Why it works

While the dining room retains most of its Regency architectural fixtures and fittings (echoed in French and English furniture from the period and around it), Helen has successfully integrated other decorative styles. They range from a bulbous, colourful Mexican earthenware urn, to refined Bohemian and Muranese glass; and delicate Chinese calligraphic portraits, to the broad brushstrokes of a 20th- century landscape mural; plus, my personal favourites, three chic Ottoman Collection coats.