**Interview with Ed Colston: Investing in Interior Design for a Transformative Home Experience**
**Charlotte Luxford:** Ed, as a first-time buyer with no renovation background, what were your initial thoughts when you started searching for your first home?
**Ed Colston:** I could have easily chosen a new build, something shiny and ready to live in. However, I realized that taking a long-term approach would be more rewarding. After moving to London post-graduation and switching flats for nearly a decade, I wanted to find a place I could truly make my own.
**Charlotte Luxford:** What drew you to Brockley?
**Ed Colston:** I was looking for a quieter area in London that still offered outdoor space. Brockley felt perfect. It’s a leafy neighborhood that strikes a nice balance—peaceful yet vibrant in its own way.
**Charlotte Luxford:** What motivated you to buy a 1960s fixer-upper?
**Ed Colston:** While some people might have viewed the bright orange feature wall and quirky layout as drawbacks, I saw potential. I loved that it was an end-of-terrace home, which meant more space, and the south-facing garden was a big bonus. Plus, the asking price of £565,000 seemed reasonable in a competitive market.
**Charlotte Luxford:** You brought in an interior designer right after moving in. What led you to that decision?
**Ed Colston:** I reached out to Grace King from Studio Rey as soon as I moved in during the summer of 2022. She advised me to live in the house for about a year before rushing into renovations, so I could really understand how I wanted to use the space.
**Charlotte Luxford:** What changes did you find necessary after settling in?
**Ed Colston:** My friends love coming over, but the galley kitchen felt cramped, and the staircase cut through the sitting room, making entertaining difficult. Grace suggested transforming the front room into a cozy snug and adding a kitchen-diner extension to enhance light and space. Repositioning the staircase also helped create a more functional master bedroom and turned what was once a small box room into a double guest bedroom.
**Charlotte Luxford:** Did you ever consider collaborating with a traditional architect for the renovations?
**Ed Colston:** Instead of opting for a conventional architect, I went with Resi, an architectural design platform. I appreciated the transparency of their fixed upfront fee—especially since other architects were quoting percentages. It was a game changer for keeping everything organized alongside my busy work schedule.
**Charlotte Luxford:** How long did the renovation take, and how did it impact your finances?
**Ed Colston:** The project took five months and came in on budget, thanks to Grace’s expertise. Although hiring an interior designer felt like an extra expense at first, it ultimately saved me both time and money. She provided innovative design solutions and quickly sourced quality products, often leveraging her trade discounts.
**Charlotte Luxford:** Can you share some insights into the kitchen design?
**Ed Colston:** Absolutely! We used Ikea carcasses hidden behind elegant Husk cabinet fronts for a sleek finish. Although I initially wanted a poured concrete floor, Grace recommended large-format concrete-effect tiles instead, which looked fantastic and were much more budget-friendly. I managed to source most of my appliances from eBay or by purchasing ex-display items to keep costs down.
**Charlotte Luxford:** How does your home feel now after the renovations?
**Ed Colston:** It feels much more cohesive now. Before, it was like a patchwork of styles, but now it’s a harmonious space. I find myself spending most of my time downstairs, especially in the kitchen-diner. It’s wonderful to host friends in a space specifically designed for entertaining, whether we’re having a sit-down dinner or just enjoying time in the garden.
**Charlotte Luxford:** It sounds like it’s become more than just a house; it’s an extension of your lifestyle?
**Ed Colston:** Exactly! It’s not just a place to live; it’s become a part of my life.
