We fell in love with the period windows

By reviving a tired one-bedrom Victorian flat, newlyweds Ruth and Jon Pope have created a beautiful first home on a tight budget

Feature Karen Wilson Photos Fiona Walker-Arnott

Double doors lead onto two small balconies, where Ruth and Jon can enjoy the evening sun. They’ve opted for a grey and yellow colour scheme with an Ikea rug and sofa, plus a restored wooden chest from Lewes Flea Market as a coffee table

GOOD IDEA In an open plan space, a large rug will help to demarcate the living and dining areas

Living area

With a new carpet and walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue, this room feels much more in-keeping with its Victorian heritage now.

‘As the ceilings are so high you need bigger artwork to fill the space,’ says Ruth. ‘I’m really glad we have a picture rail so we don’t have to put nails into the newly skimmed walls.’

‘I never thought I’d enjoy doing the renovation work as much as I have’

Welcome to my home

A bit about me

I’m Ruth Pope, an English teacher, and I’m married to Jon, an underwriter.

Where I live

My home is a one-bedroom first floor Victorian mansion flat in Brighton. We’ve lived here since August 2012.

What I wanted to change

The dark blue carpets and painted woodchip wallpaper had to go, and we also wanted to change the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.

How I made it my own

Custom-made radiator covers, wardrobes and shelving have transformed the flat, then we saved money by updating the existing kitchen and keeping the old bath.