BOLD MOVES

Self-confessed maximalist Carey Mann has skilfully breathed life and energy into her compact apartment

- MARISHA TAYLOR

DINING AREA

A raised table provides a natural divide between the kitchen and the rest of the living space. Try the Norse metal bar stool, £89, Cult Furniture. The Mira pendant light in Smooth Storm Grey, £99, Swoon, would work

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Apartment in a Grade II-listed Georgian house

LOCATION Kent

ROOMS Living room/kitchen, one bedroom, one bathroom

PURCHASED 2019

PREVIOUS PROPERTY ‘We rented in Hackney Wick, before moving down to the Kent coast,’ says Carey.

Tired of their busy city life and looking for a new adventure, Carey Mann and her husband Johan had relocated to Margate back in 2015. ‘At the time we wanted to get on the property ladder, which was something we couldn’t afford to do in London,’ says Carey, a freelance interior stylist. ‘We were drawn by the inspiring views, sandy beaches and the artisan vibe of the seaside town. There is something so special about Margate; it has an energy you can’t help falling in love with!’

The couple bought a Victorian two-up, two-down and fully renovated it over the following four years. Growing up in Sweden, Johan had learnt to build from an early age and was able to skilfully turn his hand to most of the work, going on to build his own music studio in a warehouse near the old Margate train station, while Carey opened a cafe along the Margate harbour wall. ‘These were all dreams we wouldn’t have achieved if we had stayed in London,’ she says.