Victorian townhouse renovation opens dining room to the garden

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

Ella and David Moore purchased their Victorian home in Manchester in 2017. Although it featured a 1980s two-storey rear extension, the property was in need of modernization and personalization. The couple spent the first year developing plans for improvements, aiming to reconfigure the layout to better suit their lifestyle rather than simply adding more space. Key structural changes included removing walls to create a large open-plan kitchen by combining the original kitchen, dining room, and a small reception area. Additional modifications involved the integration of a downstairs toilet and hallway, a new porch, and a utility room. The front door was also relocated from the center to the side of the house, which required obtaining planning permission. While the back of the house was designed as a sociable, open-plan area connected to the garden, the living room at the front was intentionally kept as a cozier, separate space. Upstairs, one of the three existing bedrooms was reconfigured to create a dressing room and an office for David. Two en-suites were installed, and the main bathroom was relocated to optimize the guest bedroom layout. The renovation process began a year after they moved in, with Ella managing the project and designing the layout, while an architectural technician drafted plans for planning permission. The couple approached the renovation without rushing, paying meticulous attention to detail, which included selecting traditional-style radiators, brushed-metal light switches, and beehive door handles. Most of the work was completed by the end of 2019, with the main bathroom remaining as one of the few areas yet to be finished. Exterior enhancements included replacing the modern uPVC windows at the front with traditional-style sash windows and installing contemporary aluminum windows at the back. The garden was also a focus of Ella's design efforts. Her passion for garden design and sourcing houseplants led her to establish an indoor plant business, Ella’s Garden, during the lockdown, which quickly became successful. In 2022, she expanded her entrepreneurial ventures by co-founding a crafting workshop business with a friend. Ella’s decorating approach was guided by instinct, favoring warm tones and complementary shades. She frequently used pinks and oranges alongside dark greens and blues and opted for warm neutrals as a backdrop instead of stark whites. To ensure continuity throughout the ground floor, engineered wood parquet planks were laid, with rugs used to add color, texture, and define zones within the open-plan areas. Ella emphasizes the importance of definition in open-plan spaces and the need for tidiness. In the kitchen, she maintains a minimalist aesthetic on the countertops, displaying only frequently used items. However, she is an avid collector of vintage items and souvenirs from her travels, frequently rearranging her favorite pieces on open shelves to keep the displays fresh and personal. She values showcasing these treasures, believing it contributes to a home's warmth. The article also provides a brief tour of other areas of the house, including the hallway, spare bedroom, main en-suite, and landing. The hallway features glazed French doors to maximize brightness, complemented by bare brick walls, scaffolding shelves, and vintage furniture. The spare bedroom includes a bed reupholstered in a leather-effect fabric. The main en-suite is painted in Card Room Green from Farrow & Ball and is equipped with a basin and vanity unit from Drench, a House Doctor mirror, Nordlux pendant lights, a Rose & Grey wire shelving unit, and Tile Mountain floor tiles. The landing showcases a vibrant lime green chair against a deep teal wall, illustrating Ella’s continued use of bold color and personal touches throughout the home. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #BiophilicDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #VintageDecor #Houseplants #OpenPlanLiving #HomeMakeover

This blog post details the renovation of a three-story Victorian home overlooking Long Island Sound in Larchmont, owned by the Pinchin family. The project, led by architect Robert Keller of Keller/Eaton and homeowner Gillian Pinchin, who also runs her interior design firm Wondernose, focused on transforming the traditional exterior with a funky, eclectic, and modern interior designed for contemporary family living. The primary objective was to modernize the home while maintaining its historical charm. The most substantial changes were implemented on the third floor. This area, which previously consisted of five small maids' rooms, was reconfigured to create a spacious master suite. This new suite now includes a master bedroom, a dedicated bathroom, a dressing room, separate his-and-hers offices, and a deck offering views of the water. The architect noted that the goal was to repurpose underutilized spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas suitable for a modern lifestyle. A unique challenge was creating a sense of privacy for the parents within the master suite without isolating it from their three young children. The solution was a 2-inch-thick, 400-pound walnut door, crafted by Pinchin’s father, which slides on casters like a barn door. This door provides privacy when closed but allows the third floor to feel contiguous with the rest of the house when open. The second floor of the home features three bedrooms and a bathroom for the children, along with a guest room, an additional bathroom, and a laundry room. On the first floor, a modern island was incorporated into the traditional kitchen, blending new elements with existing aesthetics. Additionally, a formal living room was re-envisioned as a "grown-up room" by Pinchin, providing a tranquil space with two chaises for relaxation. The basement was also renovated to include a bedroom, a bathroom, a mudroom, and a gym, all designed with a clean, simple, and functional style. For the interior design, Pinchin adopted a "gallery approach," painting most walls white to allow select pieces of artwork or furniture to stand out. The most striking element in the house is a custom graffiti wall in the dining room. Pinchin commissioned an artist from San Francisco, who used traditional paint to create a "sloppy" graffiti look, even incorporating the children's initials into the design. This "crazy wall" creates a compelling contrast with the otherwise quiet room, furnished with midcentury pieces inherited from Pinchin's grandmother. The architect highlighted this surprising juxtaposition between the home's traditional exterior and its modern interior as a key success of the project. The article further elaborates on specific design choices in various rooms. In the master bedroom, artwork above the bed provides a splash of color against a neutral backdrop. Her office maintains an all-white theme with a zebra-skin chair and personal artwork. The kitchen features a modern island and a bubble chandelier alongside a reproduction of an old master's painting and green subway tiles. The "grown-up room" boasts a lenticular image of a ballerina above the mantel, offering a dynamic visual element, and combines high-end B&B Italia chaises with an Ikea shelving unit, showcasing a blend of high and low furnishings. The overall renovation successfully merges historical architecture with contemporary design and personal artistic expression. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #ModernInteriorDesign #ArchitecturalUpdate #MasterSuite #EclecticDecor #GraffitiArt #InteriorDesign #GillianPinchin #RobertKeller

Emily Pun, an interior architect, and her partner, Jono Taylor, undertook a significant renovation of a dilapidated three-bedroom Victorian terrace in East Ham, East London. The couple, who relocated to the UK in 2017, decided to move from their two-bedroom Georgian maisonette in Leyton during the pandemic, driven by a desire for more space, a larger garden, and a creative project. Despite a limited budget, they focused on areas of East London with potential and found a neglected Victorian terrace that, despite damp and mold issues and having been rented out to multiple tenants, had elegant proportions and a good-sized garden suitable for an extension. Their vision was to create a balanced and cohesive home where every space flowed naturally. To achieve this, they collaborated with architect Marilena Walton to design a side and rear wraparound extension, expanding the kitchen to the full width of the house and creating a seamless connection to the garden. This extension incorporated semi-recessed sliding doors, a built-in window seat, and a side-pitched roof with exposed oak beams to enhance height and natural light. They moved into the house in July 2022, and while living there, they began preliminary work on the main bedroom and living room, stripping them back, sanding floorboards, and reinstating period features like cornicing and ceiling roses. A notable achievement was restoring an original slate fire surround and repositioning it in their bedroom as a focal point. Upon the arrival of their build team, the main renovation phase commenced, lasting 20 weeks. During this period, Emily and Jono moved out but maintained weekly site visits to ensure design details were executed to a high standard, actively participating where possible. The new kitchen became a central feature, featuring a dedicated utility area with open shelving and strategic doors and walkways to create a circular flow downstairs. Emily selected red and black reclaimed quarry tiles for the flooring, intending them to be a focal point, complemented by warm oak-fronted cabinetry and durable quartz worktops. The outdoor space was equally important. Working with gardener Susanna Grant, they meticulously leveled the garden to create a smooth transition from the sliding doors to the patio. The garden was designed with pavers weaving through greenery and wildflowers, and a bespoke oak bench and large planter (which also serves as storage) were added to complete the integrated look. The rest of the house received comprehensive upgrades, including new double-glazed timber sash windows, updated electrics, and plumbing. For the interior, Emily embraced the north-facing living room's natural darkness by painting it a moody green and incorporating natural textures. The home's overall neutral palette was enlivened with earthy color accents and thoughtfully chosen art and furniture. Emily reflected on the renovation process, acknowledging that it pushed them to their limits but also deepened her passion for interior design. This experience inspired her to establish her company, Den, to assist others in their renovation journeys, aiming to provide guidance and support throughout the design and construction phases. The couple expressed immense pride in their transformed home, finding the evolution of their living space deeply rewarding and motivating to extend their expertise to others. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #EastLondon #InteriorDesign #KitchenExtension #GardenRedesign #PeriodFeatures #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorArchitecture

A 19th-century brownstone in a Historic District, featuring extensive mahogany woodwork, underwent a significant renovation to balance the preservation of its original details with the creation of a brighter, more contemporary living space. The project was led by architect Kim Letven of NV/design.architecture, with construction completed by Brooklyn-based Burda Construction over 14 months. The brownstone's layout was reconfigured, dedicating three floors to the homeowners and reserving the garden level for visiting relatives. The parlor floor now houses the living room and a new kitchen/dining area, the second floor contains the primary bedroom, a study, and a new bathroom, while the third floor accommodates two children’s rooms and two new bathrooms. A key aspect of the renovation involved extensive structural modifications, including blowing out the rear walls on both the parlor and garden levels. These openings were then fitted with large steel and glass installations to maximize natural light entry. Despite these modern interventions, great care was taken to restore the original architectural elements. The magnificent burled mahogany doors, carved moldings, and plasterwork throughout the house were meticulously retained and repaired, ensuring that the historical character of the home remained intact. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation encompassed a complete overhaul of the building's infrastructure. All mechanical systems, including plumbing and electrical, were replaced. Radiant heating elements were installed beneath new pale white oak floors, which feature a herringbone pattern on the parlor floor and a straight run elsewhere, contributing to both comfort and a clean, modern aesthetic. The interior decor was influenced by the clients' preference for the color blue, evident in the sectional sofa in the front room. Specific design choices highlight the blend of old and new. The kitchen features lower cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Beau Green, complemented by white Caesarstone countertops and matte gold fixtures from Restoration Hardware. A subtle gap in the crown molding above the new window wall discreetly integrates an automatic roll-down window shade. The primary bedroom emphasizes minimalism, allowing the intact original moldings and window trim to stand out. The second-floor study/library is distinguished by blue-backed bookcases and a preserved plaster arch. Bathrooms throughout the house received modern updates. The primary bath employs a subtle color scheme with a custom wood vanity designed to resemble furniture, gold-toned hardware, and gray marble hex tiles. One of the top-floor baths features turquoise glass tiles in the shower and marble mosaics on the floor, while another uses Popham encaustic cement tiles from Ann Sacks. A new large skylight and a wood-veneer pendant from LZF illuminate the top floor landing, further enhancing the home's brightness. Even a boy's room was personalized with a wall covered in a rocket ship blueprint, adding a unique touch. The lower level, designated for guests, also received an expansive kitchen as part of its renovation. #ParkSlope #BrownstoneRenovation #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #ArchitecturalRenovation #BrooklynRealEstate #NVdesignArchitecture

This article details the renovation and extension of an unrenovated double-storey Victorian terrace in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, transformed by Figureground Architecture into a serene family home. The project, led by architect Matt Rawlins, was designed for a couple with two children, aiming to maximize space and functionality within the existing heritage structure and its surroundings. The house's original features, including its east–west orientation and a sufficiently long block, provided a solid foundation for the extensive renovation. The renovation strategy was executed in three distinct phases. The first phase involved replacing the existing lean-to structure at the rear with a new, full-width extension. This addition now accommodates a laundry room, powder room, a galley-style kitchen, and an open-plan living and dining area. This new space is characterized by its pavilion-like design, offering ample light and air, and is enriched with tactile surfaces that contribute to a contemporary aesthetic. A key design element in this transition is a joinery-lined vestibule, which discreetly conceals the laundry and powder room door within its cabinetry and uses angled storage along the northern boundary to guide occupants into the main living space. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional, featuring sage-colored 2-pac overhead cabinets, a marble splashback and benchtop, and a fridge cleverly integrated into a joinery-wrapped column that also hides culinary items from view. A foldaway breakfast station within a timber joinery unit further helps manage clutter in the busy household. Drawing from his background in hospitality design, Matt Rawlins opted for an upholstered banquette along the northern wall in the dining area, paired with Thonet dining chairs, as a space-saving solution compared to a traditional freestanding dining table. The living zone extends this focus on integrated furniture with an east-facing daybed, capturing morning sun through a large pivoting window, and a low, marble-topped plinth along the southern wall for displaying personal items. The interior's material palette, including pine lining boards for ceilings and a combination of ivory-hued brickwork and American oak wall panelling for walls, underscores a commitment to craftsmanship and fine detailing. The second part of the strategy focused on the courtyard garden, which was envisioned as an extension of the interior living space. This lush garden is divided into paved and grassy sections, with low-maintenance shrubs and architectural elements like brick walls and timber battens extending the house’s design language outdoors, promoting an intimate connection between the indoors and outdoors. The final phase involved constructing a compact standalone building at the site’s eastern boundary, bookending the courtyard garden. This structure serves a dual purpose, housing a workshop on one side and a music studio on the other, catering to one client's musical pursuits. The music studio incorporates perforated plasterboard for acoustic control and cavity-sliding doors to minimize sound leakage, and it also functioned as a home office during the pandemic. The exterior of this secondary building also reflects Figureground’s focus on craft, featuring a distinctive roof form that effectively blocks sight lines from neighboring properties. Ultimately, the completed Fitzroy North House is noted for its surprising sense of calm, a quality attributed to the rigorous planning that shaped every volume, the meticulous detailing that optimized every element, and the serene, green courtyard garden that brings tranquility to the home's core. The project stands as an exemplar of how thoughtful design can reconfigure heritage houses for modern living while maintaining a sense of order and serenity. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #FiguregroundArchitecture #FitzroyNorth #InteriorDesign #CompactLiving #CustomJoinery #OutdoorLiving #Craftsmanship #FamilyHome

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Owen Ow and Elaine Chew purchased a former bed and breakfast in Sydney's Forest Lodge, attracted by its proximity to their children's school and the potential to blend modern and historic design elements. The Victorian terrace, though charming with its large backyard and space for a pool, was initially characterized by a fragmented layout with numerous compartmentalized bedrooms, lacking cohesive living areas suitable for a family. They enlisted Shaun Carter and Julie Niass of Carter Williamson Architects to transform the space. The couple's vision involved retaining the original features in the front section of the house while transitioning into a modern, open-plan living area at the rear. The architects focused on enhancing the quality and connectivity of the spaces, achieving this by removing several walls and an unnecessary staircase. The new open-plan layout integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with exquisitely handcrafted joinery used to subtly delineate these zones. Throughout the renovation, a warm and neutral color palette was maintained. Elaine's preference for ornamental pieces and Owen's inclination towards minimalism resulted in a balanced aesthetic. A peachy ochre paint, Dulux 'Kangaroo Pouch', was selected for the dining area, a decision that involved considerable deliberation to achieve the desired warm undertone. The new living area is anchored by terrazzo flooring, complemented by timber, marble, and brass elements, which provide a subtle contrast to the family's collection of colorful artworks, soft furnishings, and plants. Each item within the home was chosen for its personal significance, contributing to a space filled with stories and memories. Curved features are a recurring design motif, evident in the timber dowel and marble-topped kitchen island, which also incorporates built-in storage. The dining area continues this theme with curved joinery, shelves, and a rounded dining table and stools, alongside an arched entrance. A steel-clad archway and a brick step distinctively mark the transition between the older and newer sections of the home, creating a symbolic threshold into the heart of the residence. Strategic design choices brought natural light into previously dark areas. The bathroom features Ming green fishscale tiles and a Flos 'S1' suspension light, evoking a sense of calm and serenity. The primary bedroom offers abundant natural light and overlooks the backyard, creating a peaceful retreat. The design prioritizes a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, particularly benefiting warmer months, allowing the family to fully enjoy the pool and outdoor spaces. The design principles emphasize creating warmth in a neutral scheme through specific elements: choosing paint colors with warm undertones like peach, cream, terracotta, latte, or taupe; incorporating soft lighting through wall lights, pendants, and lamps to foster relaxation; and using decor with soft, tactile textures such as linen, velvet, microsuede, ceramics, and timber accents. This thoughtful approach has successfully transformed the Victorian terrace into a spacious, functional, and inviting family home that combines modern living with historical charm. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #NeutralPalette #ModernDesign #OpenPlanLiving #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #FamilyHome #SydneyHomes

This article details the transformation of a five-bedroom Edwardian property in southwest London, where homeowners sought a larger, more connected kitchen and better access to their garden. The existing kitchen was cramped and detached, lacking direct outdoor access, a significant drawback for a family with young children. To address these issues, the owners engaged architect Alex Bilton of Abhra. The project involved demolishing the original kitchen and an outdated extension to build a new six-meter-deep extension. A key challenge was designing this large open-plan space without unduly affecting neighboring terraced houses, which follow a stepped design. Alex Bilton emphasized the importance of early communication with neighbors to ensure a smoother construction process and prevent potential disputes. The new single-story extension spans the full width of the garden. Its facade features traditional hanging clay tiles in terracotta and grey, arranged in a hexagonal pattern to create a modern yet sympathetic finish that complements the host building’s exterior cladding. This design approach ensures the contemporary addition integrates harmoniously with the period context. The architects carefully managed the extension's footprint, stepping it away from the boundary to create a pantry nook and pitching the roof towards neighbors to minimize visual impact and lower eaves height at the boundary. Inside, the open-plan space is divided into a dining area and a built-in kitchen featuring a large island. Tall kitchen units and a bar are situated under the lowest part of the roof, with the island in the tallest section. Glazing plays a crucial role in defining zones and maximizing natural light; a five-meter-long high-level clerestory window floods the dining area with illumination. The roof structure is exposed above the dining table to add character and height. A poured concrete floor with underfloor heating provides comfort and contributes to an interior scheme that blends industrial, contemporary, and period elements. Maximizing natural light was a primary request from the homeowners. The roof design incorporates clerestory windows and fixed skylights, ensuring passive solar gain during winter and drawing brightness deep into the interior. The decor is predominantly neutral, featuring warm wood materials that soften the white walls and beams, directing focus towards the garden views. Built-in storage, including a bespoke unit and a wine fridge, optimizes space and maintains tidiness. These elements were integrated from the initial design phase, arising from the need to mitigate the extension's impact on adjacent properties. Views into the original part of the house are unobstructed, with timber flooring in the living area demarcating spaces. Two openings connect the original property to the new kitchen-diner: a larger one from the formal living room and a narrower one to the entry hall. Cleverly positioned glazing helps transmit light to the front of the house. The central kitchen island serves as a practical cooking and prep area and a social hub, with bar stools providing an informal dining spot. An oriel window, protruding into the garden, creates a cozy window seat that connects indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting relaxation. The cooking area features versatile cladding that pays homage to the period heritage while complementing the modern shaker style. Before the renovation, the Edwardian property had an existing rear extension that was poorly connected to the garden and had a disjointed internal layout. The goal was to create a distinctly modern extension that respected and celebrated the traditional elements of the original building, located in a conservation area. Architect Alex Bilton's advice for extension projects includes using angled roof designs for better drainage, exposing structural elements for texture, positioning skylights strategically, adjusting roof heights to create higher ceilings, and incorporating insulation or solar panels for energy efficiency. This project exemplifies how a sympathetic yet contemporary approach can successfully update a classic terraced home. #EdwardianProperty #TerracedExtension #KitchenDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalLight #HomeRenovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDecor

Studio Octopi undertook a comprehensive renovation and extension of a terraced Victorian house in north London, aiming to address previous disjointed living spaces and a cramped atmosphere resulting from an earlier 1980s overhaul. The architectural intervention focused on creating more expansive and interconnected areas throughout the home. Key to this transformation was the integration of a 10-meter-high glass infill extension, strategically placed between the existing property and a reconfigured closet wing. This new element was designed to house a double-height dining area on the basement level, directly connecting to a master suite on the first floor. The design incorporated a void that extends vertically from the dining area, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the lower levels. A lounge area on the ground floor overlooks this void, featuring a glass balustrade to maintain a sense of openness and visual continuity. The kitchen and dining space were conceived as a versatile family and entertaining area, emphasizing a strong connection to the outdoors. To achieve this, a full-height glass surface was installed along the new addition, incorporating minimally framed sash windows. These windows facilitate a direct interaction with the patio garden, particularly at the basement level where a window can be raised to create a direct opening to the outdoor space. The intricate engineering required for these precise window and door mechanisms necessitated close collaboration between the architects, structural engineers, and manufacturers. To further blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, concrete flooring extends seamlessly from the interior living spaces to the patio garden. This continuous surface is complemented by a 6.3-meter-high pivoting glass door, enhancing the fluid transition and expanding the perceived space. The design team aimed to unify the various levels of the house, which was accomplished through the vertical glazing system and the large pivot door and windows in the closet wing, carefully balancing the openings in the rear elevation. A green wall was introduced along two sides of the patio, providing a garden element without encroaching on the outdoor entertaining area. The original closet wing was extended using brickwork that matched the existing neighboring buildings, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. This extension allowed for increased ceiling heights on the upper floors, significantly improving the previously constrained rooms. A staircase with open wooden treads was designed to ascend along one side of the house, promoting light flow and maintaining an airy feel. A complex fire strategy was developed to meet regulations while allowing the stairs to remain open, avoiding traditional enclosures. On the uppermost floor, a skylit snug living area with a kitchenette was created, providing a dedicated private space for the family's older children. The project successfully transformed a previously disjointed property into a contemporary home with harmonious and generously proportioned living spaces, deeply connected to its external environment through innovative glazing solutions. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseExtension #LondonArchitecture #GlassDesign #PatioGarden #VictorianRenovation #StudioOctopi #OpenPlanLiving #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalRenovation

Heather and Jim Stewart undertook a significant home renovation, just one month after their marriage, to transform an Edwardian property into a modern, open-plan living space. Their primary goal was to create an ideal entertaining area for their four grown-up children and to establish a strong indoor-outdoor connection. They specifically aimed to enhance their kitchen-diner, which initially suffered from poor lighting and a lack of connection to the garden due to the presence of a utility room, toilet, and an outhouse. The couple desired an open-plan layout to accommodate larger gatherings and introduce a contemporary feel to their home. The renovation involved extending the house by one meter beyond its original footprint, necessitating extensive groundwork. This included removing 200 tonnes of earth from the sloping rear garden and constructing a new retaining wall. The retaining wall was built using bricks from internal dividing walls that were removed, showcasing a resourceful approach to materials. The project faced challenges, such as the need for underpinning and specialist house insurance due to the complexity of the groundworks and the sloping garden. A single-track road at the top of the garden facilitated access for the removal of earth. Jim Stewart managed the construction, while Heather focused on the kitchen design. Heather's vision for the kitchen emphasized a clean, modern aesthetic. She selected high-gloss units and Maxtop Quartz work surfaces to reflect light, a crucial element given the kitchen's initial lack of natural illumination. The design prioritized drawers over traditional cupboards, eliminating much of the wall space to achieve a sleek, uncluttered look. Bespoke architectural oak beams were incorporated to highlight the sloping roof of the extension, adding visual interest and character to the open space. A bespoke extractor fan was also custom-made by Kelvent to complement the design. The outdoor space was meticulously redesigned to complement the new indoor layout. The garden, originally on a slope, was divided into three tiers – referred to as "lower, middle, and upper earth" by Heather – to maximize its usability and sun exposure. Anthracite Grey composite decking from UPM ProFi Deck and glass balustrading from CTM Fabrications were installed to create a seamless transition from the kitchen-diner. Sliding doors from Windowplus further strengthened the indoor-outdoor link, allowing easy access to the garden and flooding the interior with natural light. French doors with glass panels were also incorporated into the living area for additional light and garden access. Despite a slight delay due to material shortages, the couple expressed satisfaction with the builders' work. The newly designed kitchen offers views of the raised garden, and a green blind in the kitchen echoes the vibrant colors of the outdoor plants. The extended area now serves multiple functions, including cooking, eating, and relaxing, and is well-suited for parties and family gatherings. While Heather acknowledged that cooking in an open space requires a more relaxed approach to mess, she fully embraced open-plan living. The renovation created a cozy living area with a stove, providing a comfortable space for relaxation, though the beautiful front room now sees less use due to the allure of the new open-plan space. The project was completed with the assistance of Slorach Wood architects, Byrne Home Improvements for building work and kitchen fitting, Magnet for kitchen units, and Karndean for flooring, with a total project cost of £136,250. #HomeExtension #OpenPlanLiving #KitchenDiner #EdwardianPropertyRenovation #IndoorOutdoorFlow #GardenDesign #ModernKitchenDesign #ArchitecturalDesign

Digital creative and brand consultant Lucy Williams embarked on her first renovation project, transforming a Victorian terraced house in west London into a home that reflects her distinctive style. Despite initially not wanting a Victorian terrace, Williams and her husband, Ruaraidh, found a house in late 2020 that, while well-maintained, offered the scope for a significant renovation. Their previous home, a "cavernous" two-bedroom flat, prompted a desire for a change of pace and a project that hadn't been updated in decades. Williams collaborated with Chantal at Flower Michelin Architects to achieve a balance between preserving the house's original character and integrating contemporary design elements. The renovation process began with the kitchen, where Williams learned the intricate interconnectedness of design decisions, likening it to a game of Jenga. A key starting point for the kitchen's design was a window seat, envisioned as a comfortable spot for their dog, Finn, and a feature that would connect the indoor space with the generous, south-facing garden. The garden itself, a rare private outdoor space in London, was a significant draw for the couple and was transformed into a "mini English country garden" with the help of Butter Wakefield, featuring abundant alliums and aquilegia. The design ensures the garden is visible from all ground-floor rooms, integrating the outdoors into the home's overall feel. The overarching design philosophy for the house was practicality and comfort, aiming for a space where guests could relax without being overly cautious. Williams intentionally designed the home to suit their actual lifestyle, rather than an idealized, more chic fantasy. The living room, for instance, boasts a bold blue color palette complemented by a large orange Maker & Son sofa, catering to their shared love for television. The kitchen was designed with entertaining in mind. Williams allowed herself one 'fantasy' space: a second reception room located between the kitchen and living room, featuring a travertine fireplace and sheepskin-covered antique chairs, where she envisions enjoying an evening glass of whiskey. Inspiration for the home's aesthetic draws from diverse sources, including the Copenhagen home of Ganni founders Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup, and California-based Reath Design. This blend of Californian and Scandinavian influences is evident throughout the house. The main bedroom and bathroom exude a west coast vibe with their relaxed ambiance and neutral colors, featuring an enormous, waved headboard and a custom-designed wardrobe. In contrast, other areas like the spare bathroom and attic room showcase vibrant patterns and prints, reminiscent of Beata Heuman's style. The master en suite includes an arched microcement shower inspired by Mediterranean summers, while the vanity was custom-made to provide ample storage while maintaining a sense of space. The house also incorporates a mix of vintage and antique finds alongside bespoke pieces. Reclaimed flooring and tiles were extensively used, and furniture was sourced from auctions, markets, and vintage shops. Unique elements like the bespoke kitchen by Browson Design, painted in 'Sky Blue' with Beata Heuman hardware, and a custom red pendant light by Beata Heuman in the dining area, highlight Williams's bold use of color. The hallway features 'Soho Pink' walls and reclaimed quarry tiles, with a vintage pine wall light as a favorite find. The study combines a 1950s Gio Ponti desk with a vintage chair reupholstered in mustard cord and vintage Poul Cadovius wall shelves. Even practical spaces like the guest bathroom, with its geranium wallpaper, and the utility room, located upstairs for convenience, are thoughtfully designed. The loft bathroom, clad in tongue and groove panelling and painted in 'Cavendish Cream,' includes sauna lights and a vintage rope mirror, demonstrating attention to detail even in smaller spaces. Williams views the house not as a 'forever home' but as an adaptable space perfectly suited to their current needs, a testament to thoughtful, personalized design. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WestLondonHouse #LucyWilliams #BoldColors #VintageFinds #GardenDesign #CustomFurniture

This article details the transformation of a dark and dated kitchen in a late 1800s-era home located outside of Boston. A young couple, who enjoys entertaining, enlisted Walpole-based interior designer Kelly McGuill to revitalize their 300-square-foot kitchen, which was characterized by cherry-wood cabinetry. The goal was to create a modern, bright space that could comfortably accommodate their family and friends. The renovation began with expanding the kitchen by 20 square feet. This was achieved by removing a wall and relocating the adjacent laundry room. In the newly created space, a dining nook was installed, featuring a custom table designed by Vermont Farm Table and illuminated by a new Formations fixture. Custom built-in banquette seating, crafted by Herrick and White, was also integrated into the dining nook, providing both seating and additional storage. A significant challenge encountered during the renovation was the flooring. The original pine boards throughout the 100-year-old house had darkened over time. When new pine flooring was laid in the kitchen, it appeared much lighter than the existing wood in adjoining areas. To resolve this, Jeff Pello of Sudbury-based Hardwood Floors was called in to tint the new planks, ensuring a seamless match with the older, richer-colored floors. The cooking zone received considerable attention, reflecting the clients' passion for hosting and meal preparation. A prominent Wolf range was a key element chosen by the couple, described as a "work of art" that perfectly suited the kitchen's size. A Shaws Original fireclay farmhouse sink was installed, paired with a brass Waterworks faucet. The faucet complemented the lacquered brass Armac Martin hardware used on the new paint-grade maple cabinets. The dusky granite countertops were replaced with white Carrara marble, which was also extended to the backsplash. While Carrara marble requires significant upkeep, the owners accepted this for the warmth it brought to the space. For seating at the island, the couple opted for leather-upholstered iron stools from Jayson Home, avoiding fabric. The kitchen's most striking feature is a 16-foot Pella sliding door, which replaced a standard 6-foot door and connects the kitchen to the patio. This larger door dramatically increased the natural light in the space and enhanced indoor-outdoor entertaining opportunities, creating a feeling of being outdoors even when inside. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernKitchen #PatioDoor #MarbleCountertops #BostonHome #EntertainingSpace

This blog post details the transformation of a three-story brick row house in South Slope, Brooklyn, into a bright and functional single-family home. The owners, a young family, sought to address the common issue of dark interiors found in many brownstones and desired additional living space. Architect Philipp von Dalwig of vonDALWIG Architecture spearheaded the renovation, which involved a significant gut-renovation and the construction of a two-story rear extension. The project began with a comprehensive demolition, removing a garden apartment and nearly all original interior structures, while preserving the main staircase. All mechanical systems were updated. The core of the renovation focused on maximizing natural light and expanding the living area. The new two-story extension features larger window and door openings, complemented by an array of skylights. These design elements effectively channel light into the central areas of the building, eliminating the previously dark ambiance. The front entry of the house remains on the parlor level, leading to a bay-windowed living room at the front. A central library and playroom, equipped with a book-lined niche and built-in seating, caters to the homeowners' two small children. The dining room and kitchen are situated on the upper level of the new duplex extension. A notable design feature is an opening in the floor towards the rear, which creates a double-height, multi-purpose space that connects visually to the garden level below. Pivot doors offer direct access to the garden from this lower level. The garden level also includes a guest room and bath at the front, along with a media room. The upper floors house the family bedrooms, a laundry area, and two new bathrooms. A deck off the master bedroom sits atop the new addition, providing outdoor space. Material selections and specific features are highlighted throughout the article. White engineered oak from LV Wood was used for the flooring. The kitchen, visible from the library/play niche, incorporates appliances primarily from Miele and pendant lights from Apparatus. A powder room is discreetly placed behind flush refrigerator and pantry storage. The kitchen's center island is crafted from Marini Marni, a natural stone from Italy, sourced through ABC Stone. The opening in the floor, which creates the double-height space, is secured with netting similar to that used for soccer goals, set into custom steel rails. Pendant lights from Flos illuminate this area. The exterior of the extension features a subtle geometric pattern applied to the stucco with a trowel, designed to create varying visual effects with the changing sunlight. The double-height space downstairs is described as a "robust functional space" suitable for entertaining and art projects, with its floor and custom elements, including a rectangular sink, made from the same terrazzo-like Italian stone as the kitchen counter. The downstairs media room includes storage beneath a stone-topped seating ledge and a wood-burning fireplace. The project successfully transformed a dark, traditional row house into a bright, spacious, and highly functional modern home, addressing the clients' desire for increased natural light and additional square footage through thoughtful architectural design and material choices. #TownhouseRenovation #SouthSlope #ArchitecturalDesign #RearExtension #NaturalLight #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ResidentialArchitecture

Zen Architects, a Melbourne-based firm with 30 years of experience combining science and art in sustainably minded projects, undertook a comprehensive renovation of an early 1900s Victorian home in Brunswick. The property, untouched for five decades and slated for demolition due to asbestos, was purchased by clients who sought an architect willing to execute a challenging renovation emphasizing local materials, recycled timber, and space for an art studio. The clients desired a design that respected the original cottage's form and detailing, diverging from the prevalent trend of demolishing Victorians for new, often insensitive, developments in an area without historic controls. The project spanned nearly three years, including 18 months of design and documentation and 14 months of construction. The initial phase focused on preserving the original structure. This involved restoring the weatherboard exterior, original Baltic pine timber flooring, and Victorian details. The interior plaster was removed, walls were reinsulated, and windows reglazed. The eastern portion of the roofline was raised to accommodate higher ceilings. To maintain the property's heritage value, all new construction was set back behind the original chimney line. The design team reconfigured the front four rooms: two became bedrooms, one a bathroom, and the fourth a front living room featuring a wood-burning fireplace that utilized the existing chimney. From the light-filled foyer, residents can now access the kitchen, a double-height dining room, and a sunken conversation pit, all offering views of the garden. Throughout the renovation, Zen Architects prioritized local sourcing. Custom lighting was crafted from solid brass, and internal recycled timber details, such as shelving, were produced by local furniture makers. The bathrooms feature custom handmade tiles from a South Melbourne ceramicist, and all fixtures and fittings were also locally sourced. The kitchen incorporates a solid concrete island counter designed for passive heating and cooling; it warms naturally in the summer, and a concealed black heat panel beneath the slab absorbs and releases heat in the winter. An adjacent art studio benefits from ambient diffused south-facing light, providing an ideal space for various artistic pursuits. This project demonstrates a successful approach to sensitively transforming Victorian homes to meet contemporary living standards while adhering to principles of sustainability and local craftsmanship. #VictorianRenovation #SustainableDesign #ZenArchitects #MelbourneArchitecture #HistoricPreservation #RecycledMaterials #LocalCraftsmanship #HomeRetrofit #ArtStudio