Stripping Back, Leaning In

Some transformations don’t require demolition, just intention. Our fireplace was one of those moments. It had good bones, a solid wood surround, beautiful proportions, and a tiled hearth that had clearly seen decades of use. But it felt heavy, dated, and out of character with the rest of the room’s evolving mood.

So we didn’t rip it out. We revived it.

Stripping the Wood

We began by carefully stripping the dark varnish from the mantel. Beneath the gloss was grain, real, tactile, and full of character. We didn’t want to erase that, just reinterpret it. Once stripped, we painted the surround in a deep charcoal, a colour that grounds the room, adds quiet drama, and lets the architectural details sing just like our trim and doors!

The result? A piece that feels both classic and current.

Replacing the Tile

The original tile was functional but dated (I felt from the wrong period). We chose new tiles that added texture and tone, something that would complement the charcoal paint and echo the layered palette of the house.

It’s amazing how a simple tile swap can shift the entire energy of a space!

Next was creating space for my kids…..

Custom Wardrobes & Clever Spaces

Designing for Real Life (and Real Teenagers)

One of the first things we realised after moving from the US to the UK is that Victorian homes weren’t built with modern storage in mind. Our kids' bedrooms, while full of charm, had awkward alcoves, sloped ceilings, and very little built-in functionality. So we got creative.

We designed custom wardrobes tailored to each room’s quirks, making the most of every inch without compromising character.

Design Priorities

• Maximise vertical space: Floor-to-ceiling units that draw the eye upward and make the rooms feel taller
• Respect the architecture: Soft panelling, muted tones, and hardware that nods to the home’s period details
• Function first: Hanging space, drawers, shelves for books and beauty bits, and even hidden compartments for tech

Each wardrobe was built to feel like it belonged, not just to the room, but to the person using it.

Working With What We Had

We didn’t knock down walls or expand footprints. Instead, we:

• Used awkward alcoves as natural wardrobe niches
• Chose paint finishes that matched the wall colour for a seamless look
• Integrated LED lighting inside for a touch of modern ease

It was about making good use of space, not just filling it.

What It Means to Them

For our teens, these wardrobes aren’t just storage, they’re personal. They hold school uniforms, sketchbooks, skincare routines, and secrets. They’re part of the rhythm of daily life. And for us, they’re a quiet triumph, proof that thoughtful design can make even the smallest corners feel considered.

Final Thoughts

This phase of the renovation reminded us that transformation doesn’t always mean starting over, it often means looking closer. The fireplace didn’t need replacing, it needed reimagining.

And the kids’ rooms didn’t need more space, they needed smarter space. By leaning into what was already there, grain beneath varnish, alcoves waiting to be used, we found beauty in restraint and creativity in constraint. These updates may seem modest, but they’ve shifted how we live in the house. They’ve made it feel more like ours. And as the rooms continue to evolve, so do the layers, personality, and quiet grace.

Next post …… Reclaiming Character: Radiators