MAIN BEDROOM

There’s a 20-year-old Cappellini sofa that Thorsten had reupholstered in orange, which he bought while working at Christopher Farr. Other pieces – such as the Teepee sofa by Lucy Kurrein that sits behind the half wall in the living room – were purchased when he was employed at SCP.

Every room feels incredibly comfortable. Each corner is snug and Thorsten’s taste for cool graphics, mid-century design and playful details, such as the gnomes, are dotted throughout. ‘It’s a collection of stuff from over the years,’ Thorsten says of the decor. ‘It’s all very colourful. White walls, bright furniture and the eyecatching pictures do it for me. We thought there might be some challenges living in a 1970s bungalow, but funnily enough there were none. There’s an air vent in the ground that allows in the odd mouse. And since the roof was originally flat, nature does make its way in. Occasionally, we lie in bed and hear the scrabble of little paws under the wooden ceiling.’

There is a joy and energy that comes from a home populated by friends, family and lots of children. Here, you feel you can pour yourself a glass or two of Riesling and have a jolly good time. ‘It’s a cheerful house,’ Thorsten says. ‘I’ve always been a happy-golucky person. I like things to feel easy and relaxed. If I have friends over from Germany and there are ten children running around, I’ll put some things away, but generally, I’m not too fussed. This house isn’t a showpiece. It’s to be lived in and enjoyed.’

Find Thorsten’s wares at thorstenvanelten.com

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