Victorian Terrace Renovation
Bishopston
A thoughtful design to mix period charm and modern living
"We have just had a whole house refurb and Ivywell’s design service has been fantastic and exceeded our expectations. Megs was lovely to work with and took our taste and style into consideration to come up with a design that also added sophistication, coordination throughout the house and a real wow factor. She spent many hours refining design choices and was very proactive in getting things achieved. Ivywell managed the whole project very efficiently and ordered many items, including all bathroom fixtures. They ensured that we stayed within our budget and their service was excellent value for money. Regular visits from Megs helped to make a large project into a positive experience. We absolutely love our newly finished home and could not be happier with the beautifully designed interiors."
A Top-to-Bottom Renovation:
Transforming a Victorian Gem
Victorian homes are full of charm, but they often come with their fair share of challenges—and this three-storey terrace house was no exception. A full renovation was on the cards, and while the owners were ready to embark on this journey, they knew juggling a redesign with work and family life wouldn’t be a small feat. With an architect on board to reimagine the layout—adding windows and opening up the ground floor—they enlisted our help to bring the interiors to life.
Balancing Budgets and Big Ideas
The biggest challenge? Balancing the budget between essential building upgrades and creating the interior style they dreamed of. Together, we prioritised key investments like an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, and improved insulation and scaled back on structural alterations. After all, there’s no point in designing a gorgeous space if you’re too chilly to enjoy it!
Remodelling Over Extending
The property already had a small half-width rear extension, and we debated whether a side return extension would be worth it. We explored with the clients how they would use the space day to day, their cooking habits and preferences. In the end, a clever remodel won out, making the most of the existing space and leaving more of the budget for upgrades throughout the rest of the house.
Bathrooms, Bedrooms, and Built-In Solutions
The small family bathroom was slightly extended and completely refurbished with a tiled-in bath and shower to make most of the space available. The loft bathroom was transformed with a large walk-in shower, generously sized basin and large format tiles. Meanwhile, the loft bedroom, with its high ceilings but limited storage, got a practical design makeover. Staying true to our beautiful but functional ethos, we added under-eaves storage and a bespoke built-in wardrobe to maximise the space.
A Palette with Personality
The clients’ collection of ceramics and artwork inspired a tonal, earthy colour palette that flows throughout the home. While the walls are mostly neutral, we introduced bold accents like terracotta, a vibrant coral pink in the bedroom (a nod to the owner’s Indian heritage), and a striking leaf-patterned wallpaper in the dining room. The small cloakroom wasn’t forgotten either, we opted for a bold black and white print to create a real impact. These touches bring warmth, personality, and a sense of timeless style to the space.
A Thoughtful Family Home
Every decision in this project was guided by the clients’ vision of a thoughtful and enduring family home which we helped them implement with the contractor. From practical solutions to personal details, we worked hand in hand to create a space they’ll enjoy for years to come.
If you’re dreaming of transforming your own home—whether it’s a Victorian treasure or something else entirely—we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Get in touch, let’s create something beautiful together.
