This 12th century English farmhouse has a surprisingly quirky and colorful interior

Zoe and James Davis as well as their children existed inside a converted barn in East Sussex once they started to think about the way they could consume a more sustainable lifestyle.

‘We were keen for any project – somewhere with land and also the possibility to generate an earnings therefore we turn into more self-sufficient,’ states Zoe.

Fortunately, the pair loved the initial property they discovered – a Grade II-listed six-bed room farmhouse, filled with holiday cottages and outbuildings, only a couple of miles away. In This summer 2015, they moved along with their three children.

Age the farmhouse – it goes back towards the twelfth century – provides it with its distinctive charm, with wonky walls and sloping floors. ‘The property has subsided through the years, even though it remains structurally safe. That can be a may have put many people off, we believe it makes an excellent cool feel,’ states Zoe.

After first overhauling the vacation cottages so that they could start generating an earnings, the couple’s attention switched towards the primary house. The inside was dated also it needed new electrics, plumbing and redecorating.

‘The house has low ceilings and small home windows, that is lovely when it’s cold and dark outdoors however in the summer time it may sometimes feel oppressive,’ states Zoe.

Downstairs, so that they can optimise the sunshine, Zoe began off by painting the majority of the walls white-colored, but was uninspired through the finish result. ‘It made the area feel quite gloomy,’ she states. ‘We realized that painting the walls in more potent tones gave a hotter, more pleasing feel, and also the better colours labored better from the uncovered brickwork and beams.’

KITCHEN DINER

For little cost, Zoe transformed this family space by painting the walls, tiles and chairs in eye-catching shades.

In the kitchen area, Zoe stored the present units and tiles but colored them in wealthy blue and pink. The pink tiles bring vibrancy towards the stove area.

A presentation of ceramics, colored floorboards and bold wallpaper give el born area its very own identity.

Kitchen

This traditional space is ideal for storing the family’s essentials. You can observe more kitchen ideas within our dedicated guide.

Family Room

Shades of pink and blue produce a playful feel within the family room, while Zoe’s fabrics give a modern edge towards the period space.

CONSERVATORY

Zoe makes use of this practical place to display plants.

BEDROOMS

Vivid wallpaper and soft furnishings contrast using the dark ceiling within the loft bed room.