Take a turn around this personality-packed property in Bristol

The family have put their stamp on a rented flat with some thrifty home ideas. Chosen by Style at Home

A lifestyle blogger currently rents out this flat with her husband, who works in finance, and their son. This two-bedroom flat in a stunning Georgian conversion in Clifton, Bristol is a wonderful mix of cool Scandinavian style and pops of colour. It is a great space – it's got high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, full-height sash windows and is filled with the most gorgeous natural lights. Plus, it's on a lovely, leafy road of Georgian houses, just a stone's throw from Clifton's high street with its independent shops and restaurants. As time has gone by, the landlords have been able to see how the couple treat the place with care, as if it were their own, and so they have allowed them to paint the walls white and put nails in them for pictures.

1/8 Exterior

exterior

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

2/8 Hallway

hallway

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Brighten up a hallway floor with a mix of patterns. If you're looking to restore an Georgian or Victorian house, encaustic floor tiles are ideal. To keep the look cool, the couple have painted the walls in a brilliant white finish.  

Similar floor tiles

Topps Tiles

3/8 Living room

living room

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

The walls and furniture have been kept neutral and colour has been introduced with soft furnishings and accessories. That way it's easy to change your look to suit the seasons of your mood. 'I used soft furnishings and accessories to inject colour into neutral schemes. I've changed the shade of the tripod lamp about four times!' It is no surprise that the living room is the couple's favourite spot. The way the sunshine floods through the sash windows, bathing the room in natural light; and the marble fireplace is a great focal point. 'I'm continually changing the items displayed on the mantelpiece – I like the fact it's such a flexible living area. I often cosy-up on the rocking chair with a book or sit with a coffee.' 

Lampshade 

Notonthehighstreet

4/8 Sitting room

sitting room

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Give your living room something to shout about with a simple colour-block statement sofa. Here the sofa is the focal point of the room, so it deserves to stand out. A smart, simple design will instantly add character and personality to a dull space. The couple have styled up their seating with cushions to add a luxurious and pretty finishing touch. Go for patterned designs and choose co-ordinating shades. 'Learning how to sew cushion covers is a greay way of keeping costs low.'

Similar sofa

Dunelm

5/8 Kitchen

kitchen

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Neutral cabinetry is a good backdrop for colourful kitchenware. 'I like to keep the space fairly in order so the items that are out on display have a relaxed, curated look.' Full-height sash windows mean the flat is filled with the most gorgeous natural light. 

Similar paint 

Homebase

6/8 Dining room

dining room

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

The couple have created a mid-century vibe in the dining room. Look out for furniture inspired by high-end designers, and add a cushion or two for colour. 'I've always been attracted to mid-century design and Scandinavian style – but I like more colour than the conventional monochrome look.' 

Similar chair 

Heal's 

7/8 Master bedroom

bedroom with book shelf

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

Give your bedroom a modern update with an uplifting duvet cover and pillowcase set. The off-white walls are the perfect backdrop for the Azure-like bedding, which is reminiscent of the sea. 'I change our bed linen according to the season – this summer look reminds me of the coast.' 

Bedding 

Ikea 

8/8 Children’s room

children room

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brett Charles)

The couple had the perfect idea of what they wanted this room to look like. It's a very comfortable space, perfect for a young child. 'He loved his blackboard wall and miniature table and chair – it's his own little creative corner.' This stunning room is a perfect example of how neutral doesn't have to mean dull.

Similar furniture 

Ikea 

Heather Young
Editor

Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.