Wealden Times | WT166 | December 2015 | Interiors supplement inside

Above: Colour-blocking with cushions keeps things simple, in front of the
vibrant zig-zag wallpaper. The bookshelf is made from scaffolding boards
and was inspired by a version that Claire saw in a high street store.
Left: Mismatched chairs complement the informality of the rustic table
zig-zag wallpaper in green and blue has been used on
just one of the walls, and helps to make the room feel
larger. I spy the Conran-inspired bookcase looking
very effective along the side wall of the room, neatly
and stylishly housing ornaments and photos. Claire is
obviously a skilled craftsperson, frugal and practical. “I
cook too, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m
thinking that I might make some jam soon, I bought
some lovely quinces the other day that I really need to
use, but we’ll see, I shan’t beat myself up about it.”
As we prepare to leave, a wave of duck egg blue
nostalgia washes over me and, for a moment, I’m
transported back to a glorious period: of hard work,
camaraderie, thankfulness and skilful make-do-andmend.
Claire has managed to pay homage to that
past in the styling and decoration of the cottage,
but at the same time transcends it and lives very
much in the present. This house might belong
to the National Trust, but within its walls Claire
has created a stylish home that is all hers.
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