Patterned wallpaper and pretty floral accessories add a contemporary feel to this historic Suffolk house
STATEMENT SEATING
A large L-shaped linen sofa, the Otto from Sofa.com, is the centrepiece of the open drawing room and has been teamed with colourful cushions and a large rug. All the floors in the house were renovated rather than replaced, and some of the floorboards originally came from trees that grew on the estate.
WHO LIVES HERE
Penny and Richard Ballard, both former solicitors, have owned this 17th-century Grade II-listed property near Bury St Edmunds for 30 years. ‘We decided to update it three years ago and asked interior designer Susie Stocks to add colour and character to each room with statement pieces, tactile fabrics and unusual wallpapers,’ says Penny, who has also started to rent out her home occasionally.
FAMILY DINING
An old glasshouse was taken down and the extra space was used to create a large dining area with a table big enough to seat 10. French-style chairs from Chic Antique add a relaxed feel and the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball Dix Blue and Green Blue.
MIX AND MATCH
The Shaker-style kitchen is the Fairford in Dove Grey from Howdens, the quartz worktops are from Worktop Warehouse and the glass and chrome handles are from Graham & Green. A large island unit provides an additional work surface.
HOME COMFORTS
When Penny’s four children and four grandchildren come to stay, the Bluebell sofas from Sofa.com are big enough for everyone to relax on. The panelling is painted in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke
