myself – Do I like it and does it fit our style? I don’t chase design names.

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine showing art collection with a background azure blue wall

They display objects with care & imagination. There are hundreds of pieces, but there’s no sense of it being cramped. The vases are almost like a flowing river!

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine double page spread showing sitting room with large glass floor to ceiling windows looking out to the garden

The artwork on the walls is striking, the furniture & lighting well considered. There’s also a real warmth to the spaces.

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine showing collection of blue pottery vases

There’s no sense that you couldn’t get on with day to day activities. The collection enhances rather than hinders life.

May 2014 Elle Decoration magazine showing sitting room with wood burning stove, logs and pottery vase collection

Actually, the couple seem to have a near perfect existence! When Tony is asked to describe a typical day, this is his answer:

“We spend a lot of time outdoors. I collect timber in the forest for our wood-burning stove, I walk the dog, and sometimes my wife rides one of the horses while I cycle alongside her. Sometimes I get up very early so that I can get to the flea markets in the cities. I don’t like routine so each day is different.”

Bliss!!

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Pick of the Pads: The Egg Man

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'I am the Egg Man' article title page from the April 2014 Homes & Antiques magazine

We’ve got a slight twist for this month’s Pick of the Pads. It’s more a work space than a living space, but with Easter round the corner, the egg theme swayed it.

Homes & Antiques April 2014 magazine cover

It’s the studio workspace of Tony Ladd – the ‘Egg Man’ that was in the April 2014 issue of the Homes & Antiques Magazine magazine.

Tony Ladd's studio workspace featured in the April 2014 Homes & Antiques magazine

He’s a wildlife artist specialising in British birds. He creates stunningly realistic, hand-cast, hand-painted egg specimens.

Tony Ladd's hand painted egg collection featured in the April 2014 Homes & Antiques magazine

His workspace is a self-built, oak-framed wooden studio situated in his garden on the Sussex coast.

corner of Tony Ladd's studio workspace featured in the April 2014 Homes & Antiques magazine

We love all the wooden banks of drawers & shelving…

corner of Tony Ladd's studio workspace featured in the April 2014 Homes & Antiques magazine

…filled with jars, brushes, books, artefacts and references to nature.

four details from Tony Ladd's studio workspace featured in the April 2014 Homes & Antiques magazine

It’s both homely & fascinating – such an inspiring space!

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Pick of the Pads: Wealden Times

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'Crystal Clear' article in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

For this month’s Pick of the Pads we’ve chosen to feature the fabulous home of Adrian & Amy.

February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

It’s featured in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times – a lifestyle magazine we only stumbled across recently. As the name suggests, it covers the Wealden area of the south east of England – taking in the South Downs of Kent & East Sussex. The magazine’s available to pick up at Waitrose stores & train stations in the region, but subscriptions & postal options are also available.

view of the lounge in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

This unique home is formed by the very skilful joining of the Georgian coach house and neighbouring cottage – both fully restored by the present owners.

view of the dining room in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The results are stunning – the epitome of modern rustic style.

view of the bedroom in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The fabric of the building is used to maximum effect – exposed brickwork, beams, floorboards & wood panelling all add character & texture.

antique oak coffer between 2 armchairs upholstered in tartan fabric

It provides the perfect backdrop for a wonderful blend of country antiques, vintage finds & industrial styling. Blankets, cushions, warm lighting & fresh flowers soften the spaces.

view of the walkway in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The contemporary glass walkways linking the coach house to the cottage also work superbly well. The structure of the buildings really sings out – and we love the fact that materials were either restored in situ or reclaimed from the site.

view of the cooker in the kitchen in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

The spaces look so comfortable & welcoming.

views of the kitchen and sitting room in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

We could happily avail ourselves of one of the numerous comfy looking chairs on offer – they’d never get rid of us!!

view of the new extension in the February 2014 edition of the Wealden Times magazine

And a gorgeous, friendly dog to welcome you home is always the icing on the cake!!

Pick of the Pads: Simply Beautiful

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Elle Decoration February 2014 magazine cover with pair of glasses

We’ve turned to the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration for this month’s Pick of the Pads.

'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

This wonderful loft apartment is situated in the Norwegian city of Stavanger and is the home of Mariken Steen and her partner Stian Einar Forgaard.

table and chairs in 'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

Mariken is an illustrator & Stian a film director, so as they put it, “are exposed to a lot of visual stimulation” in their work lives. Their home is a retreat from this – calmness, simplicity & functionality are the words that spring to mind.

seating in 'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

The interior is essential for their mental well being – an uncluttered house for an uncluttered mind, in effect.

Clothes on a hanging rail in 'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

The apartment is decorated quite sparsely, but certainly doesn’t lack interest. In fact, the simplicity makes it easier for your eyes to rest on certain views or pieces. A great deal of thought & sourcing has gone into it.

Kitchen in 'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

There’s a wonderful mix of vintage, recycled & contemporary pieces – a palette of greys, creams & browns runs throughout.

Bedroom in 'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

The space is full of natural light & materials, much of it provided by the structure of the building which the owners stripped right back during their renovations. Rooms are softened by textiles & candlelight.

Doorways in 'Simply Beautiful' article from the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration magazine

Interiors perfection – Simply Beautiful – we love it!

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