Christine Leech, 45, tackled a home renovation in South London that began with a simple question about adding a wall to improve the flow of her two‑bedroom Georgian terrace.
Restoring the original layout
When Leech first moved in, the living room and hallway had been merged into a single, exposed space that felt drafty and impersonal. “We had zero experience of renovating and then we were knocking down walls!” she recalled. The decision was to rebuild the original ground‑floor wall, a feature still visible in several neighboring houses, allowing her to verify dimensions before committing.
The new timber stud wall was erected by a local builder and, according to Leech, proved fairly straightforward. Adding bespoke display niches within the stud proved a bit more stressful; the builder had to make on‑the‑spot decisions about their placement, and she wished she had more time to refine their arrangement.
Reinstating the hallway wall not only reshaped the living area but also eliminated the drafts and privacy concerns that had plagued the former open plan. The change let Leff install a modular sofa that makes efficient use of the tighter footprint, while a hallway now offers a spot for coats and shoes.
DIY details and cost savings
Leech’s renovation included a rustic mantle she built herself from rough‑sawn timber and second‑hand corbels, costing just £34. She also enlisted her father to remove brickwork and reveal the original arched opening, saving money on professional labor. The hearth was sourced online, and a DIY mantle helped keep the budget low enough to fund new timber flooring.
Furniture purchases leaned heavily on bargains. A modular sofa was bought for £550 during a closing‑down sale, a retro table for £20 from a junk shop, and an Ercol rocker for £80 on eBay. She also salvaged items from her parents’ house, including a trunk that now adds personality to the room.
The finished space features natural wooden ornaments, vases, and dried yellow plants that evoke a minimalist Scandinavian style. A mix of greys—chosen for the north‑facing room—works with deep, chalky hues and warm wood tones, creating a relaxed backdrop for décor.
Leech also turned an unattractive staircase into a standout feature, enhancing the aesthetic without incurring high costs.
Her approach shows how a modest wall can resolve layout issues while allowing for creative, low‑cost touches that personalize a home.
Homeowners considering similar changes might find that a temporary partition—like the dustsheet Leech used—offers a quick way to test a new flow before committing to construction.
Overall, the renovation demonstrates that careful planning, selective reuse of materials, and a willingness to blend DIY work with professional help can transform a cramped, draft‑filled area into a welcoming living space.
