The coolest noughties interiors from the H&G archive
Trends are cyclical, that's something we all know, but it becomes abundantly clear when you take a look back through the archives. In the 2000s, we featured a wealth of lovely houses, but the style was markedly different in many cases from what we're used to now. Some things never go out of style – chintz, pelmets and antiques – but others certainly do (and thank goodness). In any case, we've delved back through the noughties in House & Garden features to unearth what was – and remains – cool. Stainless steel is back, but it certainly isn't new. And those painted checkerboard floorboards? Not the original 2020s idea you perhaps had thought. Read on…
Peter Woloszyski1/15The designer owner of this Louisiana house bought it while he was still a student and used it as a testing ground in which to experiment and hone his style. The sitting room is decorated in a spare, unassuming idiom that is a counterpoint to occasional, decorative elements - in this case, a chandelier and the painted, chequerboard floor. Piles of books provide a makeshift coffee table. A double-sided fireplace divides the sitting room from the
bedroom.
Simon Upton2/15When he built his own home and workspace near Beijing, artist Gao Bo combined traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern Western influence and a ‘collection of memories’ gathered on his travels. Gao made the dining table and chairs using leftover building materials.
Tim Clinch3/15Maxime de la Falaise and Sarah St George's house in Provence is as creative as they come. Maxime decorated much of the furniture in this house, including the vivid cupboard in the dining area and the chairs in the sitting room. She also painted tribal patterns on to the beams. The carpet–also Maxime's design–is by Christopher Farr and the 'Dog Kennel' sofas by George Smith, covered in John Stefanidis fabrics.
Nick Kane4/15Hidden from view in the heart of London, this airy, glass and concrete house is designed to take advantage of every minute of daylight. Named ‘The Light House’, it can be found in Notting Hill and was thoughtfully designed by architect Gianni Botsford around the needs of two academics and their son and daughter. The height of the concrete sitting room allows a dramatic play of light on the walls and floor.
Reto Guntli5/15In the January 2007 issue, this modern house in Tokyo made a case for plastic walls, which create a continuous light show or shadow play in the interiors. The interior was designed by Japanese company Ikeya, and includes white Cassina sofas, a stainless steel kitchen and a dining table by Pacific Furniture Service.
Simon Upton6/15This restored farmhouse in Tuscany makes few concessions to the clichés of rustic Italian living. The kitchen mixes modernity with traditional details, such as a marble sink, Carrara worktops and hanging copper pans.
Keith Scott Morton7/15This loft apartment in New York was formerly an industrial warehouse and so features large open-plan spaces. The dining and sitting areas are linked by grey-stained diagonal floorboards, but defined by Tibetan rugs.
8/15This double-height living area – in a compact penthouse flat adjacent to the Tate Modern – runs the width of the flat, with windows onto the terrace and a spectacular view over the river. The seating and side tables are from the ‘Oblong’ modular system by Jasper Morrison, for Cappellini, and consists of individual seating units, which can be zipped together to form sofas; the tables ‘slot’ over the arms. The ‘Nestore’ floor lamp is by Artemide.
Caroline Gavazzi9/15In 2000, we featured legendary chef Antonio Carluccio's country cottage, which is a serene and pared-back house. 'We consider this house to be a very precious thing, and that it is our duty to look after it,' said Priscilla Carluccio. Soft, natural colours blend with the dark structural timbers, and the effect is restful. In the living room, white-painted floorboards, white-covered seating furniture and antique earthenware vessels add to the simple rustic look.
Jan Baldwin10/15In the sitting room of this Chester Jones-designed flat from 2002, a Forties Italian chair and footstool set the tone of classic elegance and comfort.
Jan Baldwin11/15The flat features a lot of walnut wood, including this bespoke kitchen designed by Chester. The open shelving and kilner jars is a lovely touch.
Simon Upton12/15This kitchen deftly combines modern elements with old in a Tuscan villa from July 2006. The open shelving is an innovative use of the low arch here, and offers a modern, clever way to use the space.
Stuart McIntyre13/15Black granite and stainless steel are used in this bachelor pad in the heart of Chelsea from October 2006.
Andrew Wood14/15The rest of this New Orleans house by Nicky Haslam is quite traditional but the entrance hall, with its trelliswork details, is exceptional.
Andrew Wood15/15In the hall of a London house by Robert Kime from 2001, the floor is of Purbeck stone; the treads of the stone staircase have been distressed to give them an aged look. The sofa is covered in an antique Swedish ticking.
