With four successful house renovations already to her name, Cotswolds newcomer Rebecca Jones found it almost natural to tackle number five.
Swapping the comforts of living close to family and friends in Hertfordshire for new horizons might scare some, but not Rebecca.
The house, set against a rural backdrop, proved to be the perfect choice, and while the demand for renovation was quickly accepted, there was little time to move.
‘Refurbishing the house kept me so busy that I didn’t have time to think about adjusting to living in a new area – it just happened,’ says Rebecca.
Its tired interiors, dated finishes and overgrown garden – blocking views of fields and rolling hills – didn’t deter her. It felt right and potentially perfect.
Not wanting to linger, she decided to turn him into her Ideal home.
‘It was about working with what was already here, making each space reach its full potential, and making each room feel special.’
Colorful snug
Bluebell sofa and footstool, both by Damson Smart Velvet Sofa.com. Painted into the walls Pea Green by Farrow and Ball. Artwork by Tipperleyhill
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
The house was dimly lined with paper, a blank but depressing canvas. Rebecca stripped each room before re-plastering it.
‘It gave me a fresh start,’ he says.
‘My taste has evolved with the age and character of the homes I’ve renovated, but I’ve always been drawn to pattern, color and texture and to using antique and vintage finds to make a home unique to my family and me.’
This is fully illustrated in SnugOutside the kitchen, where Rebecca created a rich and inviting plan Decorated with jewel tones Green, purple and pink.
Rebecca, who runs an online vintage business along with renovating homes Tabby Violet interiorKnows how to find the perfect vintage treasure for the space.
Living room
A velvet kitty sofa and a vintage BBC light Baileys Home Store. Cushions from Tabby Violet Interiors. The walls are painted in blue-grey Dove by furrow and ball
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
in Green living roomPeriod elegance was reintroduced with coving, while new skirting boards, radiators and Lighting Brought consistency and polish.
‘It was about respecting the character but making it feel alive again,’ says Rebecca.
Originally two rooms, the living room is now a large space with a sitting area at one end and a study area at the other.
Two plush sofas are made more comfortable with mixed-patterned cushions from Tabby Violet Interiors.
Sideboard from Folke Furniture
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
At the other end of the large living room sits a beautiful Regency pine sideboard, still with its originals. color.
Rebecca has Styled sideboard Along with vintage and antique treasures, such as metal teapots, mementos of a visit to Marrakesh, decanters and an interesting witch’s ball.
kitchen
Pink Electric Also Range cooker. The walls and cabinets have been painted Mizzel by Farrow and Ball. Kitchen by Heartwood Designs. Reclaimed flooring from parent company
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
This Country kitchen It was always destined to be the heart of the home. The old scheme was ripped out and replaced with a bespoke design that feels both timeless and personal.
‘I wanted a kitchen that reflected the period of the house and my taste,’ explains Rebecca. Rejecting the wall closet, she opted for the decoration Open shelves.
‘Most people don’t have access to wall cupboards anyway, and they often make the room feel smaller. I wanted the kitchen to feel open, airy and welcoming.’
Anchoring the space is the pale-pink Electric Aga, a statement piece that marries tradition with modern charm. ‘It makes me smile every time I walk in,’ she says. ‘It feels classic, but also a bit unexpected.’
On top of that, the original butler’s bell has been completely rewired and attached to the front door—an evocative detail that pays homage to the home’s history.
To complete the transformation, Rebecca dated flooring With reclaimed oak Wooden flooring.
‘The boards are full of character and suit the age and style of the property perfectly,’ she says.
From Butler’s Sink Shaw of Darwen
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
The original beams were one of the things that attracted Rebecca to buy the house.
While the kitchen and dining room are two separate rooms, the openness created by the half wall and beam framework makes them feel like a sociable space.
A large butler’s sink is set into a run of cabinetry that conceals the dishwasher and bins.
Pantry
The walls, tongue-and-groove paneling, shelves and cabinetry are all painted blush-pink. Potted Shrimp by Farrow and Ball. From cafe curtain pole East London cloth. The blind fabric is by Cameo Rose Kate Foreman
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
The original cloakroom was large and awkwardly located. ‘It was such a waste of valuable space,’ says Rebecca.
In its place is now a generous walk-in PantryHer trusted kitchen is designed by the company, Heartwood Designs.
‘I love how practical it looks – it’s a proper working pantry.’
To hide the shelves under the worktop, Rebecca used a clever hack from A. Wardrobe curtain In striped fabric.
dining room
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
This Country dining room The kitchen adjoins and is given a fresh, rustic look with time-worn and painted wood.
Tongue-and-groove Wall paneling Alcoves were fitted for visual interest, and Rebecca painted them to match the kitchen cabinetry.
Weathered oak flooring was laid to complement the existing timber fire sound and original beams.
The alcove has an antique cupboard with a chicken wire front. Rebecca updated the piece with Liberty Haberdashery fabric.
Sofa covered inside of Linwood Summer Meadow Fabric. cushion from Domestic Science
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
As someone who prefers pre-loved pieces to high street bis, Rebecca was delighted to see this little one. sofa Given locally.
To freshen it up, she reupholstered it in a floral fabric. The mustard gingham cushion complements the yellow color of the sofa fabric perfectly.
the bathroom
‘Tubby’ roll top bath and mixer taps Albion Bath Company. Painted in the bath Soho House by Mylands. These laundry baskets are from Zara Home. The brass bulkhead is from the wall lights The original BTC.
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
Pink and green come together in perfect harmony once again, this time in Rebecca en-suite bathroom.
A small roll-top bath is painted a soft pink, which contrasts with the grey/green walls. Vintage wall cabinets with an aged patina add character.
Bedroom
Painted into the walls Masquerade Lights by Little Green. Margot from the bed and bedside table loaf.
(Image credit: Tamsin Morgans)
Rebecca’s Pink bedroom Sits at the front of the house and has a lovely light aspect. She created a bright and feminine look with walls painted in soft pink.
A beautiful wooden bed, bedside table and crystal drop wall lights add to the feminine feel.
Rebecca loves floral fabrics and adds a beautiful cushion to an otherwise neutral bed.
The result of Rebecca’s renovation and decoration is a home that feels layered with history yet utterly personal – a sensitive renovation where every detail has been considered.
‘Given that I’m a serial renovator and usually look forward to the next project, I can safely say that I’ve built my dream home – and I’ll be living in it now!’
This feature first appeared in Period Living magazine. Click here To subscribe.
