Fashion insider Lionel Copley’s home is testament to his unique eye for design. The Georgian property is the latest in a succession of transformative projects that Lionel has undertaken across Hastings Old Town as well as being a wonderful showcase for the talented local suppliers and businesses that he is keen to support.

TEST The wallpaper in the upstairs living room is by Deborah Bowness and features illustrations of kettles, pots and pans

The wallpaper in the upstairs living room is by Deborah Bowness and features illustrations of kettles, pots and pans

TEST A painted zebra from a fairground ride stands in front of doors that open out into the rear garden

A painted zebra from a fairground ride stands in front of doors that open out into the rear garden

TEST Two walls of the bathroom were mosaiced by Lionel in an intricate pattern made from crushed shells that were sourced from South Africa by a friend. Outside the bathroom, a warm thank you message has been chalked onto the blackboard wall by a friend

Two walls of the bathroom were mosaiced by Lionel in an intricate pattern made from crushed shells that were sourced from South Africa by a friend. Outside the bathroom, a warm thank you message has been chalked onto the blackboard wall by a friend

TEST At the top of the stairs, Lionel decorated the tiny space which houses the upstairs loo in hundreds of shells from floor to ceiling creating a suitably grotto-esque retreat

At the top of the stairs, Lionel decorated the tiny space which houses the upstairs loo in hundreds of shells from floor to ceiling creating a suitably grotto-esque retreat

TEST Lionel relocated the master bedroom from the back to the front of the house. It is now a cool and serene space that doubles as a relaxing workspace

Lionel relocated the master bedroom from the back to the front of the house. It is now a cool and serene space that doubles as a relaxing workspace

TEST Lucy the Jack Russell poses for a photo in her pearl necklace

Lucy the Jack Russell poses for a photo in her pearl necklace

TEST Lionel admits that the stripes that his friend, artist Bill Barratt, has painted onto a downstairs cupboard are taking a while to get used to

Lionel admits that the stripes that his friend, artist Bill Barratt, has painted onto a downstairs cupboard are taking a while to get used to

TEST The panelled downstairs sitting room features fitted furniture with a mottled grey paint effect applied by Bill

The panelled downstairs sitting room features fitted furniture with a mottled grey paint effect applied by Bill

TEST The wall behind the kitchen surface and the doors of the unit below are papered in a tile design by Deborah Bowness

The wall behind the kitchen surface and the doors of the unit below are papered in a tile design by Deborah Bowness

TEST Lionel has plans to extend the kitchen space and make a feature of the fireplace which currently houses the cooker

Lionel has plans to extend the kitchen space and make a feature of the fireplace which currently houses the cooker

TEST Painted pebbles make a textural splashback above the wooden worktop

Painted pebbles make a textural splashback above the wooden worktop

TEST Lucy stands guard by the front door. Artist Bill Barratt has treated the floorboards with two layers of flat oil paint, in different shades, to give a distressed finish

Lucy stands guard by the front door. Artist Bill Barratt has treated the floorboards with two layers of flat oil paint, in different shades, to give a distressed finish

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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