THE WELL-CRAFTED HOME

Inspired by her Canadian country roots, Chris Myers has introduced homespun charm to her pretty Edwardian house

Homespun elements and vintage finds bring character to an Edwardian house in Buckinghamshire

Although it’s a long way from her native land, Chris Myers’ house echoes the open style of properties there, with their wooden wraparound verandas and spacious, airy rooms. “When we first

saw it, somehow it reminded me of home,” she says. Scandinavian and New England influences are also evident – an abundance of large windows and glass doors that make the most of the light, pale painted woodwork and simple rustic furniture.

A long-time fan of Country Living magazine – “I’ve been buying it since the first issue as it provides the most amazing inspiration for all the things I love about rural life” – Chris finally made the move from north London in February 2000 with husband Neil and their sons Nick, then aged nine, and Stefan, five. The Chilterns was a bit of a compromise initially as Chris wanted to move further into the countryside, but the area offered Neil easy rail access to London for work, as well as the quiet setting they had been searching for.

Once the practicalities of relocation had been attended to, Chris set about transforming the property. After years of experimenting with colour and styles, she was drawn to a simpler, less cluttered aesthetic, using furniture and shades that create a sense of space. “There was a lot of pink when we arrived,” she recalls. “We had to make it less girly and more acceptable for the boys.”

They also spent many weekends ripping up carpets. A lover of natural wood, Chris was keen to discover the condition of the

LEFT Double doors lead onto the garden from the light-filled kitchen, where tongue-andgroove panelling was added to create an informal rustic effect ABOVE An old painted dresser holds a collection of vintage blue and white china, along with a quirky...