Painting
March 2026
How We Transformed Our Kitchen Cabinets with Chalk Paint
A weekend project that completely changed the heart of our home. Here's our step-by-step guide.
Welcome to
The Linen&Timber Living
A home renovation journal — sharing our DIY projects, upcycling finds, and cosy living ideas. Plus one private room available on Airbnb.
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Our Story
DIY Home Renovation, One Project at a Time
What started as a neglected house has become our passion project. We've been documenting every step — from chalk-painted cabinets to upcycled charity-shop finds — on this blog.
We share honest DIY guides, before-and-after transformations, and all the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're planning your own renovation or just love a good makeover story, you're in the right place.
We also let one private bedroom on Airbnb, so you can experience the finished space in person. Have a browse, get inspired, or come stay.
From the Journal
Latest DIY & Renovation Projects
Upcycling
February 2026
From Charity Shop Find to Statement Piece
This tired old dresser cost us just £25. See how we brought it back to life with some TLC.
Decorating
January 2026
Creating the Perfect Cosy Guest Bedroom
Layered linens, vintage finds, and the secrets to making guests feel instantly at home.
What We Share
DIY Renovation Projects, Tips & Inspiration
Painting & Upcycling
Chalk paint transformations, furniture rescues, and step-by-step guides for giving old pieces new life.
Garden & Outdoor
From wildflower borders to herb patches — how we created a cottage garden on a budget.
Rooms & Makeovers
Before-and-after room reveals, decorating tips, and the secrets to creating cosy, lived-in spaces.
Stay With Us
One private bedroom is available on Airbnb — experience the finished renovation in person.
Room Reviews
What Our Airbnb Guests Say
“The most magical stay. Every detail has been thought of, and you can feel the love that's gone into this place.”
“We didn't want to leave! The cottage is even more beautiful than the photos. Truly a hidden gem.”
The Full Story
Our DIY Home Renovation Journey in Wallington, South London
Where It All Started
When we bought our house in Wallington, it was very much a “project”. Dated finishes, tired carpets, and rooms that hadn't been touched in decades. What it did have, though, was good bones — solid walls, original features, and plenty of character waiting to be uncovered.
Rather than calling in contractors for everything, we decided to roll up our sleeves. What followed has been years of learning, experimenting, and occasionally making glorious mistakes. This blog is our honest account of all of it.
What We Cover on This Blog
We write about every aspect of home renovation — from structural improvements and decorating to the smaller, more satisfying projects that make a house feel like home. Our most popular posts tend to be around chalk painting and furniture upcycling, because they're projects anyone can tackle over a weekend with minimal tools.
We also document our garden — a real cottage-style plot with raised beds, climbing roses, and a wildflower border that brings the bees in every summer. Gardening on a budget is something we're passionate about, and we share every tip we've picked up along the way.
Our Approach to Renovating on a Budget
We believe you don't need a big budget to create a beautiful home. Most of our best pieces have come from charity shops, car boot sales, and marketplace listings. A well-chosen piece of furniture, properly restored and painted, can anchor a whole room and look completely intentional.
We're also big believers in doing things slowly. Not every room needs to be finished at once. Living with a space before committing to permanent changes often leads to much better results — and far fewer regrets.
Book Our Airbnb Room in Wallington
One of the bedrooms in our home is available to guests through Airbnb. It's been lovingly decorated with the same care and attention as the rest of the house — layered linen bedding, vintage furniture, and all the little touches that make a room feel like a proper retreat rather than just somewhere to sleep.
Wallington is a quiet, residential neighbourhood in the London Borough of Sutton. It's well connected by rail (around 30 minutes to London Bridge or Victoria), close to Croydon, and a short drive from Surrey. Our guests tend to be visiting family nearby, attending events in London, or simply looking for a peaceful base rather than a busy city hotel.