A Scandi-Inspired UK Home Has a Beautiful Color Palette

Name: Ruth van den Broek, husband (David), dog (Elsa)
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Type of home: Mid-terrace house
Size: 950 square feet
Years lived in: 3.5 years, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I’m Ruth and I live with my husband, David, and our goofy cocker spaniel, Elsa. We bought this home, our first, in 2016 and have completely transformed it. It was a total mess and everything needed to be replaced.

I decided to decorate with calming colors as I was unwell at the time and I needed an environment which was peaceful and gentle. I have Cystic Fibrosis and was very unwell until September 2018 when I had a double lung transplant which transformed my life. I’m currently working toward becoming a potter–working with clay makes me very happy!

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bright, Scandi, calm, classic, simple.

What is your favorite room and why? I love the green/teal spare room. The spare room was the only room we hadn’t decorated before I had my transplant. The rest of the house is very neutral as that’s what I needed as I was so ill.

After transplant, I was regaining strength and energy and found myself wanting more vibrant colors. So we decided to decorate the spare room and I found myself being drawn to this deep green-y blue color. It was such a wonderful time and so for me, the room represents new life and happiness.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought for the house was a 4-foot ficus. I love the way plants make a home feel.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Go with your gut and stand your ground. If you love a color, use it! It doesn’t matter what other people think as long as the people who live in your home are happy.

• ‘Tiny Miss Dolly On Wheels’ Is the Most Charming Tiny House Ever
• Before & After: A Suburban Tract Home’s DIY Renovation Is Utterly Gorgeous (and Unrecognizable)
• A 550-Square-Foot NYC Rental Is Organized, Colorful, and Decorated for Under $4K
• This 160-Square-Foot Tiny House Made from Natural Materials Could be One of the Most Beautiful Built This Year
• Before & After: This Dated Powder Room Makeover Is Fantastic and Full of Ideas for Renters

This submission’s responses have been edited for length and clarity.