When SheerLuxe fashion broadcaster Polly Sayer moved into her new home – a converted chapel in Hampshire – with her partner Harry, she already knew who she wanted to call. “Nicola and I were introduced through a mutual friend,” she says of her interior designer, Nicola Crawford of Finch Interiors. “Coincidentally, when I was renovating my bathroom in a previous property, my inspo photo was one I’d found on Pinterest that Nic had designed!”
Their creative partnership grew out of friendship – and a shared love of homes with character. “When my partner and I moved into the house we’re in now in Hampshire, I knew Nic would be the one to help put our stamp on the place,” Polly says.
Though Polly came in with a strong sense of what she liked and disliked, she admits her interior moodboard was more maximalist brainstorm than cohesive concept. “My problem with interiors has always been that I like a lot of things and struggle to streamline them,” she laughs. “I was also conscious that I didn’t want to butcher the natural charm of the property.”
To translate that vision into something tangible, Nicola had Polly fill out a detailed questionnaire and share her Pinterest boards as a launching point for the design direction. From this, Nicola created a concept that brought together Polly’s influences, before collaboratively deciding on a final concept that respected the home’s bones. “I was quite amazed how she managed to pull everything together and create such a cool and eclectic, yet calm and cosy vibe,” Polly says.
The couple moved in during May 2024 and worked on the project over the next year. “We only finished at the start of September 2025,” Polly says. “It feels like a long time for only the living, kitchen and dining area, but we weren’t in a huge rush. We were quite keen to do a lot of the work ourselves.”
Looking around, it’s clear to see that the couple’s patience and relaxed pace has more than paid off. “It was already my dream home,” she reflects. “But now that the living and kitchen space reflects our interior vibe, I can’t describe how much joy it brings me to just hang out at home.
“It’s probably not the best for my social life, as I now have to literally peel myself away to go out in the evenings! But likewise, it’s become this amazing space for hosting and we’ve had some epic parties.”
(Photography: Chris Snook | Interior Design: Finch Interior | Styling: Anna Sheridan)
Among the most transformative changes has to be the banquette seating, built opposite the kitchen where the old Aga once stood. “It’s created such a functional, cosy space which is amazing for hosting,” Polly says. “I also love working there from my laptop during the daytime – the wavy, stripy upholstery injects so much personality and we always get comments on it,” and it’s easy to see why.
“My partner Harry built this area himself using designer Nicola’s plans and wood from Howdens. “It feels quite special to use the space now,” she adds.
Another obvious highlight is the kitchen island, which now serves as both workspace and social hub. “We have an induction hob integrated into it which faces out onto the dining area – as the one who does all the cooking, I love how sociable it is to be able to chat at the same time.”
Removing the dated wood panelling also helped the chapel breathe again. “We used to have wood panelling all through the living area – don’t worry, it wasn’t an original feature and it wasn’t the pretty kind!” she jokes. “Painting everything in Farrow & Ball ‘Joa’s White’ made everything feel so much calmer.”
While the renovation has the polish of a designer-led project, it was also a masterclass in smart spending. “We kept the existing kitchen cabinets as they were good quality,” explains Polly. “We painted over them and got new knobs and they look good as new.”
But the budget-conscious considerations didn’t end there. Making the savvy, and sustainable decision to sell off unwanted pieces in lieu of scrapping them – including the existing Aga – helped offset costs, too, and Harry’s DIY skills proved invaluable to the finished project. “I’m very lucky that Harry is very handy and crucially, willing to do whatever he is able to,” she says.
We considered keeping the Aga, but after realising it was going to cost us £15 a day to run – it had to go! Nicola’s suggestion to turn the area into the banquette was one of her most inspired choices.
Polly Sayer, homeowner
After living through the renovation, Polly’s advice for anyone thinking about doing the same, is to approach each step along with the way with an open mind. “Weigh up whether something is worth your time or stress levels,” Polly cautions. “The banquette area saved us a lot on bespoke carpentry, but we decided to pay decorators to do all the painting. It took them weeks – if we’d done it ourselves, we might have separated in the process!”
“I expected it to be challenging at points and ‘trust the process’ really rings true, however… there are always little snags and you’ve just got to learn to work around it,” she adds.
Aside from the satisfaction of seeing a DIY project through to completion, there’s delight to be found in the finishing touches. “The devil’s in the details,” Polly reflects. “Our Beata Heuman bow handles on the island and kitchen cabinet bring me a lot of joy. I also love our vintage pendant lampshades, which Nic found on Etsy.” Likewise, the pencil and ogee edge profiling on the worktops. “This did add to the cost, and even the stonemasons tried to dissuade us from doing it for ease, but having this finish adds a lovely softness and elevates the space.”
Lessons Learnt
“Building, fixing and installing always takes longer than you think,” Polly shares. “But you become quite resilient as a result.”
Above all, she believes the investment in good design pays dividends. “Interior design is so worth it. It can feel like an overwhelming amount of work and money to invest at first, but when you’re in this wonderful space, it’s the best feeling.”
As for what’s next? “Plenty!” she says. “I’d love to tackle our bedroom and make it feel a bit more fun and cool. We’ve also begun work on our garden and have just been granted planning permission to demolish the sheds and create a more permanent annexe that will essentially create a fourth bedroom.”
“We’ll do this as, and when, we can afford to, but I’m excited to see it all come to life.”
For now, though, this former chapel feels like exactly what it was built to be – a sanctuary with soul. Albeit a very stylish one.
The design team
Interiors: Nicola Crawford, finchinteriordesign.com
Styling: Anna Sheridan, annasheridancreative.com
Photography: Chris Snook, chrissnookphotography.co.uk
