Alison Sharpe, a seasoned textile designer, has meticulously crafted her Cheshire abode into a vibrant tapestry of modern aesthetics, cherished heirlooms, and unique finds from charity shops. With a background steeped in the eclectic world of Manchester’s fashion scene, where she once embraced the punk culture, Sharpe’s journey into textile design has only deepened her love for interior spaces.
In her open-plan dining area, where the scent of creativity permeates the air, a captivating blend of old and new elements takes center stage. Against the backdrop of Blue Ember by Valspar, a bold dark blue hue reminiscent of midnight skies, stands a vintage farmhouse table adorned with white Verner Panton chairs. The table, a relic from another era, bears the marks of time, each scratch and imperfection telling a story of its own. A striking early 20th-century kilim rug, its vibrant hues echoing tales of distant lands, anchors the space with its intricate patterns and rich history. Mid-century accents like a G Plan sideboard, with its clean lines and timeless appeal, mingle seamlessly with contemporary ceramics, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present. Sharpe’s philosophy of mixing eras and styles shines through as she describes her penchant for constantly rearranging her treasures, creating an ever-evolving atmosphere of delight that captivates anyone who crosses the threshold.
Moving into the living room, a sanctuary of creativity and comfort, adorned with original 1930s features, Sharpe’s creative flair is evident at every turn. Here, a riot of colors and patterns dances across the room, from ikat-print cushions that whisper tales of exotic travels to an 1980s geometric rug sourced from Habitat, its bold angles and vibrant hues injecting a dose of energy into the space. The focal point, a concrete Yepa coffee table from Made.com, exudes modernity while serving as a platform for Sharpe’s own artwork, a testament to her enduring creativity and boundless imagination.
Throughout the house, a minimalist approach to wall colors allows the eclectic furnishings to take center stage, like actors on a stage bathed in soft light. White walls serve as a calming backdrop, their pristine surfaces providing a blank canvas for Sharpe’s ever-evolving collection of treasures. Black and white painted floorboards, worn with age yet exuding timeless elegance, add a touch of drama to the space, their monochromatic hues contrasting beautifully against the vibrant tapestry of colors and textures that adorn the rooms.
Personal treasures abound, each one a testament to Sharpe’s discerning eye and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. From a vintage bergère armchair upholstered in Vivienne Westwood fabric to a vibrant painting by friend and artist Ben Mayman, every piece in Sharpe’s home tells a story, weaving together a narrative of love, creativity, and personal expression.
The evolution of Sharpe’s home reflects not only her design sensibilities but also her practicality and foresight. A double-storey extension, added to accommodate a kitchen-diner and a spacious en suite master bedroom, speaks to her forward-thinking approach to family living. Bi-fold doors and walk-in showers, considered innovative two decades ago, now seamlessly blend modern convenience with timeless charm, a testament to Sharpe’s ability to embrace change while staying true to her roots.
In the bedroom, a sanctuary of serenity and style, a fusion of art deco-inspired glass bricks and sleek granite tiles sets the stage for the pièce de résistance – a hand-loomed lizhnyk rug, sourced from the Carpathian high mountain pastures of Ukraine. Sharpe’s commitment to supporting small-batch artisans shines through as she shares the story behind each carefully curated piece, her eyes sparkling with passion and pride.
Overflowing with chairs and textiles, Sharpe’s home embodies her passion for collecting and curating, a true reflection of her eclectic tastes and boundless creativity. Even her online store, Cup + Cloth, reflects her ethos of celebrating crafted and collected pieces, offering a curated selection of handmade goods and vintage finds that capture the essence of Sharpe’s unique aesthetic. As she muses over her fondness for chairs, admitting to a stash of them in the shed awaiting their moment in the spotlight, one thing becomes clear – for Alison Sharpe, home is not just a space but a canvas for creative expression and personal storytelling, a sanctuary of style and substance where every piece has a story to tell and every corner holds a treasure waiting to be discovered.
