Little England in Budapest’s 14th
A mixture of Classic and Eclectic styles, contrasting furniture and accessories, pastel colours, hand-pleated curtains, and lots of tiny ideas coming together in perfect harmony – that is the essence of English interior design, of which this Budapest flat is a prime example.
Rita and Attila are a young couple who have recently bought their home. A pre-owned apartment in District 14, the place boasts a small balcony and nearly 70 square metres of floor space. While the layout was left intact, the same couldn’t exactly be said of the décor. The couple had specific ideas of what they wanted their home to be, but to make it a reality they sought out my services. They had lived in England for a couple of years, during which time they developed a fondness for English interior design and they wanted their home to reflect that.
As part of the makeover, walls in the living room-kitchen area, study and hallway received a neutral coat of light latte, complemented with white mouldings throughout. The hardwood floors were refinished, their character now tastefully accentuated by white base boards – a typical English classic. The furniture, fireplace and kilims are all plain-coloured yet share a sense of playfulness. Just like in a real English living room, the couch and armchairs were mix-and-matched from various collections. And the dining set, carefully restored by an antique dealer in Eger, fits lovingly with the rustic kitchen. Shades of dark green invigorate this realm of restrained colour: striped curtains and beaded tiebacks – all hand made by me using English techniques –, and a charming ceramic pendant light and dinnerware by Csókakő-based Ediceramics. As another feature of English eclecticism, no two lamps are the same yet they all agree with the overall ambiance. In the kitchen, industrial bulbs hang overhead from Tilka fabric cables, light is cast onto the ceiling through the holes of an old pasta strainer, and the floor lamps, proudly sporting new IKEA-shades, are from a local flea market. And since it is apparently impossible to do the dishes in England without being able to look out to a garden or terrace – here we have a sweet little balcony with delicate wooden furniture, loads of flower pots and a pair of de rigueur Wellington boots.
A relaxing escape, the bedroom is dominated by accents of pale moss green, with a subdued shrub wallpaper from England that is accompanied by a few classic white IKEA pieces. The bed was antiqued by Rita herself using white Annie Sloan chalk paint. Fine, baldachin-like curtains complete the effect, with smaller patches of maroon – lamp shades, picture frames, night stands and a few beloved knick-knacks – adding a touch of additional colour.
In the tiny bathroom cement floor tiles were installed, which nowadays enjoy a true comeback. Their different geometric shapes reverberate on the cheerful eclecticism seen elsewhere in the apartment; meanwhile the bathroom furniture, lights and fixtures are true representatives of the Classic style.
LÉNA LEHOCZKY - INTERIOR DESIGN OF HOUSES, APARTMENTS, OFFICES AND STORES
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