Living room

‘ The first thing I did was remove the built-in cupboards around the old gas fire and made the opening bigger for a wood-burner. As the carpets were in really good condition, I took them up so they wouldn’t get dirty during the renovation. That’s when I discovered the original wood parquet flooring underneath. I was so happyfl After much research on YouTube, I decided to hire a sander for the first time and give the carpet away to friends. It took two days to do the whole downstairs and I finished it with a clear matt varnish for a natural look. At first, I had a more industrial style with elements of black metal, but it lacked warmth, so I added loads of wood and taupe to soften it. I’ve also experimented with floral wallpaper on one wall, MDF panelling on another and an upcycled IKEA Ivar cabinet in the corner. This room has all the features I love and I’m really happy with it.’

Monika gave the fireplace opening a rustic feel with brick slips and a wooden mantel before choosing monochrome patterned tiles from B&Q for the hearth. ‘ They match the ones in the kitchen and the hearth in the dining room to link the spaces together,’ she says

Monika turned a shorter lamp from B&M into a floor lamp by adding wooden legs. Then she made the lampshade by gluing pieces of leftover wood onto the old shade. The reindeer cushion is from John Lewis & Partners. Monika loves making pieces from wood, such as these coffee tables fashioned from tree trunks. She now sells similar handmade homeware at Facebook.com/woodworks.creationsshop

‘ The wallpaper from Komar was the first thing that went on the walls,’ says Monika. ‘It was quite expensive but I just fell in love with it.’ The chest of drawers was a bargain buy from B&M