If you are into interior design and home renovation then it’s likely that @theoldchapel_ has found its way onto your radar. I’ve been following Hannah’s journey for a while and photographs of her home always stop me scrolling. Hannah and her partner fell in love with this local village chapel in the Lake District after learning that it was where her mother and father in law got married. Together they lovingly renovated it into a two bedroom home, in a way that celebrates its historical narrative and hails to a modern industrial meets scandinavian style. Needless to say, I was thrilled when she said yes to this conversation, where we talk about her design journey, taking inspiration from your surroundings, and so much more.

Tell me about your interior design journey.

I’ve always had an interest in interior design, and I think it stems from having studied fashion design at university because the two are certainly connected to one another. After we bought our first home, I think my flare came with the opportunity to freely experiment and put into practice my design style rather than it just being in my head or on a Pinterest board. Sometimes you can pin or overthink interior design so much, that when you finally have your own space to work with, it finally becomes more polished and reflective of you.

How would you describe your design style?

I would say my style is a mixture of industrial meets scandi. I love to find and experiment with different materials, and as someone who lives in the Lake District, I am incredibly inspired by what surrounds me. With my home being an old chapel, I let its existing character influence the overall style, which I think is important for anyone to consider. Of course your home is your canvas and you are free to do what you like, but by being guided by the building's character itself, overall you will create a much more narrowed and refined design style.

What was your favourite part of the renovation?

I absolutely loved learning more about my style and the history behind the chapel. The whole process was so unique to us, it is the first project and home I’ve ever owned so just seeing it all come together was amazing. Also watching the designs that were in my head coming to life and physically being built for others to experience was really quite special.

What was the biggest challenge faced during the renovation and how did you overcome it?

We had to get some steel beams installed in the house to create the second floor and getting these into the building was one of the most stressful moments. At one point we weren’t even sure if they’d get through the door! Once they were in, it was a challenge getting them to fit against the old masonry walls but it worked out in the end, and the details where the existing beams meet the new steelwork is probably one of my most favourite design features in the entire house, it adds so much character.

What were the most important design elements you wanted to achieve in your home, both aesthetically and practically?

One of the biggest criteria was to make it bigger, more liveable and open plan. We wanted to create two bedrooms and designed with the possibility of the chapel becoming a holiday let. The building has four skylights, and one of the most important parts of the design was not to restrict the light that comes in from these. This is why we introduced the glass screens into the mezzanine, letting function inform the aesthetics of the space in this instance to create the best atmosphere possible. It was the one part of the project that I was not willing to compromise on and I’m so glad I didn’t!

What advice would you give to someone who is a first time buyer and is taking on a project similar to yours?

It is difficult but everyone has their own journey to take. Stay positive, there will be times when you feel like you can’t carry on or things don’t work out as planned, but often those happy accidents become great elements of your home and full of memories. Don’t compromise on the things that matter most to you, of course some things have to give according to your budget and time but don’t budge on meaningful elements.

If I am on a budget but want to update my house, what are the five things that I should invest in and why?

A good lick of paint will always make your home feel like new
Moulding and panelling can really transform a space and creates a good focal feature
Purchase some artwork, there are so many affordable options available online
Lighting is a big investment but can create a huge difference
Plants are always a great thing to bring into the home to add some interest and texture

Tell me about your favourite...

Design Trend: There are so many but definitely those with neutral tones, earthy textures and organic shapes

Materials: Concrete, Rattan and Metals - and yes I think you can mix metals in the right context!

Interior Brands: Rockett St. George, Buster and Punch, Beut and Folk Interiors

Who are your favourite accounts to follow right now and why?

Lisa (@loft208) for industrial loft vibes

Mike and Kate (@mike_and_kate) for a similar renovation

Paola (@mymodernduplex) for monochrome and clean lines

What’s next for you?

Next for us is finishing off the chapel, does anyone ever say they are completely finished? I don’t know! We really want to start the renovation journey again with somewhere else, it seems like after you’ve experienced once you immediately get the itch to do it all over again! You learn so much from the first and now understand how you could do better so to have the opportunity to do it again in the future would be wonderful!

All photographs were provided by Hannah, be sure to follow her on Instagram if you wish to see and learn more about chapel.

An Old Chapel meets Industrial New Beginnings