A RAY OF SUNSHINE

Liz Matthews and Al MacCuish’s home exudes a feeling of pure joy with its palette of beautifully brilliant colours

- RACHEL LEEDHAM

SITTING ROOM

‘I almost consider this warm rose as a neutral as it goes with absolutely everything,’ says Liz. The black and white cabinet (right) is a mid-century piece and the painting on it is by Al. Walls in Sulking Room Pink estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Mid-century cabinet, Atomic Antiques. Try the Esschert rug at ManoMano for similar

DINING AREA

The banquette seating fits a crowd; the table came from Liz’s boardroom at work. Large Angle table, from £520, Unto This Last, has this look. The Otton three-tier lampshade is currently available in green, £95, Habitat

For 10 years, Liz Matthews dreamed of owning this elegant Georgian house in south London. ‘It is one of two villas set back from the street and we would drive past them on the school run,’ she recounts. ‘While we were waiting at the traffic lights, I would look at them and wonder who the lucky owners were.’ Then, in 2018, Liz and her new partner, Al MacCuish, were looking to buy a home together. ‘I was scrolling through Rightmove on holiday when this house popped up - I was so excited that I dropped my phone in the sand,’ she laughs.

Liz and Al both work in the creative industry and between them they have five children: Bram, 16, Gabe, 12, Buddy, 12, and nine-year-old twins Teddy and Wren. ‘The previous owners had filled this house with people and music and they wanted the new owners to do the same,’ Liz explains.

SITTING AREA

New glazed doors and a deep deck help to connect the house with the garden. Fleece upholstered chair, £229.99, Zara Home. Shaggy round rug, from £67.95, Benuta. Rene chandelier, £625, Soho Home

KITCHEN