25 Beautiful Homes

82 | 25bh october 2017idea in mind, they removed the wallbetween what is now the dining area- formerly the study – and thekitchen to create a light, open feel. The intention was to reconfigurethe interior to a high-spec design. ‘Weopted for pocket doors to link the hallwith the dining area,’ says Karine.‘They look fantastic and are realspace-savers.’ Solid-wood tri-folddoors leading out to the garden wereanother big investment. The couple’s approach was veryhands on. ‘Ossi and I had a very clearidea of what we wanted – even downto the paint finish,’ says Karine. Thewhole house was redecorated, witheach zone given a distinct identity.‘In the sitting room, for example, weopted for a light yet sophisticated lookas we entertain a lot.’ Far from adding new touches,much of the work upstairs involvedremoving features to maximise space,so all the bedroom fireplaces weretaken out. ‘The builders also suggestedwe lose the chimney breast to createan alcove, which was a master stroke asit proved the perfect place for a set ofdrawers,’ says Karine. ‘And the spaceabove it was tailor-made for a largeframed photo of our daughters.’ The Valtanens say the house hasturned out better than they ever hoped.‘Everything went to plan,’ says Karine,‘and it’s all down to good teamwork.’favourite feature‘Opening up the groundfloor has drawn in so muchlight that it also feelslike a bigger space’KiTCHenWalnut-coloured units and copperlights provide a rich warmth.Mercury row Jove 1 mini pendants,£65 each, wayfair. Alnostar Planunits, price on application, Alno.Kahrs engineered-wood flooring,£26m sq, Flooring Supplies