This traditional Norman thatched cottage is full of charm and thoughtfully conserved with the use of local methods and materials. It blends naturally with the surrounding forest, and provides a peaceful escape to its city owners.

The decorative scheme focused on balancing the traditional with the contemporary. Respectfully maintaining the character of the rustic cottage, the walls are decorated in tinted lime paint which softly resonates with the exposed wood and stone. In the spirit of reducing waste and repurposing what was already owned, multiple pieces of furniture were brought from the owners’ existing home. Sometimes, simply re-arranging and re-styling things can make a familiar object seem exciting again.

While the draw of this holiday home is the large garden and forest surrounds, the owners wanted their taste for modern art reflected in the interiors. Masculine mid-century modern pieces in leather and chrome contrast the softer backdrop, and abstract artwork adds depth to the walls, allowing the mind to wander once relaxing by the fire after a day spent in the outdoors.