Home Style: Layout Wizardry

This unique apartment has been transformed into a fresh, light and welcoming home, thanks to the vision and determination of its owner 

Home renovation programmes on TV often employ technical 3D wizardry to demonstrate how a tricky property can be transformed with revolutionary vision: as if by magic, walls dramatically drop and rise, spaces are reconfigured and repurposed, smart design ideas swoop into place... and suddenly, everything makes sense. 

When Anna Warrington describes the decisive and rapid changes she made to her own light-filled apartment which she bought four years ago, a similar image immediately comes to mind. “I was literally moving in when a friend who was helping me suggested calling a builder pal to pop by and talk through the various ideas I already had,” Anna recalled. “So there we were, surrounded by packing boxes, discussing what could be achieved, and imagining a completely different look and feel to what was already there. It was a revelation.” 

Anna had been living in a very different property when she first heard on the grapevine that the apartment, owned by a bank, was being sold.“I had a really sweet little cottage about 30 minutes’ drive away,” Anna explained. “Much as I enjoyed village life where I was, I seemed to spend most of my time driving back and forth to the town for work and to see all my friends, and I realised it made sense to move nearer. Finding somewhere that ticked the boxes was easier said than done, though. So, when this place became available - and at a price I could afford - I was tenacious, to say the least!” 

The unusual hillside property overlooking the town was not completely unknown to Anna as she’d once visited people who had lived there many years before. It was just as well because the sale regulations stipulated it must be bought as seen. “It was a leap of faith, but I instinctively felt this was the right place for me,” Anna explained. “I didn’t hesitate.” 

While the property proved to be structurally sound, there was no denying the layout was illogical and didn’t work with the way Anna wanted to live. “I wanted it to feel largely open plan, light and airy,” she explained. “I also really enjoy entertaining, so I needed the space to accommodate a lot of people when necessary.” 

Back then, to that 3D wizardry - initially, Anna and the builder simply drew a rough plan for the new layout on a sheet of paper. “It wasn’t just the overall ‘look’ we had to get right,” Anna explained. “The practical and financial considerations were of utmost importance, too.” 

In simple terms, the property’s interior footprint was to be flipped: what had been a kitchen at the far end of the long apartment was to become the main bedroom with a sparkling new bathroom leading off it; at the other end, a dramatic overhaul was to see a large but awkward area - once used as a bedroom transformed into a generous open living space. The old bathroom here was designated for Anna’s new kitchen area, leading to a custom-made over-sized island which would not only be a strong focal point, but effectively zone the space, too. Tucked in the middle of the property, meanwhile, a dressing room along with the guest room, and shower suite were neatly accommodated. 

Five months later, once the plans had been finalised, the work could begin. Anna stayed on site throughout the five-week renovation – “I just gritted my teeth and put up with the mess and dust!” she laughed - and was fascinated as she watched the layout effectively come to life. “As the new rooms emerged around me, the kitchen and bathroom I’d chosen installed, flooring laid, and my dreamed-of island became a reality, it really felt as if the apartment was truly becoming mine,” she recalled. 

Now - at last - Anna was able to plan the décor. “I love the look and feel of New England beach houses which are so fresh, breezy and relaxed,” she said. “The apartment is in such a lovely position - overlooking the rooftops with the river and sea beyond - so I wanted to bring in the sense of light and airiness you feel up here.” 

To achieve that, Anna chose a simple palette of tonal blues set against a clean white background, layered with textural materials and classic patterns that subtly echo a coastal vibe without being too overtly ‘seaside’. 

Working to a strict budget, she carefully combined furnishings she already had with pieces found in both upscale and high-street retail outlets, often during sales. “I kept a Pinterest board of interior looks that appealed to me - no matter how eye-wateringly expensive the design or product might be - then spent time hunting down similar pieces that would help me achieve the overall style,” she said. “It was a really satisfying thing to do - and pull off!” 

Much-loved family heirlooms and vintage treasures also have their place here, ensuring the apartment feels personal and unique. “These are things which have been with me for years, and always say ‘home’ to me,” Anna said. “At the end of the day, no matter how big or small a renovation might be, it’s how you feel in your place that matters. I’m so happy here, I still have to pinch myself sometimes!” 

Photography: Richard Gadsby/ Living4media

Words: Sharon Parsons/Living4media