‘I always wanted off-white Shaker units and was so glad that I negotiated with several kitchen companies to get such a good deal,’ says Anni. For similar Shaker units, try Wickes. The walls have been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle
By following her instincts and harking back to her roots, Stockholm-born Anni Lloyd has lovingly injected a quintessentially English country cottage with a unique style, influenced by her Swedish upbringing. ‘From the moment we walked in, this pretty cottage spoke to my husband Chris and me, since it had such a romantic feel,’ says Anni. ‘Over the years, although it’s increased in size and evolved in terms of design, I’ve never been influenced by trends. Instead, I have bought pieces I love, and designed from the heart.’
Chris, lead singer in the Eagles tribute band, Talon, and tour manager, Anni, stumbled across the property back in 2001, following a whirlwind romance. ‘We actually tied the knot within three months of meeting each other, and, keen to find our first ‘together’ home, began looking for a property in south Derbyshire,’ Anni reveals. The Lloyds decided to rent for a short while when they stumbled upon this cute little cottage. Despite its bijou proportions, the pair adored its tranquil, rural location, rich history and wealth of period features. Soon months rolled into years, the pair felt no desire to leave. ‘When the owners decided to sell in 2004, we were elated and jumped at this golden opportunity to buy,’ Anni explains.