Best home buys
Having already found somewhere to move to, amanda Erritt was reluctantly persuaded to view a few more properties. one viewing later she was hooked and found her new home…
In-between houses in 2005, amanda Erritt, an interior designer, and her husband simon, a risk analyst, had already put down a deposit on a new family home in Clapham, south london, for her young family. “We were staying near my mum in surrey and she was keen for us to live nearby, so I made a token effort to view a couple of houses to appease her,” says amanda. “but I didn’t expect to fall in love with the first house I viewed and buy it on the spot! My husband hadn’t even seen it, but I just knew it was our home – perfect for raising our young children louis and lara.”
although the house hadn’t been touched for 40 years, amanda knew that she could make it her forever home – but there was lots of work to do and it has taken years of love and thought to create the home she wanted.
amanda had a plan of action, including a new kitchen extension, new bathrooms, windows, heating, electrics, soft furnishings, carpets and furniture throughout, as well as a new front door, landscaping and fencing. “We just worked through the house as and when our budget would allow. For me, it was important to retain the period style – without making the house look old-fashioned,” explains amanda.
Despite the house being an original arts and Crafts house, designed and built by the architect tarrant, the >>
“Even though I am an interior designer, this is home, so I didn’t want it to be a showpiece”
previous owners had clearly been influenced by the 60s and 70s. the floors were adorned with swirling carpets, there was an abundance of Formica in the kitchen, and the bathroom suites had been updated in peach and avocado. “While I am a great fan of the retro look, when we bought this house, the 70s revival was not a good thing. I decided to strip it back and add my own contemporary touches that worked harmoniously with its designer past,” says amanda.
In the kitchen extension amanda has managed to balance the old and new with effortless style. “a house this old
needs to be treated with respect but I felt that as the kitchen extension was a new addition to the original plan I could be more adventurous,” she explains.
“even though I am an interior designer, this is home, so I didn’t want it to be a showpiece. We all love it, and friends and family often gather here for meals and parties, and we have family living abroad who often stay.”
being an interior designer has its advantages; amanda was easily able to imagine each room as a finished project – all she had to do then was make it a reality. “of course I often see other styles that I love, but I can’t bear the thought of having work done here and disrupting the peace. I satisfy my inspiration and creativity when I am working on clients’ homes instead!” she smiles. >>