‘Now, it's full of THRIFTY IDEAS'
Style at Home|April 2020
Claire combined her passion for interior design and restored vintage furniture with flair and imagination to update her home on a tight budget
ANN BROAD, MICHELA COLLING
‘Now, it's full of THRIFTY IDEAS'

Before the move to this house we lived in a large five-bedroom Georgian home, with real fires, original wood floors, and open spaces, filled with natural light,’ says Claire. ‘So a 1960s-built property was a big change. But I believe any interior space, no matter the location or age of the house, can be made beautiful – a sanctuary and a real home. The children and I wanted to stay in this area, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and is close to our family and friends, so we feel very lucky to have landed here. The move has been a great success, and we love our new home.

Lifestyle changes

Life circumstances meant I had to sell my previous home and move into what had been my investment property, which I had bought in 2011. Although it has been a huge lifestyle change, I feel very happy in the new house. I've always enjoyed the creative process of designing the interiors of the homes I've lived in, and often advise friends and family on colour schemes and items of furniture, so it was a really satisfying challenge.

My style is a combination of modern, painted vintage and upcycled pieces, and I love nothing more than scouring the local charity and vintage shops for furniture and homeware to snap up. I’m fortunate living in this area of Oxfordshire as we have plenty of good places to search for that special something.

Changing the look

I moved into the house in December 2017. It had been rented out for several years and it was in need of some love and attention. I worked my way through it systematically, with the help of builders where necessary. It’s not the most beautiful building from the outside – the 1960s isn’t my favourite period for house building – so I challenged myself to change the whole feel and look of the interior on a small budget.

This story is from the April 2020 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.

This story is from the April 2020 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.

MORE STORIES FROM STYLE AT HOMEView All
'This house has always BEEN HOME'
Style at Home

'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

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
'We brought our vision TO LIFE'
Style at Home

'We brought our vision TO LIFE'

Rosie and Innes cleverly extended their 1890s property outwards and upwards to create the bright and airy home of their dreams

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE
Style at Home

Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE

Energise your home with a room revamp to brighten things up in time for spring

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
Make a narrow hallway LOOK WIDER
Style at Home

Make a narrow hallway LOOK WIDER

Try these space-savvy ideas that will make an enclosed entryway feel bigger and brighter

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
How not to invalidate an INSURANCE POLICY
Style at Home

How not to invalidate an INSURANCE POLICY

Editor of MoneyWeek.com Kalpana Fitzpatrick shares six ways you could unwittingly invalidate your policy

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
What to do THIS MONTH
Style at Home

What to do THIS MONTH

Get your home organised and looking its tip-top best with these easy cleaning and DIY hacks

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Do it, love it! WALLPAPER PROJECTS
Style at Home

Do it, love it! WALLPAPER PROJECTS

Give household basics a cheery pick-me-up using leftover lengths of wallpaper

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
'My office has cool RANCH STYLE'
Style at Home

'My office has cool RANCH STYLE'

Inspired by her travels, Laurie Davidson was keen to give her home office a Western update with a fun cowgirl flavour

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Avalana's choice: A WALL MURAL
Style at Home

Avalana's choice: A WALL MURAL

Turn a plain wall into a statement feature with an eye-catching mural in a bold design

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
'Murals create SUPER IMPACT'
Style at Home

'Murals create SUPER IMPACT'

Being a tenant shouldn't stop you making a statement, as Avalana Simpson has proved in her opulent Far Eastinspired scheme

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024