This bright and beautiful 1970s semi-detached villa has been transformed from a bland property into a stunning family home. The house consists of a hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, boot room, sewing room, bathroom, three bedrooms, dressing room, loft office/study/library. The owners wanted the house to look like a cottage and for the interior to have a soft New England style with English cosiness. Many of the furnishings are from the UK.Â

Belgian villa

Hallway
A crisp and bright hallway welcomes you in. The steep wooden staircase has been kept simple and painted white, while a tiled slate grey floor makes an attractive contrast and is a practical solution in a high traffic area. The small space is kept clutter free with just a few hallway heroes, such as a mirror, shoe storage and vintage coat hook.

Living room
A soothing palette of putty and white creates a calming laid-back living room. Furniture has been kept to a minimum keeping the space open and airy. A large comfortable corner sofa faces the large raised fireplace, while a few antique-style accessories add a vintage edge.

Kitchen
Sturdy wooden kitchen units have been painted a pale and soothing green and topped with a practical mix of granite and wooden worktops. A large cream range completes the quintessential country feel. A large mantel shelf has been painted a deeper shade of green, making a subtle a statement.
Howdens
Farrow & Ball

Dining room
The dining room has been given a touch of French chic with elegant loose chair covers and matching tablecloth. Large white window frames echo the white, while hessian curtains and mellow walls bring in a warm note. A simple country sideboard stands at the end of the room.

Main bedroom
The toning cream and white decorating scheme in the main bedroom creates a relaxed and calming feel. This is a bright, light-filled room with elegant French doors that open out on to a huge balcony. Covered radiators and a simple ottoman stool keep the room elegant.

Dressing room
An archway from the master bedroom leads through to a spacious dressing area with built-in white wardrobes. The space used to be an impractical box room, but the owners felt this was a more functional and luxurious use of the space.
Laura Ashley

Child’s bedroom
The child’s bedroom echoes the main bedroom with its soothing creamy-white shades and relaxed feel. Four framed seaside illustrations have been hung above the bed to add a shot of colour, while a corner unit houses an abundance of vintage-style toys giving the room child-friendly character.

Bathroom
The owners knocked down a wall to create an L-shaped bathroom, making the room more practical for family living. A brown roll-top bath makes an interesting change to the neutral palette. Amber toiletries tie the scheme together and make a pretty display.

Loft conversion
The attic room has been turned into a delightful and cosy nook for reading and also doubles as a quirky guest room. Skylights and casement windows let light flood into this inviting space. A comfortable day bed has been given a coastal makeover with the additon of blue striped bed linen, while seaside accessories, such as a sailboat and storm lanterns, are dotted around the space. A coffee table filled with mounted shells completes the endearing beachside look.

Garden
The large balcony above the dining room proved to be a major building project that included strengthening the walls. But the results are stunning. The house is south-facing, allowing the family to make the most of the sun. The finished garden was inspired by Swedish designs.