Inside a Georgian house in Bristol that's bursting with bold florals and painterly prints

THE PROPERTY

A detached Georgian house in Bristol built in 1826. On the ground floor of this modern home there is a vestibule, kitchen, study, snug and sitting room. On the first floor sits the master bedroom, two bathrooms and two further bedrooms. On the top floor are two more bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and roof terrace.

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HALLWAY

It's hard not to fall for the giant, airy rooms, oversized windows and idiosyncratic Greek-revival style (think columns and ornate embellishment) that became popular in homes during the 1800s.

A distinctive wallpaper was chosen to counteract the sternness of the original Greek-style stone walls and floor in the entrance / vestibule (pictured above).

High ceilings and dramatic doorways compliment statement accessories in the hallway. This silver mirror and collection of antique pieces hold their own.

LIVING ROOM

This house is steeped in stories. Like a grand matriarch keeping a watchful eye over the events of each generation, it has been privy to nearly two centuries of life.

This is a house with a past – and some of it is pretty naughty. In the 1950s it was used as a base for nurses working the night shift, and in the late 70s it was a renowned party house. There are rumours that Jimi Hendrix turned up here, and there are still archive papers in the house that say the police carried out a raid, as part of a nationwide drug bust known as Operation Julia.

The owner approached Kevin Davies from the interiors team at Designer’s Guild for guidance on injecting some fun and colour into the old Georgian building. Each room was given its own scheme.

The result is a rainbow of shades, cleverly mixed to work both with and against each other; a mash up that shouldn’t - but does - spectacularly work. In every room, there is an explosion of tones, with more than a smattering of punchy florals and feminine glamour.

This beautiful room is a clever mix of femininity, style and daring. With pops of shocking pink and contemporary florals, it takes mix ‘n’ match to another level.

See Also: Elegant Living Room Ideas

THE SNUG

A gentle palette of greys and lilacs collaborate here in the snug to give an elegant and soothing effect.

KITCHEN

The kitchen was made from scratch with bespoke modern units and fun copper pendant lights.

Purple painted cabinetry are complemented by purple curtains and upholstered dining chairs.

DINING ROOM

The heavy oak panelling in the dining room is counteracted with flashes of strong colour. The room was immediately transferred from a dark, dank space to somewhere cosy and vibrant.

See Also: Bright ideas - exploring colour in the dining room

With a house this elderly, there are always going to be hidden depths to its nooks and crannies. The oak panelling is hinged in places, which means that secret compartments may be lurking there. The owners keep tapping the panels, and testing the floorboards, looking for a concealed way to open them. So far, nothing. If only the walls could talk.

UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

Ombre walls chase the stairs up to the landing, which is flooded with natural light from the original dome window.

GIRLS' BEDROOM

The girls' room is a pretty room that has style oozing from the walls. The decor is pretty but sophisticated enough to last through several ages and stages.

MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom is so huge it dwarfs you, but the space is made cosy through a busy wallpaper, flashes of colour and an inviting seating area.

MAIN BATHROOM

The bathroom feels luxurious and plush, due to its size, ceiling height and carefully chosen details like the roll top bath, chaise longue and crystal chandelier.

Photography / James Merrell

See Also: Master bathroom ideas - 19 stunning design ideas for a dreamy master bathroom