Cover A drawing room in Annoushka Ducas’ Sussex home, with artworks by Sarah Graham, a rug by The Rug Company, a restored antique marble fireplace, and intricate decorative cornices
A drawing room in Annoushka Ducas’ Sussex home, with artworks by Sarah Graham, a rug by The Rug Company, a restored antique marble fireplace, and intricate decorative cornices
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Discover how Juliette Byrne and jeweller Annoushka Ducas infuse this Georgian manor in Sussex, England with contemporary flair
“As a jeweller, I’d describe myself as a magpie: collector of all things unique and beautiful,” says Annoushka Ducas, the owner of a restored Georgian home in Sussex, England. “I love colour and I love travel. This passion for discovery had the greatest impact on modernising the home.”
Ducas worked closely with interior designer Juliette Byrne, whose expertise in sourcing antiques grounded the Georgian home in its heritage. Over the past two hundred years, the Georgian manor has only belonged to two families. When Ducas discovered it, she knew she had discovered a true gem. “I was utterly charmed by the façade with its long windows and flowering magnolia,” she recalls. “Even though it hadn’t been modernised yet, I immediately felt its uplifting, welcoming presence.”
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The entryway of a Sussex, England home with a tumbled limestone floor
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The entrance to the space was also the first to be modernised, featuring a tumbled limestone floor that leads to an original Georgian staircase. At the end of the hallway is a leather-wrapped door, delineating the formal front of the home from the casual rear spaces.
Above Details of the drawing room in a Sussex, England home
Above A close-up of Sarah Graham's artworks in the drawing room of this Sussex, England home
Details of the drawing room in a Sussex, England home
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The left of the hallway leads to a high-ceilinged drawing room, revitalised with an antique marble fireplace and delicate cornicework. The space features a colour palette of pale blues and rosy reds that add vintage charm. The space is anchored by a large, upholstered ottoman atop a jewel-toned rug. Meanwhile, a nearby bay window is framed by velvet curtains of the same shade.
Some of Ducas’ favourite pieces in the home are the two artworks hanging on either side of the fireplace. Painted by Sarah Graham, the dragonflies and beetles are magnified versions of the insects found in Ducas’ eponymous jewellery line. “These vibrant pieces inject personality and creativity into the space,” shares Ducas. “They reflect our shared artistic passions and design sensibilities.”
The snug family room in this Sussex, England home, with antique oak panelled walls with natural hessian; it also features a Pomegranate rug from The Rug Company that coordinates with a Paolo Moschino herringbone sofa piped in red velvet and a vintage leather armchair
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The expansive space allows for a complementary, snug family room on the other side of the hall. With its warm oak panelling and log-burning fireplace, Ducas’ family often curl up on the couches, whiling away long winter nights in this cosy retreat. An accent wall, covered in warm ochre hessian, features a curation of family artworks and photographs, enhancing the comforting atmosphere.
Some of the furniture in the snug show signs of wear, which Byrne and Ducas both wanted. “We prioritised sustainability throughout the design process,” says Ducas. “Similar to how I melt down and repurpose old gold to create bespoke jewellery, the design of the house focused on blending old with new to craft something timeless.”
Above The formal dining room with Zoffany wallpaper and dado panelling in a deep aubergine eggshell finish; the bay window has seating framed by rose taffeta curtains with gold fringe, matching the crystal antique pendant that hangs above the mahogany dining table with Robert Langford button-backed dining chairs
The formal dining room with Zoffany wallpaper and dado panelling in a deep aubergine eggshell finish; the bay window has seating framed by rose taffeta curtains with gold fringe, matching the crystal antique pendant that hangs above the mahogany dining table with Robert Langford button-backed dining chairs
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Down the hall is the formal dining room with vivid hues. With a table setting for up to two dozen guests, the dramatic features of the space are heightened. Byrne infuses each detail with lushness, from the dado rail painted a rich chocolate shade to the gold-painted wallpaper lined with sconces. The plum hues of the chairs and table runner add further sophistication to the space, elevating every gathering with family, friends and clients from all over the world.
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Above The kitchen is rooted in elements of Shaker design with the centre island to the mahogany countertops leading to the informal dining room, with high-backed faux leather dining chairs around the stunning, oak-inlaid table
Above Unique details of the kitchen showcasing playful textures
The kitchen is rooted in elements of Shaker design with the centre island to the mahogany countertops leading to the informal dining room, with high-backed faux leather dining chairs around the stunning, oak-inlaid table
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Above The informal dining room in a Sussex, England home
The informal dining room in a Sussex, England home
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The nearby kitchen is the heart of the home, rooted in elements of Shaker design. Balancing functionality and elegance, the kitchen features a seamless flow from the centre island to the mahogany countertops. On one end of the room is the informal dining room, which features high-backed faux leather dining chairs around the stunning, oak-inlaid table. On the other end is the home’s newest addition, a bright, airy breakfast room that leads into the walled garden on one side.
The outdoor bar area of a Sussex, England home
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The garden features an outdoor bar, with stools fashioned from recycled horse seats and saddles. While these chairs take inspiration from Hermès’ iconic, equestrian designs, Byrne contrasts them with tropical elements through rattan chairs and lighting fixtures.
Above The garden and pool area of a Sussex, England home
The garden and pool area of a Sussex, England home
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The nearby manicured gardens call back to the Georgian style of gardens, which feature a blend of well-defined, formal avenues around an inviting pool. The flowers’ bright pops of colour are paired with the family’s unique collection of sculptures, adding a modern twist.
Above The guest bathroom of a Sussex, England home painted a teal shade that complements the playful, forest-themed wallpaper
The guest bathroom of a Sussex, England home painted a teal shade that complements the playful, forest-themed wallpaper
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Returning indoors, Byrne ensures that every aspect of the home gets the attention it deserves, from the expansive rooms to the hallways. Even the guest bathroom features her distinctive style, painted a teal shade that complements the playful, forest-themed wallpaper.
Above The primary bedroom painted soothing shades of blue
The primary bedroom painted soothing shades of blue
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The Georgian home’s second floor features a primary bedroom and the children’s rooms, painted in soothing pastels. The perfect space to unwind after a long day, the master bedroom is far from monotonous. From the patterned wallpaper to the textured couch at the foot of the bed, the harmonious, tranquil design balances modernity with a vintage touch.
The guest bedroom on the top floor of a Sussex, England home
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The top floor was also recently restored to include a series of bedroom suites that flow seamlessly into each other. Each room is grounded by muted shades of reds and blues, similar to the entertaining spaces below. Instead of shying away from the home’s antique roots, these spaces embrace them wholeheartedly, creating a refreshing space for any guest to find a home away from home.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
