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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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!!