Transforming a Georgian Country House: An Uplifting Interior Design Journey
When it comes to decorating a country house, there are two distinctly different approaches. Bunny Turner, co-founder of the design studio Turner Pocock, shares her insights: "One method is to tone down color and pattern, inviting the exterior ambiance indoors. While this can create a serene atmosphere, it might feel a bit grim during the winter months. The second approach, as we embraced here, is to keep a feeling of spring alive throughout the year, and that’s truly magical."
A Historic Transformation
The project in focus is a historic former hunting lodge nestled in Berkshire, dating back to the Georgian era. Every corner of this exquisite residence is filled with vibrant colors and playful patterns. From a cheerful coral cloakroom embellished with spring flowers to a sunny yellow sofa that radiates warmth in the living room, Bunny notes, "We selected materials and patterns that harmonize beautifully with the country setting."
The property showcases a stunning reclaimed stone floor, evoking a sense of history befitting its age. Among the design choices are wall lights from Visual Comfort & Co., fabrics like Citrus Garden by Schumacher, cabinetry in Treron by Farrow & Ball, and aged brick wall tiles by Marlborough Tiles.
Family-Centered Design Approach
The clients for this delightful renovation happen to be Bunny’s sister and brother-in-law, who relocated from London with their four children in 2019. During their first year, they focused on understanding the house’s layout and the family’s needs. Bunny explains, "This Georgian house features perfect proportions for family living; it simply required love and an infusion of life."
The sink area was enhanced with elegant skirting and custom Delft-style tiles crafted by an artist friend of the owners, showcasing Bunny’s attention to detail.
Insightful Client Collaboration
Bunny and her partner, Emma Pocock, employ a meticulous process for extracting design briefs—even when collaborating with family. "We encouraged them to collect visual references to clarify the aesthetic they envisioned, which turned out to be a delightfully vibrant use of color and pattern," shares Bunny.
Bold Choices and Historic Elements
The spacious rooms offered an excellent canvas for bold color choices, allowing for a striking array of hues. In the family room, rich leaf-green walls contrast beautifully with eclectic furniture in reds, pinks, blues, and softer greens. Some pieces were salvaged from their London home, but Bunny quips, "This house devours furniture," indicating they needed more to fill the expansive spaces.
Art as a Focal Point
Being art collectors, the couple benefited from the designers’ expertise in creating a gallery wall that would stand out. "Smaller pieces can easily disappear in a large room, so we grouped them together for maximum impact," explains Bunny.
Antique Elegance
To balance the vivid colors, the incorporation of antiques was crucial. "The presence of brown furniture added depth and completeness to the decor," says Bunny, who guided her sister in sourcing pieces over time, ensuring a well-rounded aesthetic.
Consistency in Color Scheme
Moving to the upper floors, the same confident color strategy continued. "Consistency is key; otherwise, rooms can feel disconnected," states Bunny. The children’s bathroom features an eye-catching acid yellow complementing wallpaper adorned with grasshoppers and birds, while earthy greens beautifully anchor soft pinks in the main suite.
A Playful Final Touch
The most whimsical space is the first-floor playroom, wrapped in bold blue and white stripes accented with crimson woodwork. Bunny remarks, "We adore a tented ceiling—it’s timeless and functional," as the room is equipped with built-in seating that transforms into sleeping space for sleepovers.
Essential Spaces for Every Home
Ultimately, the interior design of this Georgian country house serves a dual purpose: it’s visually uplifting and exceedingly livable. "Such homes encourage you to engage fully with them—whether it’s bringing fresh flowers from the garden or hosting gatherings with loved ones,” Bunny muses. "It was a bold transformation, requiring the courage to commit to color. When you choose this path, following through is essential."
For more inspiring interior design ideas and tips, visit ChatbiHouse Blog and explore how to transform your space beautifully.
