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Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,368
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

"Cottage" style, in an old town house. It shows the three major design influences of the tenant, Nicole Blackmon-- she's southern, had to rent in New York for years, and clearly enjoys English design too.  

 

She had to move her family to London for her husband's work ( advertizing). What a lucky find for them!  It has stairs and stairs, of course, which would be a major drawback for me-- but it's such a pretty abode...

 

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Nicole loved the kitchen, right off.  Who wouldn't?  Charm galore, and the antique wooden cabinet she found to use as an "island" of sorts, is perfect, and delightful.

 

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The kitchen has room for a little bistro table, and solid English chairs... Love her sconces, upping the warmth and quaintness...

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The happy look of an American, who's found a rental that ALSO had a little outdoor space, in the heart of London!

 

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I can't resist their tiny dog, who alternately snuggled, and raced indoors and out-- he'll keep showing up, note to @luvzchiz ....

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Her husband has been busy gardening in their compact walled patio area--

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Ok, London is not known for its sunny days, but Homeworthy does its too-frequent job of 'dark' cinematography.  Sorry. If you watch their video of this on youtube, you'll get a more accurate view of the cheerfulness of this house.

 

Renters can't be choosers-- there's no entry hall, you walk right into the living room.  But she created a drop station-- found a radiator cover that miraculously, fit over their radiator, providing nice table space.  Sweet lamp and vintage mirror.

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Solid comfort in the roll arm sofa--

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Great to lounge on--

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Awww, he could not be cuter...

 

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The living room's fireplace is one of three in the house--

 

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Jaunty, almost cabana-width stripes are a recurring theme...

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She actually got this lovely inlaid coffee table *for free*, from 'free Facebook Marketplace' in New York.  Wow, I've never looked up the "free" part of Facebook Marketplace, but clearly should!   I like the slim fireplace andirons.

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The cozy living room merges into the compact dining area, behind her thriving plant--

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She said she was thrown off by the high, off-center window, but decided to put up a subtle, landscape mural wallpaper on that wall, which did the trick. A slim, storage banquette, tulip table, and charming vintage chairs from a venerable London hotel make the most of the small space.  Love her heirloom buffet.

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Down a few steps to the "garden level",  and there's the guest bedroom.  She stenciled the festive stripes on the bed wall.  Handsome built-in cabinets and mantel.

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The way Nicole furnishes her mantel here is indicative to me of her airy, charming style.  Blue and green are her favorite colors to decorate with.   

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The master bedroom is another comfortable retreat, with the added sentimental bonus of some paintings done by her brother.

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Yummy, layered linens...

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There's even a rooftop deck, which she's furnished simply  with big beanbag chairs, plants and small table.

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She said she feels like Mary Poppins, here among the London rooftops!

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Any Americans transplanted to another country have their own set of challenges, but it's also a universal challenge to take a rented space and make it feel like "you".

 

In the video, Nicole explains at length how she did it here, and it's fascinating-- the principles could apply anywhere.

 

If interested, the video on Homeworthy youtube is called "An English Cottage, Filled with Flea Market Finds and Family Heirlooms".   There are great stories!

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,774
Registered: ‎05-19-2012

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

[ Edited ]

I like it.  She and her husband have fabulous, refined taste.   Truth be told, I probably would have enlivened her muted palette with a bold color insinuated here and there.  But then, that swipe of color would disturb her exquisite and delicate vibe. 

 

I'll take it as is.

 

ETA:  There is no denying I come alive with the colors in the lidded piece sitting on the fireplace's mantle.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,650
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

[ Edited ]

Love the restrained, tasteful, and interesting decor and architecture.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,949
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

Soothing and comfortable.  I like it!

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett
Honored Contributor
Posts: 22,530
Registered: ‎07-26-2014

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

I'm in awe that the patio is right off the kitchen!  What a splendid idea.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."


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Valued Contributor
Posts: 667
Registered: ‎07-05-2024

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

I really like it. It has a dreamy quality. Good use of space, charming and soothing. They have done a really nice job.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 37,943
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

Love it.  Great colors and not smothered with stuff.  Some of the furniture isn't my style but it works!  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,562
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

[ Edited ]

This is one I really like a lot.

I am so used to watching Kirsten and Jeorg, that wonderful couple that stays at cottages in England and describes everything. They have lived in England for 10 years or so.  My friend, ECBG told me about them.  I watch their videos on youtube which they have once a week.

What made me think of them is they recently had a video of what makes and English cottage and this house has so many of the elements that make up an English cottage.

 

This house definitely looks like its very English!

 

The only thing I would change is the striped wall in the small bedroom, though stripes is another thing that Kirsten loves, and I'd change the placement of the bed with that dark chest.

 

Thanks for the posting of this lovely house @OznellSmiley Happy

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,435
Registered: ‎04-04-2014

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

Hi, @Oznell !  I have a friend that recently moved from the Tucson area to England near the Cotswolds not far from Wales; her husband is from Britain and has family there.   It's an idyllic place from the pictures she's sent.  We talk monthly and I live vicariously through her adventures in the UK.  We are scheduled to talk tomorrow and I can't wait!

 

BTW - I mentioned the countryside photos she's sent me look like scenes from Midsomer Murders and she said she hoped there were no murders in their area.  LOL

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,254
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: AMERICAN RENTER IN LONDON

Thanks for the pictures, @Oznell . I really like the pictures.

My Aunt and Uncle were living in London (for his work). So of course I went to visit them. I loved their apartment.

And their apartment was not "cookie cutter". And also had lots of charm, like Nicole's.