Room Tour: A Poky Ground Floor Becomes a Flexible Living Space

The house hadn’t been decorated for more than 20 years. Clare knew it was a matter of paring everything back, introducing some character and making an impact with colour.

Removing the sliding door immediately helped to modernise the space and freed up enough room for a larger, retro-inspired fridge-freezer.

Painting the archway between the kitchen and dining room bright yellow is a defining statement and one Clare knew would work. “We needed a clean divide between rooms without encroaching on the space in any way, and this adds a playful touch, too,” she says.

Archway painted in Mister David, Little Greene.

The existing solid wood units were updated with a bold, two-tone colour scheme, the paler wall units opening up the space at head height. A new laminate worktop adds a crisp, contemporary touch and is very practical.

“We swapped the gas hob for a sleek induction model, as it’s not only cleaner to use, it can double as a handy work area when not on,” Clare says. “The chimney-style extractor was also changed for a neater, more contemporary version.”

Wall cabinets painted in French Grey; base cabinets painted in Hicks’ Blue, both Little Greene.

Keen to bring some element of pattern into the kitchen, Clare chose splashback tiles with a midcentury-inspired graphic pattern. “We felt they reflected the period in which the house was built,” Clare says. “That’s something I love to do on every project I work on, as it lends subtle character to the interior.”

A mint green mixer tap is another playful touch reminiscent of the 1950s, and its ice-cream hue is perfect for the seaside location.

One layout challenge Clare faced in the kitchen was how to fit in a dishwasher; after all, this was to be the family’s relaxing, holiday getaway. The clever solution was to relocate the washing machine to the understairs area in the hallway, then slide a dishwasher into the vacated spot. The pipework was already in place, but the question was how to conceal it.

“I asked a local carpenter to make a door to match the existing kitchen units, which we then attached with brackets. You can hardly see the difference,” Clare says.

Astrid Grey wall tiles, Mandarin Stone. Neo Mint Tinkisso tap, Dowsing & Reynolds.

The family wanted to include a place to perch for coffee or a quick bite to eat. A double-sided island unit from Ikea, painted to match the base units, proved ideal for the job.

“With open shelves for display on one side and space for a couple of barstools on the other, it’s perfect,” Clare says. The island also helps to zone off access to the back door.

Stools, Cult Furniture. Ukai Fisherman’s pendant light, Iconic Lights.

Framed ice cream prints by Andy Warhol are another nod to the 1950s and add to the subtle seaside feel. A smart, striped Roman blind ensures privacy when needed without being fussy.

Prints, King & McGaw. Truro Stripe Linen Sandstone blinds, Blinds2Go. Rattan platters, La Redoute.

Clare chose to lay a hardwearing, 8mm thick laminate throughout the ground floor. The herringbone design helps to visually tie the space together and adds a sense of flow.

Signature 8mm Herringbone laminate flooring in Light Oak, Discount Flooring Depot.

The dining area next to the kitchen is where the family congregate. Clare gave it a relaxed feel with a mix of dining chairs, a farmhouse-style table and an industrial pendant light with swagged flex.

“This was actually very practical, too,” Clare says. “As I was managing the project remotely, I could tell the electrician to install the light fitting with plenty of slack, so we could finalise the light position once the furniture was in place.”

Vintage dining chairs, Ercol.

The ‘nevermind’ poster has personal significance for the family. “One of my nana’s stock phrases was ‘Nevermind’,” Clare says, “so it always raises a smile whenever we see it.”

Print, iamfy. Alvina solid pine dining table, La Redoute.

The living area has been refreshed with two-tone painted walls, giving it a bright, airy feel. “It was a great way to add character without compromising on space or budget,” Clare says.

A rich teal was chosen for the lower half of the walls, while a slightly grey-toned white was used above and on the ceiling. “As well as a nod to the coastal location, the two colours really help to visually raise the low ceiling, creating the feel of extra headroom and, generally, a larger room,” Clare says.

Lower walls painted in Maritime Teal; upper walls painted in Swedish White, both Dulux.

Removing the chimney breast and fireplace has streamlined the space. As it was structural, a builder fitted a small reinforcing lintel, which was then plastered over.

Rattan platters displayed on the wall add natural texture and help to visually ‘soften’ the room. They also disguise a TV point, which was installed in case the family wish to add one at a later date.