[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-post-title” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Black Han Sans|700||on|||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”46px” header_letter_spacing=”4px” custom_margin=”25px||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”intro-wrap” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|on||||||” text_text_color=”#808080″ text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Amira Hashish turned an old sweet shop into a stunning home, filled with fabulous finds. Here\u2019s what she learned from her renovation\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/GRAZIA_3605-scaled.jpg” title_text=”GRAZIA_3605″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n KITCHEN MAKEOVER<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n I loved the look of the newly plastered walls so simply sealed them with a Dulux translucent stabilising primer. The terracotta floor tiles are from Ca\u2019 Pietra. The kitchen is deVOL and the marble worktops from Breccia Oniciata. The splashback is Bert & May\u2019s clear glazed Zellige tiles. The dining table is a Facebook Marketplace find and the tasselled dining chairs are from Aladdin\u2019s Cave Antiques in Norwich. The bamboo and rattan bar (overleaf) from Painted House Kent\u2019s stall at Chiswick Antiques Market adds a fun element.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once the local sweet shop, this Victorian house \u00a0felt like home from the moment I stepped inside. I\u2019d been on I was determined to rip up the rule book for what is expected of a Victorian house conversion. I get a kick out of marrying traditional design with influences from other territories and eras; with this house I wanted to combine its historical legacy with a Mediterranean influence and a dash of North African style inspired by my travels and heritage. I wanted to fuse decades, palettes and schemes to create sociable spaces that flowed naturally, alongside corners of calm and cosiness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/Kitchen.jpg” title_text=”Kitchen” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before and (above) after.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Fast forward a year and what started as a tired, two-bedroom, two-storey house \u00a0has become a vibrant three-bedroom, three-bathroom with a loft conversion and a terracotta-filled rear extension opening on to an Amalfi Coast-themed terrace.<\/p>\n Every space has been reconfigured, reimagined or added to, beginning with the facade, replacing pebble dash with a clay-coloured render to complement the bricks. Walls went down and came up, the entire ground-to-first floor staircase was taken out and rebuilt, with each step and spindle cut to size. Skylights were craned in \u2013 seeing trucks drop huge glass structures over the garden fence was quite surreal.<\/p>\n A major decision was what to do with the kitchen, which was closeted behind the staircase. The wall and pillar that penned it in were knocked down and the internal area extended to become an entertaining space. A surprise design statement came from the newly plastered walls, which were too lovely to paint over. The peachy tones blend in with the terracotta parquet tiled floors and make for a light-filled showstopper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My interior design process for each space was rigorous. First, I honed in on an object, place or material that inspired me \u2013 a floral basin, for example, set the tone for the main bathroom. I would then create a mood board to explore colourways, textures, furniture and decorative details \u2013 there are helpful visual tools out there, like Canva. I also made use of Soho Home\u2019s design and mood boarding consultation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/ground-floor.jpg” title_text=”ground floor” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/Bedroom-first-floor.jpg” title_text=”Bedroom – first floor” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BEFORE <\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The house had its last makeover in the \u201990s but it was empty so, despite the dated pine kitchen, cramped bathroom and drab and soulless decor, it felt like a blank canvas. Fortunately, some of the original cornicing and floorboards were still going strong.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span>Challenging conventional colours and styles on big items such as windows, doors and stairs made a huge difference. Why should windows be black or white when you could go green? Materials were a big factor in my decision making, too; the textures and tones of micro cement, marble or plaster impacted the accents and fittings I introduced. And once I started looking beyond the functional role of the kitchen and bathrooms, I realised that I could have so much more fun with these spaces. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As well as new, thoughtfully made pieces, I spent months hunting down vintage basins, or dressers that could be turned into washstands. It took around a year to source most of the products, although I had been accumulating pieces long before that. A passionate vintage buyer, whenever I\u2019m on holiday I search for local flea markets and antiques shops. I travelled to reclamation yards around the UK to source dressers, sanitaryware and decor. You have to trawl until the right piece catches your eye. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A trip to Somerset resulted in a toilet cistern being carried back on the train. It <\/span>was worth the perplexed looks of fellow passengers. Likewise, with a bedroom chair on the number 28 bus from Ladbroke Grove. I have also carried lampshades back from New York and Sicily. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n I also spent hours trawling through Facebook Marketplace. The floral hand-painted Sherle Wagner basin that belonged to a former King of Malaysia was being sold by a chap called Andy who had worked with the King; he was given first dibs on the basin when the King was clearing out his London residence. It had pride of place in Andy\u2019s bathroom for many years, but he was downsizing and I promised to give it a good home. The basin did need new fittings that required American parts, but I managed to track some down to a New York showroom, which shipped them over. Also found on Facebook Marketplace are the lights in the kitchen, which were originally in the home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The company that carried out the demolition The online auction site The Saleroom was another great resource for tracking down quality antiques that didn\u2019t break the bank. I bought mirrors that came from Claridge\u2019s but were being sold off following the hotel\u2019s revamp. They still have the room numbers written on the back. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Without a doubt, incorporating vintage is the most effective and fun way of achieving luxury and character without eye-watering costs \u2013 I saved upwards of \u00a315,000 by tracking down quality second-hand fixtures and fittings. Thanks to the pieces dotted throughout the house, every corner has a story to tell, all of which are helping me to write the first chapter in calling the old sweet shop my home.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8097-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8097″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/GRAZIA_3677-scaled.jpg” title_text=”GRAZIA_3677″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8272-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8272″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_9038-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_9038″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#111111″ divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” module_class=”custom-divider” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8245-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8245″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n COSY COCOON<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n I wanted a cosy feel in this room so painted it in Lick\u2019s Teal 03. The Dante coffee table is from Soho Home. The rug is from Ruggable and the velvet sofa is handmade by Love Your Home. The mirror above the sofa is originally from Claridge\u2019s hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8286-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8286″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8901-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8901″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n SHOWER TIME<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The shower room features a plaster-coloured micro cement (Portland cement from Design Concrete), influenced by Marrakech shapes and materials. I introduced brass accents, a reclaimed Sherle Wagner gold scallop sink and a dragon faucet that was unearthed in a Norfolk reclamation yard.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/Bathroom-now-the-pink-microcement-room.jpg” title_text=”Bathroom (now the pink microcement room)” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before and (above) after.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8462-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8462″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n CONNECTING COLOUR<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>The hallways and stairs in soft taupe with warm pink, red and grey undertones connect each level. The walls and ceilings are in Lick\u2019s Taupe 02, subtly shifting to Taupe 03 on the stairs with a runner from Alternative. The wall lights originally belonged to Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/GRAZIA_3685-scaled.jpg” title_text=”GRAZIA_3685″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n LOFT LIVING<\/p>\n Instead of squeezing two bedrooms into the loft, I decided on having just one spacious room (above) \u2013 the real luxury lies in space, not the number of rooms. The bed is from Soho Home. The guest bedroom (below) is decorated with vintage finds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8542-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8542″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/11\/CAT_8793-scaled.jpg” title_text=”CAT_8793″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”custom-gallery-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Akshar|600|||||||” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n FLOWER POWER <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n In the family bathroom, the vintage Sherle Wagner basin that once belonged to the former King of Malaysia has been refashioned on a restored dresser. The teal tiles\u00a0<\/span>are from Minton Hollins.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”fp-boxout” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_width_all=”8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-boxout-heading” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Black Han Sans|||on|||||” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n where to find vintage gems<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The-saleroom.com Sunbury Antiques Market Golborne Road Market Norfolk Somerset Patina Facebook Marketplace <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”credit-texts” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n PHOTOS:<\/strong> CHRIS TUBBS<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SWEET ENDINGSAmira Hashish turned an old sweet shop into a stunning home, filled with fabulous finds. Here\u2019s what she learned from her renovation\u2026KITCHEN MAKEOVER I loved the look of the newly plastered walls so simply sealed them with a Dulux translucent stabilising primer. The terracotta floor tiles are from Ca\u2019 Pietra. The kitchen is deVOL […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1138,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"akindell","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1126"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1356,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1126\/revisions\/1356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1138"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/grazia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
the hunt for a period property for a couple of years but so many traditional terraced houses felt too narrow and a little down in the dumps. This one, being a corner house, had a window in every room, and I was drawn to the sense of space \u2013 and despite the soulless \u201990s decor, some of the original features remained. A major renovation was not part of the initial plan but the potential to create my dream home was just too tempting.<\/p>\n
of the building to make way for luxury <\/span>apartments was selling some of the original fixtures and fittings and I grabbed them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>The ultimate aggregator of online antiques, nearly 4,000 auction houses carry out live bidding with furniture, art and decorative items for sale.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b><\/span>The grande dame of the UK\u2019s antiques fairs, attracting dealers from all over Europe. sunburyantiques.com<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b><\/span>An antiques street market on Fridays and Saturdays and shops including Les Couilles Du Chien and Arbon Interiors. lescouillesduchien.com; arbon-interiors.mysupadupa.com<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b><\/span>Make a day of it and visit a trio of <\/span>architectural reclamation and salvage shops: Mongers in Hingham (mongersofhingham.co.uk<\/i>), Norfolk Reclamation in Panxworth (norfolkreclamation.co.uk<\/i>) and Norfolk Reclaim in <\/span>Fakenham (norfolkreclaim.co.uk<\/i>).\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b><\/span>Frome Reclamation (fromerec.co.uk<\/i>) is a giant cast iron shed full of antiques, vintage knick-knacks, tiles, radiators and lots more. Nearby Glastonbury Reclamation (glastonburyreclamation.co.uk<\/i>) has home, garden and building material discoveries.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b><\/span>Inspired by my renovation, I have launched vintage homewares platform Patina. Sign up to the newsletter for pieces for sale exclusively to subscribers plus interior styling. patinabyrapport.com<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b><\/span>You need to trawl but it\u2019s worth it. If you find a piece you love \u00a0<\/span>in a flea market, look for the stamp of the maker or brand, and ask the dealer about the style or period too. Use these as your keyword search on Marketplace.<\/span><\/p>\n