Graphic Designer and Art Director Cara has always loved interiors, so much so that she decided to set up her popular Instagram account Gin & Interiors to showcase inspiring rooms, bars and her other love, gin! We got a sneak peek at her unique home, the story behind her beautifully styled loft bathroom and even her favourite cocktail recipe!
My interior style is quite eclectic. I would describe it as modern rustic chic with a hint of vintage. I like to mix old and new, introducing classic pieces with high street finds.
My main inspiration is the past. I love history and objects with a story. I studied Fine Art at school and Graphic Design at University and so you’ll find lots of Typographic pieces in my home from larger letter framed prints to a printers tray full of little keepsakes.
My favourite room would have to be the dining room as it has a beautiful view of the garden. It also houses my gin collection! It’s a space that we entertain in and for me, friends and family are everything.
The main bathroom is quite small which is typical of a period property. When we renovated the house we removed a chimney stack which enabled us to widen the bathroom slightly to accommodate a separate shower cubical. The style is traditional, with distressed look blue decorative floor tiles, white square tiles in a brick formation and a Victorian feel bathroom suite. We decided on painting the walls in a dramatic colour, Farrow & Ball’s Hague blue to contrast with the white wall tiles and I feel it sets off the antique cabinet perfectly.
The loft bathroom was designed with my 5-year-old twin girls in mind. If eventually, they want their own rooms they have the option of moving to the top floor. So we decided to put in a double basin to make use of the space and avoid arguments! I love traditional furnishings so Hampton shaker style unit was ideal.
We paired the unit with traditionally styled Henley taps to complete the look. I opted for warm grey hues and the Laura Ashley decorative tiles compliment the units perfectly.
I think that has to be my light in my dining room. It’s a great statement piece that I have not seen anywhere else and it reminds me of a whisk. I bought it from a Dutch lady who owns a beautiful homeware shop near me,
We asked Cara to show us how to create her favourite Autumn cocktail
Ingredients
50ml Plymouth gin
30ml lemon juice
15ml Simple syrup*
15ml Crème de Mure
Method
Fill an old fashioned glass with crushed ice. Pour the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup over ice and gently stir. Add more ice and top with the crème de mure. Garnish with blackberries. I also add a sprig of mint and a paper straw.
*For the syrup. Simply add 100g caster sugar with 100ml water to a pan. Gently heat in tip sugar dissolves. Bring to boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 2 mins. Leave to cool and pour into a sterilised jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To see Cara’s lovely home for yourself, you can find her on Instagram at Gin & Interiors
Why not share your bathroom ideas and inspirational interiors via @myroperrhodes on our Instagram page?