Who lives here?
John Cooper, an interior designer and teacher, lives here with his wife Agatha and their two children.
When John Cooper and his family moved into their Victorian semi-detached house Six years ago in Stockport, it was clear they had a big project ahead of them. ‘He was very do-gooder,’ says John.
‘I think it was carved into apartments in the 1970s, so we’re undoing a lot of that work.’ Restoring the period character of the house was a delicate task. ‘It’s terrifying, because it will have such gorgeous features,’ he explains.
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
Everything changed when John got the call to appear of the BBC Interior Design Masters last year. ‘I was like, Crikey, how am I really going to do this?’ He remembers. ‘It’s been such an amazing rollercoaster.’
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
The living room became his creative playground. ‘It’s gone through about four iterations,’ he laughs. When they walked in, the room was theatrical Wallpaper and deep-red velvet curtains.
‘My wife was like, “You can do it color Is it all white, please?”’ So he did – for a while.
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
Then came a bold decision: ‘I painted the whole room Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball. It was very textural, very maximalist. There was nothing subtle about it.’
It was that version that led to its first application Interior Design Masters. When told to ‘try again next time’, he redesigned the space, choosing neutral tones, black-and-white artwork and a textured feature on the chimney breast.
‘We rarely use ceiling lights, opting for this table lamp from my John Lewis range for a warm and cozy feel,’ says John.
John Lewis x John Cooper Mushroom Table Lamp in Black/White, £45.50, John Lewis
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
Get John’s signature monochrome look
Hoem Brook Embroidered Cotton Filled Cushion
Balboa 4 Seater Sofa in Saddle Tan Leather
Interior by Premier Thick Large Stripe Planter – Black and White
The experience opened up new opportunities, incl A collaboration with John Lewis. ‘I wanted the new living room to display all the pieces in a way that represented me and everything I learned from the show.’
Calm neutrals are layered with architectural details, including wall paneling and attractive chimney breasts. John made a grid of picture frames from wood and moldings, each cut at a precise angle of 45º.
‘I wanted the space to feel classic, yet natural.’ John says. ‘Along with black-and-white geometric shapes, we layered natural materials to make the room feel alive and inviting.’
This Yves glass-top coffee table from Barker & Stonehouse, £499A good match.
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
The final palette balances warmth and light. ‘It is called this wonderful color Reduced Green by Farrow & Ball (£79 for 2.5 litres) Got me,’ he explains, chosen to complement the black, white and toffee tones of his product range.
‘We have a green run throughout the house – even the adjoining dining room is paneled in green. This means that even though the rooms may seem separate, a visual language connects them,’ he says.
‘The chimney breast is now the heart of the room – it’s bold, textured and completely unique,’ says John.
For a similar pouf, try yemmagoods Moroccan pouf, £93.85, Etsy
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
The result is a space that reflects John’s signature style: ‘The show calls my style “graphic bohemian” and it’s quite graphic, but also relaxed and natural.’
‘Putting the gallery wall together was great fun,’ says John. ‘I kept it monochrome, combining the pieces we collected with the artwork we created for the space. The wooden frame was sourced from charity shops and car-boot sales.’
(Image credit: Future / Richard Kiely)
If it could change one thing? ‘I’ll probably pick up the carpet and put it in Wooden floorAnd maybe add some more plants.’
Before and after – how it looked vs how it is now
Image 1 No 2
