'Wood features in EVERY ROOM!'

With plans to extend in the future, Laura and Dan have stuck to a tight budget and given their home an impressive interim overhaul

- LISA FAZZANI

After outgrowing our two-up two-down cottage in Skipton, we fancied a new challenge and started looking for a bigger period house with a garage,' says Laura. 'Dan's a self-confessed Rightmove addict and was the one that spotted our five-bed Victorian terrace online. When we first walked in, we loved the period staircase and archway in the hall, as well as the high ceilings. The decor was very grand and hadn't been updated for over 20 years but we knew we could redecorate it while enhancing the character.

Successful start

Despite the property being taken on and off the market several times, our offer was eventually accepted and we moved in. After getting the basics updated, like wiring and new central heating, we had every room re-skimmed then sanded the original floorboards ourselves. I'm quite a tidy person, so having one room as a safe haven away from the dust and dirt was really important. We camped in the cellar, which was previously used as a snug and is the most recent addition to the house, while all the mess went on above.

The front sitting room was the first space to be finished. It was a bit of a learning exercise as we experimented with a dark blue-grey. Even though it's north-facing, there's so much light from the bay window and it works well here. We balanced the cool colour with the warmth of the wood flooring and fire surround.