Be inspired by this compact family home at Christmas
Having lived in a small flat, this compact terraced house on a nearby London street held great appeal for this young family. ‘It’s like a doll’s house,’ says the owner. ‘It’s symmetrical but only one room deep. But for now the house is the perfect size for us.’ When they moved in, the owners were relieved that no structural work was needed, however, there was plenty to be done on the electrics and plumbing.
They also decided to make some changes to the layout and moved the kitchen from its original position in a former coal hole under the pavement and repositioned it in the old dining room to create a more family-friendly design.
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White exterior
Agreeing on a style for the interior proved to be more of a challenge for the owners. 'We are poles apart over what we like,' they say. Happily they found a way to blend the pared-back look and the more whimsical vintage style that they each favour to great effect.
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Christmas living room
The woodburning stove throws out a warm glow and makes a wonderful winter feature next to the sparkling Christmas tree which is adorned with a growing collection of baubles. The owner found the antique sofa on eBay but then had to have the front door removed to get it inside the house. 'It wasn't my favourite day!' she remembers.
Coffee table
Oka
Wall paint
Papers & Paints
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Dining area
The dining room has been redesigned to incorporate the new kitchen and this is now the biggest room in the house. The colourful accessories and furnishings stand out against the neutral backdrop and oak floors and make this room warm and inviting. The vintage French kitchen cabinet is practical and elegant, while the shocking pink chairs add a surprise splash of colour. 'This is a small house and we have to be very careful about what we have in here,' says the owner.
Table
Commerce Decor
Similar French cabinet
Melody Maison
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Decorated dining area
An exotic table display of gold candles and pineapples, plus a traditional arrangement of presents in the fireplace lend plenty of seasonal style.
Candles
Pentreath & Hall
Similar decorative pineapples
Amara
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White kitchen
The light bright, kitchen is a far cry from the original basement room. The couple installed new units in a simple, traditional style and continued the look with the large butler sink and oak plate rack. The marble worktop and splashback give the room a modern edge.
Similar kitchen units
Howdens
Mugs
Emma Bridgewater
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Blue bedroom
The colour for the bedroom walls was mixed several times until the owner felt she had got the exact shade. The plain walls and bedlinen contrast with the vintage floral patterned headboard. This room has also been given the Christmas treatment with white paper hanging decorations.
White bed linen
The White Company
Paper decorations
Pearl & Earl
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Bathroom
The family were fortunate to inherit this classic family bathroom. Decorated in warm neutral tones, the frameless shower adds a contemporary touch and the limestone tiles help to create a calm, understated look.
Floor tiles
Mandarin Flooring
Similar shower
Victorian Plumbing
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Christmas bench
A comfortable bench makes handy extra seating for guests - especially at Christmas time. A faux deer head adds a fun note.
Fabric
Vanessa Arbuthnot
Deer Head
Edit58
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Child’s bedroom
Pretty blue wallpaper brings warm colour to this little girl's room. Favourite traditional toys and accessories displayed on the shelves in the alcove and around the fireplace, including vintage pictures and old books, add to the cosy, timeless feel.
Similar alphabet poster
Not on the High Street
Similar slipper chair
Sweetpea & Willow
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Staircase
With a ready supply of hops, this owner likes to create stylish decorations for all around the house. 'My mother brings armfuls from her garden and I spray them gold,' she says.
Similar runner
Roger Oates
