Tour the cool and colourful 1960s home of a graphic designer

Melanie Sramek-Bennett's passion for 1960s design is evident throughout her converted chalet on the Sussex coast. Inspired by her parents' glamorous 60s lifestyle, she sought out a 60s house to infuse with her love for vibrant colors and crisp Scandi style. The current four-bedroom detached property in Hove, though initially unappealing, captured her interest due to its proportions, large garden, and potential for expansion. The previous owners had done a quick renovation for sale, allowing Melanie and her husband Darren to move in while planning their extensive transformation. The couple designed the layout themselves, then hired an architect to finalize the plans. The initial goal was a contemporary double-storey extension with a large living space for entertaining and location shoots, and bigger bedrooms. However, they faced a three-year battle for planning permission, with the local authority objecting to the double-storey extension due to its perceived conflict with the chalet's low roofline and the character of the neighborhood. Eventually, they compromised on a single-storey extension and an enlarged rear dormer to improve the existing bedrooms, a decision Melanie now feels was not a compromise at all. During the renovations, the family rented another property, allowing Melanie to focus on the interior design. Her aesthetic combines mid-century and 60s influences with minimalist contemporary Scandi style, characterized by bold colors and expressive art. One notable piece is an Italian 1960s modular sofa sourced from a German vintage site. The new extension features a pale grey kitchen and white composite worktop, complemented by a white plywood dining table. Melanie initially wanted a yellow kitchen but agreed with Darren that a neutral base would better allow her to layer in colorful art and furniture. Subtle grey walls and cork flooring also contribute to a neutral backdrop, directing attention to the artworks. Upstairs, color blocking defines the rooms, with Melanie employing leftover paint and asymmetrical designs, such as angled walls and off-center art, to create unique spaces. Melanie's resourcefulness extended to sourcing furniture and decor. She found vintage yellow lecture chairs locally and imported mid-century armchairs by Czech designer Jaroslav Smidek from the Czech Republic, leveraging her father's connections there for cost-effective shipping. Budget-consciousness was a priority throughout the project. She acquired an imperfect Tom Raffield light from eBay, had her mother upholster some chairs, and spray-painted sale pendants grey to match colorful electrical cords. She also discovered graphic prints for £5 each at Brighton & Hove’s Phoenix Gallery. Melanie emphasizes that significant spending is not necessary for a beautiful home, and creative solutions can lead to deeply satisfying results. The house now offers flexibility for rearranging furniture and art, serving both as a happy family home and a successful location for photo shoots. #HomeRenovation #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign #ScandiStyle #ChaletConversion #SussexCoast #ColorfulInteriors #VintageFurniture #BudgetDecor #HomeMakeover #HomeRenovation #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign #ScandiStyle #ChaletConversion #SussexCoast #ColorfulInteriors #VintageFurniture #BudgetDecor #HomeMakeover

13 months ago

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