Balancing act

A couple with contrasting design tastes struggled to find a solution until they brought in expert help

- WORDS JANE CRITTENDEN

When Emma Gardette and her husband Romain bought their first home together, they soon discovered they had differing interior design tastes.

'I had clear ideas about bright colours, geometric patterns, mid-century and lots of accessories,' says Emma, a doctor. 'Romain couldn't see my vision; he prefers industrial materials, neutrals and everything to be tidy.'

Emma and Romain had rented in this part of north London for several years and kept their property search tight so they could continue living in the handy location for work, public transport and amenities.

'Romain liked the industrial feel of this duplex in a converted warehouse and we both loved the windows, which flooded rooms with light,' Emma recalls. 'It's a unique layout for a flat as the three living spaces are open to one another, but separate, and bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs.'