Jonni Knight, a contestant on Interior Design Masters and interior designer at IKEA, transformed his two-bedroom Watford flat by rejecting conventional design rules in favor of personal creativity. The couple, who bought the new-build apartment in 2020, found it offered a blank canvas despite its developer-standard finishes. “The stark white had to go,” Knight explained, opting for deep teal in the living area and navy in the hall to add depth. Their redesign prioritized functionality, such as relocating the sofa and TV to improve flow in the open-plan space, which required testing configurations with tape before purchasing furniture.
Adapting Space for Practicality and Style
The unused hallway became an occasional office when Knight positioned a drop-leaf bureau to create a quiet workspace. In the guest bedroom, a deep moody green was chosen, contrasting with the lighter main bedroom designed for calm minimalism. The bathroom, though functional, felt soulless until peel-and-stick tiles added texture without damaging the property. “They don’t cause damage, so are also great for renters,” Knight noted, emphasizing the importance of reversible design choices.
After two years, the couple repainted the living room from moody teal to a lighter shade, only to realize the color appeared too yellow under natural light. They repainted again the next day, learning the importance of testing samples. “Lighting can dramatically alter how a colour appears, with natural light changing the look from morning to evening,” Knight reflected. This experience taught them the importance of living with samples for a while before committing.
The generous balcony also offered the couple some low-maintenance outdoor space. Knight repurposed an IKEA cabinet with a wood top and felt pen artwork, showcasing budget-friendly creativity. “Bespoke furniture and original artwork can be really expensive, and as I have a champagne lifestyle on a tap water budget I have to create my own,” he joked.
The guest bedroom, now Jonni’s personal favorite, showcases a custom headboard that required three weeks of meticulous planning to work through the narrow stairwell. The deep moody green paint envelops the space, creating a cocooning atmosphere. A mid-century-style sideboard sits beside a vintage bureau that doubles as a clothes-holding bay when not serving as a desk chair, exemplifying the couple’s philosophy of multifunctional furniture in compact living.
The main bedroom features a fitted wardrobe complemented by minimalist furniture, reflecting Christopher’s preference for clean, modern lines. A console table by the entrance provides a practical landing point for keys and bags, purchased early in the renovation as an investment piece expected to endure. Even a simple coffee machine found the perfect fit in a narrow gap after an electrician added a dedicated socket, creating a tidy station that maximizes worktop space.
Finding the Right Fit and Early Steps in Transformation
The couple discovered a new-build flat by chance, which they felt was the ideal choice. Financial considerations played a role, as the two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout allowed guests privacy without the cost of a house. Jonni, who participated in Interior Design Masters and co-hosts the podcast ‘Til Design Do Us Part, emphasized the practical benefits of the space.
Kitchen and bathroom fixtures impressed Jonni, who noted their high-end feel despite developer-standard finishes. The couple prioritized functionality, using the guest bedroom’s natural dimness to inform a moody green palette. Once keys were transferred, they celebrated the fresh start with champagne and pizza on the kitchen floor, marking the beginning of their collaborative redesign.
Jonni later refined the space by spray-painting cabinet handles black, viewing hardware as a key finishing element. This budget-friendly update enhanced the kitchen’s cohesion without altering the flat’s structure. Their approach reflected a balance between creativity and practicality, ensuring the home remained both personal and adaptable.
Entertainment and Personal Expression
Entertaining is central to Knight’s vision, leading to a dining table positioned next to the kitchen rather than opposite the sofa, contrary to the original architectural plan. This arrangement better accommodates gatherings and creates a natural flow for serving. Tablescaping—arranging decorative objects on surfaces—represents one of Knight’s greatest joys, seamlessly blending with a love of sewing that extends to crafting personalized napkins and table runners.
