"Transforming the Gargantuan Hunting Lodge: A Tale of Colorful Revamp, Now a Cozy Abode Where Even the Furniture Seems Edible"

In a joyous, spirited twist, Bunny Turner of Turner Pocock interior design studio advises two methods to embellish a country dwelling. "You can tone down the patterns and colors, letting the environment seep in, though it may feel rather chilly in winter's grip," she shares. The other way, she suggests, is to "embrace the spirit of eternal spring, and that's rather marvelous, isn't it?"

This enchanting Georgian-era hunting lodge in Berkshire is a testament to that vivacious allure. Colors and patterns leap to life at every turn, filling the house with delight: like the fiery coral cloakroom sprinkled with spring blossoms, the lobby adorned with dainty clover leaves, and the radiant yellow sofa glowing like a golden sunbeam in the living room.

Bunny's sister and brother-in-law, newly moved from London, are the proud occupants of this heritage home along with their four children. They spent their first year assessing the house's challenges, reflecting on how they used the rooms, and savored the perfect Georgian layout.

To dig out the family's aesthetic preferences, Turner Pocock is "quite militant" about gathering visual references. The snowballing collection of images, brimming with color, pattern, and joy, guided the designers. The house's grandiose scale, Bunny notes, proved instrumental in paving the way for bold color choices.

The family room showcases this courage on wall-sized canvases, enveloped in a rich, leafy green, which starkly contrasts with the riot of furnishings in reds, pinks, blues, and subtler greens. A few pieces from their London home were repurposed, but this house requires abundant pieces to truly fill its embracing arms. The couple's art collection found a new home in the family room, joining forces to create an invigorating gallery wall.

A delicate balance between antiques and vivacious colors fortifies the design, grounding the lively spaces and preventing them from feeling too frenetic. Bunny skillfully guided her sister to curate pieces over time, while rugs, such as worn kilims and vivid Moroccan finds, added an earthy charm.

Upstairs, the exuberant color story continues, weaving its way throughout the rooms: academy yellow in the children's bath, soft pastels in the main suite. In the playroom, the ceiling and walls are ensnared in ebullient blue-and-white stripes, with the built-in banquette seating housing bespoke beds for slumber parties.

Bunny's unwavering enthusiasm for tented ceilings is on prominent display in this room, where it provides the ultimate backdrop for dreams and adventures. A touch of crimson punctuates the space, while a vintage blue-and-white lamp adds a dash of charm.

In the end, this transformation aims to breathe life into the house, welcoming the everyday, encouraging gatherings, and inviting the inhabitants to immerse themselves in this lively, colorful haven. "It's important to be bold, to commit to color, and to follow through," concludes Bunny.

Tips for Your Country House:

Bold Colors: Choose vibrant hues inspired by nature. Use contrasting neutral backgrounds to prevent enveloping the space.
Delicate Patterns: Introduce intricate designs like floral motifs or clover leaves for an added touch of whimsy and elegance.
Natural Materials: Opt for materials that complement the country setting, such as wood and stone.
Vibrant Fabrics: Use vivid, colorful fabrics for upholstery and drapes to enliven the space.
Symmetry and Proportion: Ensure symmetry and proportion, especially in Georgian homes where they play a crucial role.
Accent Pieces: Use bold patterns and colors as accent pieces, rather than overwhelming the entire space.
Natural Light: Maximize natural light to accentuate colors and patterns.
Texture Mix: Combine different textures to add depth and visual interest.
Lighting: Use warm lighting to accentuate the cozy feel of the bold patterns and colors during the evenings.

By following these tips, you can create a country house that pulses with life, warmth, and character. Embrace the spirit of eternal spring and fill your dwelling with happiness.

To infuse your country house with the spirit of eternal spring, consider using bold colors inspired by nature, such as vibrant greens, fiery reds, and sunny yellows, as seen in the representative Georgian-era hunting lodge.
Incorporating delicate patterns, like floral motifs or clover leaves, adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to your interior design, as demonstrated by the enchanting house adorned with these details.