‘It's an upcycler's PARADISE'

Christine has transformed her London cottage into a treasure trove of vintage finds and homemade inspiration

-  HEATHER YOUNG

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Christine Leech, 46, an author, designer and workshop host. I moved here in August 2012.

MY HOME A two-bed, end-of-terrace cottage in south-east London.

WHEN I MOVED IN The house had loads of potential, but the layout didn’t work and the pastel ’90s wallpaper wasn’t my style at all.

AND NOW I rejigged the layout to suit how I like to work, turning a bedroom into a craft studio and extending the kitchen. I’ve furnished the house with my favourite upcycled pieces.

STYLE TIP Graduating colours make a stylish backdrop, to which you can add homemade touches.

The house had been on the market for a long time, and getting around to seeing it took me a while, as the estate agents’ pictures weren't very inspiring!’ says Christine.

‘After months of looking at other properties, I finally gave in and booked a viewing. As soon as I stepped through the door, I knew it was just what I was after.

First impressions