Country cottage redesign balances urban taste with rustic charm
Christian Bense, renowned interior designer, has achieved the perfect blend of urban sophistication and rustic coziness in his latest country cottage renovation.
A thoughtful approach to balancing styles
When Bense first visited the property, he was struck by its higgledy-piggledy layout, a result of years of the space being divided into three flats. His solution was to prioritize resolving the confusing layout before focusing on decoration. 'I knew instantly that tackling the layout had to be the first step, and then we could think about making it work for my clients,' he explains.
Bense's clients were the perfect fit for this project. They were a couple who had recently sold their London home and were seeking a quieter pace of life to raise their children. Their style leans urban, but they were open to embracing the character of their new country cottage.
Working within a tight budget, Bense set out to create a harmonious balance between the homeowners' urban aesthetic and the property's natural charm. He stripped the space back to its bare bones, retaining as much of the original stone flooring as possible and unifying the various levels with new carpeting. Calming neutrals were applied to the walls, allowing the architectural features to take center stage.
To inject a touch of country flair, Bense selected fabrics and celebrated the property's unique elements. In the living room, a majority of the furniture, including the sofas, was sourced from the clients' London home, while vintage pieces from local markets and online platforms added a rustic touch.
One of the most effective moves was Bense's use of paint. Rather than relying on bold colors or wallpaper, he chose to utilize the wall paint in a more strategic way. 'I have never been one to go all out painting walls or covering them with wallpaper,' he says. 'I feel that can be a lazy way to design, but here, wall paint was one of our biggest assets.'
By painting the wall panelling, skirting boards, doors, and window frames in a range of hues – from dusty rose and sage green to cornflower blue – Bense not only highlighted the proportions and guided the eye but also offered a modern twist on traditional country colors that appealed to his clients' taste.
In the kitchen, the homeowners' existing furniture was incorporated, while bespoke cabinets and a statement chandelier from Neptune added a touch of sophistication. In the family dining area, an heirloom fabric was reimagined as a lampshade, while in the bedrooms, vintage finds and clever repurposing of the clients' belongings created a sense of warmth and personality.
Throughout the renovation, Bense's goal was to create a space that not only worked for his clients but also grew with them. By thoughtfully balancing their urban sensibilities with the property's natural charm, he has achieved a truly unique and inviting country cottage that feels both modern and timeless.