With her clever blend of vintage and modern design, Katherine Atkinson has created a cheerful home full of colour and pattern for an up-to-date twist on Sixties style
Feature and styling Lisa Moses PhotographyCaroline Mardon
SUNNY RETRO REVAMP
My story
‘I know some people would look around a house that hasn’t been done up for years and be horrified, but I saw all the beautiful features and was immediately sold. I particularly loved the beams in the living room and the big 1960s windows, and we all loved the quirky design and layout. As the previous owners had lived here for 28 years, it was ready to have new life breathed into it.
We ripped up the carpets (sadly not revealing any beautiful floorboards!) and took out the old-fashioned fitted wardrobes dominating the bedrooms. I enjoy decorating, so started adding wallpaper and paint in my favourite colours – yellow, teal and pink – and I also filled the rooms with cushions that I make out of beautiful vintage fabrics.
The house has become more colourful as my confidence in my decorating choices has grown, but lockdown also played a part as we were spending so much longer in the house that I wanted to get more joy from it. We haven’t done any major renovations in the bathroom or kitchen yet as I want to strip everything out and start again, which will be a big project. As a quick fix, I’ve given the kitchen a refresh with bright yellow handles and patterned vinyl, and I’ve updated our en-suite with new fixtures, fittings and colourful tiles. There’s still a way to go, but I love the unique family home that we’re creating.’
Style idea
Dark beams can steal the show so paint them a lighter colour to allow the rest of the room to shine
Welcome to my home
A BIT ABOUT ME
I’m Katherine Atkinson, 47, (@theoldforgeincolour on Instagram), and I‘m assistant director for the county council. I live with my husband Tom, 47, an electrical engineer, and our children, James, 17, and Charlotte, who’s 13.
WHERE I LIVE
My home is a six-bedroom detached house in Maidstone, Kent, built onto the side of an old forge. We’ve lived here since October 2
