NATURAL FEELING

The Cotswold retreat of artist Maxine Leslau connects with the outdoors beautifully and is where her family goes for downtime

- KATE JACOBS

Artist Maxine Leslau didn’t start planning her family’s Cotswold home with fabric swatches and paint charts. Her starting point was the mood she wanted to create. ‘My work is always about emotions and I knew this house needed to feel calm. In London we live such a hectic life, so I wanted to feel as though we were escaping to our very own hotel or spa.’ A quick glance is enough to see that Maxine has pulled it off. Simple, tactile materials and a tranquil palette of neutrals and nature-inspired greens and blues have resulted in a home that’s elegantly considered and deeply relaxing.

Maxine wanted somewhere she and her husband Nick could spend time with their three grown-up sons, their partners and families. ‘When my sons grew up, I thought “is that it?”. So I wanted to create a place where we could all have our own space but still share happy times together.’