the metamorphosis of a house

I have worked on this house three times now for two owners.

It's in the countryside near a pretty little village called Hurstpierpoint.

The original house is a tiny cottage built in 1789 and hidden behind the section on the right - you can just see the stepping stones that go to the front door.

I originally decorated the house from top to bottom about 10 years ago ( just the glory bit, not the base coats and woodwork etc.). 

About 18 months ago those clients sold the house and last summer I was asked by the new owner to change a few things.

Harry's old bedroom was to become a guest room, so I needed to paint out the bunting I had done. Luckily I managed to touch up the colourwash without having to paint the whole room again before doing a freehand design.

The before -

And after -

The bedroom as Harry had it - I didn't paint the furniture.

Before

The new seating area for guests (the throw and the cushion belongs on the bed. I need to tell you this because I know my client wouldn't like the idea that I photographed this room with something out of place !).

After

This is the only other part of the room, that I put decoration on.

The room is in the original part of the house from 1789 - hence the beams.

Before

The new bed is here now and the owner decided to keep 'Harry' written on the wall above the bed.

After

It's just such a lovely room.

I also needed to take out this very individual coat of arms in the living room and replace it with something completely different.

I actually learnt Latin at school, but it was my worst subject - I just didn't get it at all. I made up the words with help from the internet, but have no idea if it really makes sense or not .

Painting over this was hard - I stood with the brush in my hand for what seemed like ages because I just felt bad covering it up !

But of course I did and this is the result.

I based my design on the damask type sofas.

The whole point of this post was to tell you that I was asked back this week to change this piece AGAIN.

My client didn't like the central shape and wanted it extended over the arches a bit more.

In the picture below the Persian type symmetrical shape has gone.

And  the new extended ends !

It does work better like this, but I didn't like admitting it to the client !

He told me men are always right !

Not only was I asked to change this, but I was also asked to change the downstairs cloakroom completely (which will be it's third metamorphosis).

I told my client that he just feels sorry for me and wants to give me stuff to do - he denied it !!

However, I'm sure you've had enough and I'm all posted out, so I'll show you that next time - I'll leave you with a few more pictures of his home.

Enjoy your week - Fiona xx