Don’t rush past the back garden. It’s a tiny pocket paradise designed by Mackintosh himself—a series of raised beds, straight paths, and a distinct lack of fluffy flowers. He wasn’t into chaos. The garden is an extension of the house: ordered, elegant, and a little bit severe. Perfect for a person who organizes their sock drawer by colour.
Fun fact: the original garden had a fountain shaped like a cube. Yes, a cube. It was restored in 2003, and you can sit beside it and contemplate the meaning of minimalist water. Or just sip your coffee and feel very, very curated.
How to Channel Charles House at Home
You don’t need to repaint your entire living room in checkerboard black and white. But try this: one statement wall with a geometric stencil. Buy a stencil kit online, choose a pattern that repeats, and use painter’s tape. It’s a weekend project that turns your flat into a conversation starter.
Another trick: focus on light fixtures. Mackintosh used bare bulbs, brass fittings, and angular shapes. Swap your boring ceiling light for something with a sharp, industrial edge—like a pendant with a triangular shade. Your coffee table will thank you.
And for the love of all that is orderly, declutter your sideboards. Mackintosh’s interiors had almost nothing on surfaces. He believed that empty space was a design feature, not a problem. Try leaving a table completely bare for a week. It feels weird at first, then strangely calming.
Shop to rent | 61-69 Derngate, Northampton, NN1 1UE
