Step into the home of a contemporary landscape Artist
Contemporary landscape Artist in Wiltshire shares her tips on interior design
For my first ‘Meet the Maker’ review, I didn’t have to look far. Being surrounded by a family of creatives, it was an easy decision to make to share the work of my contemporary landscape artist sister Laura Rich.
Laura shares her home in Wiltshire with husband and writer David, three impeccably well-behaved children and their cockapoo, Bella. Laura takes inspiration from the Wiltshire downland and Dorset coastline to create her contemporary landscape paintings. These are sold in galleries across England and are held in private collections internationally.
It’s no surprise that Laura and David’s creative talents translate across to the interior design of their home. Once a 1970’s bungalow with little character, they have transformed the style of the interior with a mix of vintage finds and unique one-off design pieces that they have collected over the years.
I caught up with Laura to find out what inspires her art and interior style:
Please can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a full-time painter, mother of 3 and coordinator of Wiltshire’s largest visual arts trail, The Wylye Valley Art Trail.
Where’s home?
We bought a dated 1970’s bungalow in Mere, Wilts, 18 months ago and have spent that time doing it up. We’ve converted a lower level garage into my studio and have completely redecorated the house. There was a lot of woodchip wallpaper when we moved in!
How has art and what you do influenced your home style?
I design every room around my art collection. I choose wall colours to show of the paintings I have bought over the years and choose furniture to display the 3D pieces I own.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
In nature mostly. Big skies, there are a lot of those where we live, I often walk along the Downs surrounding Mere.
How would you describe your interiors style?
Eclectic. Calm. Homely.
What’s your favourite part of your home and why?
Our living room. It’s on the first floor level with windows on three sides and is surrounded by trees and greenery. It feels like we’re up in the trees and it’s so light, we never have to put a light on during the day. It shows off my Katy Brown painting which is my pride and joy.
And your favourite piece of furniture?
I have two. Our dining room table once belonged to the writer Mary Wesley and she wrote several of her books at it. It was then owned by her son Toby and his wife Xinran, who is a famous Chinese writer, she also used to write sat at the table so it has a history and connection to us as my husband now writes at it too. The table was gifted to us by Toby and it will be passed down through our family, it’s a keeper! The second being my Frame & Cover chair. It’s handmade in the UK and the fabric is designed and upholstered by one of my oldest friends from school, Corinne Webb, she set up her company and is running it from Margate. We did A Level art together and I swapped a painting for the chair.
Where else do you like to source items for your home – any favourite brands or designers?
I bought our Gplan wardrobe from Kernow Furniture,, they’re based in Cornwall and have a brilliant range of retro and unique second-hand furniture. I also frequent the local second-hand shop called This and That in Mere high street. I have a few modern pieces from The Furniture Box too and the IKEA pieces we have have lasted us since our student days.
Finally, what’s your top tip when it comes to choosing Art to invest in?
Go with your gut feeling. If you absolutely fall in love with a piece of art – whether it’s by a well-known artist or someone you found at the local church fete – buy it if you can. You might play a part in boosting that artist up to the next level but most importantly you have a piece of someone’s heart and soul which you will always love. Art should speak to you and make you feel something, if it has that impact when you first see it, it will have that forever.
Also support the local art trails. I started my career taking part in the Wylye Valley Art Trail, it’s a lot of work for the artists and some plan their whole year around them. To get visitors really makes a difference – even if you don’t buy anything, you might tell someone else who will, it’s a knock-on effect.
I truly believe that to create a stylish and impressive home, you do not need to be continuously spending money. Contemporary landscape artist Laura has invested in a few unique pieces that although would have cost a bit more than your average high street store, will last a lifetime and be passed down to her children. These pieces have been mixed with carefully selected secondhand items sourced from junk shops, vintage stores and online, along with Ikea pieces purchased during her uni days. The result is a home which not only reflects her personality, experiences and creativity, but looks amazing too! I’m sure you’ll agree.
To find out more, please visit Laura’s website here.
Other posts that may interest you:
An enchanting walled garden in Wiltshire
Nkuku – handmade home products
The Kinfolk Home, Interiors for slow living
Tags: Wiltshire Artist | Wiltshire Art | Wiltshire Art Trail | Artist home decor | Artists homes | Artists homes and studios | Artist and writer collaboration | contemporary landscape painting | contemporary land art | interior design ideas | vintage furniture | modern art for sale Wiltshire | Meet the Maker | Mary Wesley novelist