House Tours: Stunning First Home Renovation

House Tours: A Contemporary Home with Art Deco & Midcentury Modern Inspiration

Introduction

Hannah and David moved into their first home in 2020, just as the pandemic was gripping the country during the first wave.

Their 1970s home in a North East village offered spacious rooms and a lovely kitchen with light streaming in from bifold doors.

They were fortunate that the house was in wonderful condition to begin with, which meant they could focus on changing the decor and furnishings to their taste.

Join us as we tour this beautiful home and discover how geometric designs can be used to create a unique contemporary look with lasting appeal.

Traditional & Modern Fusion

Interior design is constantly evolving. A popular approach is to mix old and new styles together.

By using inspiration from across the decades, you can produce a unique look that feels personal to your home.

In Hannah and David's home, they have brought together a fusion of modern and classic styles.

There are hints of Art Deco, elements of Midcentury Modern, tactile fabrics, clean lines and rich colours.

The Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen has been one of the biggest projects so far and was also an unexpected part of the renovation.

Hannah and David's five-year plan did not budget for a new kitchen, but the timing worked out and they were able to fund it along with the adjoining dining room.

The pink Art Deco-inspired bar stools contrast beautifully with the navy central island.

The hexagonal light feature is also a great addition and creates a strong focal point.

Kitchen renovation with navy island and Art Deco-inspired bar stools

Ledge & Brace Doors

The house originally had white painted panelled doors with old brass handles.

Hannah and David wanted doors with a more contemporary look while retaining traditional character.

They chose cottage-style ledge and brace doors with beehive door knobs, creating an eclectic look that works well with the modern decor and wooden flooring.

Between the living room and kitchen, the double doors were originally traditional multi-paned doors with brass knobs.

These have now been replaced with oak frame glazed doors and a modern black T-bar pull handle.

The single panes bring more light into the room, making it feel more spacious and brighter.

Classic Beehive Door Knobs

Cottage Style Ledge & Brace Doors with Beehive Door Knobs

Modern T Bar Pull Handle

"The doors were a gamble as we bought them during lockdown without actually seeing them. We wanted something different to the usual panelled doors found in this style of house."

Details Matter

Details really do matter when it comes to finishing an interior design project.

Hannah and David found that the renovation started to come together when they added unique feature pieces.

In the living room, there is an Art Deco-style octagonal mirror and a modern light fitting with angular gold fittings and circular glass shades.

These pieces pick up on the geometric theme in the kitchen, including the hexagonal feature light and Art Deco bar stools.

Personal touches can make a real difference to the feel of a home.

Mirrors, unusual light fittings, art and stand-out furniture can all be found at different budgets.

Markets and online homeware stores are good places to find eclectic pieces.

"Small details definitely matter and can make such a massive difference."

Geometric designs for a modern look

Feature light above kitchen island

Clean Lines with contrasting colours

Renovation Tips

For bigger projects, consider using spreadsheets to track work progress and costs.
Do not be afraid to negotiate.
Think beyond trends and choose things you genuinely love.
Choose pieces that are practical for your lifestyle.
It will usually cost more and take longer than expected, so try to enjoy the process.

Thanks to Hannah and David for inviting us into their beautiful home and telling us about their renovation journey.

To see more photos and updates, follow them on Instagram @ourfirsthouse2home.