We’re delighted to present another striking home for you all to swoon over – and this one is home to ex-police officer and beauty studio owner, Helen; as well as her husband, Stewart, their two sons, two dogs, Bengal cat, and bearded dragon. A very busy household, indeed!
Their home is an early-1990s four-bedroom detached, located in Sunderland; to which they’ve lived in for nine years now. Their previous home was a smaller property located the next street down, so it’s safe to say they’ve been happy locals for many, many years.
Helen's living is painted in a light grey like 'Sweatpants'
‘Rough Luxe’ is how Helen describes her interior designs. She likes to combine several styles and accessories to create an eclectic array of beautiful things. We love that there is so much to look at. Each time you browse Helen’s Instagram page, you spot something new! Her interior style rules are, there are no rules. If you truly love something, then you’ll always find a way to make it work.
“I like mixing things up, rough yet refined. For example, the brick slip feature wall, alongside white quartz worktops and a gold brass kitchen tap. I like the juxtaposition of traditional and modern, shown by our choice of kitchen units, which are a traditional shaker style but with a modern edge.”
Although she prefers a more neutral canvas, her secret, is creating unique displays using furniture and accessories. Whether it's wall prints, vases, or soft furnishings; experimenting with pops of colour, texture and pattern is the best way to build personality and layering within a space.
A COAT LOVE AFFAIR…
There were a number of things that stood out to Helen when she stumbled across COAT. Firstly, our curated colour collection – in particularly, our popular neutrals.
Check out our neutral colours and order your swatches ✌️
“The colours were very on trend; so simple, yet so effective. And how cool are the paint colour names, please! I really loved the stick-on swatches, which come in very handy when you’re a serial-decorator, like me! I also love the flat matt finish.”
Helen used 'Mindful' and 'Sunday Soul' for this colour blocking design
Her first project with COAT was a colour blocking design for the open plan living space, so she ordered a number of swatches to try and determine their decision…
“It was actually quite difficult to decide; I needed two contrasting, yet complimentary colours. In the end, I opted for ‘Mindful’ on the main feature wall; then, ‘Sunday Soul’ and ‘The Record Store’ as colour blocking shades. The paint is high quality, the application simple, and the coverage great. There’s a real depth to their paints.”
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE…
Time to delve into the detail; and we start with Helen’s favourite room in the house – the open-plan kitchen and living area.
Why not take inspiration from this open plan kitchen and paint your radiators in David Rose Eggshell paint?
Both the kitchen and dining room were originally separate, which also led through to a conservatory that they didn’t use. After a decision to renovate, they knocked down the partition wall between the two rooms, as well as knocking down the conservatory, and adding a utility room via the garage. The existing kitchen window was removed, and five metres of bi-folding doors were installed; allowing an abundance of light and the appearance of a larger room.
“We still refer to our renovation as ‘reno hell’; however, it’s the hardest working space in our home and it really brings everyone together. Great things don’t always come easy! I pushed my interior boundaries in this room and it just worked. I’ve found that’s when the magic happens. The feature tiles under the island, the brick slip wall and the neon sign – they just make me smile.”
Helen & Stewart created a half-wall panelling in their bedroom using a neutral like 'Good Intentions'
Next, we take a nosey in Helen & Stewart’s bedroom. An inviting space which boasts half-wall panelling and neutral shades. Helen has created a cosy space for them to reenergise, by adding soft layers and natural textures. We love the combination of cushions and throws, as well as the cane bedside tables. The hints of black ensure the space doesn’t feel too cool against the light beige and white walls.
The living room is a popular space with Helen’s followers, and we can totally see why. The dark grey sofa, the log fire, the Scandi-style rug, and the modern frame wall, all create cosy and inviting elements to the room. It is certainly a space we can see ourselves wanting to relax in after a long day!
BRANDED FAVOURITES…
Like the most of us, Helen has numerous favourites to shop for shiny new homewares; however, her number one guilty pleasure is H&M Home – which she says her bank statements will testify!
“I recently purchased a lovely gold toast rack, which I didn’t know I needed in my life until I had it (rarely eat toast). It fits perfectly with the gold salad servers (I’m a salad dodger) and gold cheese knife (will use Christmas, at best). What can I say, they’re all so pretty and nothing haunts us like the things we didn’t buy!!”
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS…
Helen is keen to change up her en-suite bathroom, but the planning stages are early days and the first hurdle involves telling her husband! We’re looking forward to following this next project and seeing what colours, materials and textures appear next.
“I really liked the pale taupe colour, ‘Good Intentions’, as well as the warm beige of ‘Duvet Day, so I definitely plan to use those in the future!”
HELEN FROM @MAMOFBOYS LENDS SOME ADVICE…
“Trawl Instagram, read mags, source inspiration. Trust your instinct, and if you love something, go for it. Push your boundaries, it’s when the magic happens!”
Feeling inspired? Grab your neutral swatches to find the perfect shade!
