In Woodford Green a blossoming magnolia tree and beautiful bulbs have taken centre stage in the garden of a pretty pink house, but behind the walls there has been some much-needed tlc taking place, too.
It’s been the home of Jess Luper, her husband Tom, and their three children Albany, six, Indigo, four, and Cobie, two, since 2020, and previously owned by a celebrity agent. Having worked as a journalist and copywriter before taking time off to raise her young family, Jess now runs her own interior design business, Schmooboo & Co.Ltd.
We catch up with Jess who gives an insight into how her pink house project renovation inspired her career change, the famous faces who have previously stepped inside, of course the challenges they’ve faced, but also why she’s proud of her home’s photo-shoot appeal.
Tell us about yourself?
'I started my working life as a copywriter, segued into celebrity journalism and then came back to freelance copywriting, working with some lovely lifestyle brands such as John Lewis, Net-a-Porter, Karen Miller and ASOS.
'I stopped working when we began having babies, as I wanted to be at home with them, which is around the time we started our first renovation. The renovation was such a success it garnered some real attention online, which led to me first helping some friends, and then acquiring clients, which is when Schmooboo & Co.Ltd was officially born. I run it mostly during nap times, Bluey breaks and while the children are sleeping!'
About the house and was it the one you were looking for?
'We moved in late 2020, of all years! Much of lockdown was spent taking our daily walk to stare longingly at our new house and to wish we were stuck in there rather than our old, much smaller house!
'We really couldn’t believe it when our offer was accepted as we never thought we’d live in a house as beautiful and historical as this. We went from a three-bed semi to a semi-crumbling pink mini mansion! We put our offer in in March 2020, just a month after the birth of our second child. One by one, all the other buyers dropped out as Covid hit and the world went topsy turvy, but we hung strong, and it paid off.'
The history of the house?
'The original house was built in 1810, though it was far smaller than it is now. Originally, it was occupied by two spinster sisters. It was extended in about 1837, the first year of the reign of Queen Victoria, when it was known as Forest Cottage. I have an extensive history of the house and its many occupants, kindly provided to us by the family of the previous owners, who purchased the house in 1964 and had it as their family home for many decades. Owned by a celebrity agent and his wife who was an actress in the 1950s, our neighbours told us they once looked over the fence and saw Ian McKellen in the garden and we unearthed a plaque belonging to Timothy Dalton for his performance as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew in 1986 in the coach house. There was also a planted basket sent from the Michael Ball fan club, and we have it under good authority the house was also visited by Elaine Paige, Timothy West, Prunella Scales and Timothy Dalton, all of whom were clients of the illustrious previous owner.'
What you were faced with, any particular problems or unusual finds?
'The house had beautiful bones but it had been neglected somewhat over the decades and needed stripping back completely. The drawing room ceiling in particular was being held up by wallpaper, it was the most enormous room I’d ever seen in a residential house, but it resembled an old people’s home, with heavy curtains, radiators a mile long and chairs all around the room at random.
'We were quite flummoxed about what to do with it, until we decided to turn it into the kitchen! Some of the other rooms looked still Victorian, with much dark heavy wood furniture and moth-eaten carpets, and one of the fireplaces actually resembled a urinal! It certainly needed some vision.'
What’s been the most challenging aspect?
'You don’t simply live in a house like this, it’s almost a full-time job taking care of it. We recently spent almost six months trying to find a huge leak which was haemorrhaging water; there’s always a crack in the ceiling or a weird patch of wall or something that needs your attention. No sooner do you finish one job, another needs starting! It’s a huge job to maintain it to a high standard but we are quite aware how quickly old houses deteriorate so we are always on it. Keeping it tidy with three kids is by far the most challenging aspect though. It’s true that you fill any space that you’re in. I think I could easily clutter an aircraft hangar! You’re either a minimalist or you’re not and unfortunately all of us are messy with hoarder tendencies!'
Any funny things which have happened?
'We did find lots of interesting things under the floorboards, like old newspaper clippings from the 60s, usually to do with the theatre or plays. We also uncovered a secret loft which had been painted into the ceiling, so the hatch was invisible. I was convinced we were going to unearth a skeleton or something terrifying but all we found was an old wasp’s nest, thankfully!'
Your inspiration?
'Obviously, Instagram is a useful tool, but I’ve never stopped reading good old fashioned homes magazines. I’m not really one to follow trends, I just like what I like, but I usually find something that triggers an idea and once I have one hook, the rest of the room tends to put itself together very quickly in my head! I dress my rooms in the same way I have always dressed myself, when I put on an item, I ask myself if I love it, and if I don’t then off it goes. I think a home should be exactly this, a collection of treasures, trinkets and items the homeowner really loves. Obviously as a designer, I realise not everyone knows what they love, so it’s always a joy to take on that decision-making process for my clients.'
And your favourite room(s)?
'I think the bathroom is my favourite space, I never fail to feel better after a nice soak in my pink bath! It’s just such a serene room, I love the balance between traditional and OTT and the wallpaper never fails to make me feel a bit better about life… as any good wallpaper should!'
Is it complete?
'A house is never really complete… there are sooo many things I’d still like to add but nice things cost money and obviously fixing boring leaks and cracks sadly has to take priority over sofas! However, for the most part it’s done… I just feel it’s missing knick knacks and nice crockery and that sort of thing. All in good time!'
What have you learnt about the project renovation and yourself?
'I seem to have a great capacity for stress. We lived in the house with two young kids and while pregnant with our third in complete and utter chaos. Weaning while great clouds of ancient dust billow past the window and having a brand-new walker tottering over frankly unstable (in definitely unsuitable) bare floorboards was just par for the course. I also had to make some really quick decisions about decorating, luckily, I’m very decisive so the pressure seemed to work in my favour!'
Your proudest moments for the house and was the hard work worth it?
'Winning the Ideal Home award for best room makeover was a great moment of validation. I knew I wanted to forge a career in interior design but to have an iconic interior design brand confirm they believed in my talent was really special. I also had brands we used contacting me to ask if they could use photographs of our house to promote their products, which felt really lovely. We have occasionally let the home for shoots, and it feels somewhat surreal to have celebrities and brands thinking our house is so nice they’d like to shoot in it. I sometimes think if only they saw it when it’s had all three kids on the loose in it all day, they’d run a mile!'
With interior design as your career, and a first-hand experience of a renovation, any dos and don’ts?
'Ooh yes, I’ve tonnes of dos and don’ts...
1) Live in the house and see how you use it before you make decisions.
2) Always write down your paint colours…you think you’ll remember them, but you won’t!
3) Build as much storage as you can possibly afford.
4) If you’re nervous or find it hard to make decisions, hire an interior designer! They’ll work with you to help you find what you like, and possibly push you out of your comfort zone and into the “wow” zone! People sometimes think they’re for the mega rich, but the majority of my clients live in pretty ‘normal’ houses… they’re just looking for a home that makes an impression on both them and their guests, and to make the most of what they’ve got.'
Would you do it all again?
'I definitely have more projects in me. I’m always browsing Rightmove and thinking about what I would do to interesting houses! For now, I can live vicariously through my clients, and yes, I do tend to bring a lot of pink to a project! However, I have to say this is a really special house and I can’t imagine finding one I love quite as much as this one.'
What’s ahead for the future?
'I’m looking forward to expanding Schmooboo & Co. as the kids get a little older and I have more time to invest in the business. It’s so nice to have a job that doesn’t feel like a job.'
Instagram @the_pink_house_project
Jess’ Five Best homeware shops in Essex.
Lathams, Epping.
This huge, double-fronted shop in Epping High Road strikes the perfect balance between classy neutrals and rich, colourful finishing touches in brilliant quality. What I really like about this shop is that it offers a good selection of larger-scale vases, baskets and accessories which are the right proportion for bigger or older homes with high ceilings.
lathamshome.com
The Herts and Essex Antique Centre, Sawbridgeworth.
It’s not a shop, it’s a whole day out! This wonderful collection of antiques stalls and shops will change your mind about second-hand (if it needs changing) and there’s even a cafe for refuelling (believe me, you’ll need to). It’s more sustainable, it’s cheaper and you’ll be falling over yourself for amazing finds in this Aladdin’s cave. Don’t be scared to haggle.
herts-essex-antiques.co.uk
Olive & Olive, Saffron Walden.
A love of artisan products collected from around the world started owner Karen’s love affair with interiors. This lovely showroom focuses on finishing touches, from interior lighting to soft furnishings, mirrors and candles, and most importantly, avoids the dreaded “Essex interiors look” (you know the one!).
oliveandolive.co.uk
Scape, Leigh-on-Sea.
This independent family business focuses on supporting designers in India and Vietnam, showcasing the crafts and artisan products of the makers and creators whose products they believe incorporate sustainability, beauty and function. They only support Free Trade companies and cooperatives who pay fair wages and provide health and educational support to the families who work with them. The result is a beautiful, quirky and colourful collection that you’ll feel great about buying.
scapeinteriors.co.uk.
Dolly’s Interiors, Loughton.
Specialising in blinds, curtains and wallcoverings, this family-run business design made-to-measure soft furnishings with the care and expertise you would expert after 30 years in the business. Bespoke curtains, headboards and cushions can make an incredible difference to your finish when you make to order rather than buying off the peg, and I love the attention to detail a service just like Dolly’s provides.
dollysinteriors.co.uk
