Home Style: French Daydream

Inspired by the simplicity and sense of style of our European neighbours, this couple has turned a faded property into a period gem 

It was the depths of winter and Claire and David Orders were shiveringin their makeshift bed in their chilly living room – the novelty of ‘camping’ during a major renovation project was wearing off faster than they’d anticipated. 

“Snow was falling and as our loft conversion had begun, all that stood between the rafters and the elements was a tarpaulin. In hindsight, the timing was far from ideal,” said Claire. “The boiler was also being replaced and, as we huddled together for warmth around two electric heaters, we began questioning whether the upheaval would be worth it.” 

They had known when they’d first seen the house that it needed a lot of work, but they fell in love with it. However, the reality of the renovation proved to be very different from the dream. 

“When we started looking, we were living in David’s warehouse conversion,” said Claire. “We’d tentatively talked about starting a family and were keen to track down our first ‘together’ home, with the space for us to grow into. Then I found this Victorian property on the internet and couldn’t resist taking a look. Straight way, the area felt right – with a leafy, village- like feel.” 

Claire had already renovated three properties and David is good with DIY, so the pair weren’t afraid of taking on a house that needed work. “As we strolled around the dated property, I knew that other house hunters would be put off by its appearance, as the lurid interior included practically every colour of the rainbow,” recalled Claire. “The kitchen was dark blue and bottle green, one bedroom was blood red, the next an overpowering lilac and another lime green. The living room was painted in buttermilk – it was like a kaleidoscope.” 

But Claire could see beyond the colours and began working out how to reconfigure the layout and redecorate to create a sophisticated home, “I was keen to create a style that enhanced the home by accentuating the period features with a muted palette, and then adding some accent colours.” 

Having seen that their neighbours property had already been extended,the couple reckoned it wouldn’t be difficult to gain extra space by converting the loft and extending the kitchen to one side. “The house wasn’t listed or in a conservation area and had vast potential,” recalled Claire. “It had a lovely feel, good bones and a wealth of original features such as beautiful cornicing, sash windows, lovely fireplaces and stripped pine doors.” 

Excited by their find, the pair forged ahead and bought the house, they moved in during June and started on the first phase of their renovation. “One of David’s friends had recently converted his loft and we were so impressed with the quality of the work and attention to detail we decided to use the same building company,” said Claire. 

They hired an architect who told them that planning regulations had recently changed, and this meant they would be able to extend at the back of the property by a further three metres. “This was an unexpected bonus,” said Claire. “Instead of the proposed main bedroom and tiny en suite, we’d have enough space to be able to create a much larger bedroom, separate dressing room and good-sized ensuite. 

“The builders were absolutely fantastic. However, we hadn’t bargained for the extent of the disruption that the project would cause. To gain enough head height for the loft, the ceilings in two of the first-floor bedrooms had to be lowered. We had also decided to turn another bedroom on that floor into a new bathroom, replace the boiler and have the whole house rewired and replumbed. All of this coincided with trying to plan our wedding – so it turned out to be a very stressful and hectic time.” 

After the wedding and their honeymoon the couple were recharged and ready to embark on the second phase of the project. The same team was hired to make the kitchen bigger with a side return extension, as well as strip the floorboards and revamp the garden. “By this time, I was pregnant, so we were on a tight deadline to finish the work,” recalled Claire. “A fortnight before our son Oliver arrived, I was teetering precariously at the top of a ladder with a paintbrush in hand when, really, I should have been sitting on the sofa enjoying a few chocolates!” 

Claire’s passion for interiors and impeccable eye for colour and design are evident in every room. Claire explained, “I was keen to replicate a French style by enhancing the period features with a muted palette and adding tasteful accent colours.” Now the work is complete, the family love the home they have created – despite the challenges. “There have been times when it’s been really hard going but I’ve absolutely no regrets,” she smiled. “To be able to restore the character – and breathe new life into a home that we all love has been incredibly rewarding.” 

Claire Orders Interior Design: www.claireorders.co.uk

Photography: Richard Gadsby/Living4media 

Words: Janet McMeekin/Living4media