MODERN VINTAGE
A timeless mix of contemporary and traditional touches in an East Sussex period semi
The owners of this light-filled home, Charlotte and Cameron Berry, have different ideas when it comes to house styles, as Charlotte explains: ‘If we each had to pick a favourite, Cameron would choose an old cottage with low beams and quaint windows, while I prefer architecture that gives a feeling of space and airiness.’ Luckily, with its tall ceilings and copious character, this Edwardian house in Hove, East Sussex, was just the right blend of old and new for its owners, and now demonstrates how period features and vintage touches can be integrated into a fresh, modern look.
Time and a lot of hard work were needed before this perfect balance was achieved for Charlotte and Cameron, who live here with their daughters, Bethany, a make-up artist, and Amelia, a student. ‘The house felt incredibly dated when we viewed it,’ recalls Charlotte. ‘It had red carpets, dark wood furniture and the walls were stained yellow from years of cigarette smoke.’ But they could still see the potential of this handsome home. ‘I fell in love with the hall and the staircase detailing – even with a red carpet!’ Charlotte adds.
It certainly helped that this is the third house the couple have tackled together, plus Cameron has worked in the building trade for many years, and runs a property maintenance and development business. Charlotte now
teaches road safety in primary schools, but her previous career was buying and selling French antiques, having discovered France’s brocantes and markets after her mother and stepfather moved there. ‘ We visited several times a year and often brought home the odd decorative headboard or gilt mirror,’ she says. This gradually developed into Charlotte sourcing and selling professionally, renting a space within the shop Three Angels, in Hove. Happily, she managed to keep some favourite pieces, which are now on display. ‘Because antiques are timeless, they go well with the clean, modern look that I love.’
Work was carried out in three phases, starting with stripping, updating and decorating. The second stage came three years ago when a new rear extension became their spacious kitchen-diner, featuring crisp white cabinetry, warm touches of leather and oak, and vintage accessories. ‘Until then, we managed with a kitchen so small it felt like we were cooking in a caravan,’ says Charlotte. ‘The new kitchen-diner has changed the way we interact as a family – it’s a really sociable spot.’
The final stage was redesigning the main bedroom, decorating it with dashes of colour, antique finds and family heirlooms. ‘Trends come and go, but I think you need to be brave and hold on to the things you really treasure,’ Charlotte says. ‘If you stay true to what you really love, a sense of style will always shine through, because you are the common thread – it’s all been chosen by you.’
Subtly uniting all these spaces is a sense of light and flow. ‘My aim was to make it as bright as possible,’ says Charlotte. ‘By combining that feeling of modern airiness with characterful vintage finds, I hope we’ve created a look that transcends time.’
LESSON LEARNT ‘Have the confidence to buy things you love. If you follow your heart you’ll create a look that’s personal to you’