EYE FOR design

Rosie and Innes extended outwards and upwards to create the bright, airy and sociable home of their dreams

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Taking a stroll around Rosie and Innes’ Victorian renovation, it became clear that Rosie has a natural eye for interior design. Her architectural choices, use of colour and, as I later found out, savvy money-saving ways, have created a beautiful, contemporary home that gives the couple the bright sociable space they wanted. Which is why we’ve chosen it as the worthy overall winner for Best Home in our Real Homes Awards.

Previously living in a flat just five minutes down the road, Rosie and Innes were desperate for more space and a dog — so a garden was essential, and this house ticked all the boxes. ‘The property hadn’t been touched since the 1970s and it had a tiny little kitchen,’ says Rosie. ‘We initially applied for planning permission for a wraparound extension, which would be squared off at the back, making the space significantly bigger.’ Unfortunately, this was refused as the house is in a Conservation Area, and the shape of the rear had to remain the same as the original building. However, Rosie used this to her advantage, as the L-shape created by the addition that was allowed left space for an outdoor kitchen.