Published: 2024-02-13 by, News Team in the Lifestyle & Fashion news category
Nestled within the quaint corners of Chiswick in west London lies a charming cluster of 18th-century buildings, frozen in time, where the echoes of history mingle with modern life.
Among these, a double-fronted Queen Anne house, steeped in character, found its way into the hands of interior designer Looby Crean and her husband several years ago, evolving into a cherished family abode. Adjacent stood a building of similar vintage, once a storage facility for Fullers Brewery. In 2012, the couple made the bold decision to acquire this structure, seamlessly integrating it with their own residence.
Looby's roots trace back to Lancashire, where her childhood memories are woven with the fabrics of her grandfather's mill. From a young age, she found solace in envisioning the sanctuaries of home, a sentiment that has endured through the years.
Despite beginning her career in commodities trading at Phibro-Salomon in 1983, where she navigated the complexities of Nickel and Platinum Group metals, Looby's heart found its true calling in interior design. Juggling the demands of work and family, she embarked on a transformative journey, fueled by a newfound passion for fabric and spatial design.
Her encounter with the Inchbald School marked a pivotal moment, where her tenacity and multitasking prowess proved invaluable. Armed with her innate sense of balance and presentation skills honed from her previous endeavors, Looby emerged at the top of her class, ready to embark on a career that would redefine spaces and lives.
Collaborating with restoration architect Mark Hoare from Adam Architecture, Looby embarked on the ambitious renovation of her own home, a project spanning over a decade. Together, they breathed new life into the historic structure, preserving its legacy while infusing it with contemporary elegance.
The renovation journey unfolded with meticulous attention to detail, from the vaulted basement transformed into cozy bedrooms and entertainment spaces to the towering ceilings adorned with reclaimed scaffold boards, each element reflecting a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Outside, amidst the lush foliage of the garden, Looby's vision took shape in the form of a conservatory-cum-greenhouse, a tranquil retreat where candlelit dinners unfold against a backdrop of natural splendor.
As House and Garden Magazine captures the essence of her home, Looby's narrative transcends mere renovation, encapsulating the timeless allure of transformation and the enduring magic of home life in the Chiswick community.
Curious to find out more? For more information about the House and Gardens article, you can get details online here.
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