Inner Sanctum
British interior design guru Kelly Hoppen gives an exclusive peek into her countryside residence in the heart of the Cotswolds
Over the turbulent past year, multi-awarded interior designer Kelly Hoppen found her safe haven in a 2,500sqft converted barn home amidst vast quintessential English landscape. “My new home is outside London, in the heart of the British countryside full of rich history and the beautiful outdoors,” says the multi-awarded visual storyteller, speaking of her abode that she describes as “escapism, an opportunity to pause and is reflective of her change of lifestyle since the pandemic”.
A spacious entrance with beautiful, vaulted ceilings and original wooden beams welcome one into the property. An imposing white hanging lamp, above a sweeping staircase in darker tones matching the flooring, easily catches attention. Beside the staircase, Hoppen’s private collection of matt-finish ceramic vases with dried twigs and flowers reinforces the natural feel of the space. “For my barn in particular I have used my signature experimentation by merging tactile materials and textures,” says the designer, whose personal style is grounded in a delicately balanced combination of East meets West. “I love the timeless marriage of the sleek and simple yet luxurious lines and shapes of the West, with the texture,
“For my barn in particular I have used my signature experimentation by merging tactile materials and textures”
depth and richness of the East, to create a truly modern look,” she explains.
This charming vignette in a white and grey palette sets a prelude to an interesting mix of modern and vintage styles that are about to unfold.
The open-plan front of the home— which functions as a hallway, a chill-out area and a private gym—evokes Hoppen’s sophisticated taste that embody her love for neutrals and natural textures. “Space is important so unlike a normal country barn, it’s open. Less is more, with modern and old mixes,” says the designer. “Since the pandemic, people are having to spend most of their time indoors. I wanted to make sure that this space was comfortable, versatile yet stylish. Each room has a different feel. I designed this space to look good when lived in. Whether it is for me or my family, it looks balanced and proportioned wherever you sit.”
The white walls serve as a blank canvas for a symphony of textures brought by a vintage black screen designed by Hoppen herself and a side bench by Atmosphère d’Ailleurs. “I had a warehouse full of vintage chairs and art and this was the perfect project to finally use all of the items I had collected over the years that were sitting in storage,” says Hoppen, who now spends most of her time living here and only goes to London occasionally to work in her studio.
Taking centre stage in the airy dining room is a timber table that sits ten, positioned under unique modern black hanging lamps and surrounded by a console, a framed black and white photograph titled Summertime by London-based photographer and filmmaker Richard Dunkley and dark accessories contrasting with the white walls and wooden features. Connected to the dining area is the classic barn-style kitchen that soaks in neutral colours with a range of tones to achieve depth
and dynamism in the space. “I tend to do a lot of cooking in the barn and the kitchen has these huge Cristal windows. It is amazing to see into the central courtyard while cooking and watching the birds,” she says, revealing her favourite spot. “I love my central courtyard. I am very grateful to have an outdoor space especially during this difficult time. [It] was designed in collaboration with Stephen Woodhams. I love the exquisite oversized rustic pots from Belgium and dolly-style vintage iron pots, amidst lush greenery,” she muses. The designer who’s a known gracious host designed two areas for entertaining—an outdoor space where people can naturally feel safer and more comfortable and a flexible indoor space, both of which can be used for dinner and drinks—with hopes of being able to welcome guests again when the situation gets better.
Opposite the dining table is a relaxing seating area, where a double-way cast-iron fireplace is built within a brick feature wall. This unique fireplace peeks into the living room, creating a dynamic and natural flow throughout the house. The minimalist living room looks lived-in with creased linen textures mixed with vintage bamboo
“The idea of it was to create the perfect mix of a London country home with a metropolitan feel”
a touch of velvet, to provide an elegant yet relaxed base for textured cushions and modern accents. “The idea of it was to create the perfect mix of a London country home with a metropolitan feel,” she says.
Light tones for walls and furnishings lend the master bedroom a cosy and inviting vibe. Accentuating the walls is a vintage artwork from Alfie’s Market and a chair from Hoppen’s personal collection, which previously belonged to her grandmother. The designer’s walk-in wardrobe opens the space up and creates a seamless flow between zones in the room. An industrial style filing cabinet, which acts as a unique dresser, adds an old-fashioned touch. The guest bedroom features a chic distressed dresser and swathes of creased linen as well.
“I am so grateful for the sanctuary that this home has given us over the turbulent past year, and I hope it provides inspiration and creativity for homes all over the world. It makes me very creative, and I love the silence,” Hoppen says, echoing the joy in her heart.