IN FOCUS
Brett Calvert-Harrison
Layered, Homely and Considered: A Designer’s Approach to Flooring
For interior designer Brett Calvert-Harrison, a home should make people feel instantly calm and relaxed. His interiors are layered with antiques, natural materials and objects gathered on his travels, and the floor beneath them is never an afterthought.
Brett is one of the partners behind Levan House Design, a studio specialising in period and character homes across London and Sussex. You can also follow his own home and projects on Instagram at @brettcalverthari.
He lives by the beach in East Sussex with his husband and their miniature dachshund, Olive. Design has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. While other children wanted the latest toys, he was busy designing his dream home and imagining how he’d style each room. That creative instinct led him to degrees in fine art, graphic design and illustration, which still shape the way he approaches every interior today.
A Timeless, Layered Style
Brett describes his style as layered, homely and very considered. Rather than following trends, he draws inspiration from nature, timeless interiors and architecture that has stood the test of time. Antique furnishings and natural materials sit alongside pieces collected over years of travel, and careful lighting brings everything together.
The result is a look that feels both modern and traditional, and flooring plays a central part in achieving it.
Choosing the Right Floor
For Brett, the starting point is always practicality, comfort and what is right for the space. “Sometimes restrictions play a role in the decision-making process,” he explains, “particularly apartment buildings with regulations to manage noise levels.”
When working with carpet across larger areas, he likes to add a layer of interest through texture and detail, such as carving, loop pile and, above all, herringbone. “My personal favourite is a large-format herringbone pattern,” he says.
That is exactly why he chose Eaton Square’s Palmero for a refurbishment of his own. Palmero is a 100% pure wool loop pile carpet in a classic herringbone style, soft and warm underfoot with a rich, radiant appearance. Available in seven natural shades, from the pale warmth of Bisque to the deep tones of Slate, it can be supplied as broadloom carpet in 4m or 5m widths, or as a customised rug.
“I absolutely love it,” says Brett. “It’s become a standout feature, and everyone comments on how it beautifully breaks up expansive spaces.”
The Case for Sisal
Ask Brett for his top tip for creating a modern traditional interior, and the answer comes without hesitation: sisal.
“My top tip is to use sisal. It perfectly combines timeless appeal with comfort.”
His appreciation for sisal grew from staying in cottages across Sussex and the Cotswolds, where he noticed how well it suited both the style and the practical demands of those homes. He describes it as versatile, forgiving and incredibly hard-wearing, a floor with natural character that instantly adds depth and layering to a room. He is using it in his own entrance hall and in a large open-plan living and dining space.
He is also clear about its value. “While it does have a higher price point than entry-level carpets, it can be more cost-effective than wooden flooring, making it a smart investment. Sisal isn’t going anywhere!”
For those who love the look of sisal but want a softer feel underfoot, Eaton Square’s Softer Than Sisal collection offers the same natural character in wool.
A New Chapter: A Period Home of His Own
Brett’s most exciting project right now is a personal one. He and his husband are moving further inland, so Olive has more countryside to explore, into a period property with ornate ceilings and a remarkable 3.7-metre ceiling height.
Their current home has several smaller rooms, and they have realised they much prefer open-plan living, with one large space serving three or four different functions. The new house is a chance to put that into practice. Before moving in there is plenty to do: electrical alterations, new flooring, bespoke joinery and a complete overhaul of the bathrooms, with the kitchen and guest bedrooms to follow.
“As an interior designer, it’s such a treat to be able to work on my own space,” he says, though he admits his mind changes “A LOT” before he commits to a decision.
Character Meets Modern Living
The high ceilings and period details are already proving a rich source of inspiration. Brett’s aim is to blend the character of the house with modern touches that suit the way he and his husband live, an approach that sums up his style perfectly.
We look forward to seeing how the project comes together, and to the role flooring will play in it.
Follow the renovation on Instagram at @brettcalverthari, and discover more of Brett’s work at Levan House Design.
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