Before & After: Tour this dreamy, traditional-with-a-twist renovation
This Edwardian home in Hastings once suffered from the most common of design flaws – its rooms were starved of natural light, it lacked the character that the homeowner was searching for and its layout and flow fell short of its potential.
If you were to canvas opinion from new homeowners or those yearning for a change to their existing space, these pain points would come up time and time again. And if there were a formula for fixing them all, the talented team at interior design studio House Nine, seem to have figured it out.
Founder Jojo Barr totally reimagined the footprint of her client's home, opening up walls with elegant arches, adding a new living room extension, and in a total feat of spatial planning, incorporating an ensuite into every bedroom.
The result is like a living Pinterest board for design enthusiasts – just try and peel your eyes away from the full house tour below – but one that feels real. It's all warming colours and welcoming nooks and exquisite details that you notice on second or third inspection.
Below, Jojo takes us through the renovation process, sharing her favourite features as well as the paint colours used throughout...
Tell us a little bit about the original space and why your clients chose to renovate
JB: The house was already a stunning property, situated in a cracking central location, but it lacked the character and functionality the client envisioned. While it had great potential, the space felt slightly light starved, so one of our primary goals was to open it up and let in as much natural light as possible. Additionally, the client wanted each bedroom to have its own ensuite, which required thoughtful and clever spatial planning to make the most of the existing layout. The renovation was all about maximising the home’s potential while infusing it with personality and improving its overall functionality.
Take us briefly through the process.
JB: The client’s brief was at the heart of this project. Having lived in the house, she had a clear vision and deep understanding of how she wanted the space to work for her needs. Following our site visits and discussions, we dedicated significant time to spatial planning and architecture. With a limited footprint to work with, we had to get creative and make every square inch count. Our process included developing detailed floor plans, architectural designs, and elevations, along with careful material selections. We ensured our client was an active part of the journey, involving her at every stage to guarantee her satisfaction and alignment with the evolving design. This collaborative approach was key to bringing her vision to life.
Did you update the layout?
JB: Yes, absolutely! We made significant updates to the layout and flow of the house. One of the key changes was carefully adding ensuite bathrooms to all the bedrooms, which required thoughtful reconfiguration of the space. We also introduced a new living room extension, creating a much-needed additional area for relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen and front elevation were completely reworked as well, which had a hugely positive impact on both the functionality and aesthetic of the home. These updates not only improved the flow but also maximised the potential of the existing footprint.
Nora Pleated Lampshade
Pot Pie Storage Footstool
Flora Hand Painted Jug
Wavy Pine Wall Mirror
Elsa Side Table In Panna Cotta
House Beautiful Maura Sofa in Coral
Hay Tent Stripe Tiffany Ruffle Lampshade
ANYDAY Skye Jute Rug
Pair of Star Backplates in Brass
Did you face any challenges in the process?
JB: Of course – what project doesn’t involve its challenges! Working within a budget, we were focused on creating a beautifully thoughtful, turnkey space that felt both practical and inviting. One of the main challenges was the ceiling height in the new extension and an unusual angled wall, which made furniture planning tricky. However, these constraints turned into opportunities, as the angled wall became a unique feature that added character to the space. By embracing these elements, we were able to craft a design that felt intentional and perfectly tailored to the home.
What’s your favourite part of the transformation?
JB: My favourite part of the transformation has to be the kitchen. We reimagined the space by creating a rear prep kitchen and a front kitchen designed for entertaining, complete with a bar area for guests. To connect the kitchen and dining area, we opened up the wall with two stunning arches, incorporating a fireplace in between, a feature that is both impactful and full of character. The client’s playful and fun personality really shone through, allowing us to experiment with bold colours and unique details.
One standout feature is the arched dog bed integrated into the kitchen design – it’s a true showstopper and a perfect example of how we balanced functionality with personality! Another favourite feature is the top floor, where we designed custom-built quadruple bunk beds, painted in our Ziggy’s yellow by Coat Paints. This space has become the ultimate kids’ hangout.
Is there anything you would change if you were to tackle it again?
JB: Take more photos!
What are your favourite pieces in the home?
JB: The house is brimming with beautiful pieces, but some of my favourites include the custom upholstery and the abundance of antiques that bring character and charm to the space. The artwork is particularly special, each piece was carefully curated and framed by us, with many discovered during our travels and at antique markets. A couple even came from our talented Rosie, a designer at House Nine, who contributed her own stunning paintings to the collection.
One standout piece is the butcher’s block in the rear kitchen, which we designed specifically for the space. It’s both functional and full of character, perfectly embodying the thoughtful, personalised approach we took throughout the home.
What were the main paint colours used?
JB: We used our very own Coat Paint colours throughout the home, each chosen to enhance the character of the space. In the kitchen, dining and living areas, we opted for the soft and timeless Jojo's White on the walls and ceilings, paired with Home Is on all the skirtings for a subtle contrast. The staircase features Spanked, a stunning terracotta shade that adds warmth and personality. Greens were a major theme throughout, with Jojo's Green bringing life to the boot room and Next Tuesday creating a calming yet sophisticated vibe in the guest bedroom. Each colour was carefully selected to complement the home’s overall palette and style.
Tour the rest of the home
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