My last home ... My first stab at interior design

8 years ago

Finally - a blank page! When we retired, we bought a two bed flat which had been rented for the previous five years so was feeling pretty sorry for itself! I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to find and flex my interior design muscles (the only muscles I ever exercise, let me tell you). I soon found that it is very much a case of not as easy as you think - hats off to the pro's! I identified the main tradesmen budget pretty accurately, thanks to some helpful websites, but hadn't reckoned on how much 'incidentals' would cost. Decent toilet roll holders - sixty quid - who'd have thought? Toilet seats; light fittings; sockets ... all add up. I am not an E-Bayer. We're too old.
Here are some before and after pics. I hope to share some of the experiences I had on the journey.

Comment

Related Discussions
My very first apartment - and I don't know what to do with it!
Q
Comments (11)
Congratulations on getting such a beautiful first apartment. I'd definitely start with a sofa and 2 chairs, and NOT a loveseat! A lot of us houzzers are anti-loveseat. Two chairs offer so much more flexibility than a loveseat. I'd place the sofa on the wall opposite the fireplace. The two chairs would go in the window with a small table between them. You said you wanted a "big old sofa". I hope that was just a figure of speech as what I think you'd be far better off with is a sofa that is of a nice size, but not too big. I'd look for one with skinny arms so that you have more seating space which is what a sofa is for, after all! A sofa that is 84" long will fit in most homes nicely. Watch the depth of the sofa too as lots of them have gotten far too deep. I'd go 39" deep max. Remember that this is your first apartment, but not your last so stick with pieces that aren't too big. Pay attention to the size of the chairs also. I'd stay under 35" wide, and again with narrow arms. My recommendation would be solid fabrics for both the sofa and the chairs. You can have fun with pattern when you get around to a rug and pillows. You'll also need a coffee table, plus a table to go between the two chairs. I adore the faceted mirror table from West Elm below and would make it a must have. The coffee table below with the marble top is lovely as long as you don't spill red wine on it! Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
...See More
Win a FREE room design by My Bespoke Room: Vote for your favourite...
Q
Comments (19)
For me, it was a hard pick between the open plan kitchen and the staircase but if I had to go with one, I'd side with the kitchen. The deep teal and pale blue units pair beautifully and tie with the splashback, and vases. The added gold accents in handles, vase and tap adds some lovely metallic colour to the scheme which looks oh, so good with the teal. And finally, I love how the door frame co-ordinates with the light fitting and the socket on the island with the ovens. Superb, daring yet effective combinations!!!
...See More
Help Me Design my Bedroom
Q
Comments (1)
Hi Queenie, congratulations on your new home. What are the measurements of the room and where is south in relation to the window. How much natural light do you get in the room?Do you want to save couple of ideas from the houzz that you like in your ideabook, to see your preferences.
...See More
Please help me design my bedroom
Q
Comments (1)
What are the room's measurements?
...See More

My last home ... My first stab at interior design

Comment

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US