HOUSE OF THE MONTH
When Zoe and George Brookes became the custodians of an early- 20th-century arts and crafts house, they were keen to retain its integrity while adding colour and contemporary flourishes to suit their family’s needs
FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES
KITCHEN
The oak cabinets were lacquered instead of sprayed to enable the grain to stand out for added character. ‘The structural supports in the extension felt intrusive until our designer Susan Venn suggested we paint them in a beautiful red Merlot colour,’ says Zoe.
HOME TRUTHS
THE PROPERTY An arts and crafts home dating from around 1920
ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen/dining area/snug, garden room, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms
LOCATION Surrey
SNUG/DINING AREA
Zoe’s favourite time of day is when the children come home from school and the family relax in the snug while she prepares dinner. Around table was chosen as it provides contrast to the linear glazing.
Purchasing a new home brings excitement as well as trepidation about what lies ahead, but for Zoe Brookes and her husband George, who have two children, Oliver, 16, and Sophie, 15, there was the added feeling of responsibility at owning an early-20thcentury arts and crafts gem. ‘After living in a modern house for years, we were hoping to find a characterful home full of charm, but never expected to find ourselves the custodians of such a property,’ says Zoe.
With a rich narrative and timeless quality, the house had been rented for more than 10 years and was tired and dated. ‘We were focused on creating a comfortable and practical home for our family while acknowledging the beauty and craftsmanship of the arts and crafts movement,’ says Zoe. ‘Original features such as the windows, staircase, porch and hallway have been retained, but with the help of interior designer Susan Venn of Susan Venn Design, we opened up the warren of cramped downstairs rooms, removed a narrow second staircase, and created a spacious and practical living area.’
Upon closer inspection, the contemporary interior artfully reflects the arts and crafts aesthetic with handmade wooden shelving in warm oak, hand-painted heritage green kitchen cabinets and natural textiles dotted throughout. ‘Susan’s advice was invaluable as she’s so experienced with colour and really takes the time to understand how you live and how you want your home to look and feel. The neutral wall colours and textured wallpaper throughout the house enab
