Photography by Mae Pate, except where noted.
Everything about The Ferry Boat Inn in Cornwall, England, is charmingly faded, as if it has seen many summers on the salty coast.
They set about transforming the interiors, using old photos from the late 1800s as a guide and taking new inspiration from red-sailed boats, the moss and palm trees that grow on the cove, and a favorite 1970s film.
The team took inspiration from a surprising source: Swallows & Amazons, a favorite childhood film from 1974.
1. Find inspiration in unlikely places.
2. Add a jaunty greeting.
When choosing house numbers or a mailbox, consider personality.
Photograph by Alex Towill.
Jaunty nautical flags hang outside.
Photograph by Alex Towill.
To add color to the interior, which has slate floors and rehabbed plaster walls and fireplace, the team had custom cushions made in a palette of faded reds and blues: striped stool covers, faded red banquette cushions inspired by red sails, and plaid throw pillows.
3. Stick to a strict palette.
4. Be subtly nautical.
The team wanted to take inspiration from the Cornwall coast “without being too obviously nautical,” Kate says. The solution: red-and-white-striped curtains, old milk glass light fixtures, and, above, vintage sailing guides and flags that look like they’ve been there forever.
Another playful nautical detail: wicker boat fenders from the 1970s.
Although authentic tarnish is a plus, substitute or supplement with new finds made to look well-worn: Behind the dining room banquette is a long, tarnished mirror that Kate and the team commissioned from a local glass manufacturer.
5. Opt for patina, not shine.
Small hatch windows, painted in a robin’s egg blue, is another subtle nautical nod, as are the shell wall lights.
6. Evoke portholes with round windows.
For a new take on plaster, think thin, not layered.
7. One coat of plaster goes a long way.
“It’s common in English country homes and we don’t have it in the States,” says Kate.
Shelves aren’t just for arm’s reach: A quirky high perch holds vintage books and finds, illuminated by a Hector Wall Light by Original BTC.
8. Place vignettes in unexpected places.
9. Repurpose vintage church furniture.
Salvaged church pews and chairs are mixed with custom furniture by James Adcock of Four Corners. One was kept whole and used in the pub room [above], one pew was used as a vanity in the men’s washroom, and we even used a piece as the door for the electrical panel.
10. Use local wood wherever possible.
When new materials are necessary, keep a connection to the area.
11. Mix and match throw rugs under tables.
In the bar room, vintage rugs add color and divide the dining spaces. (Beyond the tables: the original Ferry Boat Inn sign.)
12. Practice communal design.
As the renovation went on, locals with an attachment to the storied pub wanted to contribute their memorabilia: “People would bring in photos of themselves in the 1970s as a teenage dishwasher at the pub, or as a baby on the beach with old cars in the background,” Kate says.
13. Embrace kitsch.
One place where the maritime theme is not subtle: vintage hand-painted lampshades.
“I had to have these shipped from the US, and Dave, our sparky, rewired them for English sockets.”
By the door, a no-frills wood plank fitted with hooks holds guests’ coats—a friendly touch at the pub or at home.
14. Keep raincoats at the ready.
15. For beachside homes, a no-frills spigot cleans sandy feet.
Photograph by Alex Towill.
Outside, a simple spigot cleans beach pails and more, red lettering included.
The real trick to working on a tight time frame?
The English builders drink tea, and I swear it’s what kept them working at their sensible steady pace.”