There are many times when visiting the houses that we feature in these pages that one is delighted by what one finds. One departs impressed, even inspired. A visit to the home of artist Jessica Zoob, however, is – and I do not use the word lightly – a sheer joy.

TEST Jessica’s vibrant pieces enliven the blank canvas of white floors, ceilings and white walls

Jessica’s vibrant pieces enliven the blank canvas of white floors, ceilings and white walls

TEST A blancmange pink Smeg fridge is a colourful addition to the kitchen

A blancmange pink Smeg fridge is a colourful addition to the kitchen

TEST A tiny door, no more than 18 inches wide, leads off the sitting room to the area that once was Jessica’s studio

A tiny door, no more than 18 inches wide, leads off the sitting room to the area that once was Jessica’s studio

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TEST In what was previously Jessica’s studio space there is now a bedroom, sitting room and office

In what was previously Jessica’s studio space there is now a bedroom, sitting room and office

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TEST A white staircase, into which Karl has carved the occasional tiny fairy, flower, frog, leads down from Jessica’s office into the girls’ den

A white staircase, into which Karl has carved the occasional tiny fairy, flower, frog, leads down from Jessica’s office into the girls’ den

TEST A vast mirror that creates an extraordinary almost trompe l’oeil illusion of space

A vast mirror that creates an extraordinary almost trompe l’oeil illusion of space

TEST A door in Jessica’s office leads straight out into the garden

A door in Jessica’s office leads straight out into the garden

TEST The bright white walls illuminate even the most modest of spaces. On a wall is a former test-tube rack, painted white, the tubes filled with water and delicate single stems of tiny white flowers

The bright white walls illuminate even the most modest of spaces. On a wall is a former test-tube rack, painted white, the tubes filled with water and delicate single stems of tiny white flowers

TEST In the entrance hallway hangs a 2m x 2.5m piece inspired by rocks and flowers, called Big Smile

In the entrance hallway hangs a 2m x 2.5m piece inspired by rocks and flowers, called Big Smile

TEST “What makes a visit to Jessica’s home such a joy is that the house is also an intimate gallery with favourite works at every turn. Often one can see the personality of an occupant reflected in the décor they choose. In this case, however, the décor does not merely reveal something of the decorator. It is the true heart of its creator.”

“What makes a visit to Jessica’s home such a joy is that the house is also an intimate gallery with favourite works at every turn. Often one can see the personality of an occupant reflected in the décor they choose. In this case, however, the décor does not merely reveal something of the decorator. It is the true heart of its creator.”

TEST Daughter Ana’s room at first appears not to have a bed at all but in fact has two. Her daughter’s bed is a secret sleep-away tucked neatly into a corner by the window

Daughter Ana’s room at first appears not to have a bed at all but in fact has two. Her daughter’s bed is a secret sleep-away tucked neatly into a corner by the window

TEST And behind the opposite wall is a fold-down double bed, perfect for sleepovers. In all, Jessica’s apparently modest-sized house will sleep 12 with ease and in comfort

And behind the opposite wall is a fold-down double bed, perfect for sleepovers. In all, Jessica’s apparently modest-sized house will sleep 12 with ease and in comfort

TEST On the top floor, the master bedroom is a bright and airy sanctuary, completely free of clutter

On the top floor, the master bedroom is a bright and airy sanctuary, completely free of clutter

TEST a white chest of drawers, a vase of flowers and a view over the rooftops

Aside from the bed there is just a white chest of drawers, a vase of flowers and a view over the rooftops

TEST The front of a miniature building, created by Jessica’s partner, sculptor and cabinetmaker Karl Smith, swings out to reveal a gallery populated by tiny Zoob paintings. “It’s my favourite thing in the whole world,” says Jessica

The front of a miniature building, created by Jessica’s partner, sculptor and cabinetmaker Karl Smith, swings out to reveal a gallery populated by tiny Zoob paintings. “It’s my favourite thing in the whole world,” says Jessica

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Upstairs in the miniature building

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  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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