Wealden Times | WT244 | September 2022 | Winter Interiors Supplement inside

This page: Large
ferns, hardy palms
and bamboo give the
garden a distinctly
tropical feel, whilst
providing some
privacy. Calum built
a pergola at the
end, along with an
outdoor kitchen
she managed to track it down online. Like the rest of
the house, this room is an eclectic mix of antique finds,
heirlooms and up-cycling, mixed in with online and high
street purchases – the wall light is from H&M, bedspread
Hello Fern and the bedside tables are from Zara Home.
Back downstairs and into what was once part of the shop
front – but is now the bar room – Jen and Calum’s love of
travel has been unleashed in decor form. Here gentlemen’s
club meets Africa, en route to the Far East, with a rosewood
‘travel’ bar that was once part of an actual bar in a large pub.
“We work best when we know the theme,” says Jen. “We
wanted this gentlemen’s club/travel bar look – and the
places we’ve seen and hotels we’ve stayed in have inspired
us. I use mood boards to help piece things together. It’s an
eclectic style, so I’m constantly looking for things to fit.” She
offers some sound and encouraging interior advice: “Don’t
be scared to mix different styles from different eras, to use
textures and shapes for contrast. Everything pops against
dark colours, but people get scared. It’s only paint. There’s
nothing wrong with showing personality, so go with your gut
feeling – if you’re unsure, then start small or in one area.”
It’s clear that through their ingenuity, attention to
detail and sheer hard work, this couple have achieved a
remarkable transformation here and given this period
home a whole new lease of life. Inspired by their travel
memories of far flung places, they have managed to transport
the magic of their travels and have created an alluring
and secluded paradise in the sober suburbs of Sussex.
Address Book:
To find our more about Jen’s interior projects,
see Instagram @jenniemacleayinteriors
Avalana Design avalanadesign.co.uk
Coach House Surrey coachhousesurrey.co.uk
Crown Imperial crown-imperial.co.uk
Denhams Auctioneers denhams.com
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