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After years of developing properties for his clients, interior designer Oliver Heath was looking forward to testing out his design skills on his first house. Oliver’s new townhouse was a compact three-bed, which had been rented out to students for more than 10 years.
In a small townhouse like this, it is important to make the space work harder. Planning permission was needed for a glass balcony that extends out from the kitchen, creating a second outdoor space and Oliver increased the size of the ground floor patio door to let in more natural light.
The owners
Oliver Heath, an architect, interior designer and TV presenter, and wife Katie Weiner, a jewellery designer, both pictured, lived here with daughters, Layla, nine, and Ottilie, seven
The property
A three-bedroom, 18th-century townhouse in Brighton, East Sussex
The hearth has the same glass surface as is in the kitchen. Vases, Snooper’s Paradise. Blot cushion, Habitat (opens in new tab). Chair, Ercol
A vintage leather sofa from Spitalfields market helps to zone the open-plan space. Katie made the curtains in fabric from Zara Home
The lower-ground floor outdoor space is flooded with light. Bespoke benches made by Oliver’s carpenter from recycled wood make handy corner seating. Rug, Bert’s Homestore. Table and mirrors, Ardingly Market; for similar, try Graham & Green (opens in new tab). Cushions, Habitat (opens in new tab) and Homesense
The hallway and landing walls have been painted in a vivid blue colour; for similar, try Lost Lake by Dulux (opens in new tab). It creates a stunning backdrop for a display of unframed vintage bird prints held
The old window shutters were removed from the front of the house, giving it a simpler, less cluttered look
Bathroom sanitaryware and shower screen, Kohler. Speckle pebble mosaic floor tiles, Marble Mosaics. For similar wall tiles, try Neutra N06 Moka Mosaico, World’s End Tiles
This reclaimed wooden slat wall was added for texture. Bedside tables made by Oliver with legs from North Road Timber & Joinery. For similar ikat curtain fabric, try Prestigious Textiles. Gold garland floral light shades, Habitat (opens in new tab)
Layla and Ottilie’s room overlooks the outside patio. It has been revamped with
Cole & Son Great Wave wallpaper, Designer Wallpapers. For similar curtain fabric, try Khitan, Fabrics & Papers. Lappljung rug, Ikea. Haden grey throws with tassels, Habitat (opens in new tab). Skittle rattan light shade, Litecraft (opens in new tab)
Maxine is a freelance interior stylist and writer. She can be found blogging on her site We Love Home, where she covers the latest trends and her own projects in her Victorian terrace in Brighton where she lives with her dog Teddy.
