11/04/2008
Diane lives in a detached house in Ickenham. This was how her 60 Minute Makeover unfolded...
Ten years ago Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer. She overcame the cancer, but in 2002 her husband Derek was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He was given the all clear in 2006.
During all of their setbacks Diane has remained cheerful and optimistic. Diane and Derek have dedicated years of their life to caring for some 30 foster children and seeing to their needs has taken its toll on thier home. Diane’s sister Pauline and friend Diane have been planning their desperately needed makeover.
The designer: Derek Taylor
Designer is Derek Taylor who wanted to inject a new lease of life into Diane’s home with a fresh and funky design. He had a few ideas for the garden too…
Living/dining room
The living/dining room was uninspiring with shabby yellow wallpaper and tired curtains. Derek transformed the walls with reflective metallics mixed with warm luxury felt wallpapers to give the room a smart, sophisticated look. The old fireplace has been replaced with a modern look with Tudor influence which complements the room perfectly. A brown leather corner sofa will give Derek and Diane the perfect place to sit back and enjoy their new room.
Main bedroom
This room was in need of a total revamp and that’s just what it received. Derek decided to keep part of the existing fitted wardrobes and give them a new look by replacing the old white doors with some slick dark wood - these look fantastic and provide a practical storage solution. The new wallpaper has given this room loads of character.
Guest bedroom
From dull and drab to modern and vibrant, this guest room is now a comfortable and inviting space. Derek has replaced the shiny silver wallpaper with colourful and contemporary stripes making the room feel bright and airy. The old mirrored doors on the fitted wardrobes have changed to some slick white glass alternatives and the double bed is now two singles.
Summer house
Before the 60 Minute Makeover team arrived, there was an empty space at the bottom of the garden, and one hour later there was a huge grill house. Derek wanted to try something a bit different and push the design to the limit. Knowing Diane’s love for alfresco, what better than to build her very own grill house? Stylishly decked out with floral images and colorful stripy blinds, Derek has added a designer’s touch to this wonderful space.
