Rebecca Hughes, an esteemed interior designer, has crafted a serene and characterful Norfolk home, Old Oaks Hall, that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Her design philosophy revolves around creating a sense of discovery, calm, and ease, while also ensuring the space is warm, inviting, and functional for the owners and their guests. Here's a deep dive into her creative process and the resulting masterpiece.
A Calm Haven
From the moment she stepped into Old Oaks Hall, Rebecca was captivated by its innate sense of tranquility. The property's existing architecture, including exposed 18th-century timber beams and traditional sash windows, provided a solid foundation for her design vision. The owners, an entrepreneurial couple with a passion for entertaining and a love for the countryside, sought a home that felt both lived-in and luxurious, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
A Restrained Palette with Rich Layers
Hughes opted for a restrained color palette, featuring serene neutrals, earthy greens, and soft blues, which not only reflect the countryside's palette but also evoke a sense of calm. She introduced contrast through richly layered fabrics, natural wood, and heritage details. Oak furniture adds warmth, while wool introduces natural tactility. Floral prints on upholstery and wallpaper nod to English country style, and the addition of textural surfaces like Tadelakt and Zellige tiles further enhances the artisanal charm.
Conversational Spaces and Outdoor Fabrics
The kitchen, a central hub for family life, cooking, and entertaining, was designed to be a conversational space. Hughes incorporated outdoor fabrics indoors, adding texture and robustness. She also convinced the owners to embrace pattern without overwhelming the space, creating a sense of zoning through styling ideas like displaying plates over the door frame. The dining room features a full wraparound wallpaper, adding depth and character.
Tonal Layering and Emotional Connection
A key aspect of Hughes' design is tonal layering, achieved through a mix of pattern, fabric, and provenance. Visual Comfort pendant lights sit alongside antique pieces, Lewis & Wood wallpapers, Guy Goodfellow fabrics, and works by local artists. This approach not only creates visual interest but also fosters an emotional connection, as clients are taken to artists' studios to discover their own styles.
The Children's Bunk Room: A Whimsical Escape
The children's bunk room stands out as a whimsical and practical space. Hughes transformed a simple pitched room into a magical den area with a secret loft space discovered behind a hatch. She worked with The Boys Who Sew to create bespoke window treatments, including plug cushions and wraparound blackout curtains, adding a touch of enchantment to the room.
The Second Phase: A Tech-Filled Games Room
The project is far from complete. In the second phase, Hughes is converting the estate's listed former livestock barn into a tech-filled games room and an outdoor kitchen, offering additional entertainment options. The owners' enthusiasm for their new life and their excitement about future projects indicate that Hughes has successfully achieved her design goals.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Design
Rebecca Hughes' design at Old Oaks Hall is a testament to her skill and creativity. Her ability to blend rustic charm with modern elegance, create a sense of discovery and ease, and cater to the clients' diverse tastes has resulted in a home that is both functional and luxurious. As the project continues, Hughes' influence will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the Norfolk countryside.
