When the couple took possession of the house, the first thing they did was to extend the kitchen bench and create more storage space. "We both love to cook - when we have time - and I quite like getting in and doing things around the house, so it was a good feeling to get that done," says Steven. "Shelley tells me what needs doing and I get on with it. She's pretty good at coming up with things for me to do," he laughs.
Though they haven't had to change too much structurally, they have worked hard to put their own stamp on the home they now share with son Flynn, aged 1.
The existing fresh, all-white paint job throughout the house provides a neutral backdrop ideal for displaying their treasures.
"Family is very important to us and we have a lot of things here that have been passed on to us," says Shelley. "Our house is filled with a mix of things we've been given, and bits and pieces we've picked up while overseas. Basically everything has meaning and has a reason for being here. We don't just buy things for the sake of buying them."
Style tips
Frame game: Shelley likes to buy inexpensive picture frames and paint them white to make them look more upmarket.
Easy feature: A wall of elegant wallpaper is an easy and low-cost way of adding colour and texture to a room. The green and white wallpaper in the main bedroom provides a counterpoint to the neutral colour palette of the other walls.
Baby steps: To decorate Flynn's room, Shelley made bunting and found prints for the walls online.
