Interiors: Becky backs Britain

Updated: 15:01 EDT, 16 April 2011

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Textile designer Becky Oldfield reveals her passion for reviving vintage treasures – from Union Jacks to military prints – in her lovingly restored family home

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THE OWNER

With a love of London and a passion for all things patriotic, textile designer Becky Oldfield, who launched her interiors range Lost and Found in 2006, has created a home in Greenwich, Southeast London, that exudes the same treasure-trove splendour as her new shop and studio in Tower Bridge. ‘I fell in love with its doll’s house charm and perfect tiny proportions,’ says Becky. ‘Having lived in a rented flat for so long, I wanted my own front door – a space for my own chaos and noise. It’s only ten minutes away from work, has its own little back garden, a wood opposite and feels like a secret haven amidst the bustle of city life.’ With the addition of their baby son Ted, now one year old, Becky and her partner Michael, a publican, appreciate this space even more.

THE STYLE

‘When I first saw the house everything was painted bright red or sky blue. It was a real hotchpotch but felt like a home,’ says Becky. ‘To begin with it was strange having an upstairs and I was nervous about pulling things out.’ However, just as Becky’s business philosophy has been built on a desire to recycle, revive and reinvent, so too has her home been thoughtfully restored to create a modern living space that combines zones for all areas of family life. Her effervescent style abounds with patriotic embellished blankets, antique flag lampshades, treasured paintings, posters, signs, religious ephemera and inspirational objets d’art displayed enticingly against a neutral palette. Wooden floors have been laid, bespoke shelving built, shutters fitted throughout and a new kitchen installed. ‘Everything has been done on a shoestring,’ says Becky. ‘We have used a mix of old and new materials,
and spent time and money sourcing decorative touches to enhance the finish.’

Becky’s first Lost and Found shop will open on 5 May at 77 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1, tel: 07958 324038, lostandfounddesign.co.uk

It will be open on Saturdays, 11am to 5pm, and Mondays to Fridays by appointment only

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HOW TO FLY THE FLAG ON A SHOESTRING

Spend time sensitively stripping back your home to its bare bones – you can often find hidden decorative details worth saving and renovating.
Source key investments, such as flooring and kitchen units, from the high street and DIY stores.
Hunt down vintage furniture at flea markets and antique fairs, and use a local upholsterer to help transform inexpensive, tired pieces into contemporary gems.
Don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Unite vintage and contemporary pieces through use of colour and fabric.
Build a collection of affordable artworks using antique posters, prints, signs and photos. Spend money on quality framing to create a gallery feel.

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HOW TO OPTIMISE SPACE AND LIGHT

Create a blank canvas: use a pale backdrop throughout to create a sense of space and calm. This will offset the use of more vivid colour in artwork, furniture and decorative accessories.
Maximise light: install glazed doors throughout and enjoy a constant stream of filtered light throughout your home.
Invest in custom-built storage: quality units that are designed around your possessions will help you contain and display your treasured pieces while minimising clutter.
Go for uniform window treatments: painted shutters throughout will create continuity and avoid the need for bulky curtains.
Obey the ‘one in, one out’ rule: make space for new finds by dejunking those you no longer love.

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