Houzz Tour: A Former Suffolk Dairy Gets a Contemporary Makeover
A feel for colours and a respect for the past have transformed a dilapidated, listed dairy into an elegant modern home
When it came to designing the interior of The Dairy, the owners were leaning towards an elegant monochrome scheme, but interior designer Lindsey Rendall, of Rendall & Wright, wasn’t so sure. ‘When I first saw the building, I thought monochrome would be too harsh. I remember it was a summer evening and I felt soft greys and greens would be much better. When it comes to choosing colour schemes, I think the surroundings of a building are important, and that’s what inspired my choices.’
When Lindsey was asked to work her magic on the 19th century dairy, she knew the building’s history would play a major role in its redevelopment. She had worked with the owners on previous projects and knew they trusted her vision and judgement, but there were still obstacles to overcome: working with a listed building poses a number of challenges, and there was a three-month planning process to navigate before any work on the structure could begin.
Lindsey’s brief was to bring together a team of highly skilled professionals to restore and extend the old dairy, creating a contemporary living space that was sympathetic to the building’s provenance. Under the terms of the planning application, the facade of the building could be restored but not altered in any way, so Lindsey hired local craftspeople with an understanding of local materials and techniques to carry out the tricky renovations.
The build took nine months to complete and the result is an award-winning, serene, bright, contemporary home with a sympathetic nod to the past.
Houzz at a Glance
Owners Diana and Peter Williams
Location Ipswich, Suffolk
Designer Rendall & Wright
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
When Lindsey was asked to work her magic on the 19th century dairy, she knew the building’s history would play a major role in its redevelopment. She had worked with the owners on previous projects and knew they trusted her vision and judgement, but there were still obstacles to overcome: working with a listed building poses a number of challenges, and there was a three-month planning process to navigate before any work on the structure could begin.
Lindsey’s brief was to bring together a team of highly skilled professionals to restore and extend the old dairy, creating a contemporary living space that was sympathetic to the building’s provenance. Under the terms of the planning application, the facade of the building could be restored but not altered in any way, so Lindsey hired local craftspeople with an understanding of local materials and techniques to carry out the tricky renovations.
The build took nine months to complete and the result is an award-winning, serene, bright, contemporary home with a sympathetic nod to the past.
Houzz at a Glance
Owners Diana and Peter Williams
Location Ipswich, Suffolk
Designer Rendall & Wright
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Nothing shouts for attention in this serene home and the beauty lies in the detail. The heavy wooden doors, while not original, are based on the original design and were made by a local craftsman. Lindsey chose glass to section off the mezzanine above in order to allow as much light as possible to filter through the property.
The elegant but understated soft furnishing are made from natural materials wherever possible. The sofa, in charcoal grey brushed cotton, is from OneDeko, while the walls, units and dining table are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath. This pale hue allows the furniture to recede into the background, as Lindsey was keen that the accessories didn’t distract from the building itself.
It was important to Lindsey that traditional methods were used in the renovation in order to respect the building’s provenance. Look closely at the kitchen breakfast bar and you’ll notice the dovetailing – evidence of a skilled carpenter – lending it an authentic feel.
The simplicity of the beautifully crafted kitchen masks high-end appliances, such as the range cooker. The units were built for Lindsey by Unpainted Kitchens to her own design, then painted in Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath to reflect the rest of the scheme.
Lindsey scoured the local area for craftspeople who share her passion for detail, and enlisted the help of ironmonger Jim Lawrence – who lives nearby – to create the door handles and hinges.
The simple-yet-sophisticated feel of the interior is down to Lindsey’s use of different textures. She wanted to avoid jarring patterns and bright colours and instead opted for furniture with clean lines in beautiful natural fabrics. The knitted throw, silky cushions and buttoned headboard and ottoman add elegance to the bedroom.
Lindsey chose the bedside table from local furniture maker Jan Cavelle and had it altered to suit the scheme. The grey lamp is from Oka, and she found the bed at Sofa.com.
The bedroom is a great example of new melding beautifully with old, the specially built wardrobes slotting neatly under the original beam. Floor-to-ceiling cotton curtains diffuse the light for a serene mood.
See stylish ways to mix old with new
See stylish ways to mix old with new
In another nod to the original building, Lindsey wanted the beam to be the main feature in the bathroom. She created texture by using mosaic tiles behind the gently curving BC Designs bath.
The walled garden was filled with concrete when Lindsey enlisted the help of landscape gardener Paul Baines. Together they worked to create a garden that reflected the soft shades used inside the house.
Lindsey wanted the garden furniture to complement the scheme indoors, so she chose pale grey pieces in interesting textures.
What’s your favourite part of this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
What’s your favourite part of this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
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