In 1912, British explorer, naturalist, and writer Aubyn Trevor-Battye tasked architects Inigo Trigs and William Unsworth with building his dream home in Hampshire, England.
“It was an absolute gift of a house,” says Tamsin Saunders, the interior designer entrusted with sprucing up the place for the new owners.
Integrating the lush green environment into the interior was part of Aubyn’s original brief, so Tamsin aimed to honor that.
After
In the foyer, a Swedish still-life painting hangs beneath the sweeping staircase, while a large 1930s vase filled with a leafy floral arrangement forges a bond with the outdoors.
Tamsin restored the historic hardwood flooring and elaborate plaster ceiling in the living room.
“I loved it because it’s got the amethyst drops,” she says.
A window bench overlooks the verdant garden and a flowing stream lined with wild garlic.
I think things should just quietly resonate or just be really beautiful.”
The clients’ inherited antique bureau fits right in.
Tamsin paired the original green granite fireplace with an olive velvet wingback chair.
In the kitchen, Tamsin replaced the poky 1980s cabinetry with spacious custom inset cupboards.
The kitchen’s soft chalky gray walls and speckled granite counters nod to the stonework outside. The copper jelly molds on top of the cabinet are an homage to the nearby Petworth House.
Tamsin filled the glass cabinet with colorful china and lusterware.
The clients already had the wooden dining table and a couple of vintage chairs, so Tamsin simply added a few more.
The red and ivory toile upholstered bed already belonged to the clients as well, so Tamsin crafted the primary bedroom around it.
For the clients’ daughter, Tamsin created a whimsical space with Cole & Son Hummingbirds wallpaper and pale green blinds.
The existing two-toned green marble floors in the family bathroom didn’t need much more than a sage-colored clawfoot tub to feel complete.
The bones were there, but heavy curtains and drab furnishings were getting in the way.
Before
The brown 1980s kitchen was “pretty awful,” according to Tamsin, who ripped it right out.