OUR ST LEONARD’S HOME

In 2020, we came across this weathered gem in St Leonards-On-Sea, and were immediately captivated by the incredible potential of its character….

The abundance of natural light, the timeless wooden floorboards and the unique layout instantly sparked our imaginations as soon as we saw this property —ideal for two designers to put their minds to.

We drew inspiration from the locale and collaborated closely with local artisans: blacksmiths, stained-glass glaziers, mural artists, carpenters – as well as our family - to bring our vision into reality, creating a space that is as unique and enduring as the items that sit within it.

What began as a passion project has been meticulously nurtured over the past five years, and we’re thrilled to finally call it our home.

SHELL ART BATHROOM

Inspired by the famed Shell Grotto in Margate, we wanted to create our own shell art bathroom as a homage to the beautiful beaches of St Leonard’s. We used a local shell supplier, plus a few that we came across ourselves on local walks.

Working with Alice’s artist sister, we spent hours and and hours devising the repeating layout and testing the {concrete mix} before we took to the ladder to begin the design.

A week and two/three very stiff necks later, we were finished, and really pleased with the results.

Decorative seashell mosaic border on wall with dark green paneling below.

Dark-painted bathroom with a vintage sink, decorative mirror, and a window. There's a makeshift table covered with plates, small objects, and tools. A person is partially visible on the left.

Person working on a detailed wall mosaic with floral and leaf patterns

Vintage-style bathroom with dark walls, a white pedestal sink, black-framed shower, clawfoot bathtub, ornate wall decor, and a geometric ceiling light.

WILL BE REPLACING THESE TWO!

GLASS ROOF

We brought the house knowing that the roof was structrually unsafe, so fixing this was a priority. Being on the second floor of a townhouse meant we had to think smart, and we called upon Jonny’s Dad’s friend who was a structural engineer, to provide some much needed maths around the situation.

He suggested we bla bla bla

End result. Still working out how to clean the windows though..

Interior of a room under construction with large slanted glass windows, scaffolding, a folding sawhorse, and debris on the floor.

Construction worker repairing a roof with scaffolding around, and a house interior showing a fireplace and ladders.

Four construction workers assembling a rooftop structure with metal beams against a clear sky, with scaffolding in the background.

BEDROOM MURAL

Calling upon Alice’s Dad and sister for their artistic skills, our idea for the mural was XYZ

Bla bla

Person painting paper cutouts with gold paint on a wooden surface, surrounded by brushes and multi-colored paper shapes.

Two people standing in front of an orange wall with abstract patterns, holding paintbrushes and smiling.

Two people decorating a room with wall art, using cutout shapes. One person stands on a chair near a window, while the other is on a ladder, both applying designs to painted walls.

BALCONY RAILINGS

Working with a local blacksmith friend, we designed these with the idea that

Bla bla

Close-up of metal rods and clamps on a surface, possibly part of a construction or fabrication process.

A green pickup truck parked on a street with metal fencing loaded in the bed, next to a brick building.

View from a rooftop with a metal railing and surrounding brick buildings with tiled roofs and windows.

CURTAINS

We put the skills to test of a drapery seamstress we know in the area with these panelled curtains for the Middle Room. Measuring x - x cm, we had sourced x pieces of vintage fabric that she skilfully put together.

We were delighted with the result, admiring the texture and colours they bring to the room.