Best laid plans

6 min read

OPEN-PLAN LIVING

Georgina and Joe used their renovating skills to transform make-do rooms into the perfect home for their young family to grow up in

‘Initially we were going to have a flat roof and roof light in the extension,’ says Georgina. ‘Our architect came back to us with drawings of a vaulted ceiling, and I was like “Yes, that’s amazing!” ’

Green sofa and footstool, Model 02 in Vine, Swyft. Cushion, Olivia’s. Rug, Gedeblad at Jysk. Side table, Asda. Artwork, Green Lili Art. Floor lamp, Pash Classics

‘We’ve added pocket doors so we don’t lose floor space. I think they’re the best idea ever. They are great for sectioning off space or having it completely open.’

Soho 4L glass pocket doors, LPD Direct. Cabinet, Ikea. Dining table, second hand. Dining chairs, Pash Classics. Light, Industville

PROFILE

THE OWNERS

Georgina Raine, a content creator (@athomewiththeraines) and housing manager, lives here with husband Joe, an electrician, their children, Harper and Indie-Rose, and dog Max.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom detached home, built in 2000, in Telford, Shropshire

PROJECT COST

Approx £50,000

‘The old kitchen was a sagey colour and just felt dated to me,’ says Georgina. ‘I’d had a cream kitchen in my last house and wanted to do the total opposite here – Ilove the dark feel.’
PHOTOGRAPHS KASIA FISZER SHOPPING EDIT EMILY SMITH

Units, Howdens. Work surface, Carrara Quartz from ADL Granite & Marble. Beam painted in RAL 9011, Rawlins. Pendant lights, Industville. Vase, H&M Home. Column radiators, Trade Radiators

A green sofa and statement plants help to link the living area closely with the garden.

Bi-fold doors, Daylite Group. Wall lamp, Industville

First homes are often dubbed starter homes with good reason. They’re the start of getting your foot on the property ladder, and where you start developing your skills as a painter, decorator, even builder, as you make it your own.

Georgina Raine and her husband, Joe, did the majority of the work themselves on their first renovation project – athree-bed semi. And what they learned gave them the confidence to tackle a more ambitious makeover when they moved to a bigger home after having their two children. ‘We never intended to have another renovation project – we said absolutely no way with two young kids,’ says Georgina. ‘But we stumbled across this house and knew we could make it something special. The rooms were good sizes and there was lots of light. Also, this area of Telford was close to where I’d grown up as a child, with lots of nature reserves and dog walks.’

Their plans to move were paused for several tense months during the Covid lockdowns, but they eventually completed in June 2020. ‘Then there were delays in getting anything to do an

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