MODERN marvel

TEXTURE, PATTERN AND PLENTY OF STORAGE TRANSFORMED THE UNINSPIRING INTERIOR OF LARA CLARKE'S NEW BUILD INTO A BEAUTIFUL HOME, BURSTING WITH PERSONALITY

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When Lara Clarke became pregnant with her second child, she and her husband Joe began their search for a larger house outside London. Originally, their plan was to find an old Victorian property as a renovation project, but they couldn't find anywhere that felt right.

WHY DID YOU BUY THIS HOUSE?

'As time went on, we eventually had to move in with my parents. We were getting to the point where we were a bit desperate, thinking that we would never find a home, when we came across this "wild card" property. I hadn't expected to like a new-build house, but this one was really spacious and had all the rooms we needed – we just fell in love with it. We moved in during December 2019, just three months before our son Rory arrived. And, as the pandemic hit shortly afterwards, we were quickly put into lockdown, which certainly brought some challenges for my renovation and decorating plans.'

WHAT WORK HAVE YOU DONE?

'The house didn't need any major structural work, but it was essentially a characterless grey box, so we were keen to put our own stamp on it. We felt it needed a refresh and wanted to add features, such as fireplaces, panelling and wallpaper. Working on the house during the pandemic meant lead times with suppliers were crazy and the project took six months, way longer than it should have done. In the open-plan living space, we built a false chimney breast on an internal wall and chose a contemporary log burner. We added bespoke shelving and cupboards either side and above the fireplace, and also fitted in the TV screen. Most of the other rooms have also had bespoke cabinets built to create lots of storage space, and every wall has been painted or papered. We're so happy with the beautiful family home we've created.'