ELEGANCE & GRACE Emma Milne’s pared-back design combines timeless style with understated sophistication
Emma Milne is known for timeless interiors designed not to shout but to harmonise and her latest project epitomises this considered approach
Set on one of Hove’s wide, tree-lined avenues, a 10-minute walk from the beach, this semi-detached, four-storey Victorian townhouse has been transformed by interior designer Emma Milne into a classic-meets-contemporary take on country house living – albeit within an urban landscape.
‘The house had great architectural bones: high ceilings, an original tiled hallway and characterful fireplaces, but the internal layout needed to reflect modern family life,’ says Emma. Her clients had recently sold their company and were moving from a more modest terraced home. ‘It was the start of something very special for them,’ says Emma.
Over the upper two levels, five bedrooms were reconfigured into four – forming three en-suite spaces and a capacious attic study: think roll-tops, floor-to-ceiling panelled walls, heavy linens and sophisticated finishes, while on the ground floor three reception rooms have been updated into elegant living spaces. The sitting room, decorated with a sense of less is more, reflects Emma’s design mantra to ‘keep it simple’. Architectural features shine against an understated blend of classic soft furnishings and abundant natural finishes.
Folding doors open onto a cocooning dining-meetslibrary room, where calming stone hues are offset with bespoke bookcases in an earthier brown shade. Oiled walnut and leather Ole Wanscher chairs are juxtaposed with a striking black antique chest, which adds a sense of gravitas and drama.
Antique fabrics, including grain-sack covered armchairs and tapestry cushions, feature heavily throughout. ‘Their worn textures resonate and are combined with natural weave rugs and a plethora of organic materials – stone, marble, antique glass, leather and wood flooring – that creates a seamless flow,’ says Emma. ‘I mix old and new in all my projects. It creates a lived-in, timeless appeal – always well-curated, but never over-designed or formulaic. I’m drawn to certain antiques dealers: Matthew Cox, Anton & K and Antiqbr are among my favourites, but I combine high-end design with vintage finds and bespoke finishes.’ With a highly skilled building company, Thorncombe, aligned to Emma’s business, work starts from the ground up and ensures every touchpoint is finished to her exacting designs, such as the extensive new panelling and cabinetry, which adds a sophisticated edge.
Turn the corner at the end of the library and the conservatory lends a change of pace – a versatile, light-filled room that also functions as a play space for the family’s young daughter. Step down into the reconfigured basement and what was previously a dark and dated lower level has been revitalised by Emma into an airy, open-plan kitchen-diner that now leads directly out into the garden, while the glazed pantry and laundry room offer the ultimate in practical areas.
Prior to restarting her own interior design business in 2019, Emma had worked for nine years as a senior designer for Plain English – no surprise then that the company was her kitchen maker of choice, complemented with select antiques and abstract artwork by Liza Giles. ‘The owners are avid cooks, and wanted the house to feel welcoming and comfortable both for family and entertaining,’ says Emma. ‘Knowing the whole house is loved and used to the max is incredibly rewarding.’
“THOUGHTFUL SPATIAL PLANNING HAS BEEN COMBINED WITH A SEAMLESS USE OF NATURAL MATERIALS,
ABUNDANT TEXTURES AND SELECT ANTIQUES”