PRESERVING the classic features of a property while giving it a modern twist is no easy feat.
Achieving it while you’re heavily pregnant is a double challenge.
But Debbie Knight pulled it off in style with her lovely house at 6 St Swithin Street, Aberdeen.
The 29-year-old mum-of-two has lovingly transformed the granite property into a stunning home for her growing family.
“We were living in a flat on the same street when we bought this house,” said Debbie, who is married to drilling engineer Grant, also 29.
“We were attracted to it because of the garden which seemed huge for a city house.
“And we could see the potential of the property inside, although it needed completely redecorated.”
At the time Debbie was 12 weeks pregnant with her son Oliver, who will be three in March.
But she didn’t let her growing bump get in the way of her big ambitions to transform her home into a perfect family nest.
“It was darker than we’d have liked with carpets, turquoise walls and lots of woodchip,” said Debbie, who has since had another son, 17-month-old Sam, and is expecting a third baby.
“I was up and down stepladders, hanging up curtains and everything,” she laughed.
As well as laying oak flooring in many of the rooms, Debbie and Grant have also put in a new kitchen and bathroom.
But it is their choice of decor that has given their property the real wow factor.
The lounge has a traditional-style striped wallpaper, giving it a rich classical feel which is further complemented by a striking chandelier and open fire. Meanwhile the kitchen is a vision in modern black and white, with gloss units and a ceramic tiled floor.
The family bathroom is the ultimate in luxury with a double-ended bath and under-floor heating.
And more chandeliers are dotted throughout the house, continuing the traditional feel.
“I’ve tried to use the wallpaper in a modern way,” added Debbie.
“In the lounge it’s a traditional style, but it’s also iridescent so it shimmers and is nice and bright.
“In the master bedroom I used another traditional paper, but only on certain walls and within the alcoves, to make more of a feature out of it.”
Debbie and Grant will always have fond memories of their first home but are now looking for a bigger house for their growing family.
Debbie said: “We first brought the boys home here and had family Christmases here so we’ll always look back on this house happily.
“I’d love it if a family moved in after us who liked everything we’ve done here.
“The house is ready to move into, the schools nearby are very good and it’s just five minutes’ walk from Holburn Junction, so it could be ideal.”