As promised, here´s a little sneak peek into the transformation of our apartment! Renovating properties is something my partner and I love to do – this is our third property in London so far, and as always – it’s a big challenge!
The Specifics
2 bedroom flat, Victorian building, West London
The Beginning
The condition of the property was bad – which is exactly the state we look for when buying our properties. The apartment also had a pretty awkward layout, but we both saw immediate potential and development opportunity straight away.
The Renovation
We (well, not me physically) gutted over half the flat; kitchen, lounge, hall and bathroom – the only layout we didn’t touch, were the bedrooms at the back.
The Transformation
We knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the lounge; gaining triple view aspect (large window in the kitchen + two in the lounge) with an open plan living, maximising the space. We lowered and levelled out the ceiling, adding in down-lights across the ceiling. The bathroom was the size of a master suite (totally unnecessary), so we made it smaller, which gave us more living space. We laid solid wooden floor in the kitchen/living room, and neutral carpet in the bedroom (it’s an English thing and I love it – so cozy!). We fitted bespoke wooden units and shelves in the kitchen, hallway and both bedrooms – all painted in the same colour, to blend in with the interior.
The Result
The colour scheme is neutral throughout, with colourful accessories and interior details. The kitchen units are in a pale green colour together with a grey granite worktop. We wanted traditional and classic features, such as a butler sink and bevelled white tiles – with the contrast of modern stainless steel appliances. Rustic french-style master bedroom, with floor to ceiling wardrobes (all mine – of course), with a second double bedroom, which we’re currently using as a study + more wardrobe space. The bathroom is neutral and minimalistic, painted in a pale lavender colour together with white bevelled tiles, and silver chrome details. The furniture and interior artefacts are a mix of new (Loaf, Dwell, Zara Home, Urban Outfitters, Next Home, Debenhams, picked up from our travels, etc.), and old (flea markets, antique shops, local markets, eBay, Gumtree, etc.). One of my biggest hobbies is to find old furniture and artefacts which comes with history. I also love to renovate old furniture; I bought our solid wooden table & chairs for only £40, which I sanded and painted to fit our style/colour scheme.
You’ve done such a great job Anneli – it looks lovely! x
Ah thank you! x
Wow, vad fint ni har fått det! Det måste ju verkligen vara en dröm, att få planera sitt egna drömhem liksom. Älskar dessutom de inbyggda bokhyllorna, sådana ska jag också ha!
Tusen takk Paula! Ja, en absolut drom :)
Your apartment looks beautiful! Do you mind me asking where your bed is from please? It’s exactly what we’ve been looking for! Thanks x
Hi Angela – thank you so much! Of course not – it’s from Loaf – so stunning. Our bedside tables are also from there (matching set – although you can buy separate). Ax
Thank you! x
That’s beautiful Anneli, great job! I’m bemused by Peppa Pig playing on the tv!
Hi Linda – thank you so much!
Haha, I know! My sister was visiting with her 6 months old baby, hence Peppa Pig :)
It is lovely, modern yet with that typicall English vibe.
I hope you don’t mind me asking where your couch table and the cute owl lamp beside your bed is from. X
Thank you so much! Of course not – the table is from Next (very surprising – I know!), and the owl lamp is from Urban Outfitters. x
Thanks :).
Wow, it’s beautiful Anneli! Well done x
Thank you Lucy! x
Looks awesome!!!! im a little jealous;)
Thank you so much Fabienne! :)
Looks great :-) Love your blog and especially the lifestyle posts! Btw, two questions I’ve been wanting to ask you: why is your cute dog not living with you and are you part Norwegian/part English (“Willis”)? Hope I’m not too curious ;-)
I love the colours, pale green and neutrals are my favourite! Really great job, congrats and wish you all the best in your new home :)
Hi Lucia,
Ah, that is so kind of you – thank you :)
It is lovely so white so chic :):) Sylvia
Thank you! :)
omg, such a lovely colour scheme! i know where you got your zig zag carpet from :D
Thank you – so glad you like it :) Haha, yes. LOVE this rug!
It Looks great! Lots of design inspiration! Do you mind if I ask where the gold tray in the bedroom is from?
Hi Rhi,
So glad you like it! This tray is an antique find from Brighton :)
WOW! that looks amazing! You have a really good taste!
http:/blondecoffee.wordpress.com
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much! :)
Hi Im currently doing up a house spending ages looking for flooring- could you tel me where you got your carpet and wooden floors from? and their colour etc thanks a million love your style
Hi Sinead,
Ah, thank you! :)
It was sourced locally from where my partner is from – can’t remember I am afraid!
Wonderful dressing table, I’ve never had one – feeling inspired! X
sheepskinsandfairylights.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much, I love it! x
oh and another thing……. what colour paint did you use?? im trying to choose a white colour but there are so many different white colours my head is in a spin!!!
Hi Sinead,
We used Jasmine White :)
Your home is so beautiful! I like the neutral colors but loads of interesting details which make the apartment just your home <3
Stunning apartment – Would you mind me asking where you got your sofa from? We move into our new London flat in May and it would be perfect!
Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Thank you! We bought it from Sofaworks over a year ago.
Good luck with your new flat :)
Anneli