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INTERIORS
eorgian, Victorian, Edwardian – Bath is packed to the rafters with period properties. From Palladian pillars to steep gabled roofs, from tall bay windows to ornate, sturdy fireplaces, the history of time is embodied in the fabric of so many of our homes. Thank goodness the 1970s madness of ripping everything out to start over is behind us, but how do we honour our home’s past while still allowing for sympathetic contemporary updates? Can the eras be bridged, allowing sleek lines and minimalist furniture to sit happily alongside the original craftsmanship and period pieces To find out, we turned to our local interiors e perts for their advice on how to embrace the now, while also celebrating the then.
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While we are fortunate to have all this history on our very own doorstep, we also hear about the seeming negatives associated with it – restrictions, listed building consent required, and permission refused. So what do those in the know think about possible ath-specific disad antages to their creative work? “We are incredibly lucky to have so many historic buildings, and most of them protected through their listed status,” says John Law, creative director with interior and garden design specialists Woodhouse and Law. “Whilst this status comes with its challenges, it does mean the beautiful, original features remain intact. Our approach is always to celebrate the architecture of a building. That doesn’t necessarily mean highlighting every element; instead, it’s about the balance of the overall scheme.” Anyone who lives or works in a period property, particularly one with listed status, knows the privilege and responsibility that comes with being its current custodian. Decisions about what to preserve, restore, or adapt take on e tra weight, but, as ohn notes, f the property is listed, the decision is often made for you. This aside, we always assess
LEFT: Celebrate the architecture of a building, says John Law of Woodhouse & Law;
ABOVE: CHAPTER’s Pippa Musrie believes that well-considered personal objects are very often fundamental to telling the story of your home
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35