A Creative Haven in Liverpool
Laura Hall, a 41-year-old artist and mother of two, has transformed her four-bedroom 1930s ex-council house in Woolton Village, Liverpool, into a vibrant canvas of self-expression. With bold patterns, bright pillows, and an unapologetic love for color, her home reflects her creative spirit and synesthesia—a condition that links colors to numbers and letters. Laura, who works part-time as a finance manager and runs an interior design content creation business, shares her journey as a tenant and homeowner.
The Property and Costs
Laura and her husband Graham purchased the home in October 2015 for £140,000 with a £14,000 deposit funded by equity from their previous property. The monthly mortgage payment is £884, and total monthly living costs including bills come to around £1,600. The property has significantly appreciated in value and is now estimated to be worth between £385,000 and £400,000. Laura has one year left on a five-year fixed mortgage at 1.94% and is concerned about remortgaging next year.
Renovations and Personal Touches
The couple undertook major renovations, including a downstairs remodel and extension in 2020 to create two living rooms, an open-plan kitchen-diner, a utility room, and a downstairs loo. In 2022, they added an attic conversion with an ensuite. Laura’s decorating style is intuitive; she starts with a wall and builds a color scheme around it, often upcycling furniture and painting lampshades. Her favorite room is the kitchen-diner, which serves as the heart of the home for family meals, homework, and entertaining.
Challenges and Future Plans
The house required significant work, including fixing damp, bad wiring, and improperly laid floors. The property also had a lingering nicotine smell, prompting immediate removal of carpets and curtains. The busy road outside is Laura’s least favorite aspect. While she plans to stay for a few more years, she dreams of moving to a quieter street or eventually a rural country house. The garden remains the last major project to tackle.
Advice for Buyers
Laura advises prospective homeowners to view as many properties as possible and not shy away from projects. Her motto is: “You can paint over it.” She believes in embracing creativity and taking risks to make a house a home.
