Transforming an old house into a warm and personal home is no small feat. In the fourth episode, Limhamn – House Dreams 2023, we follow Elaine and Dennis on their journey with a turn-of-the-century villa in Limhamn. With a tight budget, a tight timeframe and a leaky roof, they embark on their dream project. The result? A colorful, unique and welcoming home where every detail tells a story.
Table of contents
An urgent start - moving in in record time
When Elaine and Dennis were given access to their new home, they faced a challenge: to make the house habitable in just six days before the move. With two young children, a cat and a dog in tow, the couple demonstrated outstanding efficiency and teamwork. They prioritized finishes and kitchen construction, which became the foundation for their quick move-in. Despite the chaos and plaster dust, they managed to create a functional everyday life amidst the construction chaos.
A leaky roof and ice in your stomach
Normally, a renovation starts with fixing the roof, especially if it’s leaking. But for Elaine and Dennis, the priority was clear: make a home first and fix the roof later. With makeshift solutions using plastic and buckets, they were able to control the situation, despite the rain dripping in. It was a strategy that required patience and courage – but in their case it turned out to be just right.
“You have to trust your gut, even when the roof leaks,” says Elaine.
Surface renovation and sustainability in focus
The renovation work focused on the finishes. Carpets were removed, wooden floors were sanded and restored, and the lowered ceiling height was restored to its original height. Sustainability was the watchword – Dennis struggled to remove old carpet glue, while Elaine focused on cleaning and furniture making.
Many details have been rescued and reused, from original wooden details to found treasures from second-hand shops and online auctions. One example is the charming claw-foot bathtub, which was found for only SEK 500.
The kitchen - the heart of the home
The kitchen quickly became the heart of the home and one of the most eye-catching parts of the house. The bespoke kitchen, made of solid pine laminate, was painted by the couple themselves in a dirty pink shade and combined with a brown marble countertop. The appliances are bargain second-hand, which kept costs down.
“We wanted a kitchen that felt old-fashioned yet modern – and pink was the way to go,” says Elaine.
Although the countertop had to be adjusted to accommodate the porcelain sink, the result was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Personal style and color
The home is an explosion of color that tastefully balances modernity with tradition. Dennis and Elaine have let their personal style permeate every room. The red staircase, reminiscent of a painting by Carl Larsson, became a statement in the house.
The children’s room is in playful colors, the upstairs bathroom is in brick red and pink, and the living room is filled with recycled furniture and unique details. Every corner of the house reflects the family’s personality and passion for design.
Facts about the house
Year of construction: 1904
Renovation start: October 2022
Move-in: After 6 days
Planned completion: December 2022
Purchase price: 7.7 million SEK
Renovation budget: 1 million SEK
Work carried out: Surface renovation, bespoke kitchen, electrical work, bathroom upstairs
Heat source: District heating
Closure
Elaine and Dennis have not only created a home that is warm and welcoming, they have also shown that it is possible to stay on schedule and on budget in an extensive renovation. By doing a lot themselves, reusing materials and being strategic with their purchases, they have achieved something many people only dream of.
This is a dream house that inspires us all to take the plunge, trust our gut and create something unique.
“It feels like a home,” Gert says with a smile as he enters the fully renovated house.
