The Reimagined Home
You may have already heard about The Reimagined Home, a fascinating new sustainable interiors book by acclaimed interiors stylist, journalist, and art director Nicole Gray. Based in London, Nicole is known for her love of colour, and curiosity about people, which when combined with her passion for creating visuals and words, brings joy and life to the spaces she writes about and styles. This can be seen throughout the book, with homes offering an antidote to our tech-driven lifestyles by embracing reclaimed elements and a deeper connection to nature, without losing the joy of creativity and personal expression.
I have recently bought a new house, and I am constantly thinking about how to convert it in a way that is sustainable but also beautiful, so it was absolutely wonderful timing to read Nicole’s book which is filled with unusual and inspiring homes of well-respected creatives around the world, including some 19th century flats in Hampstead that have been turned into a family home by Maria Speake of Retrouvious and a beautiful Balinese home that truly embraces blending outside with inside, belonging to the owners of Gaya Ceramic.
The Reimagined Home is a guide for every stage of the creative journey. From future-proofing ideas, to how to incorporate regenerative design elements and ways to reinvent what is already in existence, which is especially relevant in today’s financial and ecological climate where we are being forced to think longer term. I was thrilled to chat to Nicole about it…
The Reimagined Home by Nicole Gray.
What made you want to write the book?
-Although perceptions of sustainable design are thankfully beginning to evolve, there remains a common misconception that eco-friendly spaces must be neutral or minimal. I wanted to challenge this idea by showing that sustainability isn’t about a fixed set of rules or a cookie-cutter aesthetic. Instead, it’s about crafting personalised environments that inspire happiness, comfort, and a genuine connection to the world around us.
Outdoor shower in Marcello and Michela of Gaya Ceramic’s Home in Bali
How do you make sustainable yet beautiful choices in your own home?
-For me, making sustainable choices starts with quality over quantity: I only buy what I truly love, or need to try and reduce waste over time, and I prioritise natural materials whenever possible- reclaimed wood, organic textiles, and non-toxic paint finishes. In my children’s rooms, for example, I use a jute rug and hypoallergenic bedding since my daughter has asthma. Most of their toys and books are secondhand and, where possible, wooden-though it’s definitely a challenge to steer them away from the bright plastic Fisher-Price versions!
I also believe in the power of mixing old and new by repurposing vintage or secondhand items. My oak dining table, a gift from my mother, is paired with her old oak chairs alongside a few Wishbone chairs I found on eBay years ago. All have come with me to every home and I hope to pass them down to my children someday.
Reclaimed sink and taps and wallpaper made from a vintage map of Hampstead. Interior Design: Retrouvious.
You mention a deeper connection to nature allowing people to live a relatively unplugged lifestyle without sacrificing creativity. How do you suggest people can bring nature into their interiors when they aren't living on a tree lined street or surrounded by some of the beautifully lush tropical foliage featured in your book?
-Bringing nature indoors is all about creating a sense of calm and connection, no matter where you live. In the Victorian terrace conversion belonging to a tech entrepreneur in Peckham, the space is deliberately populated with plant ‘nooks’ to encourage immersion in nature for a few minutes every day.
I would start by creating corners with plants that thrive indoors-like snake plants, pothos, or peace lilies-which are low-maintenance and also help purify the air. Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, or woven fibers through furniture or rugs to bring the outside in. Paint is another easy win- colours like soft greens, earthy browns, and calming blues are great for grounding a space.
Houseplants to clear the air in Puli Liyanagama’s property in Peckham
-Some of the homes featured use pattern in unexpected ways. Are you a fan of pattern in your home? And how would you advise people to use pattern to reimagine their own space?
-I’m definitely a fan of pattern! It adds personality and a sense of movement to any space. What I love about the ceramic leaves in the Bali home is how they bring both art and nature into one sculptural piece. It's a beautiful reminder that a pattern doesn’t always have to be flat or repetitive, it can also be tactile and dynamic.
For people looking to reimagine their own spaces with pattern, I’d suggest starting in micro doses-think patterned cushions on the sofa, runners, and wallpaper inside drawers or behind a sink. Since the area is small, you can afford to spend a bit more without breaking the bank. I also recommend repurposing throws or rugs as tactile pieces of artwork- a throw we bought from Morocco is currently hanging behind our bed. It creates a focal point in an otherwise understated room.
Remember that pattern doesn't always have to be colourful to make an impact, however. Your Brambleweb and Bird linen cushions are great examples as they add a dash of subtle texture without overwhelming the space.
Tiny hints of pattern in Puli Liyanagama’s property in Peckham.
-We have heard many times of the feature wall being dead and that wallpaper should be used all over a room. Many of the houses in The Reimagined Home use pattern sparingly, little sprinkles of pattern here and there, often layered together. What are your thoughts on how you prefer wallpaper to be used- wrapped all around the room and ceilings or just framing a chimney breast?
-Personally, I was never a fan of the feature wall, so I love how wallpaper has evolved into a versatile design element. The main question I ask myself when decorating with wallpaper is whether it enhances the space rather than competes with it?
For that reason, and in keeping with the theme of The Reimagined Home, I’m drawn to using wallpaper in unexpected ways-such as framing a chimney breast or on the ceiling. These subtle touches complement other design elements within the room, without feeling overdone. They also give you the freedom to play around with different patterns, scales, and textures more freely throughout.
Nicole’s SELECTION for a reimagined home
OWL RUG
My husband and I did a falconry course a few years ago and are also huge fans of Harry Potter, so this design is very up our street! It is also Good Will certified, which means that no child or forced labour was used in the production process.
LEGEND WALLPAPER IN INK
My baby boy will soon be moving into his own room and I will definitely be buying this wallpaper! I love that it is made from 79% renewable raw materials, and produces 30% less greenhouse gasses during the manufacturing process in comparison to other standard non-woven wallpapers.
SEASCAPE TILES IN SUMMER
These tiles are perfect for bringing a touch of nature inside.
