How this couple built an interior design business full of period style

Interior designers Iain Pritchard and Glenn Robb met ten years ago and quickly realised that not only did they both have a passion for architecture and houses, but also the same taste in birthday parties as children.

‘A birthday treat for both of us would be a visit to show homes or a National Trust house as a child, and as such we knew we were destined to meet,’ laughs Glenn.

Now the two designers work and create together as partners in both business and in life, as well as heading up Alexander Thomas, an interior design firm that has branched out into supplying exquisite European antiques and fine art but also an in-house collection of cushions and lampshades.

The business’ new direction came directly from their own renovation of an eight-bed Georgian Regency home in Shropshire that began five years ago. While sourcing the period pieces and contemporary additions for the interiors – places Glenn describes as ‘a fusion of antiques with a fresher contemporary edge’ – friends and family would constantly ask where on earth everything came from.

It was a natural evolution to start offering the same, and similar, pieces online via their diverse little black book of artisan makers from across Great Britain and around the world.

The couple found the property in a half-finished state, with weeds and vines obscuring the windows and cobwebs adorning the interiors. Despite the Cruella De Vil aesthetic, Glenn and Iain saw the building’s potential.

‘The one thing about this house is that it has an amazing energy and feel,’ says Iain. ‘When I walked in it had a feeling, if it had been flat and empty we would have turned around and left. I think when it has an energy that also means these kinds of properties don’t feel too big, or empty and cavernous.’

Glenn adds: ‘We found the house and caught the vision of what people couldn’t see. We wanted to bring it back to what it deserved to be. It had been partially restored but left empty and we knew it could be the most beautiful Georgian home for us and our dogs.’

The renovation included creating spectacular, beautifully designed gardens that form secret rooms within the grounds, a result of the couple painstakingly spray-painting sections and plans on the rough, wooded grounds by torchlight. Now box hedging, topiary and feature trees punctuate sweeping lawns and a raised terrace for al fresco dining.

Walk through the period double doors, with glass panelling, and the property manages to channel the grandeur of its previous glory, but with a subtle, updated crispness.

They have worked with the original historic features that the house had and then added in some pops of colour and art. ‘We love lamp light and pleated silk Ikat lampshades that lead the way mixed with a number of antique cabinets and chests,’ says Iain.

‘We adore bleached walnut commodes as they are a more modern take on a historic piece. Painted and gilt mirrors add a dose of splendour, that is nicely balanced by more intentionally shabby chic elements in the naturally finished floorboards and wicker wood baskets.

‘Runners and rugs add layer and depth to the space, but the focus was always on creating something welcoming and homely.’

Iain and Glenn have cleverly made the backdrops mostly neutral, with taupes and soft greyish whites, letting elements like the OKA rug and green marble effect lamp take centre stage. Even the bannister, in a deep mahogany, draws the eye immediately thanks to its contrast against the Dowager paint by Fired Earth.

This juxtaposition of colour is used to even greater effect in the kitchen. Tall linen stools around the oversized island are in sharp contrast to the bespoke kitchen cabinets by a local joiner. The dresser and island are both finished in Railings by Farrow and Ball.

The huge black Aga – a favourite among Iain and Glenn’s six dogs – is also impossible to miss.

‘The kitchen felt very dark when we arrived,’ says Glenn. ‘It was overgrown outside and the light was blocked out of the enormous sash windows with shutters. It faces west and now it is flooded with light. We wanted to have a bit of a pop with the deep charcoal colour. It’s the hub of house and a great room to be in.’

The morning room is filled with sofas from Sofas & Stuff and a re-upholstered ottoman which originally came from OKA and a number of antiques sourced from Sweden. ‘Re-upholstering a good comfy sofa or chair is a perfect way to change a room without the huge costs of buying something new,’ says Glenn.

Iain and Glenn wanted a house that was first and foremost a home but also a showcase for their business. ‘We just love everything about this house,’ explains Glenn. ‘The flow from room to room, The ceiling heights, the cornicing, the original marble fireplaces and the incredible views and privacy. Our heart and soul has gone into his house and it truly feels a reflection of us both.’

Ironically, the business that was created at this home has also led to it being put on the market. Iain and Glenn are expanding their client base and spending more time in the South of England, and so are looking to buy two smaller properties in both Shropshire and nearer London. If you haven’t guessed already, the new place will have to be a period property.

Find out more with Alexander Thomas.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Source: Read Full Article