When Ami and Paul Wootton bought their three-bedroom 1940s semi in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, it wasn’t their first choice. A much bigger run-down Victorian property had captured their hearts, but they decided not to overstretch themselves. ‘The one we chose seemed like the sensible option as it had the parking space and garden we wanted, plus scope for extending in future,’ says Ami.
An elderly couple had lived there for many years, so there were layers of woodchip and painted blown vinyl wallpaper throughout the house, along with 1960s carpets. Once everything was stripped back and replastered, the pair could redecorate one room at
