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Charles Allsopp, a former chairman
of auctioneer Christie's, and
inherited her interiors "eye" from
her mother Fiona McGowan, an
interior designer. "I really have a
passion for antiques, refurbishing,
renovating, and love finding things
in skips or reclamation yards and
giving them new life," Kirstie says.
"I think it's why I felt a bit
sensitive about the criticism for the
show, because I was showing what I
do in my personal life, and talking
of things about which I am
genuinely enthusiastic.
"I know not everyone has the
time to take up crafts and make
things, but if you can, it gives you a
huge degree of satisfaction and
gives a home character."
The house is tucked into the side
of a hill, by a rocky cove, and is
now available as a holiday rental.
Kirstie says:"I love the kitchen so
much, I'm going to replicate it in
our London home.
"The wooden floor is made of
timber reclaimed from a school
gym, and I also managed to raid the
science lab and used wooden
counters from there as worktops."
There was, though, one makeover
mistake:"I painted a mirror from a
skip a fabulous pink, but when I
hung it, I discovered it made
everyone look short and fat! I will
definitely recycle that."
Reclaim the kitchen � the floor was from a school gym and the worktops from a science lab
KIRSTIE'S BUDGET MAKEOVER TIPS
Try to get to know your local
second-hand market, so
stall-holders may look out for
objects that interest you.
Check out skips, especially in
expensive areas, but get the
permission of the skip owner
before taking anything.
Get a sewing machine, and
remember everything can be re-
used. Picture frames can be
painted, cups can make plant pots.
Check out courses on crafts such
as www.craftscouncil.org.uk,
www.craftlinks.co.uk or
www.artcourses.co.uk
The family
bathroom at
Meadowgate

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