A UK-based mother with a passion for pastels is embarking on a significant home renovation, investing an additional £190,000 (approximately $240,000 USD) to transform her 1960s cottage into a pastel paradise. Sophia Ferrari-Wills, 35, has already made significant changes to her home, including a mermaid-themed bathroom, a forest-inspired playroom, and a unique ice cream-themed office. Even a custom-built tree house, costing over £10,000, is part of this whimsical dwelling.
Ferrari-Wills' love for pastel hues extends throughout her home. She's currently in the process of converting every corner of the house to match her pastel vision, including replacing the beige kitchen tiles with a vibrant pastel pink. By December, she aims to have every detail, from floor to ceiling, reflect her chosen color scheme.
Ferrari-Wills, a mother of two, began documenting her home transformation on Instagram in March 2020. The positive response and growing following allowed her to transition from her career as a midwife in April 2021 to focus on interior design and online influencing. Her Instagram account now boasts an impressive 437,000 followers.
The upcoming renovation plans include a significant extension and remodeling of the kitchen and living area. A greenhouse attached to the property will be converted into an open-plan kitchen and living space, complete with a utility room and pantry. Ferrari-Wills envisions the finished product as a pastel-colored "open hug."
Her detailed plans include pink aluminum windows, a unique pastel-detailed kitchen island, and pretty pastel pink tiles. She's determined to achieve "maximum pastel impact." After purchasing the cottage in 2019 with her husband, Chris, a sales manager, the couple embarked on their pastel project. Sharing their progress online during the COVID lockdown helped propel Ferrari-Wills into her new career.
The existing décor offers a glimpse into the overall aesthetic. The kitchen is currently lilac with scallop edges, pink tiles, and pink appliances. The hallway features green walls, pink shutters, a wavy mirror, and a distinctive side table. The living room showcases strawberry-themed wallpaper and calamine pink walls, complemented by yellow and baby pink corner sofas, a neon-lit gallery wall, a pink log burner, and yellow scallop detailing around the fireplace.
Upstairs, the pastel theme continues, and the downstairs bathroom has a mermaid motif. A forest theme adorns the playroom. Ferrari-Wills, who describes herself as a "girlie girl," takes pride in her unique home and enjoys the positive reactions from visitors who are often "amazed" by her whimsical creation. By managing the decorating herself, she has also saved thousands on her renovation project.
