Home Made in Bridgeman

It’s always been difficult to put our style into a box. ‘Eclectic’ is the first word that springs to mind. Ultimately, home is a reflection of who you are – and as life goes on that definition evolves.

A new space to start from scratch offered us a moment to step back from our historical tastes and existing furniture, and let our feelings in the present moment guide our design.

Softness, calm and peace were what we craved.

When Mum and I bought this townhouse, we were battle weary. Together we had been through a long period of emotional turmoil, all of which we kept hidden from the outside world with the exception of some very close friends and family.

My father passing away, while shocking and deeply upsetting, marked an end to a long and tumultuous chapter. The coincidence of creating a home, while navigating the complexities of grief and feeling immensely sad, saw the departure from our existing ‘bold’ tastes be welcomed with the new desire for a completely different style – peaceful.

The Nook was originally a study area, set at the top of the internal stairwell and between the two bedroom wings. Removing the desk was one of the first things we did.

Before we’d even departed our rental and moved into our new home, we discovered Lavender Hill Interiors, an Australian boutique which unfortunately has since closed. The two French armchairs caught our eye, and my grandparents had this antique gate leg table sitting unutilised in their home. The space was already coming together in our minds as a quiet corner to sit, breathe, and relax.

Family antiques are the most special part of our home, and I constantly learn new stories when I ask Mum the origins of these pieces. Atop this table sits a silver inkwell stationary set, presented to a family member in Bath, England in 1851. He was a Fellow of Magdalen College at Oxford University and Master of Bath Grammar School.

Lamps are a favourite design accent for Mum and I. My parents bought this pink Chinese lamp from Holland Village in Singapore around 2000 when I was a toddler. We’ve bought many gifts for the home in Asia over the years, and Singapore remains one of our favourite places to visit (and shop). The celadon green vase was a gift from Korea many years ago.

Mum had the lampshade and cushions custom-made with ‘Malmsbury Willow’ fabric from Warwick Fabrics. Pink and neutrals quickly became the colour theme for this corner, which we continued with further design choices, including the rug from Temple & Webster.

Mum and I travelled to Europe in July 2024 for three weeks. We love to buy something for the house from every country we visit – a tradition my parents started many decades ago. This was Mum’s first time to France, and of course we had to visit a Flea Market. We spotted this antique Limoges jar in Paris and could not leave without it. It joins the existing collection of small antique jars from Asia which have been in Mum’s family for generations.

Our ‘Czech Lady’ came from a beautiful art gallery in Prague. She is handcrafted by a prominent Czech opera singer and sculptor, and this collection was so eye-catching and different. We loved Paris and Prague, and the whole Europe trip in general, which is why it’s so nice to have constant reminders of travels in the home.

After many months I painted the Nook in ‘Rubble’ by Porters Paints. It’s a lovely beige which looks equally soft under lamplight or overhead light. Our painting is by Angela Meyer, a Queensland artist, and the large gold frame mirror adds a stunning reflection to make this space embrace you in its tranquillity.

With love,

Isabel & Amanda