ALL THEY COULD WISH FOR - AND MUCH MORE BESIDES. Doing up a house is my idea of heaven." says Lara Cross, and looking around the stylish home shes created in southwest London, it is clear that Lara has adivine decorating touch. When she and her husband Tim first came to see the Victorian villa, its interior was a riot of colour, with red walls clashing with green carpets, while pink dado rails stood in stark contrast to a blue backdrop. However, the house had been extended and the garden was generous for a property in the capital both big plus points for the couple. The proportions were so much grander than our previous home, says Lara. Here, our children Yasmin. Charlie and Mia could each have their own bedroom, there was space for an au pair, plus plenty of room for when my family in South Л frica come over to stay Having made the place theirs, Lara wasted no time in sanding the floor in the kitclien - diner back to natural oak. exposing boarded - up fireplaces installing new lighting, and most importantly - painting throughout. The different colour schemes meant there was no sense of flow in the house. she explains, so I decided to go for a single, neutral shade. Lara was already keen on the chalky palettes of Little Greene and Farrow & Ball. The decor in her last house had been based around greens, but with a blue Aga already in situ in the kitchen. Lara this time went for greys, adding discreet patterned wallpaper in metallics to provide depth and texture. With the backdrop complete. Lara set her mind to dressing the windows, but found it hard to source the right fabrics. Fortunately, a friend suggested she call interior designer Helen Mullany. Helen and I clicked from the start, because she understood exactly what I wanted.says Lara. Forexample. I knew a chocolate silk would work well in our bedroom and Helen jihowed up with five different samples and sure enough. I found one I liked.