HELD HIGH
A pitched roof inspired by homes in the Hamptons raises this characterful extension to new levels
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECT? This is an extension I added to a Victorian worker’s cottage in Henley-onthames. The room is huge, which makes it fantastic for entertaining, with a kitchen and dining space at one end and the living area at the other.
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS. The pitched ceiling with bead-and-butt boarding has a strong American East Coast aesthetic, lending an informal element to the space. The wall on the right was originally the exterior wall of the cottage and I opted to keep a window (not seen) so visitors can glimpse the new extension from the entrance hall.
WHAT DOES THE JOINERY BRING TO THE SPACE? Although the pitched roof is the focal point of the room, I also had bookcases made to flank the fireplace, with picture lights to illuminate the art and collected pieces. I took inspiration from a typically Belgian colour palette, painting the wall and bookcases grey, which adds depth to the space and helps to draw the eye to the end of the room. The fireplace, which has a mantel in a beautiful marble paint effect, is in the same shade of grey, as I decided this was more visually effective than opting for a contrasting colour.
WHAT WERE THE KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN DESIGNING THE SEATING LAYOUT? The pitch of the roof is asymmetrical so I used the furniture to establish symmetry within the space by arranging the layout around the fireplace. The pieces needed to be substantial to suit the scale of the room, so I opted for a modern take on the Chesterfield with these elongated designs upholstered in washed grey linen. I also felt it was important to have sofas with a low profile, as I didn’t want to interrupt the sightlines out to the garden or across the room to the fireplace. In contrast, the armchairs offered the chance to introduce colour to the room with a striking tribal patterned fabric.
CAN YOU OFFER TIPS FOR KEEPING A MAINLY GREY PALETTE INTERESTING? It’s really important to introduce a variety of materials, for example the vintage outdoor side table to the right of the armchairs is made of zinc, while the other is an iron-based design topped with chalky Bluestone. For the coffee table, I used an old door that was originally from a house in the Pyrenees. The iron had oxidised to a wonderful patina, so I commissioned a restorer to make a trestle base out of reclaimed timber, then I added a glass top. People are often afraid to use outdoor pieces inside, but I love the textures they can bring to a space. The same applies to the weathervane, the urn and the zinc window box with the lavender, which helps to make a feature of the internal window.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE GLOBE LANTERN? I’m not a fan of rows of spotlights or hidden LEDS, I like to source unusual lighting that adds another layer of interest. This globe design holds its own in the room and helps to emphasise the high ceiling, bringing a timeless quality to the scheme.