Amy Dennis studied painting at Edinburgh College of Art and then went on to work in curatorial roles before returning to painting full time. Her husband, Neville Rae, has a degree in environmental art from Glasgow School of Art and worked as an artist and technician before launching Old School Fabrications, a metalwork, carpentry, and design studio. As trained artists, the two understand intimately how form and material, light and shadow can inform artwork. The same fundamental lessons, they realized, could (and should) be applied to a home remodel. (Go to The Modern House for an interview with the pair.)
In 2014, the two bought the ground-floor flat of an 1890 Victorian townhouse in Portobello, a coastal suburb of Edinburgh. They were wooed by the idea of raising their son, Ossian (then four years old), in a tight-knit beach community. A private garden, something they had never had before, sweetened the deal. The family moved in, did some rewiring and plumbing work, and as Ossian grew and both Amy’s and Neville’s creative pursuits flourished, they decided to embark on an expansion. Working with architect Calum Duncan, they added an extension and shuffled some rooms around so that Amy could have a dedicated art studio.
Just as they are in their artistic practices, Amy and Neville were adventurous in their materials palette for the remodel (Douglas fir, plaster, Jesmonite, and black Valchromat). They paid attention to the transitions in their home between light and dark spaces. And they played with shapes and scale, with Neville designing and fabricating many of their unique furniture pieces.
“[Our home] reflects the way we live, our interests, our work,” says Amy. “And resourcefulness as a design principle. Many of our design choices are informed by…not having a large budget but getting materials to do the very most possible by revealing them, finishing them, making objects carefully. We both work well within constraints and both love learning about new materials and processes.”
Photography courtesy of The Modern House.
Orkney artist Sylvia Wishart; on the green armoire is art by Scottish painter Barbara Balmer.
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N.B. This story originally ran on November 3, 2023, and has been updated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the name of the apartment in Edinburgh featured in the article?
The name of the apartment is Amy, Dennis, Neville, and Rae's Edinburgh Apartment.
Who are the owners of the Edinburgh Apartment?
The owners of the Edinburgh Apartment are Amy, Dennis, Neville, and Rae.
Where is the Edinburgh Apartment located?
The Edinburgh Apartment is located in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Can you give a brief description of the Edinburgh Apartment's interior style?
The Edinburgh Apartment's interior style mixes mid-century modern with Victorian and traditional elements.
What are some notable features of the Edinburgh Apartment?
Some notable features of the Edinburgh Apartment include original fireplaces, high ceilings, and large windows.
Who is credited with the renovation of the Edinburgh Apartment?
The renovation of the Edinburgh Apartment is credited to the owners themselves, Amy, Dennis, Neville, and Rae.
What inspired the owners during the renovation process?
The owners drew inspiration from their travels, particularly time spent in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Which room in the Edinburgh Apartment is the owners' favorite?
The owners' favorite room in the Edinburgh Apartment is the living room, which they consider the heart of the home.
What is the approach of the owners towards decorating their home?
The owners approach decorating their home by mixing old and new, collecting unique items, and incorporating lots of plants.
Can you describe the color palette used in the Edinburgh Apartment?
The color palette in the Edinburgh Apartment is mainly neutral, with pops of color brought in through artwork and accessories.
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