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19 August 2026 15 view(s) 7 min read
When the family behind @stayinginstudio found their countryside bungalow, they instantly fell in love with its peaceful setting. There was just one problem: it simply wasn't big enough for family life.
Rather than walk away, they embraced the challenge of a complete renovation, transforming the modest bungalow into a spacious, light-filled home through carefully planned extensions and an open-plan layout. It was an ambitious project, made even more impressive by the fact that they continued to live in the property throughout the 18-month build.
The result is a home bursting with colour, personality and carefully considered design.
Designing With Colour and Character
Every room has its own identity, brought together through bold colour palettes, playful artwork and carefully selected furniture. Rich olive greens, warm mustard tones, soft pink accents and natural timber finishes create a home that feels welcoming, creative and unmistakably personal.
Rather than treating heating as something to hide away, it became an important design feature. Radiators were chosen to complement each interior, adding colour, texture and character while delivering exceptional performance.
Learning That Heating Should Never Be an Afterthought
Like many renovation projects, budgets inevitably became stretched.
Initially, the family opted for standard radiators simply to keep costs down. Looking back, it is one of the few decisions they would change.
"We definitely compromised on the heating; we had run out of funds at this point and settled for the cheapest option. It wasn't until a year or so when we started to make the place feel like a home that we realised they should have been a priority in the beginning, as they definitely make the room.”
Adding Colour That Complements Every Space
With a wide choice of designs, colours and special finishes, The Radiator Company offered the flexibility to find radiators that worked beautifully with the character of each room.
In the dining space, the Canto aluminium radiator in RAL 6013 Reed Green complements the surrounding olive and mustard tones, creating a calm, coordinated look. Inspired by traditional Schoolhouse cast-iron radiators, the Canto’s sectional aluminium design brings classic character to the room while offering the benefits of lightweight, responsive and efficient modern heating.
Elsewhere, a vibrant Ancona® Column Radiator in RAL 3018 (Strawberry Red) creates a playful focal point against the green wall panelling and botanical wallpaper. To complete the look, the radiator was paired with colour-matched Pistol TRVs, creating a coordinated finish. Together, the two radiators demonstrate how colour can be used in different ways, blending seamlessly into an interior or making a bold design statement.
"The Radiator Company had an amazing choice of designs and colours. The colours we chose were perfect to match our décor. I loved the way the fixings were the same colour too; they really completed the look."
Heating That Becomes Part of the Interior
The radiators are now an important part of the finished design rather than simply a practical addition. The Reed Green Canto sits naturally within the dining room's warm, earthy palette, while its clean sectional profile adds subtle architectural interest. In contrast, the Strawberry Red Ancona brings energy and personality to the adjoining space, complemented by colour-matched Pistol TRVs that create a seamless, designer finish.
Looking Ahead
With the main renovation complete, attention is now turning towards the bathrooms and en-suite.
One lesson from the renovation stands out above everything else:
"Prioritise quality over price."
Q&A With Kirsty From @stayinginstudio
1. Why did you decide on a renovation, and what, or who, inspired or influenced your design choices?
Our bungalow has an idyllic country setting, but we dismissed putting in an offer numerous times as it was just too small for our family. We didn’t consider renovating until we were running out of options once our old house had sold.
When we decided to go for the challenge, the structural work took approximately 18 months; we added extra rooms through extensions, also knocking through internal walls. Followed by plastering, rendering and installations. I would say it was all a challenge as we lived in the property throughout.
2. How early in the process did you consider heating in the renovation process, and did you have to make any compromises?
We definitely compromised on the heating; we had run out of funds at this point and settled for the cheapest option. It wasn't until a year or so that we started to make the place feel like a home, we realised they should have been a priority in the beginning, as they definitely make the room.
3. What appealed to you about The Radiator Company, and why did you choose the radiators you did?
The radiator company had an amazing choice of designs and colours. The colours we chose were perfect to match our decor. I loved the way the fixings were the same colour too; they really completed the look.
4. What have you learnt that would impact any future heating project decisions?
To prioritise quality over price.
5. What has been your favourite part of the whole renovation project so far, and what are you most looking forward to?
My favourite part of the renovation was knocking through the existing living room and kitchen to make an open-plan space. Our Reed Green Radiator is always a talking point when we have guests over. I'm looking forward to starting in the bathroom and ensuite next - new radiators will definitely be at the top of the list.
