‘Our windows are like the biggest TV in the world. There’s always something to watch out there so we move around the house according to where the sun is’ Sabine
Our windows are like the biggest TV in the world.
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A new homein a new country
Veronika left the Czech Republic to live with Mark in England. Their family changes every week, so their home has to keep up!
Read Veronika's story
You never know where life will take you. If you had told me a decade ago that one day I would be living in England, mum to a toddler and stepmum to two teenage boys, I wouldn’t have believed you. Sometimes, life unfolds in unexpected ways that you can’t always plan for.
Veronika’s guide to building a home that grows with your family
1. Trust your instincts. When we bought this house in 2007, it felt right for us. This house was finally somewhere permanent we could raise a family, our daughter Anya, and Mark’s sons Luke and James. It was a blank canvas where I could try out and play with the Scandinavian style that has always inspired me.
2. Play around with decorating ideas. When I was a little girl, I loved playing with my dolls’ house. I still do now – with my own home. I’ve taken carpets up, moved the sofa, filled walls with photos that I keep changing. I painted the house three times while I was pregnant. My next plan is to try dark walls – this house is my never-ending project.
3. Think flexible. Mark’s sons James and Luke live with us for a week and with their mum for a week. It’s a lot of fun when they’re over, but the house can seem very busy! I can’t change the size of the house, but we've made the most of the space by converting the loft to make a bigger bedroom for the boys. The dining table extends so we can all eat together and doubles as a space for the boys to do their homework while Anya plays in the living room.
