No.7
A charming old rectory has been updated by interior designer Emily Smoor with schemes full of colour, pattern and eclectic touches
FEATURE VIVIENNE AYERS
KITCHEN
‘We wanted the kitchen to feel it had plenty of things in it and be comfortable, eclectic, warm and cosy,’ says Emily. Cabinets, Howdens; in Olive Colour, Little Greene. Stools, Zara Home. Curtains in Volga Linen fabric
HOW DID YOU COME TO BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT?
The client followed me on Instagram and I then became involved. The house was extensively refurbished – quite a few original features had been taken out so it was all reinstated to be appropriate to the style of the house.
WHAT WAS THE BRIEF?
We wanted to create an eclectic scheme that also remained true and appropriate to the period of the property. We didn’t want it to be too traditional nor be too contemporary, but we wanted a mix that would feel timeless.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE.
All my designs are very eclectic and I always like to have an interesting mixture of furniture styles. There are antique and vintage pieces in nearly all my designs.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN PRIORITIES?
I wanted to create a very comfortable place that felt luxurious. The rooms are all quite different so I feel as if each room has its own personality.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE SCHEME?
As a designer, you squirrel away fabrics, patterns and pieces of art that you know one day will form the basis of a design. One of the headboard fabrics had been sitting in a drawer for years. I was waiting for the right project and because I was given a free rein on this one, it was an opportunity to use all these treasures I had been harbouring. That was a really unique opportunity as a designer and really special.
HOME TRUTHS
THE PROPERTY Detached 18th-century former rectory
ROOMS Double sitting room, kitchen/ dining area, utility, six bedrooms, five bathrooms, guest cloakroom, lounge area
LOCATION Northumberland
SITTING ROOM
Grasscloth wallpaper forms a textural backdrop. Chalky blues inject soothing colour into the neutral scheme. Grasscloth wallpaper, Tektura. Reclaimed wooden coffee table, Home Barn. Blue velvet armchairs, Love Your Home. Red cushions, Oka
DINING AREA
Located in the orangery with beautiful views, this area is designed to be the heart of the home with a large table for everyone to gather to eat. Table and chairs, Cosywood. Rug, Nordic Knots. Armchairs, Oka. Pendant lights, Caravane
BEDROOM
Emily wanted to create a feeling as if in a canopy high up in the trees and wrapped walls w
