You’ve Seen Glimpses of This Artist’s Viral House — Now You Can See Every Single Painted Inch

But in a world that is is increasingly becoming inundated with artificial images, this 1712-square-foot Edwardian house in Brixham, England is refreshingly real. And for the past three years it’s been the home — and living, evolving canvas — for contemporary British painter Emily Powell, who has shared the space with her husband, Jack, and their 4-year-old, Bea.

The house is packed with charm, and its spirit was felt by Emily the moment she first saw it. “I’d just had Bea, and through the sleep deprivation I could see very clearly that this house was fully magic,” she writes, explaining that it reminded her of the “glowing family life” set designs of Richard Curtis, something she wanted to emulate. “A family house where I could tie balloons on the gate for birthdays and enough space for learning to ride a bike.”

The house when the couple purchased it was much more neutral in terms of decor, with Emily saying there were “gorgeous Edwardian features that we fell in love with like the fireplaces and wooden doors.” 

When it came time to add their personality to the historic home, Emily says she painted the house to be a sanctuary for the three of them. “Each room was painted with feelings in mind. I wanted to feel cozy and comforted in the front room, where we relax in front of the fire in the evenings after a busy day, and I wanted to feel uplifted and energized in the kitchen.”

Previously, Emily had always rented homes, but owning this one gave her more freedom to “paint without worrying about rules or fines, and the painting in my home studio soon crept off the canvas and onto the walls above my desk …” she begins to explain of how this colorful home first began.

“Then as I started to travel more after having Bea I felt the need to get these memories down, starting with the hallway, which is a giant Paris street scene after visiting with my sister, Sarah,” she continues.

Emily’s home isn’t just unique because nearly every square inch is covered in her exuberantly painted designs. When she and her husband decided to move on from this home to the next adventure, the decision was made to sell the house. But they won’t be painting the walls back to white or anything like that; the home is being sold with all the art in its entirety. And she opened up her home as an art gallery to 500 people to get to see the home before it’s purchased.

I would personally find it difficult to leave a home that I had filled with so much of my own art and memories, and it seems like it will be equally hard for Emily, too. But, she says she’s “ready for a new challenge, and I really hope someone else will be able to enjoy the house and cherish these memories as I have done.”

• Various, including Lick and Valspar (custom mixed)

• Bobbin floor lamp — John Lewis 
• Chair — Liberty 
• Cushion — TBCo

• Side table, little table — Antique 
• Sign — Handmade

• Bobbin Lamp — John Lewis 
• Table and chairs — Antique 
• Chair cushions — Mrs Alice
• Wool throw — TBCo 

• Turquoise KitchenAid 
• Mugs — Maison Flaneur, Liberty, M&S, hand painted

• Plan chest, desk, easels — Antique

• Bedside tables — Antique
• Chair — Antique, home painted
• Wardrobes — IKEA
• Bag — Marni 

• Cabinet — Antique
• Towels — Piglet In Bed
• Chair — Antique, home painted

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form