When fashion buyer Amelia invited me to her 1950's home in the Leafy town of Hoddesdon on the Essex/ Hertfordshire boarder I jumped at the chance.

I met Amelia just over a year ago, and we instantly bonded over our mutual love for personal wedding stationary and cigar bars (I'll expand on that another time, FYI Amelia makes the best wedding signage!).

Now our wedding planning is over, we find ourselves discussing the latest Zarahome cushion collection and Amelia is often trying to solve my on going rug dilemma (I still can't find one big enough or beautiful enough within budget... the struggle is real!).

Amelia and her husband Josh bought their two bedroom 1950's semi two years ago, and within such a short time have transformed their house into a shabby chic dreamy palette of soft greys and neutrals.

Amelia's home is just like her; beautiful, girlie and welcoming.

Over to Amelia..

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

The renovation; How long has it taken?

We bought our house two years ago. I wouldn’t say it is finished yet, but we are nearly there! We just need to do the bathroom next.

The palette

I wanted a whole white and grey house but I have forced myself to have a few blue and minky tones throughout.

How would you describe your style?

I naturally have quite a feminine shabby chic style but mixed with Josh’s modern taste we have added a fresh contemporary chic style to the place in keeping with the 50’s style of the house.

BEFORE

AFTER

Any renovation advice?

Don't be afraid to upcycle. You can update old furniture and make it more personal and in keeping with your style.

Our wooden dining table originally belonged to my parents (In the pictures above), so we gave it new life by painting the table legs to keep it in style with some of our other peices. I'm so pleased with it, its exactly what I wanted.