Barbara Coupe press features

Feature on Barbara's converted schoolhouse in London. Taking on the cavernous space of an old schoolhouse needs fresh thinking to link different areas. This was the challenge for Barbara Coupe, the result, using a restricted decorating palette, is a sophisticated yet comfortable sanctuary...

Feature by Maggie Colvin Photographs by Di Lewis

Extracts from the article...

Barbara Coupe and her husband Neville weren't seriously hunting for a new home when they went to see a converted schoolhouse in Battersea, London. The decision to buy was instant. The one-room building, possibly once the music or staff room, offered the perfect space for them to indulge their decorating ideas.

The developers had left the original space wide open, and built a balcony housing a double bedroom below the eaves at mezzanine level. They tucked a bathroom below it, and in front of that fitted a kitchen with iroko units and white Corian tops. The whole space was painted in builders' white.

'It is exhilarating to live in all this open space,' says Barbara. 'At weekends in Cheshire we live in a cottage with low-ceiling rooms, so I really enjoy the contrast when we come here.' Having so much space meant she could at last display dramatic furniture and accessories. 'I've always collected French antiques and I love that shabby-chic, faded look, with a bit of history.' she says. She knew instinctively that lots of small pieces of furniture would make the space look too busy, so she was prepared to be selective. 'You need a few good, distinguished pieces.' she says. 'You have to pare down.'