Tucked into a quiet conservation area in the West Midlands, Hannah’s 1930s Arts and Crafts-inspired home perfectly balances convenience and calm. Just a short stroll from the town centre and train station, she can be in the middle of a 2,000+ acre park within minutes. Her latest project, a kitchen renovation, features the classic Versailles Limestone tiles, bringing timeless character and warmth to the heart of her home.
When did your project start and how long has it taken?
We bought the house in January 2024 and have just completed the first (and main phase) of the renovation. We were very lucky with the actual build as that element took 3 months. We used the time beforehand to live in the house and work out what we needed, draw up the plans and then adapt to budget!
What is the history of your property?
The house dates to early 1930’s. We believe it was originally constructed for a family of haberdashers. My favourite feature of the house are the windows which have the original
‘Bullseyes’ in them. When we bought the house, it had been well cared for with a beautiful garden having been established but in need of modernisation.
What styles did you want to see in your renovation?
Although we did need to change the layout of part of the ground floor, we wanted to be sympathetic to the age of the house, its character and give a nod where we were able to the original design and the way it was used. All the fixtures, fittings and materials were chosen with this in mind and the limestone perfectly complements this. Our architects, Guy Piper, and our contractors, Space, shared our passion for period buildings and Space undertook meticulous work to build the two storey extension with the original bricks, and recreating the slate and other details around each window. The end result blends seamlessly into the original building.
Why did you choose Versailles limestone?
We’d used limestone in our previous house and found that the upkeep was reasonable even with young children. I visited the Solihull showroom with an open mind considering both limestone and porcelain, but the Versailles limestone was a beautiful neutral colour and had a lovely finish and character to it.
Why did you choose Quorn Stone for your tiles?
They had a local showroom and I could see that they offered some good quality options. I found them to be a reasonable price and the service was good throughout which gave us a lot of confidence in them.
What is your favourite interior piece and why?
There are many. Our house is a mix of antiques, pieces handed down over the years and new and inexpensive pieces. I love them all for different reasons but they were collected over a long period and each has a story to tell.
What was the best bargain find during your project?
We have many but probably our dining table which I think is very elegant and can seat up to 16. It was the result of a lucky eBay bid!
Where do you like to shop for interior pieces?
Everywhere and anywhere, it’s a lot of fun stumbling on new places especially when you’re not under pressure to buy a specific item.
What three words would you use to summarise your style?
Classic, sympathetic and calm.
Project Details…
Kitchen Island Colour – Little Greene Light Bronze Green
Kitchen Unit Colour – Edward Bumer Milk White
Wall Colour - Edward Bumer Milk White
Kitchen – Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch
Lighting – Cox & Cox, Neptune & John Lewis
Bar Stools - Ikea
