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Getting Away From It All
If you are lucky enough to have a summer house,
you’ll know it’s often the finishing touches to the
interior that make the scheme work. Whatever
style you choose, the use of a predominantly light
colour palette and details that draw inspiration
from the surroundings are key ...
1. Beach-Cottage Style
Ph oto g r aph s by b a r ry m u r ph y
The use of natural materials and hardwearing but pretty soft furnishings gives
interior designer Helen Turkington’s summer home, on the coast of Co Down,
a breezy seaside attitude. “Beach-cottage style is all about creating a simple,
clutter-free look and a relaxed atmosphere,” according to Turkington. “I took my
cue from nature, pulling in elements inspired by the sea. Using plenty of white
gave an airy, fresh feel.” Accented with a sea-inspired palette – soft shades of blues,
navy and neutral shades like sand – helped create a look that is really easy to live
with. Turkington’s tips: add interest to interior walls and ceilings with traditional
clapboard or extra-wide tongue-and-groove panelling (used horizontally or
vertically). Keep window treatments simple – white wide-slatted wood blinds or
lightweight roman blinds look great. Sometimes it is the seemingly insignificant
space or feature that provides the opportunity to reinforce the look and feel of the house. Turkington is a master
at making thoroughfares functional and smart with attractive storage in hallways, book-lined corridors, and
using quirky nooks to store neatly stacked logs for open fires in the evenings.
clockwise from above: Helen Turkington at home in Antrim. h Quirky accessories like this fun beach sign
add a personal touch. h In the living room, upholstered sofas and chairs in easy-care, hardwearing fabrics
are pretty and practical. The ottoman is multi-functional, providing extra seating, somewhere to rest tired
feet, or a place for the morning coffee tray. h Making the most of the vista: the sea view is framed by a pair
of dramatic console lamps. h A functional hall makes sense: somewhere to store coats, boots and beach
paraphernalia. TOp Tip: Invest in cashmere throws and electric blankets for cosy winter breaks.
Source Book: Walls are painted in a selection of off-white matte emulsion from Colortrend by Helen
Turkington, www.colortrend.ie. White console lamps, d175 each; floral upholstered Frederick armchair, d1,594
(excluding fabric); demi-lune console table, d1,200; chrome hurricane lanterns; d210 each; hall bench and
matching coat rack, The White Company, to order; all at Helen Turkington, 01 412 5138.
T h e G l o s s MA G A Z I N E | July 2011 | 37