'I carefully plan EVERY DETAIL'

Finding her dream flat wasn't all that difficult for Luella. The challenge was making the higgledypiggledy space modern and homely

- ABBI HENDERSON

I had a really clear idea of the kind of property I wanted,' says Luella. 'I just wanted to find a nice sized period conversion flat near to my son's school in Dulwich somewhere that felt welcoming, warm, and homely, in a convenient location. Despite the flat being very basic and somewhat underwhelming internally, I could see it had so much potential. The building - which is Edwardian, and full of character is positioned opposite a pretty church, and the beautiful sash windows overlook quiet, leafy avenues.

The interiors were nothing short of neglected, having previously been an unloved rental property, but the large windows allow natural light to flood in, and the outdoor greenery - framed by the lovely sash windows - feels like a kind of unique, ever-changing piece of artwork. I couldn't walk away and decided this was to be our home.

Laying the foundations

First of all, I had the flat stripped right back and tore out the kitchen, bathroom, and flooring throughout. I also took down the wall that separated the living room from the dining room and removed doors from the hallway and kitchen entrances to create an open-plan space. That has made a huge difference, as this layout allows natural light to travel through the core of the flat and enables a better flow.