Lois O’Hara, a seasoned renovator, has transformed a ground-floor studio apartment in the Lower Meads area of Eastbourne, East Sussex. The Victorian building, dating back to the 1860s, is the fourth renovation O’Hara has completed in just two years. Filled with vibrant colors and distinctive style, she considers this project her most successful yet.
For O’Hara, the renovation process goes beyond mere property investment; it is about creating beautiful, livable spaces. She stated, "I want to show that not all landlords are the same – some of us really do care."
The studio spans 40 square meters and took seven months to renovate. O’Hara bought it with the intent to rent, but it was initially outdated and sparsely furnished. "The kitchen was crammed into a small corner and the bathroom was overly large because of a giant boiler room," she explained. Now, the apartment feels airy and luxurious with stylish archways and lighting contributing to a warm ambiance.
Curved design elements are prominent throughout the flat, reflecting O’Hara's preference for soft lines over straight edges. She demolished the existing kitchen and bathroom to create an open living space, incorporating a privacy screen to delineate the sleeping area from the rest of the studio.
Natural light floods the space, enhanced by a bright color scheme. O’Hara crafted the orange coffee table herself and chose furniture from various retailers such as Wilko and Made. For the walls, she opted for paints by Lick, using a deep Red 06 color in the dining area to create a lavish atmosphere, complemented by Pink 03 accents in other areas.
Professional tradespeople were brought in for more complex tasks like tiling and flooring, while O’Hara maintained involvement in the painting to ensure her vision was faithfully executed. The kitchen features wavy brushed-nickel handles and oyster tiles, while the bathroom combines dark Blue 04 paint with gold fixtures for added warmth.
O’Hara remains budget-conscious while selecting décor, often experimenting with multiple pieces before making a final decision. However, she acknowledges the challenges that arise in small space renovations, noting, "It’s sometimes hard to work with a small space…timing is always tricky."
With the studio now ready for rental, O’Hara has validated her talent for crafting practical yet stylish living environments in compact settings. For more of her work, visit loisohara.co.uk.
