Pia, founder of Pia Design (Opens in a new tab), on board to breathe new life into old interiors. When we first visited the house it was winter and there were wonderful panoramic views from all sides in the stunning natural setting of the High Downs. We felt the view had to continue in the white blocks between the windows to achieve a continuous panoramic feel so it looked as if the outside was coming in. All the colors we used in the house were inspired by the changing colors of nature surrounding the royal—yellow spring daffodils, fresh summer greens, fall rusty oranges and moody winter blues.
Clients had collected some beautiful furnishings over the years and it was important to them that the renovation reduces waste and environmental impact wherever possible. The goal was to preserve and restore all the furniture that had so much meaning to them. “We didn’t want to replace anything, and in fact, the only furniture that got rid of was two stretchy sofas,” says Pia. Everything else was used, with lots of pieces for new homes found in different rooms. We have brought it all back to life. We also decided to keep all the boards and panels. Douglas fir doors have a nice grain so we left it as is. Clients were so happy we took this approach of keeping what could be saved, rather than wanting to start from scratch with all new finishes and fixtures.
Entry
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Pia created a clever entryway by replacing broken, worn-out ceramic floor tiles with herringbone marble ones. Sandberg Pil’s elegant wallpaper with willow leaves mimics the shape of the tiles.
Other changes included the introduction of panels in the style of the rest of the property and the replacement of the front door with a sturdier one. The sweet, personal touch that makes the entry special is the custom-designed stained-glass panel, by Luna Glasswork—the design is inspired by the daffodils that grow on a client’s driveway up into the house in spring.
the hallway
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
An elegant hallway with its Douglas Fir staircase is sure to make a statement.
Clients felt it was a somewhat crowded place previously, so Pia wanted to create a serene but sophisticated feel.
Among her hallway ideas is a striking landscape mural by Woodchip & Magnolia. Patterned carpeting was replaced with herringbone wood floors to match the staircase, and the spinners were painted in Farrow & Ball balustrades to break with the wood’s continuity. The chaise longue is owned by the client’s grandmother and has been re-upholstered to give it a new lease on life.
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Existing arches give beautiful views of the Downs. The frescoes by Woodchip & Magnolia are a nod to the site.
dinner room
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Pia’s dining room ideas are all about creating a period aesthetic for this formal space and recycle furniture. “We reused the client’s existing furniture, but moved it from the garden room to the formal dining room and re-upholstered the dining chairs in blue velvet,” says Pia. “The pendant lamp was previously in the client’s kitchen.”
Blue is one of the client’s favorite colors, so a soothing backdrop was created by repainting the walls and ceiling in Skylight and Dix Blue from Farrow & Ball.
Living room
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
“This room features amazing views of the North Downs, so we wanted to continue those uninterrupted views with the addition of this Woodchip & Magnolia landscape mural wallpaper,” Pia says. “It gives a panoramic feel.”
Among the living room ideas to evoke the look of the period is the introduction of three identical custom-made sofas based on a historical design. “It was one of the very few items we bought or made new for the house, and despite its straight shape, it’s really comfortable to relax in,” says Pia.
garden room
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
As this room faces an inner courtyard with a rose garden and central fountain, Pia wanted it to evoke an “inside-out feeling.” Key to that is Sandberg’s trailing ivy wallpaper and moss green sofa and chair.
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
The client’s existing wood and cane furniture has been reused in this space to create a casual dining area.
kitchen
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
The kitchen was a relatively new addition to the home. One of Pia’s kitchen ideas was to update it and add drama by repainting the island at Farrow & Ball’s Railings. The original antique chandelier has been moved to the dining room and replaced with a classic globe pendant by Lux Deco.
master bedroom
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Clients loved the current pastel blue color scheme, so Pia decided to keep it as it evokes a serene vibe. Among her bedroom ideas to add the wow factor are a custom wall mural by de Gournay and a bubble-shaped chandelier by Dowsing & Reynolds.
Bedrooms
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Pia created a cheerful bedroom scheme by injecting splashes of color and an eye-catching mural that complements classic wood furniture.
Bedrooms
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
“The bedrooms in the back of the house were already furnished, but other than that it was very basic,” says Pia. The bed, bedside tables, and lamps belonged to the client, so Bea introduced a moody color with painted walls and ceilings, as well as a mural on the headboard wall, creating an atmospheric scheme.
Bedrooms
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
“This is the smallest bedroom in the house but it makes a huge impact,” says Pia. “We wanted visitors not to feel trapped, so we used Cole & Son’s Nuvolette cloud wallpaper on the ceiling to give a visual impression of the sky opening into the room.”
The unusual shape of the custom-designed headboard is inspired by the turns around the house.
Bedrooms
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Since this room has a low ceiling height, Pia used Cole & Son’s Nuvolette cloud wallpaper inside the window that exposes the paneling on the walls for interest. A custom colored headboard combines the shades used in the scheme.
Water Cycle
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
This space used to be looking outdated and one of Pia’s bathroom ideas for creating a sleek new scheme was to offer a bespoke vanity unit with fluted drawer fronts. Marble mosaic tiles on the floor and Carrara marble on the invigorating shower create a sense of luxury, while dark blue panels and curtains add drama.
Interior Design/Pia Design (Opens in a new tab)
Photos/Mary Wadsworth
Design / Millie Bruce