In conversation with

The addictive nature of online renovation videos is something that I’m sure many of us can relate to. Endless scrolling can show us hundreds of once drab interiors turning into little slices of heaven, often with heartwarming details and some very proud homeowners beaming at the end. While these clips rarely shy from showing the planning, the decision making and the dust that takes up so much of the process, it’s still hard to think of them as anything more than a satisfying three minute reel. What is it like to live with your restoration choices? What are the shiny before and after reels not showing us?

Now, this is not to say that when I came across Doing Up Denbigh their finished rooms were anything less than shiny. The peaceful interiors with statement art pieces, calming neutrals and bespoke designs were nothing less than satisfying. But a process this well thought out, like anything, can’t be entirely plain sailing and what kept me coming back to their story was both the highs and lows of Emily and Jono’s restoration project.

Based in London, their home on Denbigh Road was once an abandoned Victorian terrace with a whole lot of undiscovered potential. Emily trained in interior architecture and adaptive reuse at Rhode Island School of Design, ‘the all time hype art school in the US’ she jokes. She grew up in Malaysia but had lived in Hong Kong and the US all before meeting South African born marketing professional Jono in Honduras. The pair had some serious travelling under their belts before they found their beloved house on Denbigh Road.

The pair have pulled together their skills in very different areas to make their visions for Denbigh come to life. With Emily’s commercial interior design knowledge and Jono’s love for technology they’ve both put personal touches on their home which are unique to each of them as individuals. Documenting their journey on Instagram, they show the ups and downs of renovation life, tips for working with tradies and how to live with a little bit of chaos. In a world of quick fixes, Emily and Jono have chosen to show the beauty in the steady process of making their house a home. We have loved following Doing Up Denbigh’s journey. Reels starting in front of the skip, cuddles with Harold the dog and Tech Tuesdays with Jono have kept us thoroughly entertained throughout the renovation. It’s been wonderful to chat to Emily about the process, choosing art for their new home and how they have found the journey.

Has renovating a home always been a dream of yours?

Not so much renovating, but more so the act of making a home. Ever since I was a young girl, I dreamt of having a glass house in the middle of a forest, something about having an oasis away from troubles, I always wanted that! I think this house is that for me, a moment of stillness and my little oasis.

When did you decide to start sharing your journey on Instagram?

When the first carpet was pulled up from the floor, it was up on the gram. I think a lot of us get caught up with needing validation on the internet, and I definitely felt that way in the beginning too. Having just spent so much money on a property, I immediately wanted to put it out there to get some feedback- to justify the spend. I’ve let go of that compulsion now, and the documentation has been more for myself, and having people tune in is just an added bonus! Now, the sharing is just about putting information out there, hopefully reaching and helping others who are looking to do the same.

What room are you most proud of so far? 

It’s hard to choose, I love them all! I have put a lot of thought into small elements of every room, so there are probably elements of this project that I’m more proud of than others. At the moment, I’m most proud of our quarry floor tiles in the kitchen that we’ve painstakingly restored!

Are there any particular interior designers you have looked to for inspiration?

I don’t follow designers per se, I’m one of those people who listen to music from all artists, consume literature from all writers and watch movies from all genres, so I don’t tend to close myself off to a singular source of inspiration or entertainment. I often find inspiration from places I go. I travel a lot, and always find elements from restaurants, museums, hotels, hostels, gas stations, homes that I bring home with me, I collect them like shells.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome during the renovation?

It’s been hard to remain enthusiastic and active throughout this renovation. The lows have felt very low, especially when I was sick, so wanting to run away to a beach was ever present. Staying persistent and tenacious through this project was something that took a lot (of chocolate) to overcome. I struggled to step back too, while fully knowing it was damaging my mental and physical health. I joke, but it felt like I was running a marathon and at the stage when you think you’re about to poop yourself, but you still have x miles to go. It felt like that for a very long time. 

What do you look for in a vintage art piece? 

Intrigue. I’m always drawn to pieces that are a bit intriguing, whether it's the framing or the piece itself, there’s a little bit of curiosity in them for me. The pieces I have from Sulis are so special, and I imagine they will be with me for a very long time.

Gallery wall or statement piece?

Statement piece, always!

Where did you first hear about Sulis? 

I’m not actually too sure now, but like a lot of things I find, it was probably through instagram. I remember finding Sulis and bookmarking it for a long time, hoping to come back to you when I started to furnish my space, but lost the bookmark so I had a bit of a panic. I’m so glad I refound you. The pieces Sulis stock are so special and I particularly love watching you lovingly restore some of the art, there’s so much care and attention to the process. I’m a huge fan! 

A big part of your renovation journey that we didn’t expect to love quite so much is the insight into working with traders and decorators. Do you feel like this is something that was missing from renovation journey posts?

I have developed so many relationships with the people who have helped me build our home, they all feel like a very important part of my life. I have really enjoyed learning from them and their craft, it can be so inspirational. I’m a naturally very curious person, and I think it translates when I document this renovation, and the people are a big part of solving my curiosities, so they fall into that documentation too. I’m not sure why working with trades is not shared as often, but to me, it’s been essential to this renovation, without them, there wouldn’t be our home. It’s a bit cliche, but it really does take a village, and I’m so proud of mine!

When everything is done, the walls are freshly painted and the construction dust is swept away, what is the first celebratory tipple that you’ll make in your newly renovated home?

We are about to host a 20+ people friendmas, and there will be many many many rums and cokes. Not a very typical choice of drink post renovation, but one I intend to put to good use!