An 1890 House Went from Stark White to Cozy, Maximalist Vintage Wonderland
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published now

An 1890 House Went from Stark White to Cozy, Maximalist Vintage Wonderland

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published now
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Bedrooms
Square feet

1280

Sq ft

1280

“A good friend once said to me that our home is a glimpse into my soul,” begins Stuart Eminson of this 1280-square-foot house built in 1890 he shares with his partner, Steve.

“I think it’s true. I really pour my whole being into it,” he continues. “I’m very passionate about it and I would like to think it shows. I’ve always made where I live a part of who I am, from my accommodation as a student through to our present home. I can’t imagine doing anything different.”

Credit: Stuart Eminson
"This room has a lot of stuff I’ve had for years, and even a lamp that was passed down to me from my parents who bought it in the '60s. We have a wonderful Englender sofa, and a giant version of the Green Girl by Tretchikoff."

Stuart and Steve have owned the house, located in Southport, U.K., for almost five years, but it looked a lot different when they purchased it. Stuart actually describes the house as a “stark white blank canvas” when they first moved in.

Credit: Stuart Eminson

The couple loves mixing styles in their home, and Stuart says he has no qualms just “going for it.” This embrace of total decorating has created a home that Stuart loves a lot. “I love our home so much! It’s always being tweaked and subtly evolving … but there is and always will be a well-stocked vintage feel,” he writes.

Credit: Stuart Eminson
The couple have installed smart plugs in their home because Stuart says they have so many lamps that it could take half an hour to switch them all on — especially in the winter months! "Now all we have to do is tell Alexa to switch them on. Collectively, we’ve named the kitchen lamps the muppets. But if we don’t want them all on, they all have their own muppet name. Miss Piggy, Kermit, Gonzo, Beaker, Animal, etc!" Stuart describes.

The living room is what Stuart calls a “haven of warmth and ’70s vintage juxtaposed with a contrasting ’50s blue Indian sideboard,” and they’ve used dark colors like “Rolling Tobacco” and “Chocolate Range” from AURO paints, a company Stuart loves for both their paint and their eco-friendly ethos. Their signature mix of vintage treasures and dramatic hues goes beyond just the living room, touching every space in the home.

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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