Changing place: A DIY home makeover

For less than half the cost of a bespoke kitchen, an Ikea kitchen was installed by the owner himself. Even more money was saved by sourcing the stone benchtop direct from a stonemason. The new limewash-look floors are Quick-Step laminate planks. 

An old table was cleverly reinvigorated with a new tabletop, which was crafted from recycled timber. Banquette seating is a space-smart solution and was designed with storage underneath. Botanical-print cushions in fabric from Unique Fabrics add a zesty pop of colour.

The original bathroom was “mission brown and had a wall dividing the bath and toilet. A hotelstyle freestanding bath is now the focal point, and tiles in ivory and white reflect natural light around the room.

This pretty sitting area, in one of the downstairs bedrooms, has been given the feature wall treatment, papered in Osborne & Little ‘Asuka’ wallpaper. Offcuts of the paper were used to give a set of inexpensive Ikea ‘Aneboda’ drawers a neat panelled look. A frameless mirror reflects light cast by the French doors opposite.

A soft neutral palette of walls in Dulux Candle Bark Quarter and taupe carpet from Andersens creates a cosy feel in the master bedroom, while a graceful ‘Cambridge’ ottoman from French & English adds a luxe touch. Though sourced from several different suppliers, the French doors throughout the house are united by a coat of fresh white paint in Dulux Vivid White.

A former storage area has become a charming guest room. An upholstered bedhead from Rococo Design makes a star of the bed, dressed in linen from Bed Bath N’ Table, while ‘Rhino Elements’ vinyl flooring grounds the scheme. The butler’s tray table (try Whiteport for similar) and a lamp from French Corner are a nod to the couple’s soft spot for Hamptons style design.

A sweeping staircase ensures every entrance is a grand one, while generous hardwood decks and timber slatted panelling complete the home’s exterior appeal. The once-neglected cane chairs were bought at an outdoor nursery, and revamped with Toiles du Soleil fabric from Les Salles.