When the owners of this split-level two bedroom Victorian flat in north London moved in, it was dark, scruffy and drying out to be loved. It was badly laid out and had mice AND damp!
Several years on and the family has achieved a calm oasis with oak flooring throughout. They chose a monochrome paint palette for the main rooms and added plenty of character with colourful accessories, metallic touches and artwork.
The exterior
The flat had been a student rental for around 20 years, so it was in a terrible state. However, the couple were attracted to the split-level design and the small roof garden.
After moving in, they spent time thinking carefully about the layout. The previous tenants had used the room right at the top as a living room idea, with the roof terrace leading off it.
'It’s a nice big room, so we decided we’d rather have it as our bedroom,' explained the owners. 'It’s really private up there, without neighbours on either side and it’s really quiet. Plus, you have lovely views out over north London.'
The living room
The family spend most of their time in the living room, so have chosen a big squashy velvet sofa from Sofa.com to make a statement. A Berber Nile rug from Flair Rugs, a pink throw from Arket and an orange cushion from H&M Home add pops of colour.
‘The turquoise of the sofa is a happy colour and we’ve mounted all our favourite prints above it as a mini art gallery,’ says the owner.
A carpenter was commissioned to build a cupboard in the alcove as a living room storage idea. It has a pull-out top that can be turned into a desk in seconds for the day and can then be pushed in again in the evening. The section of Hornbeam wallpaper above by Farrow & Ball brings in colour.
The kitchen
The open plan kitchen idea has given the space much more light. As has putting up a large gold mirror, which throws the sunlight round the room.
After the owners decided that the units just needed painting, they took on the job themselves. This enabled them to invest in some lovely oak flooring.
They add, 'It may seem strange to paint the units a dark colour, Little Greene’s Pompeian Ash, in a small kitchen, but it gives it so much personality. Plus we changed the handles and bought new brass ones from Amazon.'
The master bedroom
The couple chose a white and grey bedroom idea for a peaceful feel. They found the bed at Get Laid Beds and elegant bedding at Zara Home. The curtains are from West Elm, which match the feature wall in Farrow & Ball’s Railings.
The other walls are painted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball, which has a lovely pink tinge that softens the scheme.
The nursery
Their little girl's nursery idea is painted in the same colour as the living room - Slaked Lime by Little Greene - as it’s a relaxing shade. The cot is from Ikea, and the pale curtains with a blackout lining are from West Elm.
A basic chest from Ikea has been transformed into a unique changing table with a coat of Rust-Oleum's Bramwell paint.
The bathroom
The boring white bathroom idea didn’t need to be replaced, so the owners have added a big punch of colour with Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke on the walls. Stick-on tiles by Wallpops have livened up the floor.
Green and pink are an on-trend combination, so all the woodwork has been made over with Farrow & Ball's Calamine.
The roof terrace
'It really is lovely to have your own little bit of garden away from everything and we put in some Ikea furniture and cushions as well as a rug suitable for outdoors from La Redoute,' shares the owners.
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