!['Our home has evolved OVER TIME'](https://cdn.magzter.com/1421994762/1662475553/articles/Wkzah6Cov1662724361705/OUR-HOME-HAS-EVOLVED-OVER-TIME.jpg)
When my husband Tim and I realized we would soon outgrow our cottage, we didn't have to look far to find W a solution,' says Joolz. 'Tim's parents were still living on the family farm nearby, but they were ready to downsize, so we decided to swap. They moved out to a smaller home on the farm, while Tim and I and our two daughters moved in.
At the time, it felt a little strange moving into a house we already knew so well, especially as I was pregnant with our third child, so I couldn't get stuck into making it our own straight away. However, the farmhouse was very liveable. Apart from installing central heating and building a new kitchen, we prioritized raising our family and running the farm, although I really looked forward to personalizing the decor.
Rethinking the layout
When we moved in, it was a warren of tiny rooms and there was still an outdoor toilet. It's also set on a hillside, which makes it quite dark. We knew we didn't want to change the character of the farmhouse, but we thought it would benefit from an open-plan design that would turn it into a modern family home. We knocked down the wall between the sitting room and kitchen to create a large space we can all use together. Upstairs, two box rooms and a cloakroom were reconfigured to become our bedroom, complete with an en-suite bathroom. The new layout suits us so much better.
Do it! TIPS FOR TABLESCAPING
* First, choose your backdrop. A classic white tablecloth feels elegant, while a bright pattern packs a fun punch. A linen table runner in an earthy tone creates a relaxed rustic feel.
* Layer up. Add texture by layering woven rattan place mats and linen napkins. Bonus points for cute napkin rings.
*Think about height. Tapered candlesticks bring a touch of drama. For variety, dot tealights down the middle of the table.
This story is from the October 2022 edition of Style at Home.
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This story is from the October 2022 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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