5 minute read
‘IT WASN’T LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!’ A
e AT FIRST SIGHT!’
CENTR AL HUB
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‘Before the kitchen was opened up into the dining room, this space was never used. Now it is the heart of the home’
Antonia and Sam have turned their outdated property into a relaxed, bohemian family home filled with everything they love
When we first saw our 1920s home in Torquay, South Devon, it’s safe to say we needed a fair amount of vision,’ admits Antonia. ‘We’d been renting a one-bedroom flat and were keen to find a bigger property and start a family.
The whole house resembled a bad 1970s sitcom, with walls covered in flocked, shiny peach wallpaper, a sea of pink shagpile carpet, and Artex covering every ceiling. There were also sinks in each room, the kitchen was small, dark and cut off from the rest of the house and, to top it all off, the bathroom had an avocado green suite!
Plus side
However, there were some plus points that really sold the house to us. First off, it was in a great location, close to the sea and directly opposite Sam’s wholesale fishing business, which meant he’d have no commute and we’d be able to spend more time together.
The house also had four good-sized bedrooms and we knew with a little reconfiguration we’d be able to open up the kitchen downstairs. So we looked beyond the decor and with a deep breath, took the plunge!
Leap of faith
It was daunting when we first picked up the keys from the estate agents. We had a big project on our hands and every room needed tackling individually. I have a scattergun approach to doing things, but Sam is much more methodical and really wanted us to wait and do things properly. However, I couldn’t resist getting stuck in and every time he went to work I’d set about tearing off
Make it!
FABRIC CUPBOARD CURTAIN
1A curtain is a pretty and affordable alternative to a cupboard door and works for kitchens and other rooms in the home. Start by measuring the width of the cupboard and then get either a copper pipe or netting wire cut down to size.
2Next, select your fabric. You may decide on something simple like a neutral linen or perhaps a pattern, such as gingham. Measure the width and height of the area, allowing a 5cm seam allowance at the bottom and sides, and a 10cm seam allowance at the top for your pole or wire. Remember that some fabrics can shrink when washed, so make sure you wash and fully dry your fabric before you cut it to size. If you’d like more gather in your curtain, add another half a width to the measurement.
3Cut the fabric, then stitch up the seams, gather the fabric onto your pole or wire and fit it for a stylish alternative to a cupboard door.
WITHIN REACH
‘Open shelves mean daily essentials are easily accessible’
IDEA TO STEA L ‘Earthy terracotta tiles help warm up the look of a room’
KEEP IT CASUA L
‘We chose Shaker-style units in an off-white, teamed with a wood worktop and terracotta floor tiles to fit with our relaxed aesthetic’
IDEA TO STEA L ‘A neutral background allows bold furniture colour choices to stand out’
MAKE IT WHITE
‘I find painting a room white gives you more freedom with other colour choices, like our Scott sofa from Made, which we picked out in gold’
and painting while we saved towards the bigger renovation work we wanted to do downstairs. Then, about six months later, we knocked the wall through from the small kitchen into the next-door dining room. We often have friends and family around and as the kitchen is the place people naturally gravitate to, it made sense for us to combine and open up the spaces. I was pregnant with Solomon by this time and it was pretty chaotic and dusty living here through the work, but the knock-through really did make the world of difference.
We refitted the kitchen with simple white units from Howdens, but
Do it! BRICK-STYLE METRO TILE SPLASHBACK
Metro tiles are a stylish but simple and affordable way of tiling a kitchen or bathroom and can be laid in many formations, from brick or straight to vertical and herringbone, with brick being the most traditional. For brick bond, first lay a single line of tiles, with wall grout to attach to the wall and tile spacers to ensure they are evenly spaced. Next, place the second layer above that with the edges of the tiles meeting up with the centre of the previous layer. There will be a half-tile gap on each layer so use a tile cutter to cut to the right size. Then repeat laying in this way – your finished tiling will resemble the look of a brick wall. Use tile grout between the tiles to finish the effect – you could always try a coloured grout for a standout look.
MIX IT UP
‘Using different styles and patterns has made a colourful, characterful room for the boys’
MAXIMUM IMPACT
‘In contrast to the rest of the house, dark colours make a bold statement in this room’
two young boys and busy lives, it’s important not to take anything too seriously, and my relaxed, bohemian style has gradually permeated throughout the house.
I used to paint everything in colour, but now I’m really drawn to the simplicity of white and the calming effect it has throughout the house. We travel a lot as a family and Sam is surfing mad, so these influences can be seen all over our home, from the soft sun-kissed Californian tones to the throws, bohemian swing, macramé and rattan pieces. I love picking up second-hand preloved furniture, rather than buying new and the vintage pieces I have add such character to the mix. Our home is very much a relaxed and lived-in space that’s personal to us and filled with all the things we enjoy. It might not have been love at first sight when we first saw this house, but we couldn’t be happier with it now – it’s just the way we like it.’
Find more clever ideas to style up your home by going to pinterest.com/ styleathomemag
Where to buy Antonia’s style
EBAY For one-off unique vintage pieces. ‘I love to find a preloved item to upcycle and give it a new lease of life,’ she says.
HOMESENSE Interesting and original accessories galore, plus soft furnishings at affordable prices.
IKEA A go-to for plants, simple furniture pieces and Scandi-style, budget-friendly accessories.
FARROW & BALL Beautiful choice of colours, whether you’re considering a monochromatic scheme or something brighter.
