A little bit About Design

Design History of the House

The house dates back to 1877.  The detailing is not too fussy for a Victorian property due to the timing of the build and fashion at the time coinciding with the arts and crafts movement.  Throughout the refurbishment Claire's kept many of the original features including, coving, fireplaces, archways and joinery. 

Due to Claire's interest in the history of interior design and architecture, her built in furniture replicates Victorian detailing, silk chandelier chain covers authentic to the period of the house have been used and ceiling roses have been installed to match in with the original coving.  

​Bespoke built in cabinetry has been fitted throughout by Modern English Cabinetry; including fitted wardrobes, fire surrounds and the fitted daybed. These items are built in to the fabric of the building and appear to belong. The loose furniture pieces, chandeliers, pattern and colour add further layers. ​

modernity

Original artworks sit side by side with antiques. Designer furniture has been installed adding a contemporary edge; Moroso chairs designed by Patricia Urquiola, leaf garden chairs and quirky touches such as kitch hare lamps keep the interior fresh.  ​

A leaf from the Georgians

Antique Marie Thérèse antique chandeliers, venetian mirrors, metallic wallpaper, light floors, high ceilings, large Victorian sash windows, light colours and southerly aspect ensure the house feels bright and spacious with a calmness through unity in design throughout.  It's a strange thought, living your life without ever seeing a clear reflection of your physical self but before the industrial revolution,  mirrors , originally known as looking-glasses, were one of the rarest and most prized items one could own.  Here you will find the walls adorned with mirrors to reflect light. There's even a mirrored cupboard hiding the boiler in the kitchen! The use of use of glass chandeliers with crystal drops also serve to reflect light.  Although the house is victorian Claire has taken a leaf from the Georgians with the approach to light and colour. The victorians often liked deep rich colours but the Georgians preferred  light fresh colours.

craftmanship

Many items have been hand crafted or brought back to life by Claire herself who, over the years has enjoyed painting and decorating, curtain, blind making, creating soft furnishings, upholstery, carpentry and up-cycling ​antique finds.  It has been nothing short of a labour of love.

Atmosphere

If you like the feminine touch you will go nuts for this property! The atmosphere oozes femininity without being overly cute. The pink dining room utilizes geometric black and white stripes to counter the femininity and softness of the blush pink walls and provides a cool edge.  Lighting goes along way to set the the mood.  Here Claire provides ambient lighting created with standard lamps, table lamps, concealed lighting and fairy lights.  

Attention to detail

The devil's in the detail and you won't be disappointed.  The styling elements have been hand crafted or hand picked by Claire. You will find richness in juxtapositions and not a false note when it comes to the colour palette.

Statement Pieces

There is power in strong statements.  The parasol here  taking centre stage whilst leaf chairs, planting and teak furniture play a supporting role

Colour palette

​Using a subtle palette of colours with a rich mix of quality finishes such as stone, textured rugs, metalic wallpapers, fabrics and chalky paints in the decor guests can't help but relax and feel at home. ​​​

That Kitchen!

Claire has teamed up with the cabinet maker Malcolm Pitts to design for Modern English Cabinetry.  Together they are making beautiful hand crafted cabinetry for the home and the kitchen at designer's house is no exception

Products & companies

Many of the furnishings, paint and wallpaper were purchased from Design House and Jane Mcintyre Design, which are both based in Winchester.  Some rugs, throws, cushions and fabrics are from Designer's Guild. Wallpaper and other fabrics and cushions were from Colefax and Fowler. Bed linen is from The White Company and Jane Mcintyre Design. Paints are from The Paint and Paper Library from Design House in Winchester.  The high performance mattresses are from Komfi.  If you would like to order a Komfi mattress please let me know.

​Please click on the links below to find out more about Claire's suppliers, design companies, favourite shops and Designers.
​

Claire's Companies

Links to Claire's Companies, Claire Hart Design, Brook Meadow and Modern English Cabinetry, (designated designer)

Garden Design

The garden at Designer's House is an oasis of a mixture of ferns, roses, hydrangeas, herbs, boxes and a magnolia tree.  Sit out during the summers evening under the parasol in a rich luscious green garden.  The garden has evolved over many years and still has many well established plants from pervious owners dating back some 25 years.