Project: Side Return Extension, Partial refurbishment.
Location: Crouch End, London
Year: 2022-2023
This project started with a simple vision: to transform a ground-floor flat into a bright, welcoming space that feels both open and intimately personal. Working closely with the client, a ceramist with a love for vibrant colours, we set out to create a home where light and space could flow naturally, while every corner reflects her artistic spirit.
At its core is the kitchen, a standout feature. It can be enclosed or opened up, using glass doors into the living room and a pocket door into the dining room. This flexibility lets the kitchen serve as a private space or connect to the rest of the home, allowing light from roof lights to flood the space.
Light was key to this transformation. By enlarging the bathroom and adding roof lights, we brought natural light deep into the heart of the flat, while large sliding doors in the living room open directly onto the garden. These doors not only flood the space with light but also create a beautiful connection between the indoors and outdoors, making the changing seasons part of the home’s atmosphere. For the second bedroom, we carved out a small patio connecting it to the kitchen, which not only brought in more light but also gave the home another intimate outdoor space.
Throughout the project, we managed the construction work from start to finish, ensuring that the client could focus entirely on the design and decorative elements. The project came in slightly under budget, a rare achievement, but one we’re proud of because it allowed the client to realize her vision without compromise.
This renovation transformed a simple flat into a vibrant, light-filled sanctuary—a place that feels both spacious and intimately connected to the outdoors. It’s a home designed to reflect the life and personality of its owner, where every detail serves a purpose and tells a story.
