Picture this: You're fresh into marriage, juggling a new home and the joys of family life, when you decide to rope in your interior designer mom for a full makeover. Sounds like a dream team, right? But what if it spirals into a month-long silent treatment? That's exactly the rollercoaster ride Izzy Deterding and her husband Roly experienced while renovating their south-west London house with Izzy's mom, Emma. Stick around—this tale of design drama and family bonds might just make you rethink mixing personal relationships with home improvements.
Having a parent who's an expert in home decor can feel like hitting the jackpot, especially when your space is crying out for a refresh. When Izzy and Roly snapped up their property in 2023—right around the time they tied the knot—it was a probate sale, meaning it came from someone who had passed away, and let's just say it had seen better days. No massive overhauls like adding extensions were needed, but the place required some serious updating to fit their growing family, which now includes a little boy and a furry dog. It needed smarter layouts, a modern vibe, and tweaks to make it practical for everyday chaos.
Even though Emma was working for her own daughter, she approached it just like any other client project. 'I figured the professional route was best,' Emma explains. 'To keep things fair, I brought in some of my younger team members so Izzy wouldn't feel pressured by my more traditional tastes. Together, we brainstormed options that were budget-friendly and easy to find, since funds were tight. But Izzy had a great eye—she guided us toward what truly clicked for her.'
And this is the part most people miss: The magic of Emma's years in the business shone through in her clever, low-effort transformations. For instance, she recommended knocking down the wall between the front living area and the back dining space, turning it into one big, flowing open-plan zone that feels so much more welcoming. Upstairs, where there were three bedrooms and just one bathroom, she shrank the hallway and family bath to squeeze in a private shower suite for the master bedroom. It's all about maximizing space without breaking the bank.
Storage became a big focus to help the house multitask for a young family. Emma crafted custom cabinetry for the entryway, living room, dining area, and bedroom. 'Integrated shelves and closets make a room seem larger and even boost your home's resale value,' she notes. Izzy had originally thought about relocating the small downstairs bathroom from its awkward spot at the back to under the stairs, but Emma talked her into keeping it put and converting that under-stairs nook into a handy storage closet. 'We're so glad we listened,' Izzy laughs. 'That cupboard is a lifesaver for all our clutter!'
Thinking ahead for kid-proofing, Emma aimed to make the home 'indestructible' against spills and wear. She chose tough sisal-like carpet from The Unnatural Flooring Company—'I use it everywhere; it's fantastic,' she says—and durable fabrics, like a stain-resistant velvet for the couch. 'I dumped a whole mug of coffee on it, and it wiped right off,' Izzy confirms. The footstool, perfect for hiding toys in a hurry, is upholstered in weatherproof outdoor material—a pro tip for surviving family life while keeping things stylish.
On the furniture front, Emma stretched the budget by repurposing Izzy's existing pieces, just reupholstering a couple of chairs for a fresh look. Only the sofas and ottoman were brand new and custom-built to fit the living room snugly. Some of Izzy's wishlist items, like a fancy fireplace surround or a built-in kitchen bench, got postponed due to costs, but they're on the back burner for future splurges.
Now, here's where it gets controversial: Despite their shared aesthetic, Izzy sometimes ignored her mom's pointers—and now wishes she hadn't. 'Mom warned me against painting the hallway such a pale shade because it'd show scuffs, and sure enough, it did,' Izzy admits. 'I was scared of darker colors, but I really regret not going with her advice.' Emma also wished Izzy had matched the radiators to the wall color for a seamless look, though she shrugs it off as 'minor niggles.' Emma leaned toward satin or eggshell paints for their durability and easy-cleanup—they're more robust than standard emulsion. 'I wish I'd used eggshell in the bathrooms; I've learned a lot from this,' Izzy reflects.
But the real blow-up wasn't about colors or fabrics—it was about timing. Izzy and Roly had to move in before the job was done, carpets and all. 'To me, it wasn't a big deal,' Izzy says. 'We could manage without them and stop wasting money on rent.' Emma, however, was horrified: 'It's my nightmare scenario. We want clients to get that perfect reveal, all polished and inviting. Our process is intense, so the carpet standoff was the breaking point. We went radio silent for at least a month, maybe longer.' Yet, they've mended fences and are tight again. Would they team up for another project? 'Absolutely,' Izzy says.
Let's break it down room by room, with Emma's insider tips.
The living room: Emma picked Jewel Beetle gloss paint by Little Greene to create drama and reflect light. Green-and-white drapes and white-framed mirrors brighten the space, preventing it from feeling gloomy. 'We removed the picture rail too,' Emma advises. 'It instantly makes ceilings look higher—who knew?' The vibrant orange sofas and patterned Fabricut fabric on the ottoman add lively pops of color.
The kitchen: They overhauled it completely, no added square footage required. Mustard walls pop against neutral cabinets. Izzy wanted dark countertops initially, but Emma steered her to white: 'Dirt shows way more on dark surfaces—it's a weird but true fact.'
Downstairs loo: This tiny space bursts with personality—originally slated for tiles, they painted green-and-white patterns instead to save cash, paired with bold wallpaper for contrast.
The main bedroom: Emma reoriented the room, shifting the bed to fit custom closets. Walls in Cromarty by Farrow & Ball and a fabric-covered headboard from Ottoline keep it cozy. The en-suite shower uses budget-friendly pink-and-white metro tiles laid vertically for a striped effect.
The spare room: Ottoline wallpaper and classic antiques give it a charming, everlasting appeal.
Emma Deterding runs Kelling Designs. But here's the big question: Is it ever a good idea to work with family on such personal projects, or does it just invite trouble? Do you think Emma was too rigid about the 'wow' moment, or was Izzy right to prioritize practicality? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you have a family renovation horror story, or would you dive in again?
