LIGHT FANTASTIC
Charlotte and Rob Bradley’s country house has a beautiful bright feel and statement pieces that make it stand out from the crowd
Beautiful yet practical statement choices have given this Worcestershire home a bright, contemporary feel that fits perfectly with family life
design advice ‘Creating access from the kitchen to the garden was one of the best things we did – in summer we eat all our meals out there’
Creating drama with statement lighting in an otherwise neutral space is a sure-fire winner in a grand country house. And this is one of the ways that Rob Bradley brought standout style to the spacious rooms and high ceilings of the country house he bought back in 2005. ‘Rob bought the house because he loved the location as well as the architecture,’ says his wife Charlotte. ‘I hadn’t met him then but moved in three years later. It’s a beautiful period home with gorgeous views across open countryside, yet it’s not too remote and it has amazing period features.’
Rob had already reconfigured much of the house, turning several bedrooms into one luxurious master suite and adding an orangery. But when Charlotte moved in, they decided to update the antique furniture and dark colours.
To achieve a slightly less ‘bachelor-style’ look, they brought in interior designer Gemma Hill from Bayswater Interiors. First the dining room was redesigned, then the derelict coach house was turned into a gym and playroom for their two children.
The most recent job was the transformation of the kitchendiner. ‘We extended out and added the glazing, so it’s now bright and light with large, sliding doors that can be opened up in warm weather to create an inside/outside space,’ says Charlotte. ‘Before, there was no direct access from the kitchen to the garden but now it’s practical for dining outside in summer, too. We
eat all our meals there, the children do their homework at the island and we cook there.’
The couple also redecorated and refreshed much of the ground floor and created a new shower room for the guest bedroom. ‘It was all project-managed by Gemma so there weren’t any disasters, but it was stressful living through it with two young children and three dogs, particularly when we had no kitchen for two months.’
Charlotte has acknowledged the traditional architecture but added a contemporary feel to fit with family life. ‘I like a light and airy scheme, neutral with some pops of colour,’ she says. ‘Gemma found a selection of wallpapers, which in some areas add texture as well as being practical, like the textured vinyl in the kitchen/dining area.’
The main pops of colour in this part of the house were inspired by the zebra artwork on the walls. ‘We chose this early on and pulled out some of the colours from it,’ explains Charlotte.
But it’s the lighting that wows visitors most. ‘Lighting design is something Gemma really focuses on,’ says Charlotte. ‘She created a comprehensive scheme to highlight the space and then took me down to the Design Centre in London’s Chelsea Harbour to see the kitchen and snug lights. I love the drama they add. Gemma sourced and suggested things I’d never have found on my own.’
Despite the dramatic additions, the result of the refurbishment is a calm, family home. ‘I love it all,’ adds Charlotte. ‘It’s a large property but it still feels homely. This house is perfect.’