Homemade Homes makeover Willenhall property

A couple who bought their dream Black Country home received a celebrity helping hand in giving it a much needed makeover.

Willenhall couple Shaun and Gemma Ward always had big plans to refurbish their £400,000 six bedroom Victorian property bought two years ago.

But they struggled to get the transformation of their Banks Street home under way with work and time pressures.

So they enlisted the of TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp who helped them to revamp their house as part of her latest series of Homemade Homes.

Their efforts which saw them travel across the country to seek ideas and inspirations will feature on the primetime show tonight.

With the support of Kirstie on the Channel 4 show they have managed to modernise the property. The 1950s-style brown wallpaper in the hall, stairs and landing has been replaced with a light lilac appearance.

Pictures have been put up to create a more homely feel and small touches like umbrella stands added.

• See more pictures in our gallery to your right

The bare study walls have had a splash of colour with green wallpaper and red leather chairs converted to black. The fire place has also been changes. Security firm boss Shaun, aged 36, and Walsall College training assessor Gemma, 33, were filmed throughout the year.

This included going to London for curtain making and Devon to learn from a blacksmith where they made two book ends through metal on hot coals.

They also went to an antiques fair in Lincoln where they were able to buy and sell valuables.

The transformation saw the study, hall, stairs and landing improved and redecorated including painting and putting down new carpet.

The show helps people create their own dream interiors using reclaimed and restored second hand furniture and handmade objects from craftsmen and women around the country.

The couple who have three children Jack, aged 14, Connor, 11 and 10-year-old Callum, will be watching the show with friends and neighbour's at 8pm tonight.

Gemma said: "When I have seen the advert on TV I have cringed. But the house does look lovely, it is really, really nice.

"We have taken a lot of things from this, and have learned from the whole experience. I am in the process of making some more curtains."

Of Kirstie, Gemma said: "She was lovely, really nice and very helpful with lots of ideas

"She came three or four times and she loved the house. She just walked in and couldn't believe all the period features."