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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,481
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

Ambrice Miller is something of a phenomenon in Britain.  She started out in high finance, but since moving from Alabama to the U.K. for her job 13 years ago, she has become an antiques dealer and much more.

 

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The Guardian has called her Suffolk house "Downton (Abbey) in miniature".   And her love of art history and paintings backs that up.  But she's weaving in a lot of influences.

 

Her Murano glass chandelier brings a sparkly blast of energy to the entrance.   The oval landscapes are two of her favorite paintings....

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I love it when a homeowner can really explain her style and influences.  In the case of Ambrice Miller, she said she is an Anglophile, a lover of Italian Renaissance everything, including religious paintings, and the African image.

 

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The earliest part of the house dates from 1650, and I like the way that's reflected in the homey, cottage-y kitchen--

 

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Nice to have a settee for others to plop on while you're cooking and kibbitzing-

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The "snug" seems to also be in one of the oldest parts of the house, and she likens it to a cozy den for them:

 

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The living room is brighter and a little more formal than the snug, but has her lighthearted trademark mix of traditional and a few modern, even industrial touches.  Unlike most here, I'm incorrigibly eclectic too, so I enjoy the mix. 

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Her dining room brings together her love of traditional oil paintings, intricate glass chandeliers, and African portraiture.  Those realistic portraits are not photographs-- they're hand-drawn! 

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Like most Americans abroad, she says she insists on a large Thanksgiving spread every year.  You can imagine the feasting and fun in this cosmopolitan room.  

 

Enviable antique Venetian mirror enhances the jewel box feeling she wanted in the powder room. 

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Even the baby's nursery seems like a great place to play, as well as soak up art--

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When they found it, their yard was covered in tarmac.  Now it's a tribute to an Italian garden, with hearth, olive trees and small reflecting pool...

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As a specialist in antiques, Ambrice Miller has the luxury of changing around her house at will, but the cheerful, collector's spirit seems ever present.

 

As usual, you can't possibly get the real feeling of the house or its charming homeowner without watching the Homeworthy video.  If interested, just google:

 

House tour   A timeless 1700's Home in the English Countryside

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,933
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

It's not really my style, but I do love that entryway, the huge fireplace, her stove, and that outdoor space is wonderful!!! 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,824
Registered: ‎06-14-2010

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

This is a home filled with much beauty and decor.  The living room is stunning, the chairs, couch and break front stand outs!  The art work is stunning, I admire the hallway with the oval landscapes, Murano chandelier and the green walls enhance all.  The religious painting is beautiful.  There is much appeal for me in this home and I admire The design and taste of Ms. Miller, fabulous!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,294
Registered: ‎06-24-2011

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

Very nice! There are several elements in the house that appeal to my aesthetic perspective.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,089
Registered: ‎05-27-2015

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

@Oznell  Just read a brief bio. Her story - along with her brother's story - is as interesting as her house. Love the snug and the kitchen. But, I never want anyone else in my kitchen, so I don't know how that would work for me. I guess it would be ok as long as no one stood up next to me or in my way. Kids are ok. Hahaha!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,519
Registered: ‎04-05-2010

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

I like her eclectic style...but she just has too many "knick-knacks" sitting on every surface, and too many paintings on the walls. Her things are beautiful, but it's hard for me to appreciate each one when there's so many of them! I prefer more uncluttered surfaces.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,440
Registered: ‎03-19-2014

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

Although her design style(s) is not one that appeals to me, she does have some beautiful pieces of furniture and decor items throughout.  However, she needs to learn that "less is more".  

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
- Author Unknown
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,178
Registered: ‎01-09-2016

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

The entrance is lovely and the Murano chandelier gives it a bit of an elegant and dramatic flair. 

 

The expansive living room bookcase/cabinet is stunning. It houses so many treasures but with so much furniture in the room, it is hard for the eye to take in and absorb all of the different elements.I would eliminate the blue chairs, urns and likely a few more things. The sculpture on the glass table deserves a place of prominence. Sometimes, less is more.

 

Love the paintings and portraits in the dining room along with the chandelier and the fireplace mantle.

 

The opulent powder room made me smile: the green tile is striking.

 

The nursery was beautiful. Even though there was a lot on the wall and couch, it all blended perfectly. My favorite room by far.

 

@Oznell thank you for another spectacular posting!

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,219
Registered: ‎11-24-2013

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

I've watched DA (and still watch) at least a dozen times and I get NO DA vibe, not even in miniature. She's just got too much stuff on every surface and too many paintings.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,675
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: ALABAMIAN CREATES A HOME IN ENGLAND

I don't care for most of these pictures.  I never in a million years would have guessed that one room to be a baby's nursery!