How to Improve the Interior of a Country House Cheaply: A Real Example

This English-style house, built in 1850, needed help from architect Maria Spick when the client and mother of three children decided to start her own landscaping business. It turned out that the house simply had no room for an office, the kitchen hadn't been updated in over ten years, and her daughters were growing up and still shared one children's room among three.

But Maria had fifteen years of experience working with London interiors. Her years of experience and sensitivity to the client's needs helped her increase the usable space in the house and transform its interior using affordable and effective methods.

First, the architect suggested abandoning the wide staircase between the first and second floors. As a result, the staircase was moved to the side of the house and replaced with a narrower and more compact version. This solution increased the living room space on the first floor. The hallway was left almost empty to create an illusion of a spacious and bright home.

The kitchen was slightly extended and given a color touch, with the cabinets painted in a vibrant green. "It turned out very English," — Maria comments.

The idea to reconfigure the second floor and give each of the client's daughters her own room was shelved for later. The girls consulted and concluded that they were fine the way they were — together. They only updated the furniture — not just in the children's room, but throughout the house — it became brighter and more stylish. By the way, the family never got global updates: they simply reupholstered the old furniture with new fabrics.

As for the office, they decided to think radially and very boldly — they organized it... in the garden. From a small guest house, half-submerged in greenery and flowers, there emerged not only an excellent workspace but also a perfect place for inspiration for new projects.

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