Celebrity Style

Architect Max Rollitt Redesigns a 16th-Century English Farmhouse

In the heart of the picturesque English countryside, where tales of Austen and Shakespeare seem to echo through the rolling hills, a 16th-century farmhouse has been given a new lease on life. British interior designer and antiques expert Max Rollitt, alongside the architectural firm Simon Morray-Jones, embarked on a transformative project to reshape this historic dwelling. Their mission was to infuse modern comfort and family functionality into a structure that had evolved over centuries, all while preserving its inherent character and deep connection to the surrounding natural beauty. The result is a home that seamlessly marries tradition with a fresh, vibrant spirit, creating a sanctuary that celebrates both its past and its present.

A Harmonious Blend of History and Modernity in an English Farmhouse

Nestled amidst 92 acres of ancient woodlands in the Southwest of England, a sprawling 7,300-square-foot farmhouse, dating back to the 1500s, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. In 2018, a financier, returning from New York with his family, sought to transform this venerable estate into a contemporary family residence. He enlisted the expertise of acclaimed British interior designer Max Rollitt and the architectural vision of Simon Morray-Jones.

Rollitt's design philosophy centers on crafting homes that reflect the owners' lives and personalities, deeply rooted in their environment. For this project, his guiding principle was to bring "humanity to design" and inject "joy" into the living spaces. The owner's primary request was clear: the home must embrace its stunning surroundings and function beautifully throughout the year.

The renovation was comprehensive, involving a full gut remodel to optimize the home's flow. Key changes included relocating the kitchen from the east to the west, offering sweeping views of the valley, and dismantling a 20th-century pig sty to enhance the landscape. The master bathroom was thoughtfully designed with windows facing both east and west, providing an enchanting start to the day with views of the ancient woods. Throughout the house, charming window seats and cozy nooks were created, inviting the owner's children to indulge in their love for reading while observing local wildlife like birds, foxes, badgers, owls, and deer.

Rollitt's approach to decoration was holistic, ensuring visual continuity through recurring colors and textures. A hallway was theatrically adorned with red striped walls and a dramatic, wine-hued curtain. The library, a favorite spot for the owner's son to practice piano, features built-in bookshelves painted in a grey-green, echoing the wainscoting in the mudroom and the primary suite's closets. Peach tones from the study reappear in the kitchen and sitting room, while durable rush matting covers most floors, complemented by antique rugs.

Even challenging architectural elements, like the drawing room's varied ceiling heights and numerous doors, were ingeniously addressed. Rollitt drew inspiration from Oxford's Bodleian Library, incorporating a similar wooden screen in the drawing room to define spaces, and used curtains to artfully conceal irregularly placed doors, embracing the farmhouse's organic evolution.

The owner remarked on Rollitt's deep understanding of family life and the property's true essence. The designer not only respected the house's original architecture but also injected it with a renewed vitality. Rollitt himself noted that the once "tired and infirm" house now possesses a new strength, its foundations restored and its spirit reawakened for generations to come.

This project serves as a poignant reminder that true architectural and interior design transcends mere aesthetics; it's about understanding the soul of a place and the lives it will nurture. Max Rollitt's work on this English farmhouse exemplifies how a thoughtful, empathetic approach can transform a centuries-old structure into a vibrant, functional, and deeply loved family home. It underscores the importance of cherishing historical authenticity while adapting spaces to meet contemporary needs, proving that the past and present can coexist in beautiful harmony.

Metal Bed Frames: Style Meets Durability

Metal bed frames have emerged as a preferred choice for interior designers due to their remarkable adaptability, seamlessly integrating into diverse decor schemes. Whether aiming for a romantic ambiance or a modern aesthetic, these frames prove to be exceptionally versatile. Current trends showcase a wide array of designs, from elaborate canopies and vibrant powder-coated finishes to sleek polished chrome and traditional painted iron, making metal an indispensable material in bedroom furnishings.

When selecting the ideal metal bed frame, the decision extends beyond mere color. Factors such as the overall silhouette, the specific finish, the proportions, and intricate detailing collectively influence how the bed frame interacts with the room's design. This thoughtful consideration helps achieve desired effects, whether it's maintaining unobstructed views, adding architectural flair, or providing a subtle backdrop for striking wallpaper and layers of bedding. The various models discussed, such as the Birch Lane Earling Spindle Bed with its vintage charm and ample under-bed storage, the modern elegance of the CB2 Amani Hand-Forged Upholstered Canopy Bed, or the minimalist appeal of the Allewie Metal Platform Bed, each offer distinct styles to enhance any bedroom.

Furthermore, innovative designs continue to push boundaries. The GreenRow Tinsley Bed introduces a bold splash of color with its vivid powder-coated steel, crafted with traditional metalworking techniques for lasting quality. For those preferring a minimalist approach, the Joss & Main Armaud Open-Frame Bed provides a delicate, airy feel, while the Urban Outfitters Boden Platform Bed offers a futuristic touch with its polished chrome and rounded edges. Other noteworthy options include the Four Hands Iron Bed, which reinterprets classic lines with a warm brass finish, the IKEA Stjärnö Slatted Bed Frame, known for its soft curves and versatile white finish, and the Lulu and Georgia Sylvie Platform Bed, featuring elegant curves and finial details. Lastly, the AllModern Aston Open-Frame Bed, with its low-profile headboard, is perfect for maintaining window views and maximizing natural light, demonstrating the broad spectrum of metal bed frames available to suit every design preference and functional need.

Embracing metal bed frames offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse your living space with both timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication. Their robust construction and diverse aesthetic possibilities ensure that they are not just functional pieces of furniture but also central elements that define and elevate the character of a bedroom. Choose a design that resonates with your personal style, and let your bedroom become a testament to refined taste and practical beauty.

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From Manhattan to Singapore: A Family's Global Home Transformation

A family's decision to relocate from the bustling heart of New York City to Singapore marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in home design. Bona Yoo and SangWook Lee, after their 2021 move to be closer to family, were determined to preserve the spirit of their Manhattan lifestyle within their new Singaporean residence. This aspiration led them to create a dwelling that expertly marries local characteristics with their cherished "Big Apple" identity, resulting in a refined blend of cultural traditions and contemporary design.

Their vision began with selecting a distinctive apartment across the top two levels of a centrally located building, featuring expansive rooms and a mezzanine beneath a gracefully curved ceiling. This architectural choice resonated with their previous Tribeca loft, offering the high ceilings, unique character, and abundant natural light they valued. To bring this vision to life, they enlisted the renowned AD100 firm, Studio Valle de Valle, helmed by Giancarlo Valle and Jane Keltner de Valle. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, with design sessions conducted remotely, the collaboration flourished through detailed mock-ups and 3D renderings. Yoo, an art advisor, further enriched the project by integrating her extensive collection of vintage furnishings and contemporary artworks, reflecting a shared passion for design with her husband.

The collaborative design process was an inspiring exchange, leading to a home filled with meticulously chosen pieces from design legends like Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Oscar Niemeyer, alongside Scandinavian influences such as a Märta Måås-Fjetterström rug and a Paavo Tynell pendant. Giancarlo Valle's custom designs, including the mohair Kevin sofa and a unique freestanding cedar cabinet, seamlessly integrated with the existing elements. A custom carpet featuring a graphic pattern echoes the organic shapes found on the cocktail table, subtly incorporating the names of their children, Connor and Jude. This playful integration of personal touches extends to the boys' bathroom, designed as a tribute to George Nakashima, and the careful selection of smooth, curved surfaces throughout the home to ensure a child-friendly environment.

The transformation of this Singaporean duplex transcends mere relocation; it embodies a philosophical approach to living. By integrating treasured elements from their past with the opportunities of their new surroundings, the family crafted a personal sanctuary. Their home stands as a testament to embracing change, celebrating diversity in design, and cultivating an environment that continually inspires and delights, proving that the essence of 'home' is carried within, regardless of geography.

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