Brave combinations of colour and vivid patterns highlight the eclectic character of this welcoming home. Tricia has always been passionate about colour and pattern. ‘I’ve never been afraid of either as to me they make any home feel warm and inviting. ’ This is definitely reflected in her 19th century home nestled within a secluded, walled garden in the heart of the North Cotswolds. At the time when Tricia and her husband bought their Victorian cottage, it was never their intention to live permanently in the UK. ‘We’d bought the house in July 2002 whilst we were working in Paris, living in an apartment on the left bank’ she recalls. ‘It was intended to be used as a “bolt hole” and our base in the UK, but when professional circumstances changed, we were happy to move back and settle here for good in 2006. ’ The cottage had been newly refurbished to a very high standard by the previous owner who had taken it on to renovate and then live there herself, however, she changed her mind after completing the work. It was living in the cottage permanently that brought attention to the issue of a lack of space and parking. Although Tricia loved the layout and characterful look of the house, there were only two good-sized bedrooms, so planning permission was granted to create a stand-alone extension next to the office to better cater for friends and family visits.