MONOCHROME CHIC

The black and white scheme of Amy Morton’s London ! lat has been expertly so"ened with natural materials, vintage fabrics and carefully curated finds

Natural materials so#en a bold black and white scheme

I’m not quite sure where my love of monochrome came from, but it doesn’t seem to be fading,’ says Amy Morton of the pale!e in her Edwardian "at. ‘ For me, monochromatic interiors are peaceful, calming and unclu!ered. I’ve always been drawn to well-made, utilitarian items from the past – pieces that are o#en very simple and don’t require elaborate decoration or bright colours to enhance their beauty.’

It’s rare to see a home with such a regimented scheme and, on paper, you might imagine it

to be stark or cold. But, thanks to Amy’s eye for vintage and antique pieces, the look is soothing in the most sophisticated way. In the si!ing room, crisp whitewashed "oors and walls are so#ened by vintage fabric- covered chairs, linen curtains (cra #ed from antique French sheets), woven coir rugs and abundant cushions designed by Amy. There’s an industrial edge, too and antique bus signs, time-worn science posters, military shells and heirloom metal storage trunks add an edgier vibe that sharpens the look – a striking contrast to the colourful interior that prevailed when she and her husband, Will, $ rst viewed the "at. ‘ We had been outbid on di %erent London properties every weekend for nine months. This "at, in Bounds Green, was cosmetically very run down but had great bones. We recti $ed damp issues, ripped out the bathroom, changed non-period $ replaces, doors, "oorboards and skirting with reclaimed Edwardian $ nds and swapped pink plastic chandeliers,

‘I’m drawn to neutrals: natural linens, vintage ticking and pa!erned "orals in shades of black and white.’

purple walls and peach carpets for a much simpler look,’ she says.

Amy’s ! rst passion was textiles, followed by an instinctive obsession with antiques. ‘I’m drawn to neutrals: natural linens, vintage ticking and pa"erned #orals in shades of black and white – a mix of French brocante meets timeless Scandi,’ says Amy. ‘ With a monochrome backdrop, things move around all the time. I like clean lines and statement ! nds, original over high street. The design of each room at home always begins with one key piece, like our oversized antique star light !"ing or Scandinavian white antique bench. I fall in love with pieces impulsively and they ! nd their own place.’

Growing up, Amy explains, her parents instilled in her an appreciation of good design from a young age. ‘ My mum took me to many exhibitions in London while I was studying and nurtured my interest in fashion and textiles. I had wonderful teachers at school and, from 16, my focus was solely on fabrics.’ With such a keen eye for detail it comes as no surprise that Amy carved out a career heading up homeware and fabric development for Cabbages & Roses, trawling antiques markets for vintage designs that would provide inspiration, before moving to John Lewis as Fabrics Buyer. ‘ While at Cabbages & Roses, I had the opportunity to regularly visit antiques markets and this is where my passion for sourcing really developed,’ she says. ‘I now mainly source from Sunbury Antiques Market and IACF events, but am always hunting out local antiques fairs and shops, wherever I travel.’

The move here in 2015 coincided with the launch of Amy’s new business and online shop, Pillo, where

she sells antique homewares, so! furnishings made from beautiful vintage textiles, and new linen designs, which take their cue from aged fragments. Each piece is designed, screen printed and made by Amy. ‘ My linen designs are inspired by vintage pa"erns that I # nd on my travels, or from antique pieces in museums. I’m particularly fond of anything with French origin,’ she says.

Sourcing, layering and curating lies at the heart of Amy’s style, and that is re$ected in both her home and business. ‘ I don’t follow trends – everything here is personal and unique to us. If you follow your instincts, then your home becomes a re$ection of you – each layer resonates your life story and personality.’

‘If you follow your instincts, then your home becomes a re ection of you – each layer resonates your life story and personality.’

The Owners Amy Morton (below), founder and designer behind homeware company, Pillo, and her husband, Will, a Sound Engineer, live here with their cat, Steve. View Amy’s designs at pillolondon.com – her new collection is launching this month.

The flat is located in an Edwardian building in London. It has two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen/ diner and studio. The Property

Contemporary matt white units from John Lewis are juxtaposed with vintage crates, worn chopping boards and antique enamel signs from Pillo. The vintage industrial black pendant lights are from Floral Hall Antiques. LEFT Amy favours vintage utilitarian pieces and decorative finds. These plates and linens are all from her shop, Pillo. ABOVE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The couple completely overhauled the bathroom and replaced it with a suite that suits the age of the property; vintage linens, faded florals and time-worn hemp sacks are all washed and stacked, ready to be repurposed; the cabinet, from Sunbury Antiques Market, was originally for tools.

CLOCKWISE FROMTOP LEFT The large square pillows are from Casa Honore, a hotel in Marseilles where the couple stayed on honeymoon; the blue vintage chest from Spain was found at Sunbury Antiques Market; the Scandinavian bench was discovered at Ardingly Antiques Fair and prompted the bedroom scheme. The cushions are from Pillo.