Tessa Bird and her partner Robbie Henderson transformed a run-down 1930s semi-detached house in Addlestone, Surrey, into a cozy living room that reflects their travels. The couple purchased the three-bedroom home three years ago, attracted by its Arts and Crafts features—wooden panelling and solid floors—but first had to tackle extensive repairs.
A room that didn’t hang together
The living room was the final project. When they moved in, it had bright yellow walls, a pink fireplace, and honey-stained floorboards. Tessa described it as overwhelming and lacking harmony. With two young daughters—Mya, five, and Thea, two—they wanted a calm space for the family to gather.
They began with essential updates. The floor was sanded and stained, while the walls were repainted in off-white and grey, with a subtle pink undertone in the white. The fireplace was painted to match, creating a neutral base. White shutters replaced curtains at the French doors and window, a choice Tessa and Robbie stand by despite the expense. “We’ll never tire of them,” she said.
The couple favored vintage and secondhand pieces. A leather sofa, chair, and chest came from eBay and Gumtree. “Leather ages beautifully,” Tessa noted. An old chest bought for £50 now serves as a side table, holding plants and souvenirs. A stack of trunks adds storage while contributing to the room’s texture.
Travel keepsakes as decor
The room’s character comes from personal touches. As a family photographer, Tessa filled the walls with black-and-white photos. The most striking elements are the mementos from their pre-children trips. A German retro lamp, a family heirloom, sits beside Tessa’s chair.
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The built-in seating and shelving around the fireplace were preserved, with the wood cleaned and treated to bring back its warmth.
Tessa’s style leans toward tactile textures. A cowhide rug from eBay, mohair and faux fur throws, and animal-print cushions add depth. “I don’t like too much color,” she said. “Just small accents, like the yellow throw.” The result is a space that feels both lived-in and purposeful, where every item has meaning.
For Tessa and Robbie, the living room is more than a place to unwind. It’s a celebration of their adventures and the family they’ve created. The couple, who prioritize recycling, handled most of the work themselves, from sanding floors to upcycling furniture. The only thing they avoided was rushing. “We fixed what was urgent first,” Tessa said. “The living room was what we wanted—a real gathering spot.”
The room still has its oddities. The original staircase became a standout feature, and the floor once gave way during renovations. Those flaws only add to its charm, offering more stories to tell.
