This Carnegie house has come a long way since Chelsea (The Design Files’ very own Advertising and Sponsorship Manager!) and Stuart Hall purchased it in 2013.
Back then, the home had been a student share house rental for many years, complete with locks on all the bedroom doors, and TV ports in every room. ‘It was quite rundown and required re-stumping, which then cracked all the lath and plaster walls,’ says Chelsea. ‘Plus, the house was poorly insulated and had no heating, so the first winter there was quite uncomfortable!’
After living in the house for five years and becoming parents to Angus (now 5) and Evie (3), Chelsea and Stuart were keen to maximise the space for family living, so they decided to renovate and extend.
LSA Architects designed an update and extension, retaining the original period rooms at the front of the home, and adding a new open-plan living, dining, kitchen area; aswell as an en suite and kid’s playroom.
‘We love the open-plan living area – how the space flows from indoors to outdoors, its connectivity to the playroom, and especially the window seat. It’s a lovely spot to sit and admire the garden, and the kids enjoy building Lego there and pretending it’s a stage for dance performances!’ says Chelsea.
Framed windows set within the sage green living room wall (painted with Dulux Powdered Gum) draws the outdoors into the interior. ‘I love gardening, and this colour brings the outside in, to make the space feel connected to the garden,’ says Chelsea.
In contrast, the main bedroom is painted a mid-grey colour (Dulux Dieskau) – a shade that feels calming and cosy to encourage retreating at the end of the day.
Adding to these lovely interiors is the family’s growing art collection, including works purchased from various TDF Collect and TDF Open House events!
‘We’ve scoured many galleries and art fairs over the years, finding pieces that fill us with joy,’ says Chelsea. ‘The Spencer Shakespeare painting in the living room is a personal favourite; a birthday present from Stu that perfectly reflects what’s beyond the window outside.’
Renovating horror stories are common, but Chelsea enjoyed every moment of creating her dream family home. ‘I made most of the interior selections and loved the planning and building process,’ she says. ‘It was so exciting seeing the renovation take shape, and our builders were a dream to work with.’ A truly dream renovation, from start to finish!
