Made in Bridgeman

Your home is ultimately a reflection of who you are. Over time, as life changes, that reflection too shifts and evolves. A new, blank space offered us a rare moment to completely step back from our historical tastes and allow our feelings to guide the design.

Softness, calm and peace were what we craved.

When my mother and I bought this townhouse, we were battle weary. Together we had been through a long period of emotional turmoil, most of which we kept hidden from the outside world.

My father passing away, while shocking and deeply upsetting, marked the end of a significant chapter. The coincidence of creating a home, while navigating the complexities of grief and loss, saw the departure from our ‘bold’ taste be welcomed with the new desire for a different style – gentle.

The Nook was originally a study area, set at the top of the internal stairwell and between two bedroom wings. Removing the desk was one of the first things we did.

Before moving into our new home, we discovered Lavender Hill Interiors, an Australian boutique which unfortunately has since closed. The two French armchairs caught our eye, and my grandparents had this antique gate leg table sitting unutilised in their home. The space was already coming together in our minds as a quiet corner to sit, breathe, and reflect.

Family antiques are a special part of our home, and I always learn new stories when I ask my mother their origins. Atop this table sits a silver inkwell stationary set, presented to a family member in Bath, England in 1851. He was a Fellow of Magdalen College at Oxford University and Master of Bath Grammar School.

Lamps are a favourite design accent. My parents bought this pink Chinese lamp from Holland Village in Singapore when I was a toddler. We’ve bought many gifts for the home in Asia, and Singapore remains one of our favourite places to visit. The celadon green vase was a gift from Korea many years ago.

Mum had the lampshade and cushions custom-made with ‘Malmsbury Willow’ fabric from Warwick Fabrics. Pink and neutrals quickly became the colour theme for this space, which we continued with further design choices, including the rug from Temple & Webster.

We travelled to Europe in July 2024. We love to buy a gift for the home from every country we visit – a tradition my parents started many decades ago. This was my mother’s first visit to France, and of course we had to visit a Flea Market in Paris – where we spotted this antique Limoges jar. It joins the existing collection of small antique jars from Asia which have been in Mum’s family for generations.

Our ‘Czech Lady’ came from a beautiful art gallery in Prague. She is handcrafted by a prominent Czech opera singer and sculptor, and this collection was so eye-catching and different. We loved Paris and Prague, and it’s lovely to have reminders of our travels at home.

After many months I painted the Nook in ‘Rubble’ by Porters Paints. It’s a neutral-toned beige which looks equally gentle under lamplight or overhead light. Our painting is by Angela Meyer, a Queensland artist. And finally, the large gold frame mirror adds a stunning reflection to make the Nook embrace you in its tranquillity.

With love,

Isabel & Amanda