How One Bold Renovation Turned a Monochrome Flat Into a Joyful, Colorful Home
Ana Estrougo, founder of The Octopus Club - a marketplace for second-hand baby clothes and toys - once lived in a minimalist, grey-toned flat near Tower Bridge. But after the birth of her son and a move to Richmond, she envisioned something completely different: a home alive with joy, creativity, and fearless use of color.
What followed was a vibrant home renovation that transformed both her living space and her outlook on life.
From Monochrome to Vibrant Interiors
Anaâs renovation flipped the script on neutral design. Every wall, door, and stair shifted from muted greys to a palette bursting with plaster-pink walls and striking yellow doors and staircases. Even the exterior received a bold coat of yellow, offering a cheerful welcome to all who visit.
The result: a playful, stimulating home that radiates energy and personality.
Sustainable Design With Heart
This project wasnât just about aesthetics - it was rooted in sustainability and thoughtful choices.
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Energy upgrades: insulation improvements, double- and triple-glazed windows, and a heat-pumpâready system ensure long-term comfort.
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Creative reuse: Ana reimaginedexisting materials. Brazilian green granite remnants became bathroom counters and shelves. Leftover tiles, paints, and even surplus bricks were cleverly repurposed. a technique she fondly calls âcrumble.â
Her approach proves that sustainable renovation can be stylish, affordable, and deeply personal.
Budget-Friendly Choices With Personality
Ana struck a balance between budget and design impact.
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Kitchen: Ikeaâs reliable METOD base units provided structure, while colorful, sustainably made fronts from UK maker HĂLTE added flair.
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Finishing touches: small-batch producers supplied the detailsâsleek handles from Swarf and eco-conscious, low-VOC paints from Little Greene.
Every choice carried both character and consciousness.
Second-Hand Furniture: Smart, Sustainable, Stylish
Nearly all the loose furniture came from second-hand finds, giving the home a curated and lived-in authenticity. Standout pieces included mid-century gems and a repurposed Ercol coffee table fashioned from her old dining table.
Ana also made savvy use of trade discounts and outlet deals, choosing durable items, like an iron bath; that blended quality with practicality.
This mix of second-hand treasures and smart buying strategies made the home unique while keeping costs in check.
Living With Color: A Personal Transformation
Perhaps the most surprising outcome was how this colorful home influenced Ana herself.
âIâm so much more adventurous in using colour in my life after I took the plunge and did the house like this,â she reflects.
Her home didnât just change her surroundings. It reshaped her sense of style, inspiring her to experiment with bolder clothing and self-expression.
Why Color Matters in Design
Anaâs story highlights how our living environments shape our emotions and confidence. Bright colors can act as a catalyst for creativity and joy; an idea mirrored in the growing trend of dopamine dressing, where vibrant clothing is worn to uplift spirits.
Similar examples abound:
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In Glasgow, a woman embraced orange in every aspect of her life - from home to hair - as a source of energy and identity.
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In Paris, designer Nicolas Payet turned a compact apartment into a creative, colorful haven, proving that even small spaces can benefit from bold hues.
Key Takeaways for Your Own Home
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Donât fear color! It can transform not just your interiors, but your mood.
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Mix second-hand finds with clever upgrades for sustainable, character-rich design.
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Think beyond aesthetics: reuse, repurpose, and insulate for comfort and long-term value.
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Let your home reflect your personality. It might just inspire personal growth in unexpected ways.
Ana Estrougoâs renovation is more than a makeover âŚitâs a reminder that home design is deeply personal. With creativity, sustainability, and a willingness to embrace bold choices, any space can become a true reflection of joy and individuality.
