Beverley and Pete Graham moved into their three-bedroom, Edwardian semi-detached home in Essex, which was seriously in need of renovation. Their first priority was updating the kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom for their daughter, Holly, leaving their own bedroom with dated décor, a grubby carpet, and a large, ugly fire.
A blend of period charm and eclectic style
Once the initial renovations were complete, Beverley was eager to transform their bedroom into a relaxing haven. She wanted to reflect the home’s historical roots while incorporating her love for eclectic style and colour. Before considering wallpaper, the couple addressed the fireplace issue, removing it and repairing the chimney breast. They then stripped the walls, removed the old carpet, and installed two new efficient radiators sourced online. Beverley recalls, “I’m a huge fan of wallpaper, but before I could even consider getting Pete to agree to a possible pattern, we had to address the issue of the fire.”
Beverley incorporated vintage furniture, including a dressing table and drawer sets originally bought in Deptford Market for their first home. These pieces, initially intended for the spare room, added character to the bedroom. The standout piece is a teal headboard, inherited from a friend and re-upholstered in velvet, which Beverley describes as the room’s “real wow-factor piece.”
High-street finds and DIY touches
A console and stool from other rooms were repurposed, while a trip to the high street yielded a glamorous velvet bench and a lively chair. Beverley was delighted to find a bench with detailing matching the headboard, creating an informal mix. She says, “I couldn’t believe my luck when I spotted a bench with the same detailing as my headboard and, while the chair was a bit of a gamble, I love the resulting, informal mix.”
The finishing touches included a chandelier and wall lamps bought online for under £195, which Beverley proudly notes as “not bad for four cut-glass lights!” Made-to-measure Roman blinds layered with homemade silver curtains added elegance to the windows. Additional high-street finds, such as bed linen, cushions, and a large pink lampshade paired with a green glass base left by the previous owner, completed the look.
Beverley is pleased with the result, describing it as “a sophisticated retreat that we both now can’t wait to retire to at the end of the day.” This is a digital version of a feature that originally appeared in Your Home magazine, with feature by Paula Woods, styling by Jo Rigg, and photography by Sussie Bell.
