LIV Chats To…Interior Lover Gemma About Her Beautiful Modern Style
This week we're chatting to Gemma from @my_midcenturymakeover - her style mixes muted Colours and scandi accessories.
Hi Gemma, first things first, please can you introduce yourself!
Hi guys! My name is Gemma, the face behind @my_midcenturymakeover. I live in Buckinghamshire with my husband Navin and two children, Arlo & Mabel. As well as creating content for brands and small businesses on Instagram I work in the fashion industry, managing the UK distribution of Ralph Lauren childrenswear.
Please tell us more about your stunning home and how @my_midcenturymakeover came about?
After buying our 1930’s home in 2018 we spent nine months extending and renovating, attempting to re-inject some of the period charm back into the property. Taking inspiration from the era and my love of art history, we’ve combined that with a modern edge - largely influenced by my travels for work and some gorgeous hotels I’ve had the pleasure of staying in. I started my interiors account last year as a hobby in the midst of the first lockdown. Having just had Mabel and finding myself confined to the house, I used Instagram as a creative outlet and a distraction from the day to day monotony I think we all felt. A year and a half on it’s grown far beyond my expectations and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some fantastic businesses and publications.
Please could you describe your interior style, has it always been the same or has it evolved over time?
My interior style is probably best classified as mid century modern but with some eclectic elements incorporated too - think crittall, dark accent walls, bespoke shelving and large scale artwork. I believe the design of a period home should reflect its origins and be sympathetic to them - that’s what we’ve tried to do in all the properties we’ve owned. Our previous house was a turn of the century cottage with more neutral, modern country styling - a world away from what you see here!
What brands or trends inspire you or your house purchases?
I love pieces that evoke an authentic mid century aesthetic - Heal’s have a great offer of large scale furniture as well as smaller home accessories that do just that. Lighting is integral to any interior scheme, from both a design and function point of view. Many of our lamps & fixtures are from the range at West Elm.
What interior Instagram accounts inspire you, could you name your top 3?
Oh it’s so hard to pick just 3! My faves include these guys - impeccable design & styling that either leans into dark tones, mid century style or both!
We love your kitchen, especially the way you use pops of colour to brighten up the space. Do you have any tips for our followers on how to achieve a stylish home?
Create a cohesive scheme by running a curated colour palette through the house. We have used a two tone effect in the kitchen with lighter wall cabinets and a darker island. The darker shade, Downpipe by Farrow and Ball, has then been used as an accent throughout the downstairs to create a balance and unity as you move through the space. It’s brightened by pops of brass and neutral contrasts but also grounded with touches of black which bring a richness and depth.
What is your go-to interior trick, if you have one?
Don’t fight for light! If you have a room that doesn’t get that much sun and can feel a little dull, go with it! Embrace the darkness and create a cosy cavern of drama with a few colour pops thrown in to bring the space to life.
If you had to change one thing in your home, what would it be and why?
In hindsight I think I’d like to have changed the balustrade on the staircase for something more in keeping with the period of the house. Budget at the time was stretched so we didn’t really give much consideration to changing it, deciding to invest in other areas instead.
What's your favourite home purchase you have made
recently and is there anything on your wishlist?
My favourite recent purchase has to be our velvet green sofa from Love Your Home - it just makes the sitting room sing with its pop of colour. I’m slowly curating beautiful objects for the newly built alcove shelves in there, once finished that room will be complete.
And finally what does the future hold for @my_midcenturymakeover is there anything left up your sleeve?
Don’t tell the husband but once the sitting room is finished I’d quite like to do a bit of an overhaul in our bedroom - I’m not yet sure if that is just some panelling or a bolder colour scheme though. Then of course there is the loft guest room to finish - maybe one day the en-suite up there may actually get its crittal-style shower enclosure!
If you have enjoyed reading all about Gemma and her beautiful home, head over to her Instagram page @my_midcenturymakeover to keep up to date.
