Bright Future
25 Beautiful Homes|September 2018

Design entrepreneur Sophie Garnier and her husband Ralph turned their dark basement flat into a light, peaceful sanctuary

Serena Fokschaner
Bright Future

For most of the year, home for Sophie Garnier is a rooftop apartment in hectic, colourful Yangon in Myanmar, where she collaborates with local artisans on designs for her homewares brand, Kalinko. But every few months she jumps on a plane and heads back to London to her apartment in the basement of a stucco-clad townhouse.

RELAXED ATMOSPHERE

‘As I slide the key in the door I breathe deeply, because after Myanmar, London feels so peaceful,’ says Sophie. From the pigeon-grey hall with its cheerful prints, the light-filled corridor draws your eye to the greenery of the garden, which, at 60 feet long, was the reason why Sophie and her husband Ralph (who also works in Myanmar) bought the place. The garden aside, there were few redeeming features. ‘The ceilings were too low and the layout was impractical, with a small sitting room at the front and two poky bedrooms,’ says Sophie. ‘The kitchen was a dark galley and the conservatory leaked. And yet, despite all that, it had a good, calm feeling to it.’

Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA 25 BEAUTIFUL HOMESSe alt
NATURE'S colour scheme
25 Beautiful Homes

NATURE'S colour scheme

Interior designer Charlotte Thomas has transformed a centuries-old country house into a haven of charm, with hues that are in harmony with her personality

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
SPECIAL BLEND
25 Beautiful Homes

SPECIAL BLEND

Marcus and Eliza Waring’s captivating new build combines modern style with Georgian charm

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Southern belle
25 Beautiful Homes

Southern belle

Interior designer Michael Mitchell breathed new life into y a home in South Carolina with colour, art and antiques Lan

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
LOFTY AMBITION
25 Beautiful Homes

LOFTY AMBITION

Bespoke joinery and a light palette were used to maximise the space in this cosy bedroom under the eaves

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Modern CLASSIC
25 Beautiful Homes

Modern CLASSIC

Interior designer LeeAnn Baker has infused this elegant new-build waterfront home with a sense of history and a welcoming atmosphere

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
European VIBES
25 Beautiful Homes

European VIBES

Italian and French mid-century pieces, exquisite marbles and a calming palette of blues and greens lend an international flavour to a historic apartment in Stockholm

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
A return to grandeur
25 Beautiful Homes

A return to grandeur

An extensive remodel has given this 1990s home fabulous character, with designer Jeffrey Neve’s eye for fresh colours softening the space

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
SHEER GLAMOUR
25 Beautiful Homes

SHEER GLAMOUR

Eleanor and Ollie Bowmer gave their new en suite the five-star treatment with luxe finishes and a statement bath

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Relaxing RUSTIC
25 Beautiful Homes

Relaxing RUSTIC

Designer Claire Garner has concocted a warm and welcoming interior scheme that perfectly complements the oak beams of this modern Tudor-style home

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
The little house of CALM
25 Beautiful Homes

The little house of CALM

Sue and Jonathan Eley turned a timber cabin in a beautiful secluded New Forest setting into a luxurious country escape

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024