I created a home that is my own world

While still totally user-friendly and practical, Karen Proctor’s fun and imaginative fantasyland follows her own tastes and no one else’s

Feature Juliet Kinsman

Photos David Giles

Welcome to my home

A bit about me

I’m Karen Proctor and I live with my daughter Lilly Rose, age 12.

Where I live

Our home is in Kensal Green, North West London. It has a sitting room, kitchen, two double bedrooms, a bathroom and a home office/studio.

What I wanted to change

A very dark, badly designed kitchen with a lack of surface space, no storage and poor quality wiring and plumbing.

How I made it my own

After lots of planning and organisation, I knocked the kitchen ceiling out right at the back where there was nothing above it and added a skylight, plus put in patio doors to open onto decking.

My favourite part

I love the skylights in the bedroom. With two above my bed, I can look out at the stars at night.

GOOD IDEA

Pick rose gold over chrome or gold to accentuate the peachy tones in your room

Living room

Many of us dream of creating a quirky, personality-rich home on a budget, but few can achieve an eccentric elegance quite like Karen. ‘Mixing patterns, prints and contrasting textures has always been my thing,’ she smiles. ‘I was known for it when I worked as a stylist at Liberty of London, and I do think it’s instinctive – but you need some plain in there too! For instance, the floor tiles in my living room have a strong pattern which is why I went for black and white rather than bold colours’.