Starting a house renovation project can be daunting, but for some there is no choice but to embrace the process. This is the case of Jodie from @thehouseupstairs. When Jodie bought her Victorian maisonette just as the pandemic started in 2020, she never imagined she will transform her house from the derelict conditions she got it into a place she now calls home. She also never imagined that it would become the source of inspiration for thousands of followers, as she shares her unique style and approach to renovation. More than two years down the road, Jodie continues to transform her home room by room and shares with us some great tips.

Bedroom Renovation

‘A natural evolving home is the best kind and is a house ever ‘done’ anyway?’ says Jodie who started renovating her guest bedroom back in May 2022. She calls it the green room as she used yeabridge green and parma gray from Farrow & Ball to paint walls and ceiling. Taking her time and being careful not to rush any decision, Jodie renovated the en suite bathroom first in which she used beautiful Mexican tiles by @milagros_london and painted the walls light blue. A vintage shower head and ceramic wall plates added the final touches to the bathroom.

For the bedroom, Jodie upcycled a vintage dresser she got from eBay and decided to frame old maps to decorate the walls. Adding a personal touch to everything is part of Jodie’s style and the bed was no exception. Apart from her bedroom transformation, Jodie also had a bed transformation plan. She painted the black Foerer Canopy Bed Frame, in Kittiwake blue using Farrow & Ball paint, added custom drapes using a patterned fabric from Jaipur and a Pierre Frey headboard to finish the look. And as a bed is not complete without a mattress, Jodie chose the Mint Green Hybrid Mattress to offer her guests the best night sleep.

House Renovation Tips

We asked Jodie a few questions about her house renovation to get a few tips:

What is your advice on how to start a renovation project?

Dream big, allow 40% extra budget, and decide on what you’re not willing to compromise on

What are the most important things to consider when starting a renovation project?

Budget, finding contractors and having a good relationship with them.

Bedroom renovations can be challenging because that is usually a sacred space for people to rest. Do you have any specific advice for bedroom renovations?

Think comfort and peaceful vibes. Good built in cupboards to hide any storage and a very comfortable bed.

How does the Foerer Canopy Bed Frame fit with your décor?

It adds a bit of drama! Achieving your dream home, one that brings you joy as soon as you walk into is a personal journey, but following closely and hearing from others that are also doing a house renovation can be really inspiring.

If you feel as inspired as we are by Jodie’s house renovation, we are running a competition for the chance to win a Kingsize Black Foerer Canopy Bed Frame and a Kingsize Mint Green Hybrid Mattress this January to get you started. For more details on how to enter, check out our @zinus_uk Instagram account.