Renovating an old cottage room can be a daunting yet rewarding task, especially when balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality. This space underwent a complete transformation—from a built-in wardrobe-clad storage room to a beautifully restored, multi-purpose area.
Before
With careful planning, sustainable choices, and an appreciation for the building’s quirks, we created a room that now functions as an office, nursery, and guest room all in one. Here’s how we did it.
Stripping the Room Back
We completely gutted this room, as built-in wardrobes covered almost every inch of the walls except for the door. Everything had to go—wardrobes, carpet, and four layers of wallpaper. Paint stripping around the window was done cautiously with a heat gun at the lowest setting to avoid vaporizing potential lead-based paint. During the process, we uncovered a charming little fireplace hidden behind the wardrobes. Most of the original lime plaster was still solid but needed several reparations. An unexpected discovery was made when we found that a structural ceiling beam from the downstairs room also formed part of the wall in this upstairs space—a classic quirk of an old cottage!
Upgrading Radiators and Electrics
To enhance efficiency, we relocated and replaced the radiator, reducing excess pipework throughout the room. Similarly, the electrics were moved and upgraded to better suit the new layout.
Plastering and Finishing Touches
Our goal was to use natural materials wherever possible. We used lime plaster for repairs and spent countless hours filling and sanding centuries of nail holes with lime putty filler. To maintain breathability, we avoided lining paper on the walls but did apply it to the ceiling, as airflow was less of a concern there.
Once the walls were prepped, we installed the skirting—managing to get the longest pieces through the window! We then applied Edward Bulmer natural primer and paint in Tea Green to maintain breathability. Given the room’s wide proportions but low ceilings, we opted for colour drenching to create a sense of openness and cohesion. To keep costs down, we colour-matched the ceiling, woodwork, and radiator with Valspar, which turned out to be a perfect match.
Sustainable and Stylish Furnishing
I enjoy sourcing key pieces that anchor the room’s aesthetic while finding everything else as sustainably as possible. For this space:
- I made curtains using Sophie Robinson’s Woodland Floral fabric.
- Lighting came from Pooky, with wall sconces from Dunelm in antique brass.
- Brass sockets and switches from Soho Lighting Company complemented the room’s heritage feel.
- A mix of Facebook Marketplace finds, charity shops, and antique stores provided the desk, desk chair, rocking chair, table lamp, side table, and wall prints.
- The sofa bed and antique chest of drawers were cherished family hand-me-downs.
A Room with Three Functions
Because of the cottage’s unique layout, this upstairs room is actually the largest in the house. What was once a spare room and storage space has been transformed into the hardest-working room in our home. By day, it serves as my home office. In the evenings and weekends, it becomes my daughter’s nursery. And when guests visit, the sofa bed makes it a cozy and welcoming guest room. A true triple-purpose space!
After
This renovation was a labor of love, blending heritage preservation, sustainability, and practical design. Through thoughtful material choices, careful planning, and creative sourcing, we transformed an underutilized space into a room that meets multiple needs beautifully. Whether working, parenting, or hosting, this room now works as hard as we do!
Creator: Hannah
Instagram: @thatstonecottage