MY EXPERIENCE

We moved here three years ago. We were pleased to buy an older property, but we knew it would take a lot of work to get it how we wanted. The living room took a back seat, as we had to concentrate on the galley kitchen and separate dining room. We decided to go with a big project, creating one large space with bi-fold doors to the garden. That took a big chunk of the budget and there wasn’t much left for anything else.

But last year the living room started to get to me, and the sofa we brought with us had seen better days. I really couldn’t stand the heavy brown blinds at the window. Bay windows are always difficult to sort out, but the blinds were either up or down, nothing in between. So, we looked at custom-made shutters, which I knew would be the most expensive part of the makeover, but they make such a difference and allow light in while being private.

With the shutters sorted, the wall colour was a matter of debate. I wanted navy blue, which Mark was slightly worried about, but he trusts me. Buying the shutters meant an expensive new sofa was off the menu, but trawling through eBay, I found a lovely navy-blue velvet one that has barely been used and came with a matching footstool. It was like a sign to go ahead with the blue walls. A rug with blue tones, metallic touches and high-street accessories have helped make it the space that we dreamed of.