We’ve made it to another Friday and it’s time for another house tour. I was thrilled to have declared Susan aka @susiesblue_rooms as one of our Instagram @greathomestaketime
In fact, we have the pleasure of taking a peek at two homes that belong to Susan and her family. They’re completely at the opposite of the spectrum in terms of architecture. Her main family home is Edwardian and the other, a cottage retreat in Suffolk.
Two Homes & A Love Affair of Reclaimed & Vintage Finds – Susan Mears House Tour
Two homes and double the inspiration but with one distinct factor that links them both, (albeit they are different to look at). Susan has managed to renovate both by seeking out reclaimed and vintage pieces to adorn her homes. The result, wonderfully unique spaces that will have you swooning over them. They might even encourage you to start staking out eBay and auction houses to transform your own homes.
About Susan…
It comes as no surprise that Susan has a passion for interiors and fashion. When you think of it both go hand in hand. Fashion often influences and filters into interior trends. Having studied fashion before settling down to have a family Susan has an eye for design and attention to detail. Both of which are clearly showcased in her homes.
My home is where I get to be creative and luckily my husband Robert has the same passion as me!
Susan
One of the defining factors that you’ll see across both homes is Susan’s love affair with vintage and reclaimed furniture and home accessories. It’s an obsession that she shares with her husband. They virtually never buy new for their homes. In Susan’s words ‘I don’t like to have the same things that other people have and the old pieces we buy definitely influence the looks of our rooms.’
Main Residence – North London
Susan’s North London property has been her family home for over 20 years. This includes 3 daughters and her eldest daughter’s boyfriend. As you’d expect, its seen a multitude of different looks over the years. Much like how we change our look with the clothes we wear, our homes seem to follow suit. Susan’s home has gone from colour washed walls and carpet to being completely painted white and stripping back woodwork and floorboards.
We are both obsessed with vintage and reclaimed and virtually never buy new for the home. I don’t like to have the same things that other people have and the old pieces we buy definitely influence the looks of our rooms.
Susan
Susan and her husband undertook a loft conversion a couple of years ago. And although it took time to achieve, they’ve ended up with the most fabulous master bedroom and ensuite.
The inspiration behind their loft conversion was purchasing a huge amount of old Georgian panelling at an auction a year before they started. They clad the whole of their bedroom including their bathroom to head height. It’s provided oodles of character to their Edwardian home.
Experimenting is part of the fun when it comes to creating a home and Susan has embraced her love of interiors to do just that. A turning point for Susan in terms of decor and opting for darker vibes was seeing a picture of an old house with dark walls. It was this that inspired her to paint her bedroom a very dark grey which she has continued along the adjoining corridor and ensuite bathroom. It’s a look that she loves and one that I do too as it connects each of the spaces creating a cohesive feel and look to their home.
After decorating the upstairs, the kitchen followed and now Susan’s home is an array of dark grey and black. Although, she may have hinted that she might go back to white at some point!
To complement the panelled walls Susan has sourced reclaimed furniture and accessories. It’s helped create a cohesive natural feel to the look of their home. Providing a sense of authenticity to each of their spaces.
The Cottage Retreat…
There’s a wonderful story behind Susan’s cottage. After ten long years of searching and abandoning the idea of ever finding their dream retreat, a friend phoned to tell her about a property that had just come on to the market and it was within view of her own kitchen.
For the past seven years, they’ve spent the time to renovate their dream cottage. Staying true to their beliefs of furnishing with all things reclaimed. They’ve added so much character and personality that fits perfectly with the buildings aesthetics. I love how they’ve let the fundamental bones of the cottage shine through.
We pulled plaster down from the ceilings to reveal beams, put all old flooring in where there
Susanwas concrete floors and revealed a lovely inglenook fireplace with the bread oven still intact.
One of the spaces I adore is their kitchen. The previous owners had originally fitted with an 80’s kitchen which Susan and her husband ripped out. In it’s place they sourced old shop counters and an old Victorian workbench that holds the sink.
Furnished completely by sourcing from eBay and local auction houses everywhere you look there is a wealth of interesting objects and characterful furniture. They’ve even managed to source old cutlery, glassware and plates from charity shops too. It’s been a labour of love and one that Susan says is the best thing they’ve ever done. And I can see why. The result is a welcoming warm retreat away from the hubbub of city life.
Susan’s love of buying vintage pieces has sparked her to consider setting up a website which will include her beautiful one-off embroidered cushions that have stemmed from another passion of sewing. You may want to keep a close look out on her Instagram page so you don’t miss out!
You can find Susan and more of her inspirational homes here. And don’t forget if you’d like to have a chance to have your home featured, follow along with @greathomestaketime and my fellow hosts listed on our page.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by!
Maria xx
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