The three-story building, with interiors curated by stylist Karina Garrick, proved a stunning showcase for the renewable resource. Furnishings came from major brands as well as independent designers and makers from throughout Britain.
The Wool BnB took a lighthearted approach to interior design, with fun details like a newspaper and cereal boxes made entirely of wool felt by artist Lucy Sparrow.
In the living room, striking accessories like a large Merino wool wall hanging by artist and extreme knitter Jacqueline Fink popped against walls in Deep Space Blue from independent British paint manufacturer Little Greene.
Above the fireplace and the sofa, hand-knotted wall pieces from British surface designer Allistair Covell’s Canvas to Carpet collection added pattern and vibrant color.
Every decent BnB takes pride in its breakfast offerings, and the Wool BnB is no different. Textile artist Jessica Dance provided a “Full English Breakfast” featuring toast, eggs, sausage, mushrooms and bacon made entirely of knitted wool. A selection of knitted deli meats and beverages rounded out the meal options.
In the basement, Kivo felt room divider panels by Herman Miller formed a cozy seating area.
The eat-in kitchen featured molded chairs made from Solidwool, a composite material that incorporates coarse wool otherwise considered a by-product of sheep farming.
In the back yard, a mini cottage on wheels, inspired by traditional shepherd’s huts, provided extra room for guests. Custom-made by Artisan Shepherds Huts in the English countryside, the cozy space featured oak floors and a wood-burning stove.
Wool rugs, including a checkered design by Brintons and vibrant Liberty print carpets from Alternative Flooring, were given additional padding with wool underlays, which have the benefit of smoothing out uneven floors as well as providing effective insulation.
In the master bedroom, a plush bed boasted a wool-upholstered headboard and Shetland wool mattress by Vispring, topped with a wool-filled duvet by The Wool Room and hand-knitted throws by London-based design studio Melanie Porter. Wool is both breathable and insulating, and its high water and nitrogen content also makes it naturally fire-retardant, making it an ideal material for the bedroom.
Upstairs, a children’s reading room featured a graphic kilim wool rug and striking pendant lights from Janie Knitted Textiles, with shades made of strands of dip-dyed woven wool.
The walk-in wardrobe featured rails of clothing from brands big and small, from traditional tweeds to knit sweaters, as well as technical performance textiles from Adidas, including sneakers that incorporate wool fibers.
Unlike synthetic fibers, pure wool is biodegradable. A couple of years ago, the Campaign for Wool buried two sweaters, one made of Merino wool and one of acrylic, in the garden of Clarence House, the London residence of Prince Charles. When the sweaters were dug up months later, the wool sweater had mostly disintegrated, while the synthetic sweater stayed intact.
A craft room teeming with skeins of knitting yarns, carpet yarns on large cones, lambswool fabrics and felted wool stools showcased the versatility of the renewable resource. The Campaign for Wool, jointly funded by the world’s largest wool growers from Britain, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, organizes fashion, interiors and design events promoting the benefits of wool.
All images © Charlene Lam for Inhabitat
