Houzz Tour: At Home With... Charlotte Smith of Lotts & Lots
Continuing our series visiting interiors bloggers at home, designer Charlotte Smith opens up her Essex house and shares her inspiration
Victoria Harrison
13 November 2015
Editor, Houzz UK and Ireland
Many of us dream of taking on a big home renovation project, but the reality can be daunting. For Charlotte Smith and her husband, Dan, the chance to bring new life to a previously unloved Edwardian home was an exciting challenge that required perseverance and vision.
Finding their home on a property website was the easy part – Charlotte admits ‘it was love at first click’. But once they’d had their offer accepted, the real work began. ‘The house had been empty for three years, and hadn’t had any upkeep for about 20,’ Charlotte says. ‘Every room needed structural attention.’ A jewellery designer by trade, Charlotte brought her eye for detail and colour to the project and, after lots of hard work, the finished result is a welcoming home packed with pretty details and bursts of cheerful colour. Take the tour below.
COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
To celebrate some of the most creative and inspiring UK bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift that reflects their personal style. Charlotte Smith has chosen a Distressed Shaker shelf from Seagirl and Magpie as her prize. All you have to do to enter is comment below on why you love this home. *This competition has now closed.*
Finding their home on a property website was the easy part – Charlotte admits ‘it was love at first click’. But once they’d had their offer accepted, the real work began. ‘The house had been empty for three years, and hadn’t had any upkeep for about 20,’ Charlotte says. ‘Every room needed structural attention.’ A jewellery designer by trade, Charlotte brought her eye for detail and colour to the project and, after lots of hard work, the finished result is a welcoming home packed with pretty details and bursts of cheerful colour. Take the tour below.
COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
To celebrate some of the most creative and inspiring UK bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift that reflects their personal style. Charlotte Smith has chosen a Distressed Shaker shelf from Seagirl and Magpie as her prize. All you have to do to enter is comment below on why you love this home. *This competition has now closed.*
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Charlotte Smith and her husband, Dan
Blog Lotts & Lots
Property A semi-detached Edwardian house
Size 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
That’s interesting When we bought it, it was split into two homes
Table, Hastings and Bexhill Wood Recycling from Shop in St Leonards. Folding chair, Ikea. Dinner plates, Sophie Conran for Portmeirion. Wine glasses, John Lewis.
Take a tour of Caroline Rowland’s vintage-style London home
Who lives here Charlotte Smith and her husband, Dan
Blog Lotts & Lots
Property A semi-detached Edwardian house
Size 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
That’s interesting When we bought it, it was split into two homes
Table, Hastings and Bexhill Wood Recycling from Shop in St Leonards. Folding chair, Ikea. Dinner plates, Sophie Conran for Portmeirion. Wine glasses, John Lewis.
Take a tour of Caroline Rowland’s vintage-style London home
What do we need to know about your blog?
My blog is all about DIY and creative living for the modern maker. It started as a jewellery-making blog and as my life has changed, so has the site. Since house renovations began, I’ve been sharing more home tutorials, from big room makeovers to furniture refreshes.
Walls painted in Pavilion Blue, Farrow & Ball.
My blog is all about DIY and creative living for the modern maker. It started as a jewellery-making blog and as my life has changed, so has the site. Since house renovations began, I’ve been sharing more home tutorials, from big room makeovers to furniture refreshes.
Walls painted in Pavilion Blue, Farrow & Ball.
What made you start blogging?
I really needed a creative outlet. I was working as an unfulfilled PA after studying and working in fashion for a few years; I really missed being creative and didn’t want to become stagnant. I’d just discovered jewellery-making and blogs, so decided to start my own. I had very few readers for years, but as my confidence and skills grew, I started sharing more content and the opportunities have been amazing. I’ve worked with Liberty and Mollie Makes magazine, and set up my own jewellery-making classes.
Greenwich White Smooth kitchen cabinets, Howdens. Retro Metro tiles; Porcelain floor tiles, all Walls and Floors.
I really needed a creative outlet. I was working as an unfulfilled PA after studying and working in fashion for a few years; I really missed being creative and didn’t want to become stagnant. I’d just discovered jewellery-making and blogs, so decided to start my own. I had very few readers for years, but as my confidence and skills grew, I started sharing more content and the opportunities have been amazing. I’ve worked with Liberty and Mollie Makes magazine, and set up my own jewellery-making classes.
Greenwich White Smooth kitchen cabinets, Howdens. Retro Metro tiles; Porcelain floor tiles, all Walls and Floors.
How long have you lived here and how did you and your house meet?
We’ve owned the house since October 2013, but only moved in a year ago. It needed considerable renovation work done before it was habitable.
We found the house online and immediately knew it was the one. We’d had two houses fall through previously, but with this house it was love at first click. I was away, so Dan saw it first and immediately booked a second viewing for the next day. We put in an offer straight away and thankfully it was accepted.
Forhoja kitchen trolley, Ikea.
We’ve owned the house since October 2013, but only moved in a year ago. It needed considerable renovation work done before it was habitable.
We found the house online and immediately knew it was the one. We’d had two houses fall through previously, but with this house it was love at first click. I was away, so Dan saw it first and immediately booked a second viewing for the next day. We put in an offer straight away and thankfully it was accepted.
Forhoja kitchen trolley, Ikea.
What was the house like when you first moved in?
It was a bit of a project! The house had been split into two residences, so there were two of everything to sort out. Between January and May 2014, we took out two bathrooms and kitchens and replaced them with just one of each, knocking down internal walls to create more livable spaces.
The house had been empty for three years, but hadn’t had any upkeep for about 20 – every room needed structural attention, from rotting supporting beams in the roof to missing ceiling supports. We really took on a lot of work.
Wire lampshades, Habitat.
It was a bit of a project! The house had been split into two residences, so there were two of everything to sort out. Between January and May 2014, we took out two bathrooms and kitchens and replaced them with just one of each, knocking down internal walls to create more livable spaces.
The house had been empty for three years, but hadn’t had any upkeep for about 20 – every room needed structural attention, from rotting supporting beams in the roof to missing ceiling supports. We really took on a lot of work.
Wire lampshades, Habitat.
Do you have any design rules you live by?
Don’t be scared of colour, choose pieces you love, and make a room suit you and your lifestyle. When we first started work on the house, we received so much conflicting advice, especially with regards to our kitchen. Dan and I are the worst for piling up post and leaving bits to put away later. There was a lot of talk of breakfast bars and little tables, but I knew I wanted to keep dumping areas to a minimum and create a flexible space.
I kept half the kitchen freestanding, so we could add areas as we needed them, and as I sourced the additional cabinets from Gumtree, it made the kitchen much cheaper. It really works for us, and even if we don’t put everything away during the week, it doesn’t take long to tidy up at the weekend.
Cabinet painted in Green Verditer, Little Greene. Lula lamp, Habitat. Vase, Anthropologie.
Don’t be scared of colour, choose pieces you love, and make a room suit you and your lifestyle. When we first started work on the house, we received so much conflicting advice, especially with regards to our kitchen. Dan and I are the worst for piling up post and leaving bits to put away later. There was a lot of talk of breakfast bars and little tables, but I knew I wanted to keep dumping areas to a minimum and create a flexible space.
I kept half the kitchen freestanding, so we could add areas as we needed them, and as I sourced the additional cabinets from Gumtree, it made the kitchen much cheaper. It really works for us, and even if we don’t put everything away during the week, it doesn’t take long to tidy up at the weekend.
Cabinet painted in Green Verditer, Little Greene. Lula lamp, Habitat. Vase, Anthropologie.
What makes you happiest at home?
Completing rooms! There’s still so much work to do and bits to finish that getting another room crossed off the list is a great feeling. In the summer, I love being out in the garden. As soon as I get home in the evenings, I do a lap of it, checking all the plants and watering my seedlings. I find it really relaxing after spending the day in London and commuting.
Ektorp sofa, Ikea. Bookcase, Scape Interiors.
Completing rooms! There’s still so much work to do and bits to finish that getting another room crossed off the list is a great feeling. In the summer, I love being out in the garden. As soon as I get home in the evenings, I do a lap of it, checking all the plants and watering my seedlings. I find it really relaxing after spending the day in London and commuting.
Ektorp sofa, Ikea. Bookcase, Scape Interiors.
What do you think is the next big interiors trend and why?
I never really follow trends, but I love seeing how more and more people are using plants and greenery in their homes. It creates such a wonderful, calming atmosphere and works across all spaces, no matter what style or size of home you have. I definitely want to add more plants throughout the house.
Glass dome with a plate, H&M.
I never really follow trends, but I love seeing how more and more people are using plants and greenery in their homes. It creates such a wonderful, calming atmosphere and works across all spaces, no matter what style or size of home you have. I definitely want to add more plants throughout the house.
Glass dome with a plate, H&M.
Which is your favourite spot in the house and why?
It’s so hard to pick! I love the rooms at the front in winter, because they’re so cosy. In summer, I like to be in the back, in the dining room or my bedroom, as the rooms are flooded with light and I love to be able to see out into the garden.
If I really had to choose, I’d probably say the bathroom. When it was a kitchen, it was terrifying – all dark wood and leaking ceiling. I love how spacious it is and the fact there’s room for my bath, which I found on eBay for £50.
Fabric wall tiles; Porcelain floor tiles, all Walls and Floors. Hamman towel, Forget-Me-Not in Leigh-on-Sea.
View Charlotte Duckworth’s bright and stylish London flat
It’s so hard to pick! I love the rooms at the front in winter, because they’re so cosy. In summer, I like to be in the back, in the dining room or my bedroom, as the rooms are flooded with light and I love to be able to see out into the garden.
If I really had to choose, I’d probably say the bathroom. When it was a kitchen, it was terrifying – all dark wood and leaking ceiling. I love how spacious it is and the fact there’s room for my bath, which I found on eBay for £50.
Fabric wall tiles; Porcelain floor tiles, all Walls and Floors. Hamman towel, Forget-Me-Not in Leigh-on-Sea.
View Charlotte Duckworth’s bright and stylish London flat
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
If I’m being honest, the first thing I do is check Instagram! As that usually makes me late, I try to have a cup of tea and feed the cat before I check my phone.
If I’m being honest, the first thing I do is check Instagram! As that usually makes me late, I try to have a cup of tea and feed the cat before I check my phone.
What’s your favourite city or country and why?
Costa Rica. I love the trees, the nature, the food, the beaches – everything is beautiful and so relaxed. I went when I was having a bit of a bad patch about four years ago and I just felt reset. I started my blog a few months after I returned; it definitely set me on the path I’m on now.
Distressed Shaker shelf, Seagirl and Magpie.
Costa Rica. I love the trees, the nature, the food, the beaches – everything is beautiful and so relaxed. I went when I was having a bit of a bad patch about four years ago and I just felt reset. I started my blog a few months after I returned; it definitely set me on the path I’m on now.
Distressed Shaker shelf, Seagirl and Magpie.
What’s your next big decorating project?
The hallway is next on the list. The house is rather Tardis-like and has three floors. I started the downstairs hallway last year and we have recently had the first and second floors decorated. Now I’m planning all the details: I’ve ordered some amazing Designers Guild wallpaper for one of the walls and spend a lot of time looking for bookcases, light fittings and rugs to finish it off.
Walls painted in Silver Mist, Homebase.
The hallway is next on the list. The house is rather Tardis-like and has three floors. I started the downstairs hallway last year and we have recently had the first and second floors decorated. Now I’m planning all the details: I’ve ordered some amazing Designers Guild wallpaper for one of the walls and spend a lot of time looking for bookcases, light fittings and rugs to finish it off.
Walls painted in Silver Mist, Homebase.
Do you have any pet interiors hates?
Leather sofas! I don’t mind old chesterfields or battered armchairs when they’re in the right setting, but modern, nondescript leather sofas do nothing for me – they are just cold and slippery. Dan had one when I first moved in that I used to jump on when he wasn’t around – the thing was indestructible. Everything matching also freaks me out – I can’t get my head around having everything the same.
Lime, Basil & Mandarin candle, Jo Malone.
Leather sofas! I don’t mind old chesterfields or battered armchairs when they’re in the right setting, but modern, nondescript leather sofas do nothing for me – they are just cold and slippery. Dan had one when I first moved in that I used to jump on when he wasn’t around – the thing was indestructible. Everything matching also freaks me out – I can’t get my head around having everything the same.
Lime, Basil & Mandarin candle, Jo Malone.
How do you like to spend Sunday afternoons?
Usually doing something creative. At the moment, doing bits in the garden is my favourite activity – planting seeds and even weeding is a novelty. In winter, I like to get my sewing machine out and have a play around or make jewellery. I’m never normally sitting still.
Wilton bedstead, John Lewis.
Usually doing something creative. At the moment, doing bits in the garden is my favourite activity – planting seeds and even weeding is a novelty. In winter, I like to get my sewing machine out and have a play around or make jewellery. I’m never normally sitting still.
Wilton bedstead, John Lewis.
What’s your ideal Friday night?
Sleeping! After a week of commuting, writing my blog and sorting jewellery-making classes, I’m normally shattered and like to recharge. If I’m not doing that, then the ideal Friday would be catching up with friends and having a few cocktails somewhere.
Bright pink cushion cover, H&M. Other cushion covers, Ikea.
Sleeping! After a week of commuting, writing my blog and sorting jewellery-making classes, I’m normally shattered and like to recharge. If I’m not doing that, then the ideal Friday would be catching up with friends and having a few cocktails somewhere.
Bright pink cushion cover, H&M. Other cushion covers, Ikea.
What’s your key to a happy, healthy lifestyle? Do you have a mantra you live by?
Eating well, staying active and trying to be kind to myself. I try to cram in so much, and if I tell myself off for not doing something perfectly, I always try to remember I’ve done my best with what I have and that’s enough.
I saw a saying years ago that has always stuck with me – keep things as simple as possible, and no more. When life gets too complicated, I try to remember to find the simplest solution.
Stool, Loaf.
Eating well, staying active and trying to be kind to myself. I try to cram in so much, and if I tell myself off for not doing something perfectly, I always try to remember I’ve done my best with what I have and that’s enough.
I saw a saying years ago that has always stuck with me – keep things as simple as possible, and no more. When life gets too complicated, I try to remember to find the simplest solution.
Stool, Loaf.
Is there anything you couldn’t live without?
Apart from my husband, friends and family, I’d say my cat, Rosie, blusher, my sewing machine and sunshine!
Print, Etsy. Ribba frame, Ikea.
Visit Charlotte’s blog.
COMMENT TO WIN
All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is post a comment below on what you love about Charlotte’s home. A randomly drawn entry from all comments that were submitted in the contest period and approved by Houzz UK Ltd will determine this month’s prize winner. Approved comments will be included in the draw automatically. The prize winner will receive a Distressed Shaker shelf, RRP £55, from Seagirl and Magpie (or, if out of stock, a gift voucher will be issued). View the full competition T&Cs here. *This competition has now closed.*
Are you a UK interiors blogger? Talk to us! If you’d like to submit your home for this series, please send details to ukeditor@houzz.com.
Apart from my husband, friends and family, I’d say my cat, Rosie, blusher, my sewing machine and sunshine!
Print, Etsy. Ribba frame, Ikea.
Visit Charlotte’s blog.
COMMENT TO WIN
All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is post a comment below on what you love about Charlotte’s home. A randomly drawn entry from all comments that were submitted in the contest period and approved by Houzz UK Ltd will determine this month’s prize winner. Approved comments will be included in the draw automatically. The prize winner will receive a Distressed Shaker shelf, RRP £55, from Seagirl and Magpie (or, if out of stock, a gift voucher will be issued). View the full competition T&Cs here. *This competition has now closed.*
Are you a UK interiors blogger? Talk to us! If you’d like to submit your home for this series, please send details to ukeditor@houzz.com.
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Lovely colours. I would have spent more on the kitchen though, lets it down a bit. Overall looks like a lovely home which is the most important thing I think
The simplicity of it is exciting . I look at other homes on here and know I could neither do it or afford it .
There is a magical romantic look to Charlotte's .
I imagine when youve spent tons of cash on the structure your kitchen budget only goes so far .Charlottes house has a refreshing homely appeal with really pretty colours and lots of inspiring choices. Love the pendant lights.