Interior designer Kit Kemp talks about the transformation of her fabulous shepherd’s hut
What was the vision for the space?
The hut had been perched in a local garden when we found it, looking a little unloved. We agreed to transport the hut to its current position in our garden where it’s shaded by silver birch trees and overlooking a little pond. I asked the local forester, John Harman, to add its characterful thatched roof and commissioned an old friend, Melissa White, to paint the walls and ceiling. I wanted to create a room that makes you feel happy – that you want to return to again and again.
What was the inspiration behind the mural?
Two things I have always loved are folk art and handcrafted designs; the mural is a marriage of the two. Melissa White has a wonderful historical knowledge and has worked on some important early interiors, including the house where Shakespeare was born. We had a great time looking at old American folk art for inspiration and coming up with the designs for the hut.
The hut has a myriad of influences – what is it about mixing styles that appeals to you?
Breaking the rules and stretching the imagination with colour and pattern is always fun. Mixing styles in surprising ways creates spaces that are memorable and makes them feel alive. Dado rails are often removed from rooms as they are seen as outdated. However, we see a dado rail as an opportunity to combine different colours, fabrics and patterns. In the hut a painted dado rail divides the panelled walls, handpainted with a mythical landscape above, featuring bright-blue waters, rolling hills and pear trees. Below are vivid red cartouches which have been decorated with joyful jugs of flowers and leaping horses. Wonderfully colourful, it is finished off with a Lapis Lazuli starry sky. The sofa is upholstered in my Friendly Folk fabric from Andrew Martin and I chose Molly Mahon’s Oak linen for cushions and curtains.
How does the space make you feel?
Colour makes you feel happy. When you open the door, even if the room isn’t filled with sunlight, colour can alter your mood dramatically and should never be underestimated. My shepherd’s hut is a perfect retreat to hide away and work on the next new idea, accompanied by my five dogs of course! I wrote the introduction to my new book there and I often take paper and pencils to sit at the desk and sketch ideas for a fabric, or furniture placing.
Do you grow the finest dahlias in the village? Or are you the baker of the lightest Victoria sponge? Show off your produce with Emma Bridgewater’s new collection. Conjuring British summertime traditions from fêtes to picnics, this Red Gingham Ginger Beer vase, £29.95, and tea plate, £12.95, get our vote.
The Real Homes Show, the online TV show from our sister brand, has had a makeover. Tune in for paint ideas for every room to amazing cleaning hacks. There are also chances to win great prizes in every episode from brands like Grohe and Rangemaster. (realhomes.com/tv)