Inspired by Josh Widdicombe’s Grand Georgian Reno
Ever dreamt of turning a crumbling old house into a showstopper? That’s exactly what Josh Widdicombe and Rose Hanson are doing in Cornwall, and they’ve got Instagram hooked.
With a £1M buy and £850k reno budget, they’re mixing Georgian charm with modern edge.
Ready to steal some timeless style for your own space? This renovation is full of ideas worth saving.
A Garden Room Glow-Up
First on their to-fix list? A dated, leaky conservatory. Josh and Rose swapped it for a light-filled garden room that brings the outdoors in like a cozy sunroom that actually works year-round.
Even without major renovations, you can get the vibe. Think lighter drapes, airy doors, or a dedicated window nook to soak up the sun. Small swaps, major mood shift.
Entrance Hall Features
Josh’s Cornwall home’s entrance hall features a traditional chequerboard marble floor paired with vintage Italian wall lights and a striking green marble shelf salvaged from an old convent.
The hallway is carefully designed to frame a beautiful view of the garden, with the perfect combo of lighting, art, and curtains creating a welcoming first impression.
Want to create a show-stopping entry? Try framing your outdoor views and adding lighting and decor that gives your space instant charm.
Custom Details
In their dreamy living room setup, traditional Devol cabinets meet soft, heritage-inspired wall colors from Edward Bulmer Paints. The look is warm, timeless, and totally functional.
A designer touch comes through with bespoke shelving and sleek TV units that bring style and smart storage together.
Want to try it yourself? Blend classic cabinetry with clean-lined modern details, and consider custom joinery that fits your home’s vibe. It’s the easiest way to turn everyday living into something beautifully intentional.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms combine classic design with luxury, featuring beautiful Original Style UK tiles, freestanding baths (Water Monopoly, anyone?), and that timeless checkerboard marble flooring.
Take a cue from this and give your bathroom that spa-like feel, whether it’s with a standout bath, eye-catching tiles, or lighting that sets the mood.
A Home Gym with a View
Their renovation didn’t just stick to tradition. Josh and Rose carved out space for a sleek home gym with coastal views, proof that wellness and heritage can go hand in hand. The space can also be used as a relaxed zone for massage and spa treatment at home.
Of course, you don’t need sea views to bring this to life, think soft lighting, calm colors, and a decluttered zone just for you.
The Outdoor Kitchen
Forget BBQs on the lawn, Josh and Rose turned their outdoor space into a full-blown kitchen setup. It’s perfect for long dinners, sunset cocktails, and those Cornwall sea breezes.
You can get the same magic with a portable grill, rustic prep table, and cafe lights.
Even if you’re working with a balcony or yard, try layering textures, adding lanterns, or upgrading your dining setup to turn meals into moments.
Refind Rustic
Josh and Rose show that a home can be both rustic and elegant. It’s not all rough beams and heavy furniture, it’s about balancing textures.
Pair aged woods with velvet cushions, simple linen drapes with detailed moldings, or a rough farmhouse table under a sleek chandelier.
Mixing refined and rustic elements makes the space feel timeless, not themed. You don’t need a perfect match, contrast brings warmth and depth.
Understated, Timeless, Calm
In Cornwall, Josh and Rose keep things soft and simple.
The palette throughout is soft and natural, with pale greens, rust-coloured velvet, and warm amber tones used in bedrooms to create depth and comfort. Add to that minimal decor, natural textures, and historic silhouettes, and you’ve got a vibe that whispers instead of shouts.
If you want to recreate such a vibe, lean into restraint. Use less color but more texture, fewer items but more meaning.
Ceiling Details
Josh made sure to preserve the original Georgian ceiling details, and it paid off. Think tall ceilings that bring in light and air, elegant ceiling roses in formal rooms, and decorative cornices that wrap the space in charm.
If your ceiling’s a little plain, steal the vibe. Try faux beams, paneled effects, or ceiling medallions to give any room more structure and presence.
Flooring That Grounds the Space
In Josh and Rose’s home, flooring plays a quiet but powerful role. Think old stone, weathered wood, and deep texture underfoot.
Classic Oak solid wood flooring from Coppice & Crown was installed throughout key rooms, all laid over underfloor heating for comfort in Cornwall’s cooler months.
You can bring that same rooted feel to your space with checkerboard tiles, wide planks, or even vinyl alternatives that mimic the real thing.
Windows Framed for Charm
Georgian homes like theirs often boast big, beautiful windows. Don’t have those? No worries. Use arched frames, classic curtains, and vintage rods to fake the architectural look.
Even a simple curtain update can make a builder-grade window feel bespoke. Small swaps, big style. And if you’re renting, try no-drill curtain brackets or peel-and-stick trims for a similar effect.
Lighting
In Josh’s renovation, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. A mix of antique and modern fixtures brings both warmth and character, like the stunning Murano glass chandelier in the cloakroom and vintage Italian wall lights in the entrance.
Even if you’re not using antiques, modern LED lights with warm hues can still evoke that timeless, cozy feel. Add dimmers, table lamps, or battery-operated candles to set the tone and enhance the mood.
Blending Old Bones with Modern Life
Josh and Rose prove you don’t have to pick between period charm and modern convenience. Their Cornwall home has original fireplaces, antique chandeliers, and yes, updated plumbing and cozy corners. You can do the same, whether you live in a historic gem or not.
Pair classic shapes with functional upgrades: a reading nook with built-in shelves, a vintage-inspired kitchen with smart storage, or a clawfoot tub in a modern bath. It’s all about balance, keeping the character while making space for everyday life.
Dreamy Home, Dusty Reality
Restoring a historic home isn’t all candlelit dinners and crown molding. Josh and Rose’s journey shows the behind-the-scenes grit: hidden costs, structural surprises, and the kind of dust that never quits.
Every light fixture, wall color, and vintage detail took time, thought, and a good dose of patience.
But the result? A space that’s layered with character and heart. Even if you’re working with a smaller home or tighter budget, it’s all about thoughtful choices, like investing in lasting pieces and carving out charm where you can.
If you’re planning your own makeover, check out our quick and simple guide about what you need to know before renovating.
Designing with Soul
Rose’s style works because it’s personal, not polished to perfection. Her use of timeworn mirrors, salvaged tables, and faded rugs gives the home a lived-in feel that’s cozy, not staged. Instead of chasing trends, they honor the home’s story.
Try adding your own “old soul” pieces such as books, vintage lamps, layered linens, or flea market finds. Let your space feel relaxed, a little imperfect, and totally yours. That’s what makes a house feel like it has a heart.
For more ideas on making any space feel elevated without excess, check out how Designer Guillaume transformed just 900 square feet into a truly luxurious home.
We’d love to hear, what’s one historic-style detail you’d love to add to your own home? Share your ideas in the comments.
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