‘Now, it's full of THRIFTY IDEAS'

Claire combined her passion for interior design and restored vintage furniture with flair and imagination to update her home on a tight budget

- ANN BROAD, MICHELA COLLING

Before the move to this house we lived in a large five-bedroom Georgian home, with real fires, original wood floors, and open spaces, filled with natural light,’ says Claire. ‘So a 1960s-built property was a big change. But I believe any interior space, no matter the location or age of the house, can be made beautiful – a sanctuary and a real home. The children and I wanted to stay in this area, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and is close to our family and friends, so we feel very lucky to have landed here. The move has been a great success, and we love our new home.

Lifestyle changes

Life circumstances meant I had to sell my previous home and move into what had been my investment property, which I had bought in 2011. Although it has been a huge lifestyle change, I feel very happy in the new house. I've always enjoyed the creative process of designing the interiors of the homes I've lived in, and often advise friends and family on colour schemes and items of furniture, so it was a really satisfying challenge.

My style is a combination of modern, painted vintage and upcycled pieces, and I love nothing more than scouring the local charity and vintage shops for furniture and homeware to snap up. I’m fortunate living in this area of Oxfordshire as we have plenty of good places to search for that special something.

Changing the look

I moved into the house in December 2017. It had been rented out for several years and it was in need of some love and attention. I worked my way through it systematically, with the help of builders where necessary. It’s not the most beautiful building from the outside – the 1960s isn’t my favourite period for house building – so I challenged myself to change the whole feel and look of the interior on a small budget.