Starting OVER

Gina and Mark Mills decided to embark on a complete overhaul of their Victorian home when the children flew the nest they only wish they had done it sooner

- KAREN JENSEN-JONES

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Victorian townhouse

ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, snug, cloakroom, study, utility room, five bedrooms (one en suite), bathroom

LOCATION North London

When our children left home a couple of years ago, we knew it was time to update the interior of our tired-looking house." remembers Gina Mills, an event planner with a keen interest in interiors. 'We've lived here for over 15 years, and it's been a lovely family home but living as a couple again, we wanted to make better use of the space and update the look.'

On the recommendation of a friend, Gina appointed Caz Myers from Caz Myers Design (cazmyers.com) to oversee the renovation and improve the outdated layout. The kitchen was a warren of small rooms with a cloakroom and utility area and it didn't feel like a space to relax in or entertain,' explains Gina. 'Caz could see that we weren't making the most of the space and suggested opening up the back of the house into a light-filled, open-plan living area with a breakfast bar.'