WHEN BECKY AND IAN SAW THIS ELEGANT PERIOD PROPERTY IN THEIR MUCH-LOVED HOME TOWN OF COLCHESTER THEY KNEW IT WAS ‘THE ONE’

YEARS IN THE PLANNING, LAURA’S RURAL IDYLL FINALLY BECAME REALITY WHEN SHE FOUND THE PERFECT COTTAGE AND SET ABOUT BRINGING IT BACK TO LIFE WITH COLOUR

NEW PARENTS FRANKY AND JACK REWORKED A DATED STUDENT HOUSE INTO A COLOURFUL FAMILY HOME

Paula Costa and David Rushford put their own stamp on this historic former post office with a considered blend of old and new, and a calm, neutral palette

LOUISE AND PETER PROVE THAT BIG CHARACTER DOESN’T NEED A BIG BUDGET – JUST PLENTY OF RECLAIMED FINDS, CLEVER TWEAKS AND A LITTLE DIY KNOW-HOW

Beth and Dan Tarling took on an old cottage near a Cornish coastal path and created a colourful, layered look that celebrates the cottage’s seaside setting