House Tours: Self-Build Dream Home

Leonie and her family moved into their self-build dream home after living in a mobile home for over six years. The long wait was worth it and allowed plenty of time to find the right products, decide upon colour schemes and choose interior accessories—all the things that give individual character to a home. Join us as we take a peek inside and enjoy the stunning panoramic views from their fabulous kitchen.

Timber and Oak Frame Structure

The house has a traditional oak frame structure and looks out onto idyllic countryside views. With previous experience of building projects, Leonie was able to take on the daunting task of managing the build from start to finish. The family moved into a mobile home on site, which helped them understand the best aspects of the location and make the most of everything it had to offer.

Leonie took her time choosing the right bricks for her home and finally selected reclaimed-style bricks to create the character of an old farmhouse. “It’s the first thing you see when you look at a house and something you can never change.”

The combination of the traditional oak frame, textured slate roof tiles and reclaimed-style bricks gives the property an established character. The house sits in its surroundings as if it had always been there.

The Heart of the House

Leonie wanted the eat-in kitchen to be the heart of the house, and it is certainly a stunning space. Light pours in through the expanse of windows, making the room inviting and warm. The exposed oak beams complete the farmhouse kitchen look.

For the cabinets and worktops, Leonie chose a timeless, classic style. The white walls and neutral colours work beautifully with the dark grey-blue finish of the large central island. Create a similar look with Bronze Cup Pulls and matching Bronze Cabinet Knobs.

Door Knobs and Interior Details

When it comes to home décor, details make all the difference. It is often the smaller features that bring everything together. Leonie has been meticulous in her choice of details—from the cabinet hardware and dining chairs in the kitchen to the floor-to-ceiling fitted cupboard in the boot room. Reeded Door Knobs provide the perfect finishing touch and offer timeless style.

Even when working with a limited budget, there are still ways to create the look you want. Leonie sourced the boot room cupboard from IKEA and added the same Bronze Cabinet Knobs used in the kitchen and utility room.

The dining table looks like a designer piece, but it was made using leftover scaffold boards stained with light grey Polyx-Oil and finished with metal legs. The entire mini-project cost just £80.

Classic Colour Palette

Choosing the right colour scheme for one room can be daunting, let alone selecting a palette for an entire house. Leonie has created the perfect neutral base for her home. White walls provide an ideal blank canvas and give each space a light, fresh appearance, while understated soft greys create a versatile backdrop for colourful accessories.

A big thank you to Leonie for allowing us to share her beautiful family home. To see more photographs of this self-build project, follow Leonie on Instagram at @building_ribbons.

Visit @suffolklatchcompany on Instagram for more customer homes, renovation inspiration and traditional architectural hardware.

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