RUSTIC BEAUTY

Cathy Miller’s design choices were influenced by her love of the Tuscan countryside, resulting in a home that’s full of light and natural charm

- KAY PRESTNEY

Cathy Miller has a long-held love of Italy and has spent many happy family holidays there with her husband Alan, grown-up twin sons Callum and Jack, and daughter Stacey. The couple also got married in Tuscany and many of the elements of Italian life and design are visible in their Surrey home, which they also share with Hector the cockapoo and cats Ruby and Sushi.

‘I have always admired the Renaissance-style plaster finish walls we’ve seen in old Italian villas and Palazzi, and wanted to recreate that, but I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted,’ says Cathy. Luckily, a clever artist friend offered to help and arrived with an array of paint pots, brushes and rags, and spent hours layering and adding texture. ‘I’m thrilled with the results. She has done the hallway, and I’m already preparing to ask her to do the kitchen.’