But the decor didn’t put us off buying the house, as it backs onto fields that you can walk straight through to a quaint Kentish village, plus there’s a nearby train station that has direct services to London, where I work as a bridal store manager.
Out with the old
There was cheap lino flooring in the kitchen and downstairs hallway, blue flowery wallpaper, cream and brown walls in the living room, dark cabinets in the kitchen and deep baby blue walls in the cloakroom.
Our first job was to strip off all the wallpaper and paint all the walls white. We also had the living room floor replaced with a grey laminate update. In the living room, I wanted the dining area to have an exposed brick element, to make it feel separate, despite it all being in the same room. We got some quotes to expose the brick, but it was expensive for a house we knew we wouldn’t be living in forever, so instead we decided on a dark grey feature wall. Over the years, we’ve gradually accessorised the living room with festoon lights, interesting shelving and a neon candleholder.
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How to claim back LOST MONEY
Editor of Money Week.com Kalpana Fitzpatrick advises how to reclaim money that you might have lost track of
Plan the perfect BATHROOM LAYOUT
Whatever the size and shape of your bathroom, nail a layout that works for you and your family
Ellie's choice: A HOT WATER TAP
Free up kitchen worktop space by replacing the kettle with a multitasking tap that provides hot (and cold) filtered water
'Now we have fab SEA VIEWS!'
Three separate rooms have been turned into one stylish kitchen-diner by Ellie Rimmer, filled with colour and personality
Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE
Use a long weekend to perk up your home with these easy decor ideas and quick fixes
Be creative WITH COLOUR
Brighten up your home with the latest paint techniques and colour combinations
'My new build is a TALKING POINT'
Determined to dispel the stigma that all new builds are bland, visitors to Cotty's home are wowed by how she's added character into every room
'Our redesign adds VITAL SPACE'
A well thought-out extension and renovation has created a charming family home that's testament to Amy and Jamie's hard work and creativity
'We went over to the DARK SIDE'
Ditching its dated interior for a bold and dramatic palette, Alana's new-look home is now brimming with personality
'This house has always BEEN HOME'
When Donna inherited her late parents' home, she realised it was the perfect blank canvas to create the Nordic look she loves