Inspiration
A dialogue between past and present
At this Scottish estate, Emma Sims Hilditch brings the kitchen to life with the Ana collection, adding timeless texture and warmth to the heart of the home
In the rolling landscape of Perthshire, Scotland, lies the site of what was once Dunira, a distinguished estate with gardens conceived in 1919 by Thomas H. Mawson - one of the most admired landscape designers of the Edwardian age. The original house disappeared after a fire just decades later, and the gardens fell silent.
When the land came to market in 2016, it came with one stipulation: any new owner must restore Mawson’s gardens. It was a mandate that reverberated with creative possibility. The new custodian of Dunira commissioned Robert Adam of ADAM Architecture and Ellen Webster of Denholm Partnership Architects to design a house worthy of its historic setting. Garden designer Simon Johnson was entrusted with reviving Mawson’s vision.
Within this considered, characterful environment, our Ana collection, designed in collaboration with Sims Hilditch, lends texture and quiet elegance to the kitchen, the heart of the home. We had the pleasure of speaking with Emma, who shared insights into the project and the use of our handmade tiles.
Designing with place and legacy
Sims Hilditch was engaged to create an interior that would honour the landscape through which it moved. The house unfolds in a graceful enfilade: an entrance hall leading to the library, drawing room and dining room, before easing into more relaxed rooms - a kitchen, breakfast room and snug. Architectural details, from considered cornicing to bespoke joinery, cement unity across these dynamic spaces.
Painted in Jonquil by Edward Bulmer, the entrance hall sets a warm, optimistic tone. Beyond, a palette of blues and yellows is punctuated by vivid accents like the dining room’s red sideboard against de Gournay wallpaper. Patterns familiar to British interiors - Colefax and Fowler stripes, William Morris motifs, Robert Kime fabrics - sit elegantly alongside contemporary art.
Local craftsmanship played a central role: a bespoke teal tartan stair runner by ANTA is among the most striking interventions.
A cohesive heart: the kitchen
The kitchen anchors the house, both socially and aesthetically. The goal was continuity - rooms that flow effortlessly and remain coherent in scale and mood. Bar stools at the island encourage gathering; Paper Mills’ block-printed linen softens structure; and cabinetry by Plain English brings poise and practicality.
It was here that Ana Powder Blue found its home - an enduring and handcrafted detail within a new building.
Emma has designed a stunning panel above the range cooker using our Ana Powder Blue tiles, framed by plain Ana Antique White tiles to introduce texture and artistry while creating a subtle yet eye-catching focal point
The Ana collection: timeless character
Developed in collaboration with Emma, the Ana collection was chosen for its tactile appeal and subtle refinement. The gently uneven surface and artisanal character introduce warmth, texture, and history - qualities that make a new space feel established. Its timeless motif and colour harmonised perfectly with the scheme, enhancing the sense of quiet belonging.
Crafting beautifully functional spaces
Tile selection for this home was guided by proportion, elevation drawings, and a willingness to experiment with formats and patterns. The square profile struck the ideal balance between classical and contemporary, contributing to an understated, enduring aesthetic.
Across the project, materials were selected for durability and grace: rustic timber, limestone flooring, elegant brassware and carefully curated lighting all ensure longevity. Each fixed element helps define the tone of the home - whether traditional or modern.
The kitchen opens onto the wider estate, filled with light and far-reaching views. Our handmade tiles, softly reflective, amplify brightness in this space
Guidance for homeowners
A successful renovation relies on partnership. Selecting a designer whose sensibility aligns with one’s own is only part of the journey; equally vital is their capacity to deliver with efficiency and organisation. Once decisions are made, holding firm to them supports the project’s timelines and avoids cascading delays.
The Scottish estate stands today as a dialogue between past and present - where Mawson’s landscape and a new classical house embrace contemporary living. This project celebrates artistry, materiality and the enduring joy of a well-made home.
Our thanks to Emma for generously sharing her insights and expertise on this remarkable project. For more information about Sims Hilditch, visit www.simshilditch.com
Explore the Ana collection here.
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