Hannah Cecil Gurney’s home is nothing short of fabulous fantasy. Bandy-legged flamingos pick their way around her bathroom; fish dart and turtles drift in a children’s bedroom; the slender tendrils of crimson flowers sprawl in a sea of blue in the bijou library. It comes as no surprise, however, when one learns of the exquisite flights of fancy that Hannah deals in every day, as director of couture wallcovering business de Gournay
As the daughter of founder Claude Cecil Gurney, Hannah grew up learning the limitless possibilities of paper – and it’s something she brings to bear beautifully as the head of the company. De Gournay’s exquisite chinoiseries and impossibly beautiful blossoms, painstakingly painted or embroidered by hand, are regarded as among the finest in the world. The company also deals in fine antiques, with lots of Chinese porcelain, and during London Design Week will be hosting an exhibition of Frances Palmer’s earthenware works in its Chelsea showroom.
But Hannah’s discerning decoration nous is a given, so what else goes on behind closed doors? Inviting us into the Battersea house she shares with her husband, Eddie Harden, and their twins, Scarlet and Oscar, she talks to us about the little things that make her tick.
My most recent home improvement…
A rattan pelmet by Atelier Vime, which now lives in my home office above some gorgeous Le Manach curtains. It’s scalloped, which adds a lovely femininity to what can often be a more utilitarian space. The Le Manach fabric is wonderfully simple, yet it still feels luxurious thanks to the embroidery. It works harmoniously with the de Gournay ‘Siam’ wallcovering I’ve got in there, which is much more decorative and ornate.
The latest addition to my wardrobe…
A De La Vali trouser suit the colour of sherbet lemons. My husband gave me the most useful and generous gift of a few hours with a wonderful stylist named Charlotte Broadbent, who encouraged me to purchase some pieces that were outside my comfort zone. It was a great way to escape my clothing rut, especially after all the legging-clad lockdown months.
