Welcome back to Part 2 of our home transformation journey.
For todays instalment, I’m thrilled to invite you upstairs to unveil the transformation of our three bedrooms.
Each space reflects our unique personal style.
While I’m eager to share every corner of our whole home, you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer before you’re invited into the bathroom, completely untouched since we moved in, in 2008!
But not for long!
This summer we embark on an exciting new chapter: the bathroom renovation. I’ll be documenting each phase of this adventure, from the initial demolition to the grand reveal of my long-awaited dream bathroom.
If you’ve not read Part 1 on our home transformation you can catch up here.
Why, as an interior designer, do I find designing my own home so challenging?
This is a post I wrote a few months back, if you’re interested in taking a look, here is the link: Transforming our master bedroom into a space I’m proud of.
Our master bedroom has been my nemesis, however I am now so pleased with what we’ve created.
Our Master Bedroom
There have been three bedroom transformations since moving into our home.
Here I’m sharing the original estate agents photo compared to how the master bedroom now looks, following our recent update.
Original estate agents photo vs the bedroom now
I share the full transformation of our master bedroom in this post, if you’re interested in reading all the details.
The most significant change has been the installation of wood panelling, which creates a stunning focal point.
If you read Part 1, you’ll know I’m rather partial to some wood panelling and love the warmth and texture that it adds to a room.
I wrote a whole post on how we added wood panelling to the bedroom, on Substack originally shared behind the paywall, as I’ve now removed the paywall to all posts, if you missed this post when it was originally published, you can now have a read.
As a lover of earthy tones, I’m drawn towards gorgeous warm neutral tones, and for our bedroom we’ve decided to use Rubine Ashes from Little Greene, a shade that whispers tranquility and sophistication. This palette, also used in the hallway and landing, creating a connection between the spaces.
The continuity of colour throughout the home is a personal preference, which may not resonate with everyone, although for me it’s the connection between each room, allowing for each area to flow effortlessly from one space to the next.
However that hasn’t always been the case!
Looking back isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to our past design choices!
Here’s an exclusive peek at our bedroom shortly after we moved in.
The purple phase
What was I thinking???
It just shows how taste (and trends) can change, and back then, a contrasting feature wall was the height of fashion; I actually don’t mind the colour of the wall, painted in a rich Aubergine tone from Dulux aptly named, Dark Aubergine, however it’s not a colour choice I would have in my house today.
However, it’s the bedding that truly dates the room. The Kylie Minogue range from House of Fraser, once a symbol of luxury, now feels overwhelmingly oppressive in its darkness.
A lighter, more neutral bedding set would have undoubtedly lifted the ambience of the room, but that’s the beauty of a transformation; it’s always ongoing, and each phase tells a story.
Before settling with our current look, this is what the bedroom looked like, following the “purple phase”.
I’d never been entirely happy with how this room looked; despite being a minimalist this room always felt too clinical, lacking warmth and personality.
Compared with how it now looks.
Guest Bedroom
Original estate agents photo vs the guest bedroom now
Capturing the essence of the guest bedroom in a photograph has always been a challenge, and not the ideal before and after photo.
Using a soft neutral tone in the guest bedroom, Little Greene Rolling Fog – Light, the room exudes a calm and inviting atmosphere.
The furniture selection is a nod to the minimalist elegance of Japandi design, with sleek black pieces that harmonise with the natural oak flooring and bed-frame. This fusion of Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian functionality brings a sense of balance and serenity to the room.
Prior to this transformation the guest bedroom featured a bright fuchsia pink wall.
While I sadly have no photos to share I have created a digital rendition using Floorplanner to illustrate the contrast between then and now.
Floorplanner visual in the absence of a photo
The visual showcases a room that, while stylish in its time, needed toning down to a the tranquil aesthetic the room now emulates.
The final room to share, is the third bedroom which has been transformed into my home office.
The Office
It may come as no surprise that the third bedroom, affectionately known as “the box room,” often escapes being marketed by estate agents.
However, I can share the before and after of this space.
Before and after of the office
The transformation was sparked by a simple yet ingenious addition of four BESTÅ units from IKEA. Arranged to form a low shelving unit, they were the perfect answer to organising my workspace, offering ample storage without overwhelming the room.
But the true heart of the office lies in the gallery wall. It’s a curated collection of art, each piece commissioned from small businesses, each with its own story and significance, providing memories and meaningful connections.
Each piece of artwork is a reflection of a personal journey, rather than just choosing pieces for their aesthetic appeal.
And so that concludes my home tour.
I hope you’ve enjoyed following our journey on how we’ve transformed our house into a home.
I’d love to hear if any of my ideas or suggestion shared have sparked inspiration for your own space.
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