Welcome TO MY HOME

A BIT ABOUT ME

I’m Helen Sellwood, a freelance retail buyer and visual merchandiser. I live with my husband, Dave, a sales executive and our children, Harry, five, and Austin, who’s 10 months, and Bella, our Boston terrier.

WHERE I LIVE

Our home is a four-bedroom Victorian semi in Barnard Castle, County Durham and we moved here in May 2014. I Instagram my renovation journey at @baliol.house

WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE

The whole house needed redecorating, as it was all very bland, and I wanted to install a new kitchen. We see this as our forever home so although I’ve added lots of colour and pattern already,

I don’t feel any need to rush it.

HOW I MADE IT MY OWN

I started out painting the whole house with a fairly neutral scheme. Over time I’ve highlighted the original features using bright paints and gradually added to the effect with patterned wallpaper, creating themed rooms, such as our Art Deco bedroom and Harry’s jungle-inspired room.

MY FAVOURITE PART

The living room will always be my favourite. I love the high ceilings, the arched shelving and the panelling.