Paula’s home in the English countryside is just how you’d imagine it to be–charming, cozy, impeccably decorated, and surrounded by beautiful lush grounds. Her Georgian style home was built in 1822 and has large windows, high ceilings, lovely hardwood floors and graciously-sized rooms. Before this quiet country life in Norfolk, Paula lived in London and worked in the fashion industry as the head of press for one of the UK’s top modeling agencies when Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington were in their heyday. Now this mother of three has created The Hill House Diaries where she writes about interior design, vintage finds, and traditional English country house inspiration. Paula has an incredible eye for interiors and knows how to create a warm and inviting home.
HOMEWORTHY: How do you describe your interior design style?
PAULA SUTTON: Classic and vintage inspired with a distinctly English country house flavor. I like to evoke a feeling of timelessness and beauty in every room, so there are lots of florals, checks and stripes combined with traditional shapes and authentic period features.
HOMEWORTHY: What are your favorite things in your home?
PS: My original Victorian button back chair recovered in an Ian Mankin peony check and my vintage tulip painting.
HOMEWORTHY: What item did you splurge on?
PS: My antique dining table in the dining room. It was one of the first pieces that I bought for my home. We have a less formal dining area with a beautiful long French antique refectory table that seats 8-10, but my round dining table is for more formal intimate suppers, and seats 6. It’s an absolute joy to ‘dress’.
HOMEWORTHY: Any sneaky decorating tips?
PS: If you’re a color lover like me, keep an eye on the the amount of colors used. There is a loose color theme throughout my home that ties in most of the rooms. It may look eclectic and colorful, but I have stuck primarily to greens, pinks and blues in varying complimentary tones – with cream as a base color – it’s what makes the ‘mix’ work without jarring.
HOMEWORTHY: What is your go-to hostess gift?
PS: Always a scented candle – mainly because I am a luxury candle obsessive. My favorites are by Diptyque and Jo Malone.
*All photos taken by Paula Sutton
