I wouldn't say all U.K homes are not as modern on interiors as U.S homes, just depends, same as here.

I would actually hit up the nearest IKEA. Do a rug over the rug in living room and different chairs in the kitchen.

Or, check out A2z rugs on U.K Amazon.

Lots of great character here! Love the fireplace and the built-ins. I think you could do a lot just by changing out the art and furniture. The window coverings are pretty neutral and inoffensive. I would definitely change out the wall art with something more modern, and get area rugs for the living and dining areas. The dining set looks like a nice solid wood piece and I would keep it, just get rid of the giant plant lol. The coffee table has a nice mid-mod look going too. I would change out the couches to something with more clean lines. The place is already nice and neutral so I would stick to neutrals as a base and pick an accent color for accessories like throw pillows.

I doubt she can change the furniture if it's rented as furnished.

I'd hit the nearest ikea and get some black and white rugs, runners, new pillows. if you can store the kitchen chairs somewhere, I'd replace with more modern ones. If not, get modern cushions. Ditto some floor lamps and table lamps. Plants.

Finally, I'd get some photos that you took enlarged and put those up.

You may be a bit home sick. I'd use the opportunity to travel, both in the UK and the continent.

Changing a few things and bringing in your taste should make you happy and accessorizing will make a huge difference. Won't make it modern, but will make it feel like home and pretty, as it needs some character. I would remove the plants, candles on hearth, accessories on window ledge and lower the art above the fireplace and replace the other one. Purchase a rug for under the coffee table and use complimentary pillows and a throw on the couch.

In the kitchen, I would add a colorful rug, baskets, and colorful pottery. Remove the blinds and add a shelf for herbs or plants. Remove the clock and add an interesting print. Don't spend a lot of money on buying things that might only suit this house and wouldn't be something you want to own long term. Shop consignment shops and flea markets and have fun.

oh no nosoccermom, didn't mean the OP should sell her furniture lol!!!

meant to say-another place to look for something for her to buy..cheap, and one can have very funny experiences too..:) and you learn the area like that too. great suggestion on travel btw..that goes without saying

if there's IKEA there close by that's great of course.

ah, I'd leave the plants. plants are not a regular part of any style out there..we connect them in our mind of course to this or that, but the truth is-they're above our earthy preferences..they're alive, our relationship with them is different, very different. if you don't like them/can't care for them-it's one thing. if you like them though-keep them.

you can always change the planters or put them on some cool contemporary thing or place differently or whatever. they themselves won't get in your way

How I love the Houzz community!!! I can always be sure to get some ideas!!

Most houses are smaller here. So I picked this house because it is spacious and also in a nice, safe neighbourhood, and there is a school for my boys right across the street.

The exterior, the backyard is fantastic but the interior is not my style just like aprilneverends said.

I had the choice between that or a smaller place, a boutique apartment on top of a bar (no noise though), but more like my style. I picked the place closest to the school.

This was the apartment:

I don't think I am home sick yet. I have only been here for about 10 days and looking forward to travelling around Europe while my husband is working.

I will look into buying a new rug and pillows. I really don't like the kitchen chairs. I'm in my mid-thirties, and have a hard time appreciating certain things.

So far we know what you *don't* like (kind of). If you can share some examples of looks you LOOOVE we can maybe help you bring this home more into line with your style!

If it helps, I think you made the right choice for a family and once you add a few things...it will be your home. Adding some modern pieces won't make it modern...spend your money on travelling and your children will thank you in years to come.

Agreed with Maureen, location and space are really important. Aesthetically the place you chose really isn't that bad. It is a little frustrating as a tenant to not be able to change any of the more permanent fixtures but just look for cute knick-knacks that suit your style and budget and you'll start to feel more at home there. I agree with the others that if you could share some inspiration pics that would help a lot.

Has anyone mentioned some wild and modern pillows to "modernize" the seating? Perhaps some of the colors from the painting could be incorporated?

Ingrid, yes, everybody did)) but no one attached pictures

(well I know I didn't because started drowning in the ocean of possible pillows..)

A few family room decors I wouldn't mind

https://www.houzz.com/photos/orchard-family-room-a-contemporary-family-room-chicago-phvw-vp~213942

My own place, in Canada, that I rented out. These pictures were taken when I was trying to sell the house initially, before putting it out for rent. So it looked tidier than usual. I hope it gives a little idea of what I like. I used to have rug under the coffee table (thanks to the Houzz community) but it got dirty. I took it out for the pictures

Lena Actually, the landlord said I can change/add anything I want but it won't be on him. I wish the fridge was bigger and stainless steel but... he said it is only a year old

Thanks for the images. Your former home is beautifully appointed!

Maybe bright white slipcovers in addition to the changes er612 suggested.

I think you like non-fussy, casual, kinda transitional(for whatever it means)..cozy and very livable..and you re not against some mixing and matching-you're not the style purist

given all that-i think your chances on making your rental homey for you and your family are not only big-they're grand..

tie the colors together since it's a bit strange they have different color carpets in dining and living(do they? or is my monitor playing mind games with me?), with rugs, pillows since you seem to like them, change the chairs that irritate you to no end for something that you can live with(just store these ones safely), and then go slow, enjoy the process..travel..and bring things that you find while you travel..it'll be fun, and it will be meaningful

That's a lovely house and in London, the rent must be a fortune. I'd start with art and a few pillows and go from there. Yes, head to Ikea, too.

You're not going to be able to turn it into your Canadian home - I'm assuming there is a limit to the changes you can make. But you can make it into a nice, bright, cozy home.