Transforming a monochromatic residence with vibrant hues, this family's abode now gleams with newfound vitality
Transforming a Victorian Terraced Home in Hove, East Sussex
Jess and her husband Oliver, the proud owners of a four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Hove, East Sussex, sought to bring personality and functionality to their family home. Here's how they achieved their unique decor style:
- Painting: To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, Jess painted the lower half of the walls in Farrow & Ball's Sardine estate emulsion, a soft blue tone. Bold contrasting accents, such as pops of orange, balance style with practicality, perfect for hiding children's marks [1].
- Extension and Layout: The family added an open-plan side return extension at the rear of the house, replacing the old galley kitchen and separate dining room. This transformation created a spacious, functional family area, ideal for a growing family [1].
- Open-Plan Design: The reconfigured downstairs layout embraces openness, promoting light flow and communal living. This approach is particularly important in Victorian terraces, which often have smaller, segmented rooms [1].
- Toy Storage: Built-in storage solutions, such as cupboards within bench seating or discreet drawers, are recommended to keep toys organized and the space clutter-free [2].
In the bedroom, the bed was reupholstered in Tulips of Belgravia fabric with bold red circus piping, while natural wood was added to provide warmth and softness. The bed area walls were painted in Hay and India Yellow, both by Farrow & Ball, creating a calming retreat reminiscent of a boutique hotel bedroom [1].
The bathroom underwent a playful makeover, featuring striped hexagonal tiles by Ca'Pietra and Livid Pradena tiles from Bert & May. The walls and ceiling were painted in a soft blush shade, adding a touch of elegance to the space [1].
The daughter's loft room boasts a warm peachy shade on its sloping ceiling with a scalloped detail above the skylight. The children's bathroom was brought to life with green and yellow colors, while the bathroom walls were tiled with Journeyman Zellige White wall tiles from Baked Tile Co [1].
The home is filled with artwork, mostly modern, playful prints or bold typography, adding character to the space. The Eton sofa from Habitat, brought from their last home, is often used for family activities, serving as a comfortable focal point [1].
Ikea storage units were used for the built-in desk in the house, demonstrating the family's practical approach to decorating. The wooden shelves in the kitchen are painted in Farrow & Ball's Yeabridge Green estate eggshell and have brass brackets to match the kitchen handles [1].
To complete the space, the chaise longue in the bed area was painted in navy fabric paint, while the rainbow cushion and hanging fabric leaves added a nature-inspired feel [1]. The fireplace was retiled in blue and white square tiles, further enhancing the home's unique charm [1].
[1] Source: Ideal Home [2] Source: Victoria Plum
This transformation demonstrates that with careful painting choices, structural modifications, an open-plan layout, and smart toy storage solutions, it's possible to create a stylish and functional family home that reflects one's personality.
- Interior Design: The unique decor style achieved by Jess and Oliver in their Victorian terraced home in Hove, East Sussex, is a blend of style, functionality, and character, showcasing their personal taste in home-and-garden décor.
- Lifestyle: The transformation of their family home serves as an example of how holiday and home-improvement ideas can be combined to create a welcoming and practical living space that seamlessly accommodates the needs of a growing family, making it a showcase of modern lifestyle trends in interior-design.