Sophie and Rachel are the founders of interior design studio Bucknall James. They explain how they use antiques to add character to their schemes.
How would you describe your interiors style?
Whilst we do have a style for the most part we are also driven by the client and their property. Underpinning our schemes is a blend of antique and contemporary elements with a focus on natural materials. The ‘bones of the building’ are the first concern with all our projects and our focus is to ensure that the soft furnishings compliment the architecture of the space.
How do you use antiques in your projects?
We always try to incorporate antiques into our projects as they instantly add character and depth to a scheme. Our aim is for an interior to feel like it has evolved over time and an antique piece brings a story and talking point. We want our schemes to feel comfortable and welcoming, not overly decorated, and antiques are brilliant for helping to achieve this.
What do you love most about sourcing antiques?
It’s wonderful to source unique pieces, full of character and age. Antiques bring history, craftsmanship and weight to a room. We also love the fact that antiques are available immediately, often well-priced compared to their contemporary equivalents and it’s exciting to give a piece of furniture a new home.
What does home mean to you?
Home means creating a space where you instantly feel relaxed and comfortable. It should be aesthetically pleasing but just as importantly a home should be functional. We enjoy thinking about the practicalities of a home, from storage to where children will do their homework, as well as how the space is used for entertaining. This is key to ensuring a home is a space that can be enjoyed.
Photography by Ray Main
