TRANSFORMATION REAL LIFE
Celene Francis, 26, from South Yorkshire, saw potential in an abandoned council house...
Walking in through the front door, I instantly saw the potential.
The council house Iwas viewing back in April 2020 was acomplete state.
Old wallpaper was peeling off the walls, the woodwork around the doorframes was yellowing, and there was loose plaster scattered on the floor.
But despite the house’s worn condition, Isaw past it all.
This is going to be hard work, I thought.
But Iwanted to build alovely home for my daughter Indie, then one.
Iwanted abetter life for us both –I’d started studying to become amidwife. And this new home could be our fresh start.
Gazing out into the back garden, it was completely overgrown.
But Icould imagine Indie out there, bouncing on a trampoline with glee.
This is going to be our home. So, I eagerly headed home to tell my mum Valerie, who passed away in January this year, all about it.
Acouple of weeks later, Ihad the keys and started looking for design inspiration.
Scrolling on Pinterest, I gravitated towards neutral tones and Scandi interiors.
Watching Grand Designs, I loved the sleek renovations.
I want to try that, I thought.
‘We can all help you out,’ Mum said.
I could imagine us living there
With most of my family being builders, they rallied together to help me.
While my cousin, a joiner, installed new skirting boards, I stripped back the old wallpaper.
Other family members ripped up the flooring, too.
The house was abuilding site, so Imoved in with Mum for acouple of weeks.
Spending every evening after university at the house, I tried to get as much done before saying goodnight to Indie.
Walking inside with Indie and Mum three months later, it felt like anew building.
‘You fell in God’s pocket with this view,’ Mum said, pointing to the garden which backed onto afield.
It truly felt like I’d created azen space for me to raise my little girl.
But the house was still ablank canvas.
Over the next three years, I started making the house ahome.
Iopted for white walls while Mum painted black accents.
Picking up white marble vinyl wrap from Wilko, I spruced up the dull surfaces in the kitchen and repainted all the cabinets, too.
Then, perusing the aisles of B&M and Home Bargains, I looked for décor on abudget.
Findin
