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Home visit: how to design a happy home
In this industrial-style home, a family has learned how to make the space grow with them – not just in size, but emotionally too. Step inside and discover the ideas that make this feel-good space.
Stay open
When Katty and Marky bought their house it was made up of small rooms. “The kitchen was a tiny box of a room, it made you feel separate,” says Katty. Then sons Lucas (4) and Milo (2) came along. “A kitchen extension created a sense of openness.” Placing a table and bench off the end of the island unit gave the family a breakfast bar that doubles as craft station and home office.
The kitchen is our family room, it’s where we live. It isn’t perfect, but we’re not precious because it’s a room we want to be hardwearing – a survival room!
Make family time special
Dining rooms may not be on trend but Katty and Marky have made a point of having a separate dining space. “I had a romantic idea of eating in here with the kids and that’s what we do once a week – we call it a Foxy Dinner Party. The boys set the table, we stick on a record and it’s just nice family time. Lucas is at the age where he’s starting to create memories; I hope this will be one of them.”
Make it easy to change
“I’ve gone from putting stuff everywhere to grouping it in organised collections,” says Katty of her pared-back approach to creating displays. “I usually keep it nice and clean. Today’s mix is quite eclectic – I wanted to try a mix of magazines and trinkets. Often, I just have magazines or album covers.” Picture ledges are the perfect way to showcase an ever-changing display. No need for nails.
We used to have a lot of stuff, but I’ve become someone who needs order to feel relaxed. The kids were the catalyst. I’ve had to find the line between ‘good sentimental’ and hoarding, so we only have the things we absolutely love!
Create cosy nooks
When space is limited, make it work harder by creating rooms within rooms – spots where you can do your own thing in a shared space. Marky built a window seat for the boys. A bench with baskets underneath would create the same nook. Then use textiles to cosy it up. “I wanted somewhere the boys could cuddle up with a book. They sit there like doggies waiting for Marky to come home after work.”
Hide and display
Curated minimalism describes Katty and Marky’s approach. “We don’t want pictures on every wall so we made a gallery in the hallway, which grows organically.” Hiding the stuff of everyday life gives the art wall a chance to shine. “The hall is a high-traffic space, you want things to be organised and easy for the kids. The TV cabinet we use is great to store shoes – we each have our own box.”
Don’t save it ‘for best’
“We waited a long time to get the living room right. As we sorted out the rest of the house, this room was the one we hid behind closed doors. We finally tackled it last year when I signed up for a four-week Instagram challenge. It was the first time Marky and I worked on a room together properly, that’s why I really love it. I call this our ‘turn off room’, where we switch off and relax.”
None of our rooms are ‘good rooms’ – there are no restrictions on the boys. I don’t want to be precious about anything. This is a home to live in.
Family-centred, fun and creative – that’s our home! We step inside, take a breath and know we can be ourselves. Our home is security and comfort that transcends how it looks.
Journey to a family home
“A regular red-brick terrace,” is how Katty and Marky describe their 100-year-old house. The home has grown with them – two bedrooms became three, and the small kitchen grew into a family-sized kitchen/living space with the addition of a double-height extension three years ago. “When we moved in, this place was falling to pieces. To get to this stage has been quite a journey,” says Marky.
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.
Made by
Interior designer: Katie Phillips
Photographer: Benjamin Edwards
Follow Katty @denoffoxes
