Cover A red sofa catches the eye in the living room. All photos: Tom Griffiths
A red sofa catches the eye in the living room. All photos: Tom Griffiths
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This stately British house near London by To&From personifies a harmonious connection between nature and architecture with clever design touches and calming hues
When you own a house boasting stunning countryside views that would fit right onto a postcard, you’d want to play up its connection to the environment. Such was the case with this family home in Hertfordshire, a southern English county near London. Tasked with giving the residence a makeover, multidisciplinary studio To&From drew inspiration from its lush green surrounds, which are dominated by large trees and an abundance of house plants inside and out, to craft a contemporary home that breathes fresh energy into the plot.
Besides forging a strong relationship between the house and its landscape, the designers had to fulfil a number of other practical requirements. “The home needed to be functional, with an improved flow and ample storage space,” says Somya Singh, co-founder and creative director of To&From, adding that the owners ultimately craved a “warm and welcoming atmosphere in which they could make cherished memories”.
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Above The handsome living room uses rich shades of red to imbue the space with a sense of romance
The handsome living room uses rich shades of red to imbue the space with a sense of romance
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The family, who comprise a couple and their offspring, have been living in the house since 1998; the residence was built a decade earlier. “The house lacked character due to its 1980s architecture and low ceilings, and the clients sought a fresh start,” adds Singh.
The 8,000 sq ft, five-bedroom abode is spread over four levels, and the design practice worked to give each space character through the judicious application of natural elements and colour.
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The grand entrance hall
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Making a grand impression is the entrance hall, with a staircase featuring bespoke forged metal spindles and an oak handrail, Parisian black-and-white marble chequered floor, and an impressive bronze chandelier.
Panelling around the hall exaggerates the height of the ceiling, while Victorian cornices and decorative beading add charm. The hall leads to the main common areas on the ground floor, including a formal living room, a family room, dining room, kitchen and orangerie.
Above The orangerie-style dining area is a beautiful space basking in natural light
Above The kitchen cabinetry also references the verdant use of plants in the home
The orangerie-style dining area is a beautiful space basking in natural light
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Above The green upholstery references the mix of house plants and foliage within the interior
Above Somya Singh, co-founder and creative director of To&From
The green upholstery references the mix of house plants and foliage within the interior
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Although the living and dining areas were both inspired by the elegance of Parisian parlours, each has its own mood and look: the living room exudes opulence, while the dining room sports a dark green scheme for a cosier vibe. Eglomise mirrors incorporated into the joinery make both spaces feel larger by reflecting light. Modern, bespoke pieces in these zones include an ottoman with a wooden sliding table in the living room, as well as a customised 10-seater dining table from Julian Chichester.
The dining room is a grand space made more inviting with the use of deep green paintwork
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The main spaces on the first floor are the master suite, dressing room and guest room, while the second storey houses additional guest rooms. The basement incorporates the swimming pool, spa, billiards area, and a cinema room.
“The pool area was originally a dark space with a low ceiling, so we rebuilt and lifted the ceiling as high as possible,” says Singh. The walls were lime washed to brighten this area, and a water feature was created just outside the pool to maintain a visual connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. “The trees are reflected in the water, adding an extra element of biophilia to the design.”
The enviable indoor pool
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Throughout the home, an impactful mix of natural elements and colour emphasises its connection to the land. Different shades of green in the form of house plants, paint, and textiles foster calmness. The house features a lively mix of house plants; these include Upright Elephant Ear, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera, Alocasia, Epiphyllum, palm, hydrangea and other species in the reception room, family room and other spaces.
“In addition to enhancing the home’s indoor-outdoor connection, indoor plants also soften the spaces while adding an energising touch, depth and texture,” says Singh.
The off-white neutral scheme imbues an effortless sense of elegance in this bedroom
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Colour-wise, a sophisticated champagne hue is used throughout the house for a feeling of freshness and understated elegance. Rich red and burgundy tones bring vigour to the formal living space, cloakroom and orangery, while gentle shades of blue imbue the guest rooms area with serenity. “The application of colour is a hallmark of our projects,” says Singh. “Beyond defining the purpose of a space and evoking a certain mood, a cohesive colour scheme can also make a home feel more luxurious, while creating a sense of comfort.”
The two-year project was completed in early 2022, after overcoming delays caused by the pandemic. Singh says that the clients were overjoyed with the house, calling it their “forever home”. “Our goal was to create a timeless. elegant, and personality-filled home that can be enjoyed for decades to come, in line with its lush surroundings,” she adds. “We are incredibly proud of the overall result.”
Credits
Photography: Tom Griffiths
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