The Right Mix

Modern touches, colourful artwork, paint effects and charity finds make for an eclectic mix in Julie's Belfast abode.

- PENNY CRAWFORD-COLLINS

Julie and her husband Adam moved to this 101-year-old Belfast home four years ago. I'm originally from South Korea, where most people live in modern open-plan apartments and houses so I was craving something far removed from this. I wanted a period property that had old features and some character, we loved the bay windows and high ceilings in this house. We needed an office so this house space-wise also offered the perfect solution for us,' explains Julie. It did however need a bit of work. The décor was very dated with red carpet in most rooms and old wallpaper everywhere even on the ceilings! The couple needed to put time and money into updating the whole house. The first room they tackled was the master bedroom, 'we wanted a space to which we could escape while the work was going on,' says Julie. For a moody feel Julie kept the room quite dark, creating a watercolor effect on the walls using a Valspar paint, and for a modern touch fitted wall lights. Next on the list was the bathroom, then they moved on to the downstairs rooms.