In fullcolour

ABOVE The smart front exterior of Alex and Andrew’s Georgian home. RIGHT A striking painting from Cricket Fine Art is a key focus of the room, with colours that reflect those used in the furnishings. The garnet-coloured Sanford sofa and the grey Elystan sofa are both by David Seyfried, while the Avaline wall lights are from The Lamp Factory London.

When it was time to create a new environment for their family, relocating from their home in London was never an option for Alex and Andrew Barnes. “Other than moving out when he was a young man, this house has always been Andrew’s home. His late parents bought it for their family in the 1950s,” explains Alex, who moved in when she and Andrew married.

Some years ago, the house was stripped back to its bones with repairs and renovations completed before it was redecorated throughout. “The interior had been tastefully and very traditionally decorated, but it was definitely time to brighten and refresh the look,” Alex says. Unsure how to begin, she commissioned her friend and interior designer, Lucinda Sanford. “I have seen lots of Lucinda’s projects, so I know she enjoys using plenty of colour. I knew she would do a superb job and she has proved me right of course.”

Alex and Lucinda collaborated closely on the best ways to reimagine the entire interior while also being mindful of the history and heritage of the house. Lucinda was given a simple brief – to inject stylish colour and fun which would create a livelier atmosphere more in keeping with the lives and tastes of a young family. “Andrew was happy to leave us to it, but had very clear ideas on which family heirlooms and antiques were definitely staying put. Lucinda carefully incorporated all his treasured pieces into the new room schemes. The result is a wonderful, eclectic mix of contemporary paint colours, combined with fresh fabrics and furnishings that sit beautifully alongside precious older items.”

After an initial consultation and walk through the house, Lucinda returned with mood boards, samples and ideas for Alex to consider. “There was very little indecision on the whole as Lucinda’s mood boards clarified exactly what I liked and what I didn’t,” she explains. “I found it easy to choose between her suggestions for each room. I’m a huge fan of Kit Kemp’s hotel interiors.