Photos by Damian Bramley and Clare Coleman
It was over a year ago that I first chatted with Natalia Willmott, a trained art historian and entrepreneur. A friend recommended her business Natalia Willmott Home Decor to me and I immediately got in touch to see if she’d allow me to interview her for issue 70 of Reclaim magazine.
I knew that her collection of antiques and unique decorative pieces from her international travels – such as this vintage Persian wood panel and self-upholstered wingback chair – would be so interesting to the publication’s readers and I soon fell in love with her home when I saw it for myself.
The barn is the perfect combination of airy and cosy – exactly what I would want to live in. And the location sounds pretty good too – it’s in the rural Yorkshire village of Stillingfleet, just eight miles away from bustling city life in York.
Many of the rooms have a cottagey feel, such as the rustic kitchen in the former stables, with its authentic terracotta tiled floor and a warming AGA stove. I love the beams and wooden cabinetry – all painted in chalky colours that I would personally choose.
The airy living space in the main barn is a dream for art collectors with ample display space on the walls and skylights bringing in plenty of natural light. Natalia has installed a professional hanging system in this room, enabling her to install artwork with ease.
This drawing room in the former barn was what first drew Natalia to the house, knowing it would be a great entertaining zone, as well as offering space for her business where she could showcase the items she sources. Take inspiration from the natural palette she’s used to really allow your favourite decorative pieces to shine.
Natalia’s background in museum and art curation is evident in the way that she displays her favourite pieces around the home. Everywhere you look is another vignette of antique originals or a considered collection.
Her business is sourcing decorative art, textiles and crafts for her clients to create eclectic and inspirational interiors. It must be difficult for Natalia to part with any of the beautiful pieces she finds but she always has her client’s interests at heart.
Let me know what you think of this gorgeous home in the comments below. Would you love to live in an airy converted barn too? Is the travel-inspired decor right up your street? Be sure to check out NataliaWillmott.co.uk to discover her latest unique finds and you can follow her on Instagram for plenty of decor inspiration @nataliawillmott. Natalia makes luxurious handcrafted silk cushions at mybilletdoux.com.
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