This 80-Year-Old English Bungalow Is the Blueprint in “Pattern Clashing”
The home Kristy Tallowin, the founder of Staying in Studio, shares with her husband, two kids, a cat, and two dogs, has only ever had three owners. But it’s not a new build. In fact, it’s quite the opposite — the family’s three-bedroom bungalow in Norfolk, U.K. was built in the 1940s.
“It’s nestled in a small country village, surrounded by picturesque fields — a setting we’re incredibly fortunate to enjoy,” Kirsty says of the home they’ve owned for the past seven years.
While it was originally built in the 1940s, it must’ve been updated somewhere along the way, as Kirsty describes the home when they first moved in as “modern, not loved, no color or character.” And as a designer who admittedly loves “pattern clashing and vintage florals,” the original state wasn’t going to work.
“Since moving in, we’ve fully renovated and extended the property,” Kirsty explains. “We added a new living room and utility room, reconfigured the original kitchen and lounge into an open-plan kitchen and diner, and extended all three bedrooms.”
What was once modern has since become “cozy, cottage homely,” thanks to Kirsty’s touch. She incorporated several patterns, vintage finds, and lots of textures. While the entire house is lovely, Kirsty’s favorite room is the primary bedroom.
“The dainty wallpaper, layered patterns, and vintage textures create a cozy retreat,” Kirsty shares. “On warm days, I open the French doors to the garden and feel as though I’ve stepped into a meadow.”
Resources
PAINTS & COLORS
- Mudroom Wallpaper — GP & J Baker “Nympheus”
- Living Room Paint — Benjamin Moore’s Blue Springs (1592)
- Dining Room Wall Paint — Fenwick & Tilbrook’s Catkin (40)
- Kitchen Wallpaper — Upton Noble
- Kitchen Paneling — Farrow & Ball’s Hay (No. 37)
- Bedroom Paneling — Benjamin Moore’s Athabasca (CC-816)
- Bathroom Wall Paint — Benjamin Moore’s Dune White (968)
MUDROOM
- Radiator — The Radiator Company
LIVING ROOM
- Sofa — Made.com
- Wall Art and Frames — Staying in Studio
- Lamp — Oliver Bonas
- Cushions — Projektityyny
- Table — Oka
DINING ROOM
- Tablecloth — Piglet in Bed
- Cushions — Projektityyny
- Wall Art and Frames — Staying in Studio
KITCHEN
- Vintage Wall Unit — FMP
- Floor Tiles — Claybrook Studio
- Accessories — Vintage Fairs
- Bred Bin — Labour and Wait
- Wall Sconce — Pantry Pots
- Curtain — Handmade
PRIMARY BEDROOM
- Bedding — Piglet in Bed
- Bobbin Frames and Wall art — Staying in Studio
- Vases — Staying in Studio
- Bow — Projektityyny
- Chest of Draws — FMP
- Lamp Shade — Smock London
BATHROOM
- Units and Sink — Roper Rhodes
- Floor Tiles — Baked Tile Company
- Towel — Marks and Spencer
Thanks, Kirsty!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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