The beginning

Where else to start?

Below is a snapshot of the flat as we found it. It was, if nothing else, a sea of colour! Every door a different splash of paint, the rooms sporting various themes. In at least half of the rooms multiple patterns of wallpaper co-existed somewhat eclectically side by side but being the home of an artist, the chaos seemed considered and rather jovial. We could see past the decor to appreciate the amazing space on offer.

Unusually, the flat is split over multiple levels with rooms formed over three floors. 22 Kingsborough Gardens is end of terrace and our property is the top floor flat. Originally when we took on the project, the front door to the flat opened onto the lower floor comprising of Reception 2 (known as the Studio due to formerly being Louise Annad's art studio) and the kitchen. The first flight of stairs led up to Bedroom 1, Reception 1, a cloakroom and bathroom and finally the second flight ascending to bedrooms 2 and 3. This layout remains fundamentally the same but changes will be documented as the blog progresses.

Reception 1

Reception 2 (The Studio)

Stairs (1st flight)

Stairs (2nd flight)

Kitchen

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3 (Study)

 It was to be the beginning of a massive challenge and the end of carefree living in our previous low maintenance modern flat. The romance of the property remained but the sobering reality quickly crept upon us that we had no heating, no kitchen to speak of and a mammoth task on our hands. Cue the onset of some seriously hard graft!