Behind the Look: Romance Restored

When OKA co-founder Sue Jones styled a Grade II-listed manor house in Portishead, she had one thing in mind: to allow the features of the property to sing. Court House Farm has a certain magic about it. Dating back to the medieval period, its buildings have been carefully restored over the years, but its character remains quite the same. Stepping inside is like stepping into a moment frozen in time. There are so many fascinating historical elements: the raw plaster walls, old brick fireplaces, weathered wooden floors and huge beams. Rather than play to the traditional to showcase these details, Sue chose to create a setting full of contrast. Modern, clean-lined furniture, plenty of patterned textiles, and an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary accessories look, surprisingly, right at home here amid all the history and authentic paintings. It’s a seamless look that is simultaneously smart and welcoming, without overstatement.