HOMES

Suzi. This included opening up the kitchenand breakfast room into a single space withthe chimney breast as the focal point. Theyhad a new kitchen and bathroom fitted andredesigned the master bedroom to includean en suite shower and dressing room.R ichard is a traditionalist, whereas Suziprefers a modern edge, so they combinedthe two looks to create a relaxed, informalhome. But it was Suzi’s quest to findfurniture for the rooms of daughters, Bella,now 21, and Tara, 16, that inspired her tolaunch her own furniture company. ‘Icouldn’t find what I was looking for, whichwas sustainable, British, solid woodfurniture that didn’t cost an arm and a leg,’she says. ‘In the end I asked R ichard’scompany to make bespoke pieces to mydesign, and then decided to launch TheEnglish Cabinet Company to createthe kind of furniture I wanted.’The furniture is painted to match thecolour scheme of the house. Suzi has chosenmuted shades of taupe, blue and pale cream,which are brought to life with a mix ofantiques, modern accessories and paintings.She loves textures and layers, and hascreated a comfortable, welcoming style thatwill withstand the demands of family life.As a result the house is personal, homelyand eclectic – and that is exactly howSuzi likes it. ‘We never wanted it to looklike a showhome,’ she concludes.KITChEnThe couple took outtwo walls, leaving thechimney breast forthe Aga on one sideand a woodburneron the other.Star Galaxy granite,£20sq m, Jt ellis &co. Limestone floortiles, £180sq m, Parisceramics. Wallspainted in Lime Whiteand chimney breastin Mouse’s back estateemulsion, both £43.50per 2.5 litres, Farrow& ball``````DInIng RoomThe oak table wasbought years ago andis one of Richard’sfavourite pieces.Natural wide plankoak flooring is similar,£43sq m, Wood FloorWarehouse. Wallspainted in ParmaGray estate emulsion,£43.50 per 2.5 litres,Farrow & ball