The owners bought their 1930s semi-detached bungalow in 2012. It originally had two bedrooms, but they have since extended it, adding three more bedrooms – one for each of their young boys – and a bathroom. Despite its outdated appearance the couple could see the potential to extend and increase the space. They wanted to created something idividual, stylish and a little bit different to everything else on the street. They now have a bright and airy home a world away from the dark and impractical layout of the two-bed bungalow.
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Dining area
Downstairs, the couple has knocked through rooms to create one large open-plan space incorporating a living area, dining space and kitchen. A pop of yellow next to the dining area foregrounds a smart desk and shelves. ‘This corner made the perfect office space,’ says the owner. ‘We painted the wall in a pretty mustard shade.’
Similar table and benches
John Lewis
Paint
Habitat
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Living room
The living room used to be a bedroom. The deep blue was a bold decision and took some getting used to, but now the owners love it. ‘I wasn’t sure at first, but it’s really grown on me.’ This blue – teamed with the leather sofa and black coffee table – makes for a masculine feel that is fitting for a home with a dad and three boys.
Blue paint
Farrow & Ball
Similar sofa
Next
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Kitchen
The owners chose plain white units for the kitchen. ‘We love this design. It’s easy to keep clean, not fussy and the sleek, handleless cupboards aren’t difficult for a five-year old to open, which is a bonus!’ The island is the same height as the worktops so it can function as a food prep station on one side and a breakfast bar on the other.
Kitchen units
Magnet
Kitchen island
The Old Cinema
Stools
Cox & Cox
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Main bedroom
The main bedroom has a fresh feel with its white walls and furniture. Smart louvred shutters keep the window clear and uncluttered, while the honeyed tones of the wood floor bring a gentle warmth to the scheme. Pretty red and yellow florals add colour in the form of patchwork bed linen and cushions, framed artwork and freshly cut flowers. ‘Our bedroom is a calm place where we can unwind. We’ve kept things simple with a subtle feminine touch.’
Bed
Habitat
Bedspread
John Lewis
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Boy’s bedroom with green accents
The extension has allowed each of the couple’s three young sons to have their own room. This bright and cheerful room belongs to their eldest boy and features a decorating scheme that mixes fun cartoon bedding with lime green accents. The bedside lamp, artwork and cushion sing out against the whitewashed backdrop, transforming the space with colour.
Similar Beano bed linen
House of Fraser
Similar Happy Camper sign
Etsy
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Boy’s bedroom with feature wall
A white backdrop has been teamed with a papered feature wall in the second boy’s bedroom. ‘We gave the boys three separate but very similar-sized rooms and used a diferent colour scheme for each.’ A roller blind fitted into the recess helps to keep the window wall clean and streamlined.
Wallpaper
Mini Moderns
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Boy’s bedroom with fox wallpaper
Orange was the accent colour of choice for the couple’s youngest boy’s room. Quirky fox-design wallpaper leads the way for a zingy duvet cover set and throw. A wooden bedside chest of drawers adds a traditional touch. ‘We love having the kids upstairs with their own bathroom, while we enjoy our own space downstairs.’
Wallpaper
Scion at John Lewis
Similar lamp
Not on the High Street
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Children’s bathroom
The boys have their own bathroom upstairs under the eaves. The owners have made the space special with a feature wall lined in a fun monochrome fish design. Open slatted wood storage is ideal where wall space is limited and keeps everything visible and easily accessible. Large-format floor tiles with a grey grout look stylish and are easy to keep clean.
Wallpaper
Scion at Wallpaper Direct
Similar slatted storage
Ikea
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Exterior
When the owners first viewed the bungalow, they found it a little dark and small. But, as luck would have it, the next-door neighbours saw them looking around and kindly invited them to have a look around their loft extension. They had added two huge bedrooms and a bathroom to what used to be their attic. The couple were amazed at just how much space they could create and snapped up the bungalow immediately.
