Sometimes the little changes make a big difference, and this project is an excellent example of what some clever alterations can do for your home. Our designers had more than a few tricks up their sleeves when it came to this project, and the finished result helped these Londoners revitalise their abode with a subtle extension and a revamped layout.

The brief

Starting with the kitchen, these homeowners wanted to inject new life into their property. A large amount of space was taken up by the living room, while the kitchen was tucked away in the back of the house. So, our designers changed all this by moving the once tiny kitchen into one of the biggest rooms, and then opened up a wall to incorporate a snug next door.

As a result, the flat is set up for socialising. A dining room table takes centre stage in the kitchen, creating a place friends can enjoy the leafy views beyond the balcony doors. And to make the most of said balcony, we included a small seating area to the side of the room, perfect for coffee mornings or a place for friends to sit while a feast is rustled up in the kitchen.

Getting creative

With a side dormer already in place and the property sitting in a conservation area, we kept our alterations on the modest side. Rather than over-developing the extension, which would likely lead to planning refusal, we opted for a small enlargement of the existing side dormer. This helped open up the floorplan, allowing us enough space to add a little study upstairs for 'working from home' days.

Because we wanted to preserve the exterior appearance of the building, we kept our window additions to new skylights. These invite plenty of light into the home while keeping the building’s Victorian charm intact. We also made sure the dormer extension mirrored the existing style and proportions, ensuring passing pedestrians wouldn’t be able to spot the modern alterations.

The little things

Alongside the improvement of these big feature spaces, such as the kitchen and living room, we incorporated an all-star team of additional rooms. This includes a new utility room off the main bathroom, an en-suite for the master bedroom, and a walk-in wardrobe. Ultimately, we proved why you should never underestimate the power of a good architect to maximise your home!