Real homes

Scandi style makeover

Home makeover: ‘I wanted our first home to be a serene space’

Colour-confident Heather loved the idea of a pale blue and pink kitchen, so she gave the existing cupboards and walls a facelift with a lick of pastel paint

Kitchen makeover: ‘Our pastel pink kitchen is bright and cheerful’

Jess has kept the kitchen fresh and light with white Howdens units, and added touches of blue for a coastal vibe

Home makeover: ‘We brought coastal cool to our Oxford home’

'DIY hacks have saved us a fortune'

Home makeover: ‘DIY hacks have saved us a fortune’

An island facing into the room includes the hob and a breakfast bar to make the kitchen feel as social as possible

Kitchen makeover: ‘We saved money by doing almost everything ourselves’

'I’ve given my home a high-end feel with high street buys'

Home makeover: ‘I’ve given my home a high-end feel with high street buys’

'Lockdown inspired me to create a bedroom getaway'

Bedroom makeover: ‘Lockdown inspired me to create a bedroom getaway’

'I give my bedroom a mini makeover every week'

Bedroom makeover: ‘I give my bedroom a mini makeover every week’

The cabinets in the kitchen are from Magnet, and
although they’re slightly more modern than Tilly
would like, she’s added lots of vintage touches to
give the space more character. The dining chairs
were an eBay find for just £6.75

Home makeover: ‘I’ve given my new-build a French country look’

Leanne sold her old grey sofas not long
after moving in. ‘I had always pictured a
dark green or black sofa in here,’ she
reveals. ‘But this teal velvet sofa and
chair from Dunelm were on sale and
they add a nice pop of colour.
I particularly love the dog cushion
by Catherine Rowe Designs.’

Home makeover: ‘We transformed our entire home for under £2,000’

Stephanie turned the former dining room into a cosy living room. ‘The Chesterfield-style sofa from MADE.com suits the period of the house,’ she says

Home makeover: ‘I mixed boho, industrial and vintage for a luxe look on a budget’

‘Everything about the kitchen extension, from the bi-fold doors
to the additional windows in the pitched roof, is designed to bring in
as much light as possible. The sky and garden feel a part of the space,’
says Natalie. ‘I wanted to create a look that instantly transports you
to California for that high summer look. I might actually plant
some palm trees in the garden for added effect’

Home makeover: ‘I want my home to make a statement’

Geometric floor tiles provide a modern edge while classic sanitaryware, a roll-top bath and panelling give a nod to the property’s Victorian past

Bathroom makeover: ‘We took a DIY approach and saved a small fortune’

'Every room has changed in size or shape!'

Home makeover: ‘Every room has changed in size or shape!’

‘It wasn’t just about the budget when we chose
the units. It was also important for us that the
kitchen had a quality feel to it, and we chose
these units because the realistic woodgrain detail
is visible and the navy colour feels sophisticated’

Kitchen makeover: ‘I can’t wait to show off my new kitchen’