Seven years ago, when the couple initially toured the 1960s home, it was love at first sight — even if it was smaller than they had hoped for and needed some updating. But after moving in, they discovered lots of damp, black mold. 

“Initially, we regretted buying it, but after lots of research, we had an air circulation system installed, which cured the problem, and we commenced the first round of renovations,” Ainley writes. 

It might’ve been the black mold or the lack of space, but quickly, the couple started making changes — the first being adding color. “Think Barbiecore x Polly Pocket,” Ainley says of the colors in their 800-square-foot home. “We’re particularly drawn to pastels, which started with the installation of our pale pink kitchen cabinetry.” 

Since moving in, Ainley’s continued to beautify the space, including adding on to their existing living room, planting tropical plants in their south-facing garden, and tiling several rooms (Ainley’s proudest DIY project!) — among many updates. 

• Living room — Little Greene “Dorchester Pink – Pale“
• Living room — Little Greene “Angie“
• Living room — Little Greene “Tabernacle”
• Bedroom — Valspar “Sheer Elegance“
• Kitchen and Hallway — Farrow & Ball “Pink Ground“
• Kitchen and Hallway — Dulux “Timeless“
• Entry wallpaper — Cole & Sons “Palm Leaves“

• Cloud Sundae corner sofa — Snug Sofa
• Reina dusty mauve rug — Ruggable
• Isobel bookshelf — Urban Outfitters UK
• Isobel coffee table — Urban Outfitters UK
• Tulip floor lamp — Urban Outfitters UK
• Pink velvet armchair beanbag — Beanbag Bazaar
• Grooved storage corner TV cabinet — Habitat
• Shell cushions — Moi Mili
• Flower cushions — Moi Mili
• Pink strawberry vase — The Golden Webshop
• Pink sky glass TV — Sky
• Shell Table Lamp — Urban Outfitters UK
• Artwork — Sofe, Inked and Pretty on Etsy, FY!
• Crescent Moon bar cart — Urban Outfitters UK

• Milano Contour Ermine Kitchen in Rose Matt — Wren Kitchens
• Swan retro slimline fridge-freezer — Swan
• Swan retro espresso machine — Swan 
• Marius rattan wall shelf — Tikamoon
• Wallpaper “Palm Peach” — Lucy Tiffney
• EKENABBEN open shelving unit — IKEA
• Smeg ’50s retro kettle — ao
• Smeg ’50s retro toaster — ao
• Artwork — Modern Print Studio, Mauve & Mocha
• Gingham utensil holder — Sass & Belle
• Mugs — Urban Outfitters UK & Anthropologie
• Ancona hummingbird vintage kettle — eBayUK
• Tableware — Anthropologie

• Ezra ottoman bed frame — Bensons for Beds
• Cherry pink rug — Ruggable
• Misterhult pendant bamboo light fitting — IKEA
• Bibury pink rechargeable lamp — Cotswold Lamps & Interiors
• Laura Ashley Loveston duvet cover set — Next
• Estella glass lamp — Habitat
• Pink shutters — Shutterly Fabulous

Thanks, Helen!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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