Inside a manor house apartment in Berkshire that oozes equal amounts of drama and glamour

THE PROPERTY

A ground-floor apartment in a converted manor house in Berkshire, built in 1910. This modern home (opens in new tab) comprises of a living room (opens in new tab), kitchen, dining area, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cloakroom (opens in new tab).

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HALLWAY

This gloriously unique apartment swerves from the conventional route. From the extraordinary wallpaper used throughout (mimicking croc and cheetah skin, mirrors and satin drapes) and the pimped-up antiques to the warm, woody perfume from scented candles, this place is part punk rock, part sensual retreat.

The tactile, crocodile-print vinyl on the ceiling and facing wall makes a dramatic first impression.

LIVING ROOM

The interiors are eclectic and have evolved over time. There’s an edge to it, but it’s also very dark, cosy and womb-like.To prevent the palette feeling oppressive, layers of texture have been woven in, with plenty of reflective surfaces and luxe finishes. Even the ceilings feature bold wallpapers.

The original embossed ceiling has darker layers of paint applied on top and is finished with a light-reflecting glaze that looks almost like it's waxed. The mirrored wall in the living room (opens in new tab) is actually a wallpaper (opens in new tab). The light reflection adds another dimension.

See Also: How to wallpaper a statement wall
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The original details, such as the embossed ceiling in the living room (opens in new tab), are dressed in deep tones and the moody palette creates the perfect backdrop for unique finds and offbeat furniture. Hanging on the wall above the original Peacock chair is a stag’s head, which has been mirrored.

KITCHEN

The wallpapers, which trick the eye, bounce light around and bring lashings of personality and humour.

Above the splashback tiles is some eye-tricking velvet flock wallpaper that has an almost 3-D effect.

Another bold wallpaper (opens in new tab) leads your gaze to the dining area, beyond.

MASTER BEDROOM

Zingy tones have been used sparingly to invigorate this scheme without throwing it off balance. A flash of fluoro brightens this boudoir and livens up a dark palette. The bed is vintage and was found on top of a house in Morocco and has received many licks of paint in bold, neon colours over the years. The neon paint is actually car paint from Halfords.

GIRLS' ROOM

This teenager’s room (opens in new tab) features antique furniture, picked up here and there and painted a cool grey.

The dressing table is topped with croc wallpaper, covered with glass.

BATHROOM

The cheetah-print wallpaper is very Bet Lynch – it's been used floor to ceiling with a great effect.

Photography ⁄ Alexander James

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