‘it took two hits to get just right!’ - 1 May 2024 - Style at Home Magazine

The article details Tori Denyer's extensive renovation journey of her four-bedroom Victorian semi-detached house, which she purchased with her husband Joss in October 2016. Located in Hove, the couple sought a larger home with a private garden after the birth of their first child, Siena, and found a property with significant potential for extension, despite its dated condition. Their budget was tight, necessitating a phased approach to the renovation. The initial phase of the renovation focused on immediate improvements and essential updates. One of the first significant projects was installing a log burner in the living room. Upon discovering a well-preserved exposed brick chimney breast behind a blocked-up fireplace, they embraced its character as a focal point. Following this, they reconfigured the downstairs layout by removing an internal wall between the galley kitchen and the dining area to create a larger, open-plan space. A low-budget kitchen was installed as a temporary measure, with plans for a more substantial extension later. Concurrently, the bathroom was updated, replacing a bidet with a freestanding tub, adding a shower, and relocating the basin for better space utilization. They used leftover grey tiles from their previous home for a temporary refresh. The second, more extensive phase of the renovation commenced after four years when sufficient funds were accumulated. Tori collaborated with an architect to design a kitchen extension featuring an asymmetrical pitch and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which added significant height and drama. This design created a "wow factor" kitchen-diner and living area, fulfilling their long-term vision. The article hints at the continuation of the kitchen design process, emphasizing Tori's desire for a large fridge, indicating a focus on both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality in their new space. The loft was also converted to create a luxurious main bedroom with an en suite, a more cost-effective option than adding a ground-floor extension. Throughout the renovation, Tori focused on personalization and maximizing the home's potential. She chose specific design elements like Lick Green 04 paint to complement existing furniture, such as an orange sofa, and opted for traditional Victorian hallway floor tiles during a sale, balancing budget and desired aesthetic. The inclusion of a gallery wall was used to showcase personality and passions, while a slatted wall was incorporated to define zones within the open-plan areas without disrupting flow. Details like a new mantelpiece, music prints, and a storage basket for blankets were integrated to enhance both style and comfort. The article concludes by highlighting the strategic planning and thoughtful design choices that transformed their dated Victorian property into a bold and dramatic family home, reflecting Tori's vision and dedication to creating a personalized living space. #HomeRenovation #VictorianHouse #InteriorDesign #KitchenExtension #LoftConversion #HomeMakeover #DIYHome #OpenPlanLiving #BudgetRenovation #HomeRenovation #VictorianHouse #InteriorDesign #KitchenExtension #LoftConversion #HomeMakeover #DIYHome #OpenPlanLiving #BudgetRenovation