Dec 17, 20243 min read

"Reinventing Interiors" with Cory Fuller

With an exceptional eye for detail and a passion for creating meaningful environments, Cory has truly exceeded the challenge of reinventing interior spaces within our Stamford Gallery. We are seated on a luxurious velvet settee in the Drawing Room on the first floor of the gallery, surrounded by glistening masterpieces by Auguste Bouvard. Sun filters through the beautifully restored windows and rests on the oak floorboards creating a blissfully calm atmosphere. Cory’s focus on the finishing touches - the textures, lighting, and overall atmosphere - has resulted in a gallery space that feels truly unique.

Q. What piece of advice would you give to someone who is about to embark on redecorating or renovating their home?

I find it useful to start with a clear vision and plan. I gather my favourite paintings as a starting point and then find inspiration from various sources, centred around the mood I am trying to create in each space. Lighting is paramount, especially where the art is concerned. I try to sympathetically combine creativity with the bones of the building, breathing new life into spaces by transforming them with colour and style. Also, I prioritise functionality - think about how you use the space and what improvements will enhance it. Finally, be patient; good design takes time, due care and consideration and it’s worth the wait.

Q. What would you say is your greatest source of design inspiration?

Art is my constant source of inspiration. It is very easy to bring life and heart to a room with an artistic centrepiece. Find your “hero piece”, something that really speaks to you, and build the room around it.

Q. How did you approach choosing the paint colours for the new gallery?

The building lent itself to being brave with colours. The natural light coming into the building is wonderful,

streaming through the windows the spectrum changes the colours dramatically. The colours were all chosen

to perfectly compliment the art in each of the rooms.

Q. Was it challenging to preserve the building’s old features while creating something new?

I love a challenge! For example, features like intricate cornicing or original fireplaces add character to a space. We exposed and restored many of these, to honour the building’s heritage and enhances its charm. I believe that maintaining the heritage of a building is vital as it connects people to the history of the space. Our staircase was designed to be light and floating to transport you upwards and not detract from the art around you. We integrated contemporary materials and colours that complemented the old, ensuring that both the new and the old coexist harmoniously.

Q. What was your favourite room to design?

Definitely the Treasure Vault in the basement, a rabbit warren of tiny rooms and corridors, which we transformed into a stunning space. It was such a unique challenge! We combined walk-in original vaults to create an intriguing space that feels both historic and contemporary. The thick steel vault doors and vintage details add a sense of mystery, while the clever use of lighting and modern paintings and furnishings breathes new life into the area.

Q. What was the biggest challenge of the entire project?

The lift... let’s move on! Many a sleepless night.

Q. Did the bank leave behind any treasures when you took over the building?

We found some cigar boxes stuffed in the chimney from the 1960’s - I can imagine the bank manager puffing away in the evenings. We adored the intricate William Morris wallpaper in the flat on the top floor. The pièce de résistance, a fabulous arts and craft wooden fireplace hidden behind some chipboard. Intriguingly we have one safe left to open, to which the keys are long lost... we live in hope it contains gold bars.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

My father advised me to always find beauty in the world and joy in craftsmanship. We have been blessed to find many talented artisans to work on this beautiful building with us to bring it back to life and allow us to start this exciting new chapter.

Q. What is your favourite painting in the collection?

Charles Camion’s Anemones beautifully captures the delicate interplay between colour and form. The vibrant hues and intricate details evoke a sense of movement, almost as if the freshly picked flowers are swaying in the breeze. It would look spectacular in any home and bring joy to your walls.