Betsy, who spent more than 25 years working at the Cornan Shop where she held the title of head of store display, has lived a bright and busy. She grew up with creative and thifty parents who were partial to recycling, remaking and repairing old things they’d found in charity shops. “I never really appreciated it at the time,” she says, “because I wanted new like everyone else. But now I find it really rewarding to make things,” such as quilts and cushion covers crafted from vintage textiles. “There’s something beautiful about fabrics that started life quite vivid and, over time, have mellowed with age.”
Betsy’s home has an evocative scheme that not only looks good, but nods to the equally retro architecture of the mid-century estate in which it lies. Alongside her collection of lovingly sourced textiles, Betsy’s furniture is also second-hand. Her playful objects and art, meanwhile, tell stories of a more personal sort, like the thoughtful gifts from former colleagues. Spot her most prized collectibles, including models and ceramics, displayed on her slick shelving system in her living area. “I think of it as my 3D pinboard,” she says.
Watch our film to discover the point at which colour stops Betsy in her tracks, plus her seven favourite objects and accents at home. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.
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