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"When the owners bought this three-bedroom Victorian terrace in Bristol, they felt it was a little bland and in need of an injection of character and warmth.\r\n\r\n'We'd been looking to buy for about three years and began to feel disheartened as sale after sale fell through,' explains one of the owners. With competition for properties in the area rife, the couple had a fight on their hands to not only find their <a href=\"https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-tours\">dream house</a>, but also to make the winning bid on it! This house alone had 18 separate bids. When they actually secured it, the new owners were overjoyed.\r\n<h2>House exterior</h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146155\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"wp-image-146155 size-full\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-001_17412121_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"house exterior\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nSet in a Victorian terrace, this property's classic exterior gives nothing away with regards to the decor inside, but the owners fell in love with it as soon as they saw it.\r\n\r\n'The fact that many of the house's features remained intact really appealed to us. There's the original coving and deep skirting, and a period fireplace in the living room that's perfect for displaying candles! It had been renovated by the previous owners, so the house was a perfect blank canvas and only required cosmetic work.'\r\n<h2>Living room</h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146159\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146159\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-012_17412201_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"grey Living room\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe couple updated the walls with a soft, chalky grey which fits the period property without compromising the couple's chosen minimalist style. Framed artwork has been hung on the wall in clusters - rather than singly or in uniform lines - to create a personal gallery-like feel.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146157\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"wp-image-146157 size-full\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-004_17412141_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"grey living room with black fireplace and alcove shelving\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\n'I've always loved period properties,' says the owner. 'With their sense of history, their character and the stories behind them.' This living room, with its alcoves, ceiling mouldings and cast-iron fireplace certainly fits the brief - these features have seen plenty of things!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146158\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146158\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-011_17412192_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"Living room chair by window with cat curled up on \" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\n'I'm very influenced by Scandinavian design and have been fortunate enough to travel in the area extensively,' says the owner. 'I light candles every evening, which really helps me to relax. I've also sourced several sheepskin rugs, which lend warmth and texture and remind me of home.' The cat looks pretty happy with the scheme, too!\r\n<h2>Kitchen</h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_287562\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-287562\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/White-kitchen-Ideal-Home.jpg\" alt=\"white kitchen with stainless steel splashback\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlthough the kitchen was newly installed the owners changed the handles and replaced the laminate worktop with solid wood. 'It's ash, but the rich tone of the wood oil we soaked it in to protect it makes it look more like oak. This gives the space a more up-market feel,' they say. As the owner's previous home had a galley kitchen, they find this sociable space a real luxury.\r\n<h3>Dining room</h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146160\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146160\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-019_17412262_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"white dining room with black fireplace\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe dining room is relaxed in style, with an eclectic mix of smart and sophisticated furniture. 'One of my best buys were the Bertoia wirework chairs, which I bought locally - they look great at each end of our dining table.'\r\n\r\nAnother highlight was the decision to get a local joiner to install cabinets in the alcoves' says the owner of the brilliant <a href=\"/all-rooms-ideas/clever-designs-for-alcoves-91177\">alcove idea</a>. As well as providing storage, the shelves above the cabinets are perfect for displaying special pieces, such as the sewing machines.\r\n\r\n'I inherited my first Singer sewing machine from my grandmother and am now always on the lookout for more,' says the owner.\r\n<h2>Master bedroom</h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146162\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146162\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-030_17412362_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"grey bedroom\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe owners decided to pair neutral bedding with simple side tables and understated lamps for a pared back look. However, there are touches of luxury in this calming <a href=\"/bedroom/bedroom-ideas/white-bedroom-ideas-87609\">white bedroom idea</a>. 'We splashed out on an upholstered bed because it worked so well with our monochrome theme.'\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146165\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146165\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-039_17412431_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"white linen bedroom curtains behind a grey rocking chair\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nA white linen <a href=\"/all-rooms-ideas/curtain-ideas-236415\">curtain idea</a> helps to keep the room looking clean and fresh, while fresh flowers on the window sill bring colour into the space in a very natural way. An elegant armchair, draped with soft furnishings makes for a peaceful corner to read or wind down.\r\n<h2>Guest bedroom</h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146164\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146164\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-038_17412421_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"vintage wooden bedside table beside bed\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nAs the owners wanted to create an inviting, uncluttered guest space, they kept things simple with bedside lamps and a subtle display on an intriguing vintage table.\r\n\r\n'I love to source classic vintage pieces rather than follow current trends,' says the owner. 'Lots of the furniture I like was designed in the 40s, 50s and 60s, but has a timeless quality that doesn't date.'\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_146163\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-146163\" src=\"https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/56/2016/12/Abi-Dare-034_17412392_121841092.jpg\" alt=\"bedroom chest of drawers in bay window beside Ghost chair\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" /> Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe couple prefer to save up for statement pieces that they know will last them a lifetime, whether that means designer furniture or original mid-century modern classics, like the pieces seen here.\r\n\r\n'I love that our home serves as a sanctuary - we can truly relax and unwind here.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>This house tour originally appeared in Style at Home, January 2017.</em>"
<https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-tours/take-a-look-round-this-cosy-victorian-terrace-with-modern-decor-146153>