Art advice
Meet The Collector: Anouska Lancaster
Step into Penally House, a period property with a modern twist and home of Interior Designer and TV Presenter, Anouska Lancaster.
Katie Bone
Thursday 16 November, 2023
Anouska Lancaster is an Interior Designer and TV Presenter, renowned for creating wow-factor interiors! We caught up with Anouska, and she showed us around her beautifully renovated home and art collection, featuring many finds from Affordable Art Fair…
Could you start by telling us about your home, Penally House?
Penally House is a period property in Cornwall, built in 1836. When we bought it in 2021, it was very run-down, having had quite a colourful history—from squatters to raves and even a stint as a brothel! Most of its original period features were stolen over the years, and little effort had been made to restore them. This is something we wanted to do.
“A room should reflect your personality and art is the greatest way of showing what you’re about! “
Anouska Lancaster
That sounds like quite the project! How did you go about bringing Penally House back to its original glory?
The journey began in January last year. My husband Greig and I spent the first week of 2022 clearing and stripping the house back to basics. Then we hired artisan craftsmen to take mouldings of any original features and restored as much as we could, from the original wooden floors and beautiful ceiling roses to cast iron radiators.
Shortly after starting the renovation in 2022, Channel 4 spotted our @penally_house_cornwall Instagram account and asked us to be part of Renovation Nation. We filmed the renovation of the kitchen, dining room, and master bedroom and ensuite. The show went live in October 2022 on Channel 4. Catch it on Channel 4 catch up – episodes 6, 8, 9, 10!
“You should always start your process with art. Art should make your heart sing.”
Anouska Lancaster
Impressive! And we couldn’t help but notice your remarkable art collection. What’s your approach to buying art?
I believe there are no rules when it comes to buying art. I love mixing different artworks together, whether it’s pieces by The Connor Brothers, Tess Chodan, David Buonaguidi, or others. Confidence is key—mixing styles, genres, artists, and frames. Just fill the room with things you truly love.
And it’s not just contemporary art you collect?
I also love vintage pieces with a story. There’s a portrait I found at Sunbury antiques market. The framed painting cost £300 all in! At the time I had no idea where it would go, but now it sits perfectly in one of our rooms.
It’s like each room has its own tale to tell. Would you say you have a particular home style?
Definitely. I never do the same design twice. I believe you must give each room its own identity, and you can only get a feel for a room once you’re in there. When you’re lying in bed in our master bedroom, you can see all the beautiful trees from the garden, and it’s like the wallpaper joins up with the trees.
Would you say you have a favourite artwork?
Tess Chodan’s artwork is very sentimental to us. My husband and I bought our first piece together from OWL Gallery at Affordable Art Fair, marking the first artwork for Penally House.
We’re also big admirers of Kristjana Williams. Using a 3D scanner, my husband captured one of his artworks, applying it to the entire dining room and adjusting it for the 4-meter ceilings. The 3D scanner captured the depth of the original, composed of layers of paper, creating a sense of total immersion. We even printed 3D fish onto perspex, giving the illusion that some fish come out from the wall!
“Move art around until you find the perfect spot. When it’s in the right place, you will have a gut feeling.”
Anouska Lancaster
Do you have a favourite room or space in your home? What makes it special?
It’s hard to choose, but we spend most of our time in the kitchen. We have one of Tess Chodan’s pieces in there which we absolutely love. This was the first room we started renovating in the house, so it has a special place in our heart. The pink cooker is also amazing.
“For anyone unsure where to start, my recommendation is simple: head to the Affordable Art Fair and bring some art into your life!”
Anouska Lancaster
How do you stay connected with the art world and discover new artists or emerging talents?
Instagram is a fantastic platform for discovering new artists. I’m a regular at Affordable Art Fair, visiting both Battersea and Hampstead. Recently, I bought a piece by Hannah Gilson from Air Contemporary after meeting her at a Private View. She’s one to watch! Dan Jamieson’s Hate Plates are also very fun.
Beyond my own enjoyment, Affordable Art Fair visits offer valuable insights into my clients’ personalities. Often, when clients struggle to define their style, exploring artwork together becomes an illuminating exercise as the choices they make reveal a lot about their taste. For anyone unsure where to start, my recommendation is simple: head to the Affordable Art Fair and bring some art into your life!
“Don’t buy art because it matches the room—buy what you love, and make it work.”
Anouska Lancaster
You’ve bought art at a few of our fairs. Did you discover Tess Chodan’s artworks there?
I had actually discovered Tess’s artwork before, at another fair. I had dithered for 30 minutes and when I went back, it was gone. That wasn’t happening again! Now I pretty much follow Tess wherever she goes. She recommended visiting Hampstead and Battersea, so I did, and now I have nine of her artworks.
The frames Tess uses are another aspect I adore. They align perfectly with Penally House’s character—a period property with a modern twist. Tess’s artworks seamlessly blend the antique with a contemporary edge! Each frame tells its own unique story, which Tess will tell you all about. A recent addition to my art collection is one of her domes – it’s been on my wishlist for quite some time!
What’s your advice for readers on curating art in their homes?
Absolutely! People often overthink it. Follow your heart. I’ve bought art before designing a room. Don’t buy art because it matches the room—buy what you love, and make it work. Let art be the starting point, the focal point. Choose a piece you love first, then pull out accent colours, choose the furniture and accessories. A room should reflect your personality and art is the greatest way of showing what you’re about! Another tip is to move art around until you find the perfect spot. When it’s in the right place, you will have gut feeling.
And finally, are there any notable interior trends catching your eye this autumn?
In my view, it’s crucial not to be overly swayed by trends. They may come and go, but your home is uniquely yours—it’s your personal sanctuary. Regardless of others’ opinions, your space should resonate with you and evoke a sense of joy. I advise my clients to trust their instincts, encourage them to explore art fairs, and invest in pieces that genuinely captivate and resonate with their personal taste.
Thanks so much to Anouska for showing us around her beautiful her home and art collection!
Follow her on Instagram @noushka_design and @penally_house_cornwall for more inspiration on art and interiors.
GET ANOUSKA’S ART STYLE AT HOME
