Steph Wright, an assistant principal of a secondary school, and her husband James, who works in clinical research, have transformed their 1920s fixer-upper into a beautiful home that suits their tastes and lifestyle. Located near Reading, Berkshire, their three-bedroom detached house was the perfect find for the couple who were looking for a property with character that they could put their own stamp on.
The couple began their renovation journey in December 2019, just before lockdown hit. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as they had plenty of spare time to work on their home. They started with the bathroom and living room, creating functional spaces where they could wash and relax. The biggest change came in the kitchen area, where they knocked down a wall to create an open-plan kitchen-diner, a project that required a lot of hard work and dedication.
Steph and James‘ DIY skills were put to the test throughout the renovation process. With limited funds, they had to carry out most of the work themselves, which turned out to be a huge help in keeping the budget down. Both Steph and James had grown up learning DIY skills from their parents, and Steph’s background as a design and technology teacher gave her the confidence to use power tools and tackle various projects around the house.
One of the biggest challenges for the couple was the garden, which required a two-phase project to transform it into a beautiful outdoor space. With the help of friends and family, they cut down overgrown trees, leveled the top of the garden, built a large decking area, and created a patio outside the French doors in the dining area. The garden now serves as a sociable space where they can host parties and enjoy the outdoors.
Room by room, Steph and James have put their personal touch on every space in their home. From the kitchen with reclaimed scaffolding board shelves to the dining area with restored parquet floors and brick-effect wallpaper, each room reflects their style and vision. The living room features modern decor with sleek lines, while the bathroom pays homage to the Art Deco era with metro tiles and black accents.
In the main bedroom, the couple used MDF strips to create painted wall paneling, adding character to the space. The garden, their favorite part of the house, is now a welcoming outdoor oasis with a black-stained pergola, slatted fencing, and an outdoor rug that ties the space together.
Choosing the right garden furniture was key for Steph and James, who use their outdoor space for both relaxing and dining. They advise starting by considering how you’ll use the space, reflecting your interior style outside, and measuring up to avoid overcrowding. Zoning the outdoor areas with rugs, lighting, and seating arrangements can help create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Now that their renovation work is finished, Steph and James can enjoy their transformed home to the fullest. With a beautiful garden and thoughtfully designed interior spaces, they have created a warm and welcoming environment that suits their lifestyle perfectly.