A festive Georgian home with mid-century design

When guests arrive at Deborah and Jim Chancellor’s 18th-century Hampshire home, they are left in no doubt that the festivities have begun. The distinctive scent of spruce hangs in the air, mantelpieces are dressed with generous garlands, candles flicker and, in the spacious entrance hall, a welcoming fire crackles in the log burner.

When the couple first viewed the house, it was the elegant hallway that really captivated Deborah, and she was particularly struck by the sight of a pair of mid-century armchairs placed invitingly either side of its inglenook fireplace. A year earlier, while retraining as an interior designer at the KLC School of Design, Deborah developed a fascination for both Georgian architecture and mid-century modern design.

‘It was such a surprise to discover the owners shared my love of mid-century style,’ she says, clearly delighted by the coincidence. ‘I’ve always really loved the fluidity of the shapes, curves and angles it’s known for.’

The couple, who also have a house in London, had long dreamed of owning a second home and they started looking in earnest soon after Deborah graduated. ‘We wanted somewhere rural, yet within reach of the coast,’ she explains, adding that although she scoured the internet for suitable properties in need of renovation, it was a tip-off that led them to the house in the end.

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And Deborah was elated when she arrived. Surrounded by five acres of woodland and a mature garden, the exterior of the handsome Georgian property ticked all the boxes.

But once through the door, she realised that it far exceeded her expectations. Eager to put her design skills into practice, she was pleased to discover that every inch of the six-bedroom house needed updating. ‘Although it was spacious, it also had a lovely cosy feel, with a real sense of happiness,’ she recalls. ‘A Georgian house with a mid-century vibe – it felt as though it was meant to be.’

After they sealed the deal on a snowy January morning in 2011, the couple embarked on the extensive renovation project soon after. They overhauled the electrics and plumbing and installed a handmade kitchen and new bathrooms.

When it came to decorating, Deborah chose colours that would allow the architectural character of each room to sing out, while also acting as a backdrop for her eclectic mix of furniture and works of art. The previous owners left some of their furniture, including the chairs that had caught her eye on the first visit, and Deborah gave them a new lease of life with carefully chosen fabrics.

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These mid-century pieces are now an integral part of Deborah’s scheme for the house, but she has juxtaposed them with elements from different eras to ensure the overall feel is not contrived.

‘I’ve always bought antiques,’ Deborah says. ‘I never pass a junk shop without having a browse, and buying for the house was the perfect excuse!’ She relished the chance to visit antiques fairs and dealers in order to source everything, from the art deco-style sideboard to eye-catching lighting, quirky tables and even the pretty glassware.

‘When I’m out and about, I often spot beautiful old chairs disguised with worn, ugly fabrics,’ she says. ‘It gives me so much pleasure to see them transformed and enjoyed.’

Now that the renovation and decoration is complete, Deborah and Jim’s rural retreat lends itself perfectly to the festive season. ‘I thoroughly enjoy everything about the lead up to Christmas,’ says Deborah. ‘And I always look forward to stopping off at Midhurst to buy our wreath, mantelpiece garland and festive arrangements from my florist friend, Karen Watson, who runs This Floral Life.’

Once the tree is up and the decorations are in place, it’s time to unwind with family and friends, taking long walks and then relaxing in front of a roaring fire.