This beautiful thatched cottage, located in the countryside outside of London, has been sensitively updated to combine its ancient features with a more modern and light-filled interior. Owned by Jess, a decorating enthusiast, the former Victorian home now feels like a peaceful and serene retreat.
When Jess first encountered the cottage, its rooms were filled with dark wooden furniture and heavy floral patterns. She knew that she wanted to bring more light into the space and create a sense of comfort and relaxation. Working with a palette of light and airy colors, she painted the walls in a soft sand shade and added layers of light and breezy fabrics.
The furniture in the cottage has been carefully chosen to complement the original features of the house. Antiques and wooden pieces stand alongside more modern finds, creating a sense of balance between the old and the new. Jess has also incorporated her love of quilts, using them as throws and bedspreads throughout the rooms.
One of Jess’ favorite rooms in the cottage is the bedroom, where she has created a peaceful and theatrical feel. The walls are painted in a heather shade, while the bed is layered with floral sheets and pillows. The room is flooded with light, thanks to the large windows, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Throughout the cottage, Jess has worked to keep a sense of privacy and tranquility. She has added curtains and blinds to the windows and used soft lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The result is a space that feels both modern and timeless, a beautiful country home that has been sensitively updated.
Introducing a greater sense of light and space
The former Victorian townhouse has been sensitively updated with a light and tranquil interior, which allows for an increased sense of space and light throughout the house. The idea was to create a modern country home with a beautiful blend of modern and ancient features.
The house features original wooden beams and thatched roofs, which have been carefully preserved and worked into the design. This not only adds character and charm to the home, but also helps to maintain the sense of history and authenticity.
To further enhance the feeling of light and space, the walls have been painted in light and neutral colors, such as sand and heather. This helps to reflect the natural light that streams through the windows, making the rooms feel even more airy and bright.
The furniture and antiques have been carefully chosen to complement the sense of light and space. Floral patterns and quilts have been used on the beds and in the living areas to add a touch of femininity and softness. The use of light-colored wooden furniture throughout the home also helps to create a more open and spacious feel.
In the bathroom, a theatrical touch has been added with the use of patterned tiles and a vintage-inspired vanity. This adds a sense of drama and interest to an otherwise simple space.
Throughout the home, there are links to the past and nods to traditional country decorating ideas, while still embracing modern sensibilities. This combination of old and new creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
By keeping the original features of the house and blending them with modern elements, this charming thatched cottage has been transformed into a light-filled and spacious home. The result is a peaceful and inviting space, where one can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
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Linking spaces through the color scheme
One of the standout features of this fairy-tale thatched cottage is how the color scheme links different spaces and creates a sense of harmony throughout the house. The use of carefully selected colors not only adds depth and layers to the interiors but also creates a seamless flow between rooms.
Before the renovation, this ancient townhouse had separate rooms with different colors on the walls, which made the space feel disjointed and confined. The owners wanted to make their home feel more open and light, while still retaining its cozy and country feel.
To achieve this, the decorating team worked with a soft and soothing color palette. Soft pastel shades like heather gray and sandy beige were used on the walls to create a sense of calm and tranquility. These colors were sensitively chosen to complement the wooden beams and thatched roof, which are original features of the house.
In the living room, the walls were painted a light heather gray, while the furniture was kept neutral to let the colors stand out. A floral patterned carpet in shades of gray and beige adds comfort and warmth to the space, while antique wooden furniture anchors the room and adds a touch of tradition.
In the bedroom, the walls were painted a sandy beige to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The bed is dressed in soft floral sheets and quilts, which add a touch of femininity to the room. Antique furniture and wooden accents throughout the space keep the room feeling grounded and connected to the rest of the house.
The bathroom has been updated with modern fixtures and features, but the color scheme has been carefully selected to maintain a sense of continuity with the rest of the house. The walls are painted a light gray, which echoes the color used in the living room. The use of gray provides a neutral backdrop for the white fixtures and allows the beautiful tiles to take center stage.
Throughout the house, the use of color creates a cohesive and harmonious flow between rooms. By using a light and soothing palette, the decorators have managed to link the different spaces together while still allowing each room to have its own distinct feel. The result is a light-filled, tranquil home that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
Updating a kitchen by painting cabinets
Updating a kitchen by painting cabinets is a great way to give your space a fresh and modern look. Whether you have a small kitchen in an urban apartment or a spacious country kitchen in a thatched cottage, painting your cabinets can transform the room.
Painting cabinets can help create a sense of light and space in your kitchen. It can also bring a sense of comfort and warmth to the room. By choosing the right color, you can make your kitchen feel more inviting and cozy.
There are many different colors and finishes to choose from when painting your cabinets. Whether you prefer a light and airy feel or a more dramatic look, there is a color that will suit your taste. You can choose neutral colors like white or gray, or you can go bold with vibrant colors like blue or green.
Before you start painting, make sure to properly prepare your cabinets. Remove all the hardware and clean the surfaces thoroughly. Sand the cabinets to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. You may also need to apply a primer to ensure that the paint adheres well and lasts longer.
Once your cabinets are properly prepped, you can start painting. Use a paintbrush or a roller to apply the paint evenly. Start with the back of the doors and work your way to the front. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one. Depending on the color and finish you choose, you may need multiple coats to achieve the desired look.
After the paint has dried, you can reattach the hardware and enjoy your newly updated kitchen. The painted cabinets will instantly transform the space and give it a fresh and modern feel.
Updating a kitchen by painting cabinets is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a new look. Whether you live in a thatched cottage in the countryside or a modern townhouse in London, this idea can work for any style of home.
Adding pattern through window treatments
One of the most effective ways to add pattern and personality to a space is through window treatments. In the case of this fairy-tale thatched cottage in London, the homeowners have sensitively updated the interiors while also keeping the sense of the country charm.
Before the renovation, the cottage featured traditional, heavy curtains that blocked out a lot of natural light. The owner, Jess, wanted to create a light and tranquil atmosphere in the house, so she decided to replace the curtains with lighter and more modern window treatments.
This Victorian townhouse has been transformed into a cozy and comfortable home. Jess has chosen to use a mix of curtains, blinds, and sheer curtains to add variety and interest to the windows throughout the house.
The curtains and blinds are made from a variety of materials and come in different colors and patterns. By layering these window treatments, Jess has created a sense of depth and texture in each room.
One of the most beautiful features of this house is the original wooden window frames. Jess made sure to keep these intact and painted them in a light sand color to keep the space feeling light and airy.
She has also added floral patterned sheer curtains in some rooms to add a touch of whimsy and femininity. These curtains provide privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through.
In the bathroom, Jess has chosen to use a combination of blinds and sheer curtains for both privacy and light control. The blinds can be easily adjusted to let in just the right amount of light and keep the bathroom feeling bright and airy.
Throughout the house, Jess has used a combination of modern furniture and antiques to create a comfortable and stylish living space. The window treatments tie in with the overall decorating scheme and add a touch of drama and color to each room.
The use of patterned window treatments not only adds visual interest but also helps to tie the rooms together. By choosing fabrics with similar colors and patterns, the interiors of this cottage have a cohesive and harmonious feel.
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Small bathroom ideas
If you have a small bathroom, you may think that your design options are limited. However, with the right ideas and some creative thinking, you can transform your small bathroom into a beautiful and modern space. Here are some small bathroom ideas to inspire you:
1. Use light colors
Light colors can make a small bathroom feel more spacious. Consider painting the walls in soft pastel shades or using white tiles to create a sense of light and openness.
2. Maximize storage
In a small bathroom, it’s important to make the most of the available storage space. Consider installing shelves or cabinets above the toilet or vanity to keep toiletries and towels organized.
3. Choose the right fixtures
In a small bathroom, space is at a premium, so choose fixtures that are scaled-down and compact. Consider installing a pedestal sink instead of a vanity, and opt for a shower over a bathtub to save space.
4. Add mirrors
Mirrors can make a small bathroom appear larger and brighter. Consider installing a large mirror above the sink or a mirrored cabinet to reflect light and create the illusion of space.
5. Embrace natural light
If your small bathroom has a window, make the most of it by keeping the curtains or blinds open during the day. Natural light can make a small space feel more open and airy.
6. Use vertical space
In a small bathroom, every inch counts. Consider using vertical space by installing shelves or hanging baskets on the walls to keep toiletries and towels within reach.
7. Add a touch of pattern
To add visual interest to your small bathroom, consider incorporating a patterned wallpaper or tiles. This can create a sense of depth and texture in the space.
8. Keep it simple
In a small bathroom, less is often more. Keep the design simple and clutter-free to create a sense of calm and tranquility in the space.
9. Play with lighting
Use lighting to create a theatrical feel in your small bathroom. Consider installing a pendant light or using wall sconces to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
10. Add greenery
Bring a touch of nature into your small bathroom by adding some potted plants. Plants can add a sense of freshness and life to the space.
With these small bathroom ideas, you can transform your tiny space into a beautiful and functional room that provides comfort and style.