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London, UK 📍
Rochelle and Angus 👫
Rochelle tells us, “it was the summer of 2016. I swiped right. Angus swiped right. He agreed to go on a date even though our first communication involved me making a cringe joke about an ‘Angus Burger.'”
Finding the flat 🏠
"This was the first, and only, property we viewed on our journey to buying. Angus spotted it on Right Move after doing our mortgage in principle, and it ticked all of our essential boxes, whilst just about being in our budget. So we thought, f*** it. We knew from photos she was a doer-upper, though upon viewing we quickly realized why there were no images of the kitchen.
Aside from the cereal crumbs garnishing the countertops; the broken window clinging on for dear life; not to mention the rich scent of decay – we actually got 'the feeling'. The large window flooded the living room with natural light, even with ⅓ of it boarded up! There was a rip in the carpet and peeping through was the most glorious view – beautiful untouched floorboards. Coupled with a modest little balcony, it had all the bones of a home that we were hoping for.
Almost a year later, with most of the boring but very important jobs done, we’re leaning towards a bold and colorful, modern home, alongside 70s inspired touches as a nod to the era of our flat."
Starting the reno' 🔨
"When we first started the renovation, we both were loving doing it all ourselves and felt an overwhelming sense of pride. After a few months in, the novelty wore off a bit and there would be moments where you’d be staring at a wall, that no amount of filler makes a difference to, and begin to feel all hope slipping away."
Like yin and yang ☯
"I definitely adopt the role of project manager and interior designer, with a side of handywoman. If something needs doing with brute force and impatience, then Angus is your man. Though, he did come through on the plumbing, and being the son of an electrician means he knows his way around a socket. Angus’ technical mind is the yin, to my ‘can’t be bothered to research the most efficient white goods’ yang."
On-site bust up 🗯
“The most notable bust up is when we were installing the wall vinyl in the kitchen. Angus had no experience applying vinyl, and I had no patience to articulate myself in a manner that would help explain what I needed from him. The result was me up a ladder tussling with vinyl, whilst Angus stood below heckling that he thought it was looking really bad.
After a cigarette break for Angus, and snack for me, we reconciled and just about managed to piece it all together – the vinyl and our relationship that is.”
Making time for each other ⏳
“We’ve been making a conscious effort to actually get out of the flat. Recently, that’s taken the form of filling a flask with some Nescafé, and taking a stroll around the nearest Royal Park. Maybe sit near a pond where I can squeal at every sweet dog that walks by. It sounds really basic, but we are literally different people when we get back home.
Then we sit with some sort of tipple and chat about everything and nothing, whilst intermittently reminding Angus to get off his phone. The evening usually ends with us watching Celine Dion’s live cover of Alone for the 100th time.”
The best project so far 🥇
"We've absolutely most proud of our kitchen. We did everything ourselves, including plumbing and electrical elements. We were always relatively confident with the decorating aspects of a reno, but this actually had to be functioning and effectively built to last. Looking back at what we started with, even though there are still areas to finish, it is an unrecognizable space. It’s been the biggest chore, but the greatest reward so far."
Ontario, CA 📍
Joon and Josh 💑
Joon tells us, “we are 'just friends' turned lovers! We met during our first year of university and got along quickly with fun banter and good conversations. Five years later, Josh mustered up the courage and risked our friendship to ask me on a date. With much hesitation, I agreed and while it took quite some time to start dating, engagement and marriage came shortly after! Our best advice is to marry your best friend. Life is just so fun together.”
Finding the one 🏡
“This is the first home we ever purchased, and given the market, we didn’t have too many options. After many rejected offers, we were about to give up until we saw this house. It was a worn out, old home, but we saw the potential.
We envisioned an open concept design, a functional kitchen and a little breakfast nook. Our goal has always been to create an inviting, cozy home to host and gather around good food. We also love that we’re so close to the water, we often walk to the waterfront park after dinner on a sunny day."
