The decorative antique dealers and interior stylists behind Dig Haüshizzle, a Bristol, UK-based vintage decor store, have a burning love for art and oddities. “It’s fair to say we bring our work home,” joke Cassandra and Edward Nicholas, the proprietors of the business. When looking for a place together five years ago, the main criteria were the period of the building, big windows, high ceilings, and history. They found their 1725 Georgian Grade II star-listed parlor floor flat, and have been working on updating it slowly as they understand how to best use the space and highlight its unique features. For example, after stripping the living room alcove finish, the couple was excited to find original Georgian paint beneath in beautiful patterns. Looking for just the right fixtures has also turned into an overabundance of options. “As people who generally buy for a living, we have seen a lot of lights,” the homeowners admit, “But after five years of waiting, they now have to be perfect.” For the time being, lamps made from old science lab clamps make many appearances both at home and in the shop.
An experiment of their style together, the flat changes when Cassandra and Edd have new ideas. It allows them to grow their interior tastes. Luckily for the couple, they usually want to try the same things and tend to come to the same conclusions about their decor. The backdrop of original Georgian features, like the elegant marble fireplaces, make it an ideal setting for their particular type of research. And, to be brief custodians of a historic home makes all the work worthwhile. —Annie
Edd and Cassandra chatting over breakfast at a table purchased while delivering a piece to a shop client. "A classic moment of selling pieces and leaving a house with more than you dropped off," Cassandra jokes.
The coffee table is full of original letterpress blocks, making it extremely heavy; it has held together through moves with lots of extra metal braces.
Gold Vivienne Westwood shoes are Cassandra's favorites, and they dangle over a 1928 silk banner from the Hotel Negresco in Nice. "We have never been there, but it's an extra reason to go one day," Cassandra reasons.
Classic red and white Zoffany wallpaper in the hallway enlarges the space and adds drama. The printer press print from the Bristol Post building was found by the couple on a stock buying trip - something else intended for the shop that made its way home.
Artwork and shoes stand out in the bedroom against white-painted walls. Edd bought the Ria Hill piece above the mantel as a gift to Cassandra years ago, and it has made many moves.
Cassandra's oldest and most-loved stuffed toy is kept safely by her bedside in a glass dome. "He seems to have always sat by my bed," Cassandra shares. "Now he still does, but in a more glamorous way, as his stuffing is hanging out of his butt!" She and Edd made the bedside lamps from old science lab clamps.
I always love deep dark rich colors in a home. I painted my bedroom a dark charcoal grey in 2000 mixed it with purple, greens, white, and warm woods. People thought I was crazy but I was just ahead of my time I guess!
Hello there, Thank you all so much for the kind words about our home! So chuffed you all like it. Katie the paint colour is a bit of a cheapy option form B&Q called soft black :) Elizabeth the painting in photo 5 is a print by Conor Harrington it was originally bought from Lazarides gallery its my favourite print too. Thank you all again, Cass x
Love the deep, rich colors used. Very dramatic!
Love love this home!
I always love deep dark rich colors in a home. I painted my bedroom a dark charcoal grey in 2000 mixed it with purple, greens, white, and warm woods. People thought I was crazy but I was just ahead of my time I guess!
Love this place. Do you know what paint color this is?
Adore this home, thanks for the inspiration.
Stunning home.
I love the bedroom. Per all, this antique style is still the best interior design, vintage.
This place is gorgeous! I absolutely love the deep rich colours and the art and decor pieces used. It just feels like a warm and loving home.
Where is the large painting in the upper left corner of photo 5 from? Lovely, amazing home.
Gorgeous home and wonderfully striking photographs. Such a lovely tour!
Amazing house!! One of the best I’ve seen. This is the kind of style I try to create in my home – thanks for the inspiration.
stunning, love the dark grey walls
Hello there, Thank you all so much for the kind words about our home! So chuffed you all like it. Katie the paint colour is a bit of a cheapy option form B&Q called soft black :) Elizabeth the painting in photo 5 is a print by Conor Harrington it was originally bought from Lazarides gallery its my favourite print too. Thank you all again, Cass x
Just gorgeous. The color palette is soothing and calm. There’s no way anyone could be anxious in any of those rooms.