At home with Ian Parry, founder of Norfolk Homestyle

Ian Parry has always loved homes and interiors. He bought his first property in the early 90s ‘and spent far too much money on the house, but it was amazing,’ he says.

Whenever he’s moved house, even if the property is in turnkey condition, he has made sure that he’s put his own stamp on the place.

‘To me it’s all about the aesthetics and the feel of a room, I like being in a room and feeling wrapped by that room, it’s like a comfort blanket,’ he says.

Ian describes the style of his home as modern classic. Photo: Sonya Duncan

His most recent project was the top-to-toe renovation of the traditional Norfolk farmhouse near Wymondham where he lives with his partner, Martin Skidmore.

A real labour of love, it took three years - but the results are stunning.

Combining his experience in making over his own properties with more than 20 years in the interiors business, earlier this year Ian took the leap and launched Norfolk Homestyle.

During his career, Ian has worked for a number of high-end interiors and furnishing companies, including two years commuting from Norfolk to a base at The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

Ian likes his interior schemes to reflect the home owner's personality. Photo: Sonya Duncan

Through his roles he’s worked on luxury collaborations with well-known names including Kelly Hoppen, Osprey of London and Celia Birtwell.

‘Whether it’s a simple blind or soft furnishings for a room or a whole house project, I can use my knowledge and experience to help each client achieve the look they desire,’ he says.

‘I think the biggest art of this job is listening and understanding,’ he continues.

‘I go and visit them, I find out what their remit, personality and style is – whether that’s eclectic, traditional, modern, classic or contemporary. They might be calling me out to do a simple window dressing, or they might have a whole room they want to do and they’re at the very early stages where they need to choose paint colours or wallpapers.’

Ian loves working with colour and pattern. Photo: Sonya Duncan

Chatting to Norfolk magazine about the renovation of the farmhouse, Ian’s enthusiasm shines through.

‘I would say its style is modern classic,’ he says. ‘Certainly when I moved in it was traditional. The house hadn’t been touched for years - it was a typical farmhouse, all about the land or the animals or the crops, not about the house.’

The project started at the top of the house with a large attic conversion to create two bedrooms and an en-suite.

‘The whole house had to be re-roofed, which was a major project, then we worked our way down each floor – it was a complete renovation,’ says Ian.

Select pieces you love to put your stamp on a room. Photo: Sonya Duncan

‘All the ceilings had to come down, every room had to be taken back to brick and rebuilt, and then you have to put the electrics in and plumbing where it’s needed - and that’s just to get the basics of the room before you even think about paint colours, flooring and tiles.

‘There are so many decisions to make and I think I can help customers to make those decisions which they might perhaps find a little daunting.’

It’s been really thoughtfully done. The bedrooms are decorated in a calming, neutral palette with luxurious touches to create a restful sanctuary – elsewhere bold pattern and colour is brought to the fore.

Ian and Martin's home has lots of character and features such as beams. Photo: Sonya Duncan

The renovation also included converting one of the barns into a studio for Ian to work from.

He moved to Norfolk from Worcestershire in 2002 – like many people he fell for the famous big skies and the county provides an endless source of creative inspiration.

‘Apart from Norwich, it’s almost like going back in time. Norfolk has a charm about it, it has an elegance about it. You’ve got lots of coastal walks, we’ve got a dog and we love doing walks on the coast in the winter at Blakeney, Cley, Morston and Happisburgh,’ he says.

Ian has used his experience in working with textiles and of his own renovation projects to launch Norfolk Homestyle. Photo: Sonya Duncan

IAN'S DESIGN TIPS

Add character with upholstery and rugs

Think about the textures that you're using as well as the colours - sumptuous velvet can add luxury and drama, while wool is tactile and cosy - and perfect if cottagecore is your aesthetic.

Use a mural as a backdrop to a headboard

Create a focal point for your bedroom using wallpaper, decals or, if you're arty, paint your own.

Go big and busy in small spaces

Don't shy away from colour and pattern in a small room. Bold hues and busy patterns will inject your space with personality - and can make it look bigger.

Use print within shelves

Show off your books by giving them a beautiful backdrop - a William Morris-style floral wallpaper would be perfect for this.

Make every meal an occasion

Setting the table with a simple tablescape - placemats, your fancy plates and cutlery (don't save anything for best) and candles - can turn suppertime into a special occasion every day.

Add layers to create comfort

Cosy season is here - snuggle up and watch Strictly under a beautiful blanket and dress your bed with throws.

Accessorise

Surround yourself with treasured family photos and your favourite ornaments - those finishing touches are what makes a house a home.

For more see norfolkhomestyle.co.uk