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English Countryside Meets City Living In This Chic Apartment
At first glance, it’s hard to believe that this English-countryside-inspired home is actually a 750-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bath rental apartment in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. With a little help from her client and friend photographer Jacqueline Clair, Jennifer Hunter reimagined this rental unit built in 1987 to become the perfect English retreat amidst the busy city below.
We’re always inspired by homes completed within the bounds of restrictions or space limitations, and the challenge of this design was to create a big design in a small amount of square footage. Because this apartment is a rental, Jennifer had to get creative with her approach. She included removable wallpaper in both the bath and bedroom vestibule, replaced light fixtures, and even constructed built-ins out of IKEA cabinetry.
Design: Jennifer Hunter Design | Photography: Jacqueline Clair Photography | Styling: Frances Bailey
The Best Of Both Worlds
To achieve the desired aesthetic, Jennifer turned to English designers and English-based shops and brands. Jackie is a fan of Louise Roe and Carlos Garcia, and they studied their work together before the project began for inspiration.
In the living room, distinctive colors and patterns create an eclectic atmosphere. The walls are painted with Farrow & Ball paint— a UK-based brand known for their pigmented and timeless colors. Custom textile selections by Penny Morrison, Veere Grenney, Colefax and Fowler, and Soane Britain dress up the windows and furniture.
Carefully Curated
Regardless of the home’s aesthetic, one thing that all well-styled homes have in common is that each layer feels carefully selected and personal. In this main living space, the colorfully lined bookshelves and antique finds lend a lived-in feeling to the room that makes you want to come in and put your feet up. We love how stylist Frances Bailey complimented the playful material palette with sophisticated elements like vintage artwork and oversized vases for fresh florals.
Charm & Function
The bedroom is equal parts charming and functional, and Jennifer made the most out of every square inch to maximize space. English-inspired design is often distinguished by expert pattern mixing, and this room is the perfect masterclass for doing it well. A patterned bed frame, bedding textiles, curtains, and lampshades all work together to fill the space with personality and coziness.
Complete with custom bedding from the London-based Sarah K. Designs London.
BY: Jasmyne Muir
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