‘we knew it could be something special’

Renovating and reconfiguring her 1960s home sparked a passion for interior design in its owner – and a new career opportunity

Experience and attention to detail really paid off when a couple of serial renovators bought a neglected period home in London, bringing it back to its best with luxe finishes, harmonious colour schemes – and one or two brilliant bargains

AN UPSIDE-DOWN FLOOR PLAN WAS THE SOLUTION FOR TIM FREEMAN AND LIZZIE O’NEILL’S NARROW BUT LIGHT-FILLED HOME

RYAN JAMES AND PARTNER CRAIG HAVE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED THEIR SMALL COTTAGE WITH SMART DECORATING AND SPACE-SAVING TRICKS

RENOVATING AND EXTENDING A COMPACT FLINT COTTAGE MEANT A BIGGER HOME FOR PAUL AND LUCI STADEN, WITH THE ADDED JOY OF THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH DOWNS ON THEIR DOORSTEP

TUCKED AWAY ON THE KENT COAST, THIS FADED BOATMAN’S COTTAGE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY BELINDA BENTON INTO THE PRETTIEST HOUSE ON THE STREET