SCANDI BY DESIGN
Becky and Andrew Cooper gave a converted stable block in the home counties a Scandinavian-inspired makeover
The decor of this converted stable block brings a touch of Sweden to Surrey
Becky Cooper and her husband, Andrew, saw their present house long before they owned it. ‘The clock tower caught our eye every time we drove past it,’ says Becky. ‘We were living in a modern property nearby, but longed for a home with character and more space for our children.’
When the house came on to the market, Becky and Andrew were excited. ‘We were curious to view it,’ says Becky. ‘It was a little out of our budget, but ticked so many boxes for us.’
First impressions, however, were far from favourable. ‘It was an integral part of a converted stable block and was very dark,’ says Becky. ‘I was brought up in Sweden and have a Scandinavian love of light, so I was put off.’
Once the couple ventured upstairs, however, they warmed to the property. ‘We saw the views across the rooftops and fell in love with it,’ says Becky. It also provided the space they needed.
When the family moved in, the top priority was to bring more light into the house and to make their mark on the interior. Unsympathetic features, such as woodchip wallpaper, were removed and the walls painted
in lighter shades. ‘I had fun making small changes, like changing and painting the balustrade on the main staircase,’ says Becky. ‘This gave the space a strong Swedish influence.’
As time went by, Becky and Andrew tackled larger projects, installing new bathrooms, laying oak flooring and reinventing the kitchen. For the decor, Becky blended classic and contemporary Scandi style and chose soft grey and white shades. ‘I like strong colours, too,’ she says. ‘They work well in the kitchen.’ Natural materials, such as sheepskins and linens, add the finishing touches.
Becky has long had a love of interior design. ‘My father was an architect and my mother had a great eye for making a beautiful home,’ she says. ‘Although I was brought up in a contemporary house, I love Gustavian furniture.’
Over the years Becky collected many Scandinavianstyle pieces, repainting them for her present home. ‘It was fun spreading them out and giving them space to breathe,’ she says. This inspired her to restore and sell pieces online, alongside working as an interior designer.
Now the project is completed, the family are thrilled with the results. ‘It’s a good space for our children,’ says Becky. ‘We’re so glad we took a leap of faith.’