This cozy Norfolk home celebrates the romance of ‘slow living’

London has always had a magnetism about it, especially for people from rural areas who are eager to experience the opportunities and dynamism of living and working in the capital city. But sometimes the resurgence of green fields, fresh air and a real sense of space is too much to ignore.

Both Jess Daines and her husband Ted grew up in the oh-so-rural Norfolk countryside, surrounded by farmland, countryside and, importantly, decent-sized houses. ‘Norfolk has a funny way of calling you home,’ says Jess, laughing as she describes her former life in London, and remembers how compact their flat was. ‘We lived in a very small studio apartment, which was comfortable, to say the least!’

With plans to start a family, the pair packed their belongings and ventured back to East Anglia. ‘We searched on Rightmove for about a year until we found the right house for us,’ she says of the typical property in a picturesque village north of Norwich and surrounded by acres of open fields. ‘It really ticked all the right boxes for us as a family.

(Image credit: Rachel Smith)

Now we have a nice sized garden and can take our dog Cooper to the neighboring fields where we love to watch the summer harvest. It looks like a very special place to raise a family, and our village pub has also reopened, which is fantastic!’

The property had previously been rented out but the couple could see how it could be revitalized and extended to make a welcoming family home. ‘We particularly loved the oak windows, deep skirting boards and oak floorboards below. There was just a lovely warmth about it,’ says Jess. Even the exterior, with its small gabled windows, red brick facade and terracotta tiles on the roof, exuded all the rustic charm of the latter.

Once inside, they set out to make some changes. ‘Initially it was all cosmetic work. Then, more recently, we decided to add a small extension, creating a dining space off the kitchen, which connected to the living room,’ she says, adding that while the work was reasonably minimal, the arrival of baby Theo made it even more of a juggle. ‘It was a relatively small project, but definitely enough for me to manage with a small child!’

Bifold doors Now step out into the garden with views of the countryside beyond. ‘The natural light we now get is a game-changer for this north-facing room,’ says Jess. ‘And the open-plan layout feels nice and cozy thanks to the warm color palette and natural materials.’ Pine Furniturethe stone floor and textural sisal all complement each other perfectly.

(Image credit: Rachel Smith)

It’s clear that Jess has a penchant for detail and interior design, as her 190,000 Instagram followers confirm. A snapshot of his home @mrsjessdaines Elegantly depicts her favorite colors and textures, as well as the romance of slow-life. Images of a cozy kitchen might include, for example, a basket of fall apples or a bunch of freshly cut summer flowers to communicate the ebb and flow of seasonal country life.

But it’s also apparent that Jess loves the vibrancy of rich shades to add energy and interest to a space. This Kitchen island Spicy red tones are a good example, as are the gingery hues of the velvet sofa in the living room, livened up with cushions and throws in elaborate patterns. All of this is effortlessly brought together, thanks to Jess’s organic process of homemaking.

(Image credit: Rachel Smith)

‘I’d say it’s taken me a while to develop my style, but I love inventing new things Color combinationsAnd I’ve started becoming more confident styling different patterns together,’ she adds. ‘I think the best homes take time and are about adding different layers, personal touches and collecting pieces that mean something.’

kitchen

(Image credit: Future plc / Rachel Smith)

The kitchen is full of country style with shaker paneled cupboards, peg rail shelving and pine dressers.