Tropical Twist

Gemma Critchley has drawn inspiration from her roots in the Cayman Islands to create something unexpected in her idyllic Devon home

- NATALIE MILLAR-PARTRIDGE

Having grown up in the West Indies, jewellery designer Gemma Critchley remains fascinated with the ocean and the ever-changing patterns and colours of nature. ‘Our cottage is full of nostalgia – in corals and palms, raffia hats and tropicalbird lithographs,’ says Gemma. ‘The colour palettes I gravitate towards certainly evoke the tropics’ warmth, style and vibrancy.’

The 19th-century property sits in the heart of a Devon village, and Gemma and her husband, Rich, who runs a product design consultancy, loved it immediately. ‘This was once the bakehouse of a large estate. It was converted into a separate dwelling in the 1960s, creating courtyards and passageways that sparked our imaginations for inside-outside living,’ says Gemma.

DINING AREA

Bifold doors open onto the private walled courtyard. Find artwork by John Harris at Alison Eldred

The house itself was full of surprises, from the dramatic eucalyptus tree in the walled courtyard garden to the high vaulted ceilings and mezzanine master bedroom inside. ‘We knew we had found a project that would be both unique and inspiring,’ she says.