Creative Writing Lesson Plans For High School

A major renovation and creative planning turned a limited space into a welcoming ensuite guest bedroom.

WHO LIVES HERE

Sarah Allchorn, an interior designer, 50, lives in this renovated stone cottage in Oxfordshire with her triplets, Alexander, Amelia and Phoebe, 20

Wood, Room, Floor, Flooring, Window, Wall, Property, Plumbing fixture, Photograph, Toilet,

Before

Photographs: Colin Poole

ACTION PLAN

Replace all internal walls and make better use of space
Include custom-built bed base with deep drawers that spans the room
Use soft grey in bedroom and ensuite to unite the rooms
Choose white accessories with some red and dark grey

Did you have a lot of work to do?

When I bought the cottage two years ago it was uninhabitable, so I had to start an extensive renovation and redesign all of it. While the building work was going on we lived in a rental property in the same road, which was perfect for keeping a close eye on progress.

The first-floor layout is ingenious

As the first floor is so small, I positioned the bathroom so you can access it directly from two bedrooms. In my work I have learned to see the possibilities of a space rather than what is actually there. This new layout seemed an obvious solution.

How did you get started?

I knew what I was trying to achieve so, as with any project I work on, I put my ideas down on paper and prepared detailed drawings for each of the trades.

Wall, Rectangle, Daylighting, Bed, Square, Drawing,

Removing and replacing the walls made better use of the space

Photographs: Colin Poole

Major work was needed

Moving the soil pipe – by just one metre – was the main issue. The builders removed and repositioned the existing stud walls and created new doorways. Then the floor was rewired and new plumbing installed.

What was your inspiration for the colour scheme?

I love grey; it's the basis for most of my work and I've used it in the rest of this cottage. The bathroom is elegant and simple, with neutral tiles teamed with white walls and accessories, while in the bedroom I added colour for fun accents.

Tell us about your choice of furnishings

Comfort and luxury are important, and mixing old with new is something I enjoy. The vintage red velvet chair adds a big splash of colour. As this is a small room, I had the bed base built to fit against the wall and made a little taller than usual with deep drawers. The wall lights above the headboard are good for reading and create less clutter than table lamps – again, I was conscious of making the most of the space, using the walls rather than the floor.

For the bathroom you've chosen large tiles

It looks contemporary. I think the contrast of simplicity and smooth lines in an old building works well. And using large tiles in a small room increases the feeling of space, too.

How long did it take?

The whole task included new roof tiles, rewiring, replumbing, a damp course injection, decoration and carpeting. Work started in November and was completed by the end of January. I always use the same team of builders, as they are very reliable and pay attention to detail – I made sure all the fixtures and fittings were on site in good time so the work ran smoothly.

Room, Interior design, Property, Wall, Floor, Ceiling, Flooring, Real estate, Fixture, Bathroom accessory,

A walk-in style enclosure continues the sleek, modern look

Photographs: Colin Poole

What is the key to the success of the scheme?

Sticking to a limited colour palette in both rooms means they coordinate with each other. I chose the same tiles for the walls and floor in the bathroom to increase the feeling of space. In the bedroom the carpet adds softness but continues the neutral, taupe tone, creating a seamless feel from room to room.

The rooms work well

This small space is flooded with natural light from south-facing windows. I think the true test is when family and friends visit and they always remark on the comfortable, welcoming guest room. It's such a pleasure to hear.

WHAT IT COST

BEDROOM

Paint… £49.98

Mattress… £449

Bedlinen… £159

Blind… £350

Carpet… £77.76

BATHROOM

Tiles… £600

Shower enclosure… £460

Basin… £175

Towel radiator… £79

Wall lights… £130

Ornate mirror… £300

Total… £2,829.74

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