Do it! BOX OFF A CHIMNEY BREAST

‘THE GARDEN GETS THE SUN ALL DAY –IT FEELS LIKE AN EXTRA ROOM WITH AN IBIZA VIBE’

There are many options for creating a flush finish other than the typical alcove cupboards. A bookcase or media wall would span the entire room and disguise the jutting out section entirely.

In a bedroom, conceal a chimney breast with a full wardrobe wall with shallower shelves in the middle section. This should give ample hanging space on either side.

An alternative is to remove the chimney breast. Although they are typically around 1.5m wide by 30cm deep, you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make. You’ll need building regulations approval plus a party wall agreement if it adjoins a neighbour’s house. Expect the work to cost £1,500 to £2,500.

was no original fireplace. As we’d never used the wood-burning stove in our last house, we felt it would be pointless to install one here. In our bedroom, boxing the chimney breast has made it easier to position the bedside tables and the shelf behind the bed provides display space for plants and artwork.

Garden fun

Despite being short on cash towards the end of the project, I’m glad we pushed on and hired local garden designer Earthbound Landscapes to revamp the outside space, which gets the sun all day. We wanted it to feel like an extra room with an Ibiza vibe and they did a great job installing American pine decking, box hedges, low-maintenance planting, gravel paths and beech trees for privacy.

We love the way the kitchen-diner opens onto the garden. It is such a sociable space, the kids can run around outside and it’s great for entertaining.

‘TO CREATE A SIMPLER AESTHETIC,WE BOXED OFF THREE CHIMNEY BREASTS IN THE HOUSE’

Future plans

Next we hope to extend into the eaves on the top floor to create another bedroom. We also have plans to convert the basement into a teenagers’ Tv/chill-out den and a really great utility room.

Another bonus is hiring out the house for TV shoots and adverts through an agency called UK Locations – this pays for a couple of holidays a year. Although I’m not usually very good at staying still, I feel like we’ve found a great long-term home which also earns us money.’

Find more clever ideas to style up your home by going to pinterest.com/ styleathomemag

COMPACT SOFA ‘With its neat 1960s Scandi design, this Outline sofa by Muuto fits the dimensions of the room without being too dominant’

WOOD TONES ‘The oak flooring and console table warm up the scheme, as does the textural rug from Hay’