Step inside this cheerful seaside apartment, full of bright shades and coastal details

When the owners bought this flat, it required a lot of imagination to see its potential. Using their positivity and creativity, they turned it into a bright and welcoming home

white living room with carpet flooring and sofa set
(Image credit: Future PLC/Words Heather Dixon and Stephani)

When the owners bought this Victorian seaside apartment in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, it was dated, run down and needed a lot of work.

'Most people wouldn't have bothered to give this dated seaside flat a second chance,' says the owner. 'However we could see beyond its dilapidated interior.'

'We've renovated properties before, so we knew it could look great, but we had to really visualise how it could be.'

The flat was uninhabitable initially, so the owners spent their weekends renovating and altering the property until it was barely recognisable as the flat that they'd originally bought. They took inspiration from the coastal setting, introducing natural materials, pastel colours and treasures found on the beach.

Living room

white living room with carpet flooring and sofa set

(Image credit: TBC)

The front bay window in the living room was the only thing in the flat that was kept exactly as it was originally found, as it had recently been replaced. A collection of mismatched cushions create a cosy and welcoming window seat.

white living room with carpet flooring and blue sofa

(Image credit: TBC)

The owners used the same paint throughout the flat to keep things simple, and introduced colourful furniture and accessories to add character. Blue and yellow accents in the living room reflect the colours of the beach, which is just a stone's throw away from the flat.

white living space with blue sofa and flower vase

(Image credit: TBC)

The chevron pattern on the wallpaper is picked up and mimicked as part of a mismatch array of cushions.

Get the look
Buy now:
Sofa, £799, DFS
Buy now: Similar lamp, £56.99, The Range
Buy now: Yellow chevron wallpaper, £54 per roll, Wallpaper Direct

Kitchen

white kitchen with dining table and pink chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

The original kitchen was at the end of a dark corridor and squeezed into a space barely big enough for a cooker and a fridge. To create more space for the new kitchen, the owners knocked through into the corridor and raised the ceiling,

'I only have units along one wall to make it seem more spacious, and I kept the scheme neutral with touches of pink to make the room feel light and bright.'

'We chose a small table to save on space, but it can be pulled away from the wall and extended if we have guests over.'

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Chairs, £23.39 each, Wordans

Bedroom

white bedroom with bedside table and walled shelf

(Image credit: TBC)

bedroom with white table and carpet flooring

(Image credit: TBC)

Pastel pink continues from the kitchen into the bedroom, where different shades of pink and purple work together to create a calm and feminine look. A pallet-board headboard and wicker accessories add an extra touch of coastal style.

white bedroom with carpet flooring and chair

(Image credit: TBC)

A faux log fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere, and nautical stripes prevent the room from looking overly girly.

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Child's bedroom

children's bedroom with carpet flooring and toys

(Image credit: TBC)

The owners chose brightly patterned bedding, cushions and bunting to bring a cheerful feel to their daughter's bedroom. They chose accessories that are inexpensive and easy to change as their daughter gets older.

Garden

garden area with wooden table and potted plants

(Image credit: TBC)

Reclaimed wood and an old marble basin top were upcycled to make garden furniture.

white house exterior with windows

(Image credit: TBC)

What do the owners love most about their new seaside apartment? 'It's wonderful to wake up each morning and hear the waves, and when the sunlight is pouring in through the big bay windows, you can be in the sitting room and feel as though you're on holiday.