Dare to be bold

Karla Lucas reveals how she transformed her home

After 20 years of living in army married quarters with bland, dated interiors, Karla Lucas learnt a lot about what did and didn’t work for her and her family. So when the family moved into their own home three years ago, she knew that she wanted light, open-plan spaces and a modern, sociable kitchen. ‘I’ve always loved old houses, too, so beautiful period features appealed as well,’ she says.

With this in mind, Karla and her husband Andy installed a new familyfriendly kitchen with up-to-the-minute appliances and sleek white units that boost light and draw attention to the striking Victorian quarry-tiled floor. ‘I knew that the old floor would be a strong feature that I’d definitely want to keep,’ says Karla, ‘There were some tiles missing, but we found matching ones at our local reclamation yard. It’s a long, narrow space and I wanted to include a sociable area for drinks and nibbles,

a wine fridge and a computer zone. I needed masses of storage as well, with places to hide the vacuum cleaner and ironing board.’

They also knocked through between the two reception rooms, maximising light and creating a versatile living and dining space. At this point, Karla took a radical step. ‘Our dark wood tables and neutral sofas suited our old lifestyle, but just didn’t seem right any more,’ she says. ‘I decided to sell almost everything and start again.’

Karla studied interiors magazines and joined Pinterest and Instagram for style inspiration. Over several months, as she discovered fresh trends, it was dark, moody colours, clean lines and eyecatching accessories that drew her. ‘I’d never had the chance to use dramatic colours or bold features before, but the light in the house is fantastic and I realised they could really work,’ she says. ‘They felt new and fun, but comfortable, too. We were happy doing most of the decorating ourselves, until it came to the very strong darks. Getting straight edges against the white ceilings was essential and we knew the slightest unevenness would show up. It was worth paying for a perfect finish.’

Graphite grey walls have transformed the living and dining rooms, adding instant impact, and for a crisp finish, there are white fire surrounds, ceilings and skirting throughout. Karla dared to go even darker in the hall with near-black walls that highlight the original geometric floor tiles. ‘The hall is unusual and exciting and, with all of my fairy lights, it always feels warm,’ she says. ‘I love coming home.’

From velvet to sheepskin, texture keeps things cosy and inviting. Splashes of turquoise, yellow and orange come from graphic wall art and individual furniture pieces, and there are mirrors, chandeliers and metallics for glamour.

Upstairs, rich, restful nude tones and grey-greens have been sharpened with smart elements of black, while eight-yearold Amelia’s loft bedroom sings with a mix of peacock green and pink. ‘It’s a different look for me and I’d never have considered it in the past,’ says Karla. ‘But this is our own home now, so why not?’

‘I’d never had the chance to use dramatic colours before, but they really work. I love coming home’

GRAND ENTRANCE In the hall, metallics and monochrome graphics stand out from the almost-black walls and complement the tiled floor. Farrow & Ball has similar dark shades.

SLEEPING BEAUTY Interesting textures boost the warmth and depth of the master bedroom’s tranquil scheme. Chunkyknit cushions add a cosy element and a trio of tactile woven baskets add an unusual decorative touch to the wall. Karla painted the walls in Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball.

MAKE-UP TIME Karla’s compact, Scandi-inspired dressing table is small enough to fit neatly into the bedroom alcove and the furry stool is a fun touch. Both the faux-fur stool and dressing table are from La Redoute.

WARM WELCOME The guest room shares the master bedroom’s nude-coloured walls, cosy fabrics and black touches, while hints of pink and lilac give it a tranquil atmosphere. The throw and cushions are from Bronte by Moon.

TALL ORDER The bathroom had no obvious spot for storage. Karla’s practical ladder-style shelf unit solves the problem, fitting perfectly into a small gap. Karla painted the walls in Pigeon from Farrow & Ball and the shelf is from Ikea.

UNDER THE EAVESWith a vivid teal and bubblegum pink combo, balanced by plenty of clean white, Amelia’s bedroom echoes the intense colour statement in the other parts of the house. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Vardo and the Hemnes dressing table and Ingolf stool are both from Ikea.

NEW HEIGHTSTo get the most from the house, maximising full-height space was essential, so the landing outside Amelia’s bedroom is perfect for extra storage.