There’s something truly humbling about renovation projects. Tasks you think will take a week can take months. And there are always new ‘surprises’ (read: ‘disasters’) waiting to be discovered when you tear down a wall or rip up old flooring. 

But every so often, a finished space reminds you why it was worth the effort. We recently caught up with Rachel White, winner of the Spring 2026 #MyRadRocks competition. Rachel’s entry showcased our traditional 3 column cast iron radiator in cream white as part of a dreamy extension. Zoom out, and you’ll also see a gorgeous green kitchen with a statement island.

We thoroughly enjoy the after photos, but to appreciate the care and devotion that has gone into this project, you really need to sneak a peek at the before photos on Instagram.

This level of property wizardry would be impressive from a full-time renovator, but Rachel happens to work full-time for the NHS. In her own words, the biggest challenge she faced with this project was “trying to renovate a whole house, work full time, maintain a social life, and stay active.” 

And given that renovation projects rarely go to plan at the best of times, she found that it was particularly challenging when rooms that were planned to be finished in two months actually took six months to complete.

Finding their 1930s forever home by the sea

Back in 2024, Rachel started documenting the property renovation journey on Instagram. This is not her first home, but her first renovation project. I asked Rachel to share a little about her journey and how she found the property, a 1930 semi-detached property in Hampshire.

After living in a new-build flat with partner Cole and their pooch, Sausage, the couple set their sights on a bigger challenge. While they might not have been prepared to be without a kitchen for 12 months, eating meals off paper plates and doing the washing up in the bath, Rachel recognises how rewarding the process has been.

Rachel describes the gut feeling she had about the property. “I knew it was the house for us before we even saw it. We drove down one of the roads towards the house, and I could see the sea ahead of me.”

It wasn’t only the proximity to the sea that tipped the scales for Rachel and Cole. The former rental property was in clear need of some TLC, but the pair could see the character and the potential.

“As we were viewing the house, the next people to view it were standing on the driveway waiting to get in, so we had to make an offer on the drive home!” Their tenacious approach paid off, and they soon had the keys in hand and a mammoth project ahead of them.

Spotlight on… that dreamy extension

To appreciate how far this room has come, you have to recognise what they were dealing with beforehand. The downstairs of the property was a warren of small rooms and utility spaces, complete with a fish tank installation linking the old kitchen to the downstairs shower room – obviously. 

The pair roped in friends and family to help demolish the rear of the house and internal walls, taking everything back to brick so they could work with a true blank canvas.

They have transformed the space into an open and light-filled space, with beautiful stone flooring, a statement kitchen island, and an abundance of reclaimed and upcycled features. 

Rachel explains her style influences, which includes a mixture of traditional style with some modern bits thrown in for good measure. “I love the look of the stalls at Shepton Mallet Flea market, vintage shops and Facebook Marketplace, mixed in with pieces from Oliver Bonas and M&S.”

We can see the mixture of traditional and modern at play in this beautiful space, with heritage-inspired colour palette of hunter green and warm cream, with wooden accents from the wicker bar stools to the restored farmhouse table and chairs.

Extensions are always at risk of becoming gloomy if there isn’t sufficient light, but this isn’t an issue with this room. Double doors out onto the garden provide ample light, with soft voile curtains to tie in with the elegant French farmhouse feel.

The space manages to retain a minimalist feel, which adds to the sense of serenity. What could be the most chaotic room in the house is calming, avoiding the risk of overwhelm that can arise with vintage homes.

Thankfully, Rachel’s commitment to documenting the journey is a great source of inspiration for others thinking about taking on a project of this scale.

“I took a lot of photos during the process and when I look back and compare I can’t believe we have done the work and made it happen. All those days off doing the work is worth it.”

We can’t wait to see how Rachel puts her £500 voucher to use, and you can follow along too on her Instagram page.