‘I like a home to have depth and character’
We moved into this house after outgrowing a two-bed terrace in another part of Leeds. We needed a place big enough for me to have a home office.
The kitchen was small and the bathroom was accessed through a bedroom, but we loved the light and its peaceful location.
You have to bite the bullet when renovating. We spent five months redesigning the upstairs layout and revamped the kitchen. Later, we regretted not taking out a chimney breast in the middle of the space. We’d knocked out the walls either side, but it still felt like a room of two halves. We had an RSJ fitted and opened it all up. Suddenly, it was light and open and became one big party room. We keep favourite everyday items out, to enjoy them. In the kitchen, we decided not to have too many units, because they can look overwhelming. We put up a shelf for all our crockery, instead. There’s no point in buying nice plates or glassware and hiding them away. We also like to collect things and display them. If you like something, you’ll find a home for it. I treasure many of my grandparents’ belongings, too, like the vintage suitcases once owned by my grandfather, in which I keep old toys, books and mementos. Mixing old and new, modern and retro works, even in a contemporary setting. I get inspiration from a single piece of furniture and develop a room from that. I like a home to have depth and character. There are some things I’ve had for years and would never part with, and other pieces we’ve bought recently. We don’t want our home to be like everyone else’s! It’s worth thinking outside the box and repurposing items. If we need a coffee table, like the one we have outside, I’ll cut down an old dining table. I sell things on ebay, too. I don’t follow trends that will be gone within a year. I would rather think creatively and long term. I love to experiment with bold and unusual design ideas or to marry modern urban chic with cool retro for an eclectic style. I love bright statement colours. I am fond of green and yellow, so it’s a theme running through the house. I create a backdrop first – something neutral, which means the pops of colour look exciting.