Queen Isabels Avenue, Coventry

Ascend the steps out front to the classic late Victorian terrace porch, where the front door is set just back, shielded from the elements. Inside the hallway is warm and inviting, with the treated original parquet flooring leading the way from front door into the main downstairs. The staircase, in a monochrome striped carpet, is complimented by the balustrade and spindles painted in Farrow & Ball's ‘Off Black' finish. The statement wall in Hobgoblin by Valspar and elsewhere, dark furnishings accent the overall look and work with the aesthetic of the house.

Into the living room a dramatically bold charcoal wall confronts you and draws you in. The chimney breast houses a log burner and slate hearth for the cosy Autumn/Winter months and the sizeable bay window allows the light to flood in and balance the otherwise dark tones of the room. Shades of putty and coyote grey move from the berber loop carpet to the walls. The white wooden blinds again adding light touches to balance the overall feeling of light yet warmth.

Sat behind the living space is the dining area, just separate by a partial wall. Should you wish to create complete separation, shutters or a wall ofcrittall would look great here. The dining space and kitchen have been converted into an open flowing space so that the kitchen benefits from more light and the dining area is always connected, in the most social of spirits, to whomever is on chef duty. This narrative is enhanced by continuous laminate wood flooring across these two rooms. The dining room continues the dark and moody vibe, with the charcoal wall, off-set by the warm rustic tones and textures of the flooring and furniture.

As you enter the kitchen, the once galley space has been opened up and maximised by creating a run of cupboards down the side of the house, and additional storage has been added with not an island, but a peninsula of cupboards, the perfect baking spot (we can imagine someone kneading dough on this work surface). The kitchen is a simple shaker style from Howden's, with oak look internal cupboards and a smooth finish painted Barford Grey externally. An integrated oven sits below a five ring hob burner and sleek extractor hood. Integrated fridge/freezer and slimline dishwasher complete the line up, with the kitchen sink recessed into the sunniest spot in the house. White metro tiles with a dark grey grout add distinction and a rustic touch.

Follow the mesmerising striped carpet upstairs to three thoughtfully laid out bedrooms. The principal room is a light, airy and has hint of a Scandinavian vibe in the oat coloured berber loop carpet and blue and cream willow print wallpaper. Here the large bay lets the light stream in. The second bedroom to the rear is the perfect guest bedroom or child's room, again, washed with light and bright any time of year. The third bedroom, currently an office, is a great workspace but equally a wonderful size for a single bedroom or nursery.

The bathroom has been completely reworked in this terraced house. Again, maximising on space, the bath is a free-standing tub of joy with waterfall taps, the same as the sink. The shower is large and luxurious, with a rainfall shower head and fully tiled in grey metro tiles, matching the opposite wall. It sits to the east of the house so always enjoys early sunshine, much-needed when waking up in the morning.

Downstairs and out through the kitchen door into the garden, a landscaped space of three zones has been created; the courtyard patio, matching ground level has raised planters full of perennials and lavender. The outhouses have a water tap for the garden and a working toilet, ready to be converted; up onto the main level and a lawn has been created, edged by a new feather-edge fence; finally, the third zone is a raised concrete base, ready to be decked and used as a BBQ spot, dining area or sun trap for those late evening summer moments outside.

• Setting :  Just off-centre of city living and close to countryside - the best of both worlds.
• Plot Twist :  The storage outside has running water so is primed and prepped to be converted or included as part of a future extension.
• Three words :  Dark and moody (in a good way).

Our favourite part
That ‘off-black’ staircase and chic striped carpet in the hallway.