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Glasgow’s property scene is no stranger to character, but a one-bedroom tenement flat on Cecil Street in the heart of the West End is capturing attention for more than just its period charm. Thanks to Victoria, a contestant on the latest series of Interior Design Masters, this traditional flat has undergone a bold transformation that’s turning heads and setting new design standards.

the living room in cecil street

Victoria has infused her home with what she calls “contemporary lux.” It’s a vibrant, personality-packed style that pairs statement colours with luxurious textures and vintage finds, creating a living space that feels both sophisticated and entirely personal.

At Rettie, we’re seeing more and more buyers gravitate toward homes that feel curated and considered, homes that offer not just function, but inspiration. Victoria’s approach reflects this growing appetite for individuality in design, showing just how impactful a well-designed space can be, even in a one-bedroom layout.

This shift isn’t just aesthetic, it has real value in today’s market. Sellers who invest in standout design often find their homes achieving stronger interest, faster sales, and even premium prices. Buyers, meanwhile, are increasingly seeking properties that spark emotion and creativity, something Victoria’s flat delivers in spades.

What’s most exciting about this trend is how it plays to Glasgow’s strengths: a city full of rich architectural heritage and creative energy. Blending the old with the new, much like Victoria has, feels not just natural, but necessary.

  • What inspired the interiors of your home?Chevron-down

    "I love a contemporary luxe aesthetic, so when I got the keys to 42 Cecil St, I knew I wanted to make it my own while still respecting the property’s period charm. The previous owner had done an incredible job renovating the space, so it was essentially a blank canvas for me to zhuzh!"

  • What was your approach to designing the living/dining room?Chevron-down

    "The living/dining room was the first space I tackled. Adding wide shelving in the recess beside the fireplace gave interest to what was a plain corner. I had a traditional plaster ceiling rose installed, which really allowed the ceiling height to shine, and paired it with a contemporary feature light to blend the traditional and modern styles."

  • What design elements did you choose for the space?Chevron-down

    "I drenched the walls in a warm off-white with crisp white woodwork, and I used mid-century inspired Farrow & Ball ‘Tourbillon’ wallpaper between the cornice on the ceiling. It was a cost-effective way to create impact and add another layer of interest. The Karndean flooring I chose is so realistic—many viewers questioned if it was the original parquet!"

  • Do you have a favourite room or space in the flat?Chevron-down

    "The wee toilet is one of my favourite spaces! It all started when I fell in love with the Milton and King ‘Ornithology’ wallpaper. I paired it with affordable tiles from a local retailer, and even taught myself to tile through YouTube during the lockdown. It was incredibly therapeutic! I also love the playful addition of the birds and bees on the ceiling - because, why not?!"

  • What’s the story behind your bedroom design?Chevron-down

    "My bedroom design is centered around House of Hackney’s ‘Artemis’ wallpaper. I loved it from afar but chose to frame it behind my bed in one large panel to make a bold impact. The light-coloured carpets balance out the rich, saturated colours on the walls, and the floods of afternoon sunlight really bring the room to life."

  • Do you have a favourite spot in the flat?Chevron-down

    "Sitting around the original G Plan dining table in the front bay is definitely my favourite spot. The table has a special history - it was a wedding gift to my grandparents in the 1960s. When I bought the flat, I moved in with very little furniture, so when I found the table in the shed at my parents’, I knew it would be perfect for the bay window. I hope to bring my own family up around this table in the future - if it could talk, I’m sure it would have many stories to tell!"

  • What do you love most about the area?Chevron-down

    "I absolutely love how inclusive the West End is. Coming from a rural background, I always thought you had to dress up to go into the city, but in the West End, it doesn’t matter how you look. You can just be yourself. It’s a wonderful place to sit in a café, park, or pub and watch the vibrant community go by."

Contact our West End Team
Author
Millie Jobson
Marketing Executive
Published: 25 Apr 2025
LifestyleSales
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