Unleashing the Charm of Sienna Miller's Vintage Haven
Listening to the news that Sienna Miller recently revamped her 16th-century English country house, left untouched for almost a decade, had me grinning ear to ear. "Sienna possesses an authentic, personal sense of style that transforms this cottage into a cozy, romantic sanctuary," Architectural Digest's Global Editor-in-Chief Amy Astley stated via email.
The lockdown added new life to the thatched-roof house, thanks to its former co-star and old friend, Gaby Dellal. Known as a film and theater director specializing in salvaging and restoring unique items from scrapyards, Dellal held an intriguing appeal to Miller. Despite lacking professional interior designer credentials, her impeccably furnished homes in London and Cornwall convinced Sienna to embrace a Gaby-style transformation. "I want a Gaby's house!" Sienna exclaimed.
Vintage-inspired pieces, clever color contrasts and charming vintage furniture breathe life into the space, resulting in a stylish yet tranquil environment.
As with Sienna's fashion genius, the idyllic styling of the home is no small feat. From burning the structure's wooden beams to achieve the right color tone, to the natural dyed blue-white 1950s-style ceramic tiles, the house is a master class in imperfect perfection.
The rooms boast an eclectic mix of antiquities, from second-hand Crittal windows with steel frames bought on Ebay, to Victorian adorned room dividers with green and purple chintz trimmings, and 1950s blue and white ceramic tiles. Despite lockdown keeping Miller in New York for six months, unable to visit the property during construction, she marveled at the transformation when she finally visited.
"I couldn't believe it – I knew it had potential, but seeing the grass ripe with wildflowers beside the house made me cry," Sienna shared. "Everything came together so quickly. Gabby is a true artist. Every detail has a story, like the kitchen cabinets crafted from old school desks, and there's a sense of history – it's an artistic sanctuary, not a pricy hideaway. I keep discovering new aspects whenever I return."
Additional Findings:
- Dellal's expertise in transforming found objects into distinguished artwork is showcased in her personal residences, which range from a converted mill in Cornwall to a London apartment that incorporates repurposed antique pieces.
- Outside the world of film and showbiz, Dellal's talents are predominantly dedicated to her work at miYimy, a company that produces children’s wear using predominantly repurposed materials. Since 2003, MiYimy has partnered with renowned designers to expand the product range and receive media attention, particularly in the UK.
Sienna Miller's enchanting and unique English country retreat boasts an appearance that exudes charm, thanks to the abundant antique items, vibrant color palette, and quirky, vintage-inspired furniture. On the surface, the space might appear effortless, but the careful project management and attention to detail reveal a methodical effort in harmonizing the personalities of both Sienna and Dellal.
