sorbet for the soul

Designer Michelle Kelly has mixed mid-century style with ice-cream shades to create a soothing take on seaside living

- Mark C O'Flaherty

KITCHEN

‘I treat the way I create an interior the same way I create a fashion look,’ says Michelle. ‘I take something vintage and mix it up and make it modern.’ Get the look The table is vintage G Plan from Vinterior and the ceramics, glass pieces and brass taps are from eBay. The glass pendant over the dining table is 1960s Murano and the pendant lights are the same era. Check out Kotla Market for similar lights.

HOME PROFILE

THE DESIGNER Michelle Kelly, who created a seaside home on the Suffolk coast for media couple Rob Newland and Jo Lavender and their children Ivy, 10, and Margot, seven.

THE PROPERTY A late-Victorian semi with an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, plus a wet room and pantry, on the ground floor. There is a bedroom for the children and a media room in the basement, and two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

ENTRANCE/ LIVING SPACE

Most of the furniture on the ground floor is vintage, which has been tweaked or re-upholstered by Michelle. ‘Rob and Jo said they would have played it safer, but I really pushed them to go with brighter colors,’ says Michelle. Get the look The rug is a vintage find from Pakistan. Find similar at Jaipur Rugs. Check out The House Of Things for similar armchairs. Ficus Fine Living has similar cushions.