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Kit Kemp home tour: her English country weekender

October 7, 2020 2 Comments

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By Jenny Rose-Innes

Across the arm of a sofa in the sitting room of Kit Kempโ€™s house in the New Forest is a colourful cloth she found in a second-hand clothes shop in Covent Garden. It provided the inspiration for โ€˜Mythical Creaturesโ€™, the range of china she designed for Wedgwood.

Kit finds inspiration everywhere, and has also collaborated on textiles, wallpapers and rugs. But, in the design world, she is known, more than anything, for her individual take on hotel interiors. More than 30 years ago, Kit and her husband, Tim, opened the Dorset Square Hotel in Marylebone, and since then they have established a string of others, in both London and New York. As well as the hotels, they have their own commercial laundry and a small in-house hospitality school and bakery.

Each property is unique, but what ties them together is Kitโ€™s unpredictable, and often playful, approach to design. Her world is colourful and full of pattern and texture. Itโ€™s infused with contemporary art but, equally, presents more mundane objects in a new light. Her interiors are calm and comfortable, yet exciting at the same time. She has an ability to create environments that, while highly distinctive, are always sensitive to their surroundings.

Her fatherโ€™s family was artistic, so even as a child art was there in the background. โ€˜Iโ€™ve always loved colour,โ€™ she says. Kit grew up in the country, just across the river from where her family house is now. โ€˜I was a tomboy and spent a lot of time outside โ€“ we lived a very rural life, without any neighbours.โ€™ As far as interiors went, she was also practical. โ€˜I knew how to upholster a sofa and wallpaper a hallway.โ€™

When she left school, one of her first jobs, which she thoroughly enjoyed, was with an auctioneer. She then worked for a shipping company for a while before moving up to London, where she got a job with a Polish architect, Leszek Nowicki, who would often take her to exhibitions. โ€˜I learnt to get a very good feel for dimensions and space,โ€™ she says. โ€˜My boss had a very โ€œcraftyโ€ aesthetic โ€“ very simple. He much preferred pottery to fine china. I gained great experience there.โ€™

After a few years, she started her own small company, again in shipping, and later joined Tim in a business that specialised in student accommodation. โ€˜When he managed to get the freehold for one of the buildings, he had plans to upgrade it,โ€™ she says. Heโ€™d already been using a decorator, but Kit figured out she could do it instead. โ€˜So thatโ€™s what happened โ€“ if I decide to do something, Iโ€™m pretty determined. I never give up.โ€™

That was in the mid-Eighties, and the upgraded hostel became the Dorset Square Hotel. โ€˜I remember Country Life calling it the first country house hotel in London,โ€™ she says. โ€˜Itโ€™s a Regency building, and we still have it in the group.โ€™ From then, she says, โ€˜the interiors of the hotels became my world.โ€™

Their country house, set on four-and-a-half acres near the Hampshire coast with a garden running down to the waterโ€™s edge, certainly needed Kitโ€™s clever approach to design when she and Tim found it in 1999. โ€˜It was built in the 1930s and wasnโ€™t
a very attractive house, really,โ€™ she says. โ€˜It had been on the market for ages, and we thought we could do something with it because of the position.โ€™

About 10 years ago, they completely refurbished it, adding the orangery โ€“ or dining room โ€“ as well as an extra bedroom, new entrance hall and stairway. The house is decorated in quintessential Kit Kemp style, with plenty of bold colour and pattern, in wallpaper, upholstery fabric and rugs; an abundance of artwork, including oversized contemporary sculptures and paintings; and a mix of furniture, from the rustic to the more refined. Clearly, pieces have been collected from all over the world โ€“ in a bedroom, for instance, a traditional hunting scene hangs above ornate Indian side tables. In Kitโ€™s capable hands, elements that, in other settings, might not sit together comfortably make perfect sense.

Kitโ€™s ability to create entire worlds is also in evidence outside. Apart from the topiary animals that frolic across the lawn or stand among flower beds, there are three enchanting additions โ€“ a shepherdโ€™s hut, a gypsy caravan and a thatched summerhouse. The hut had once belonged to a friend, John Harman, who had built it and used it as an office. It has since undergone a significant transformation. โ€˜As heโ€™s a thatcher, I asked him to thatch it,โ€™ says Kit. โ€˜There was a boiler in the corner, which we stripped out, and then I asked Melissa to do her magic.โ€™ Melissa White, who worked with Kit on a fabric and wallpaper collection, filled the interior walls with scenes and motifs youโ€™re more likely to find in a storybook, all sitting under a stylised starry sky. The hut provides a quiet working spot for Kit, or just somewhere to retreat to. Itโ€™s decorated with all sorts of bits and pieces she has collected over the years, which look all the better for being mismatched.

John also built the summerhouse, otherwise known as โ€˜the hobbitโ€™s hutโ€™. The gypsy caravan, says Kit, is an authentic one they found in Dorset. โ€˜Whole families of gypsies would roam the countryside in these caravans. Thereโ€™s a stove and a pull-out bed in it, and children are completely entranced by it. We have afternoon tea inside and pretend to tell peopleโ€™s fortunes.โ€™

Every weekend Kit and Tim, who live in London during the week, come down to the house, which is also home to their three generations of King Charles spaniels, and Kit and Timโ€™s family when they visit. Even before they found it, theyโ€™d been renting a little farmhouse about half a mile away, partly as a way of getting their three daughters out of London and attuned to a more rural lifestyle. โ€˜At first theyโ€™d almost hated it, but very quickly they decided they quite liked it, with all the horse riding,โ€™ she says. โ€˜I loved the farmhouse โ€“ it was really rustic and the children could ride their bikes all around the ground floor!โ€™

These days, Kit usually rides on weekends, and does โ€˜Sunday lunch for waifs and strays โ€“ I donโ€™t mind cooking, but donโ€™t enjoy the washing upโ€™. In summer, the family spend a lot of time on the terrace, but Kit says the garden has a lot to offer all year round. โ€˜Iโ€™m no great gardener, but I love gardens,โ€™ she says. โ€˜When you shut the door of a room, it dies, whereas the garden just goes on and on.โ€™ She has plans to do more in the garden. โ€˜And we have an old boathouse which I would love to redo.โ€™

Q&A

How do you like to entertain?
Now that we have redone the house in London, I really would like to have people around in a very simple way. And, actually, I owe people!

How do you relax?
I go riding and walk the dogs. I have a few good friends down here, and we will meet for a coffee. I also love picking flowers on a Friday evening โ€“ sometimes I get tense about work, but whenever I start putting the flowers together, I begin to feel so relaxed. Iโ€™m really lucky to have that balance.

Whatโ€™s your idea of luxury?
Going around the garden in the early morning in my nightie, and swimming in the nude.

Is there any piece of advice that has stuck with you?
I think it really is about self-belief, sticking to your guns and not doubting yourself.

Are there any design books you particularly love?
I buy a lot of them โ€“ Iโ€™m not totally digital. I still love a scrapbook โ€“ it means more to me than scrolling through Pinterest. I love Chester Jonesโ€™ book, and also love Robert Kimeโ€™s work. And Axel Vervoordtโ€™s, too.

What are your favourite holiday destinations?
We always spend summers at home near the coast in Hampshire and Christmas on Barbados. Weโ€™ve got lazy about going anywhere new โ€“ at least we know that when we go to Barbados everything is organised, so we can just plonk! Iโ€™d love to go to India again โ€“ I want to look at some designs and furniture โ€“ and I should go to the Far East as well.

Do you collect anything?
Many things, such as plates, and then they hang in a group. We also collected bowling shoes โ€“ so, peculiar things, which we then make into an art piece. I love using the tops of weather vanes, and door stops. I also collect French pottery โ€“ Cluny jugs.

What would you grab if there was a fire?
Itโ€™s so difficult with so many memories, but I think I would take the wooden sculpted lionโ€™s head on the console in the green room. He has the friendliest face and the kindest eyes.

This is an edited extract from British Designers at Home by Jenny Rose-Innes published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $60. Available in Australia from 29 October, at all good book shops.

Photos by Simon Griffiths

For more on Jenny Rose-Innes

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Comments

  1. AvatarDakwerken says

    October 7, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    The designs look amazing. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. AvatarGraysonau says

    October 12, 2020 at 11:17 pm

    Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post amazing

    Reply

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