Turning a tired mid-century house into something elegant, textural and full of country cottage charm isn’t exactly a weekend job – especially when you’re taking it back to brick. But that’s exactly what Arleana Hodnett has pulled off. A registered nurse and aesthetician turned interiors enthusiast, she’s transformed a dated and disjointed property into a quietly luxurious family home with a knowing nod to Georgian design – symmetry, flow, and all.
“We bought this run-down 1960s house in need of a full remodelling, extension and renovation,” she explains. “We based the renovation on Georgian-inspired houses as I love the way they flow, their practicality and their symmetry.” Impressively, the footprint has doubled, every internal wall came down, and what stands now is a light-filled four-bedroom property that feels both grown-up and family-proof. Arleana shares her home with husband Nick and their one-year-old daughter, Gladys.
The scale of the work wasn’t for the fainthearted – think full rewire, oil to gas conversion, and major structural interventions that had them wishing they’d just knocked the whole thing down. “Trying to keep one or two existing walls required so much steel and manpower and probably cost us more money in the long run,” Arleana reflects. “One thing I wish we did was build from scratch.” Hindsight, as they say, is a wonderful thing.
That said, the result is a home that feels totally intentional. There’s a calmness that runs throughout – all soft neutrals, earthy textures and warm metals – but it’s never flat. “I’m not brave when it comes to colour,” Arleana admits, “but I love a neutral palette of creams and mixing materials such as wood and brass. I wanted to keep a traditional feel that wouldn’t date for years to come.”
It’s this subtle layering of texture that brings a sense of warmth to every space. Natural stone flooring runs throughout the ground floor, laid in a pattern that feels classic without tipping into fussy. “Our Dijon herringbone limestone tiles from Quorn Stone are a particular favourite feature of mine,” Arleana says. “I love the warmth and texture they bring alongside natural materials that look and feel luxurious.”
The kitchen and adjoining utility room are where this approach really comes together. There’s oak cabinetry, brushed brass hardware and playful scallop detailing – nods to traditional craftsmanship, but not so serious that they can’t handle a bit of chaos. “We use these rooms the most,” she says. “They’re practical, but also visually beautiful and tastefully fun.”
That balance between form and function runs throughout. The layout is open, with clear sight-lines and a natural sense of movement – a deliberate decision to suit modern family life. “With a young family, the house needed to be practical and functional with an open-plan living space, which is a more modern way of living,” Arleana explains. “However, our aesthetics are traditional and timeless.”The family bathroom is a particular highlight – and is, in fact, one of Arleana’s favourite design moments. It brings together some of her signature choices: curved shower screens, scalloped finishes, and a soft mix of natural stone tiles and painted panelling. “Everything complements each other,” she says. “Arched niches and arched shower screens paired with herringbone tiles and shiplap panelling with subtle scallop details… it just works.”
That sense of cohesion across spaces, finishes and details hasn’t happened by accident. It’s the result of a deliberately slow approach, with each room tackled at its own pace. “Taking our time has really helped,” Arleana confirms. “We haven’t rushed a room and still have spaces to design, including the huge garden task. Doing one room at a time has allowed us to incorporate similar features for cohesion, whilst making the room its own.”
Of course, there are always a few lessons you only learn once the dust has settled. “White grout in the kitchen really doesn’t last,” she admits. “It looks amazing but requires so much cleaning to keep it looking fresh.” Still, in a house where almost every surface has been rethought, it’s a small compromise.
What stands out is how carefully resolved the whole place feels – even with spaces still on the to-do list. There’s a quiet confidence to the design, a sense that nothing’s been forced or overly curated. Arleana’s beauty background shows. There’s a real eye for tone and texture, but the fi nish isn’t clinical or try-hard. It’s a home that feels ready to grow into, and not just show off on Insta.
For now, it’s a space that’s working beautifully for Arleana and her young family: warm, functional, and quietly stylish. Nothing screams: “look at me!”, but everything has presence. Here, it’s all about balance, calm, and a welcome sense of serenity… And if your biggest design regret is white grout, you’re probably doing something right.
