Page 44 - March 2024

AT HOME WITH

minimal, so the bright rooms, high ceilings and finished look. “I’ve always loved original wooden “Our kitchen is admittedly a lot smaller
open-plan layout were all instant wins for us.” flooring, so when we moved in, I knew it was than we would have liked, and we probably
one of the main projects we’d take on,” explains would have gotten a lot more property
With the property secured, the couple could Hannah. “There was grey carpet everywhere for our money if we had moved further
look at how they could put their own stamp on and we had no idea what was underneath, out of the city centre. However, we’ve
its interiors, with Hannah keen to ensure they until one night we just decided to rip it all up. It always dreamed of living in Stockbridge
could create a clean, Scandinavian feel. “I have wasn’t in the best condition, so we had a local – there’s so much on our doorstep here,
always been drawn to that kind of aesthetic, flooring company come in to work their magic. restaurants and bars and shops. When it
focusing on clean lines, neutral colours, and After four days of sanding and whitewashing, came down to it, we decided that at this
functionality. I love the simplicity of it but also we couldn’t be happier with the result.” stage of our lives, location was what we
the warmth you can bring in through different wanted to prioritise.”
textures, like wood or soft furnishings.” Almost two years on, Hannah and Stuart have
lovingly turned the tenement into a hygge After a successful first purchase and plenty
They began their renovation journey with a haven, with an elegant neutral colour palette of time to settle into their home together,
staple of the pared-back Scandinavian style that brings a fresh, bright and inviting feel to the couple have sage advice for anyone
they aspired to, by ripping up the carpets and the property, paired with plenty of soft textures else hoping to do something similar: “Do
stripping back the flooring for a bright, warm and clean, streamlined décor. The end result your research! Take the time to properly
is a tranquil look, reminiscent of read up on a property and use a trusted
a luxury hotel – an ideal place agent. It’s also important to consider
to unwind at the end of a busy what you want out of life at the time of
day, and a respite from busy city “I love how calming the flat feels,” says Hannah. searching: it is city life that you want, or
life. Careful accessorising and “I really wanted to create a space where you feel would you like to get a dog in the future?
a limited palette bring a sense totally at ease, with lots of lovely things around you. Make a list of priorities and compare it with
of calm, while everything feels Whether it’s a glass that’s just as beautiful to look properties that you like. You can, of course,
touchable and inviting. at as it is to drink from or seeing my favourite velvet make compromises, but it’s good to look
throw swept across the sofa – to me, it’s important at your short- and long-term goals, and
that every item in your home (where possible!) work these in accordingly.”
brings you joy. I’m all for stripping back the clutter
(or in our case, hiding it behind closed doors), and
focusing on décor and accessories that make you If you’d like to see more of Hannah and
happy, while creating a relaxing atmosphere. I love Stuart’s soothing Stockbridge home, you can
Careful accessorising looking at Nordic home accounts on Instagram for follow Hannah on Instagram @neutralwearswell.
and a limited palette inspiration, or browsing local interiors boutiques
like Catalog Interiors, or Nordic Living by Biehl. I’d
bring a sense of calm, advise new homeowners to take their time when
it comes to decorating; your home is where you
while everything spend most of your time, so it’s good to get a real
feels touchable feel for the space and take it from there. Also – a
lick of paint makes a world of difference, so it’s a
and inviting. great place to start!”
Reflecting on their property journey, Hannah neatly
sums up the quandary faced by many buyers,
regardless of whether they’re purchasing for the
first time or are several steps further up the ladder:
do you choose location, or prioritise property size
and space?

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