BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
This Victorian townhouse has a thoroughly modern bohemian feel thanks to owner Nina Carrington’s creativity and Spanish heritage
A Victorian townhouse in Oxfordshire that has a modern bohemian feel, influenced by the owner’s Spanish heritage
Before moving abroad for a year with their three children, Nina and Dave Carrington bought a Victorian townhouse in the centre of a market town in northwest Oxfordshire. ‘We were fortunate to find a period property full of character and in the heart of a vibrant community,’ explains Nina. With living space arranged over four floors, the couple saw the potential to create a family home influenced by their global travels and love of individual handcrafted design. ‘When we viewed the house, we were impressed by the spacious rooms and traditional features throughout,’ recalls Nina. ‘My style is eclectic with influences from my Spanish heritage and from travelling to many beautiful destinations.’
Nina applies her creative spirit running her own business, Of Woodstock, making beautiful floral hair accessories, veils and tulle capes. ‘As a stylist and floral milliner, colour and texture are very important to me.
I love vintage items and have a collection of interesting artisan pieces, all of which have a story attached’, smiles Nina.
Having bought the property in 2015, the couple arranged for the work to commence while they were living in Seville. The transformation, however, took over a year to complete. ‘Continuing the work on our return certainly had its challenges,’ says Nina.
‘It was very dusty, and for a while we were without a kitchen. The walls throughout the house were replastered and lighting, flooring and new bathrooms were installed.’
Finding the right style and feel for their new kitchen was a major consideration. ‘I spent ages online trying to find something to capture my imagination,’ says Nina. Eventually after months of searching, Nina found a kitchen designer based in Cornwall with an appreciation of the bohemian style she
Design advice ‘If you are hesitant about using vibrant colour start with a feature wall or just a few bold accessories – it will lift a space’
desired. ‘Arnold’s Kitchens were fantastic; the seamless concrete worktop was cast in-situ – it was amazing to see it being made. We are delighted with the results and love the unique style of combining natural materials with an industrial feel,’ she says.
Painted, fretwork doors add a splash of colour, contrasting perfectly with the reclaimed wood drawers and stylish metal handles.
Nina’s eye for detail is apparent throughout her home, with a collection of antique and vintage pieces beautifully styled, capturing a distinctive boho feel. ‘We are fortunate to have several inspiring shops in the town. Louisa Maybury Interiors and Martha’s Attic are particular favourites of mine. I can always find fabulous individual pieces of furniture, lighting and textiles,’ says Nina. ‘I love the idea of supporting local shops and craftspeople so I always try to buy locally if possible.’
Upstairs, muted pink walls lead to the first-floor sitting room. ‘This is my favourite room in the house,’ says Nina. ‘The large windows create a wonderful quality of natural light and I’m always moving things around from room to room, and making seasonal changes by introducing different cushions and throws.’
The bedrooms are a creative mix of painted furniture, colourful textiles and striking, ornate mirrors. ‘I have a particular passion for vintage textiles and decorative pieces of furniture,’ says Nina.
A number of items have been sourced in the area and some are cherished pieces Nina has collected over the years. ‘One simple object can inspire you to create an overall look,’ she says. ‘We are delighted with how the renovation turned out and feel blessed to live in such a stunning location.’