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THE DIGEST
How a Renovation Expert Designed Her Own Dream Home
Den founder Emily Pun takes us on a tour of her thoughtfully renovated East London home, sharing how she transformed a run-down property into a warm, personality-filled space layered with vintage treasures, reclaimed materials, and meaningful design details.
Before Den became a trusted renovation partner for homeowners navigating the complexities of a build, it began with Emily Pun documenting her own. After buying a run-down Victorian terrace in East London with her partner and sharing the renovation process online, she found herself opening up a world that many people felt locked out of. What followed was a natural evolution from commercial design into helping homeowners create spaces that genuinely reflect who they are.
Three years after moving in, the house feels deeply personal. Not in the overly curated sense, but in the way all great homes do: layered, lived in and full of stories. A painting sourced from Spain greets you in the hallway. Open shelves in the kitchen are stacked with a jumble of ceramics collected, gifted and handmade over the years. Vintage jelly moulds sit alongside treasures picked up in Japan.
It's a philosophy that extends beyond aesthetics. Emily is drawn to craftsmanship, to objects that show the hand of their maker and carry evidence of a previous life. Whether it's the intricate detailing on an Arts and Crafts bedside table or an ornate floor lamp rescued and restored, every piece brings texture, character and conversation to the room.
That appreciation for personality is woven into the renovation itself. Original features that had been stripped away over the years were carefully reinstated, from timber sash windows and fireplaces to decorative cornicing. Elsewhere, bold colour choices and tactile materials bring warmth and individuality. A terracotta-red staircase runner sets the tone from the moment you step through the front door, while rich greens, buttery yellows and timber accents create a sense of depth throughout.
And then there's Harold.
The couple's dog has his own dedicated window seat overlooking the garden, designed specifically as a perch for watching the seasons change. It's a small detail, but one that perfectly captures Emily's approach to home design: thoughtful, practical and centred around the people and pets who actually live there.
“There's so much more depth to a space where older bits, or even things that you've owned over a long period of time, are brought into a room because it adds story and narrative”
Emily Pun
More than anything, this is a home that embraces imperfection. Reclaimed quarry tiles are celebrated for their wear. Open shelving showcases everyday crockery rather than hiding it away. Art takes many forms, from vintage paintings and floral collages to wall-mounted plates and found objects.
"There doesn't have to be a designated place for everything," Emily explains. The same could be said for her decorating style. Nothing feels too precious, too polished or too planned. Instead, the house evolves through patience, curiosity and a willingness to let character lead the way.
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