Houzz Tour: A Love for Scandi Design Revitalised This Family Home
Treasured pieces and a bold approach to decor lie at the heart of this Scandi-inspired 1930s house
Interior designer Katie Malik was initially approached by her clients when they came across a property for sale in Hertfordshire. While that sale didn’t go ahead, the family did find this detached home in Cambridgeshire. “Internally, the room layout worked well and had a good flow,” Katie says. “The fittings were dated and not at all the style the couple wanted, but it was clear that we could make this home work.”
Apart from a sizeable rear ground floor extension that had been added previously, the rest of the house hadn’t been updated for around 20 years. Floors were ripped up and replaced throughout and the kitchen units needed an overhaul. Elsewhere, bathroom fittings needed renewing and the layouts improved to make more of the available space. Three months after Katie saw the property in September 2020, the plans were finalised and work started in February 2021. It was completed seven months later, just a year after the first viewing.
Apart from a sizeable rear ground floor extension that had been added previously, the rest of the house hadn’t been updated for around 20 years. Floors were ripped up and replaced throughout and the kitchen units needed an overhaul. Elsewhere, bathroom fittings needed renewing and the layouts improved to make more of the available space. Three months after Katie saw the property in September 2020, the plans were finalised and work started in February 2021. It was completed seven months later, just a year after the first viewing.
A drop-leaf dining table and classic Wishbone chairs take centre stage in the lofty extension. It is these (along with a few other designer pieces) and the natural colour and material palette that set the style spec for the house.
Dining table, Carl Hansen & Son. Wishbone dining chairs; Octo 4240 pendant light, all Skandium.
Make the challenge of finding and contacting the right people for your project easier by searching the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Dining table, Carl Hansen & Son. Wishbone dining chairs; Octo 4240 pendant light, all Skandium.
Make the challenge of finding and contacting the right people for your project easier by searching the Houzz Professionals Directory.
The utility room, which is also part of the rear ground floor extension, is smart and practical. Tall fitted units housing the double fridge-freezer flank a central laundry area. Bridging units make the most of the ceiling height and offer the perfect spot for a hanging rail, too.
Appliances, Samsung. Walls painted in Edgecomb Gray HC-173, Benjamin Moore.
Appliances, Samsung. Walls painted in Edgecomb Gray HC-173, Benjamin Moore.
The couple were keen to flex their love of midcentury modern design in the study and snug area. Parquet flooring, full-height fitted furniture with open shelves, as well as details such as the leather pull handles and tripod floor lamp, create a cosy, clubroom feel.
Along with the original tiled fireplace, an Eames lounger and ottoman take centre stage.
Walls painted in Evening Dove 2128-30, Benjamin Moore.
Along with the original tiled fireplace, an Eames lounger and ottoman take centre stage.
Walls painted in Evening Dove 2128-30, Benjamin Moore.
A large L-shaped sofa, brought by the couple from their previous home, is the much-loved hub of the family living room.
The monochrome colour palette highlights the carefully chosen furniture and light fittings, while the window treatments are pared-back so as not to fight with the leafy view.
Formakami JH3 pendant lamp, Skandium.
The monochrome colour palette highlights the carefully chosen furniture and light fittings, while the window treatments are pared-back so as not to fight with the leafy view.
Formakami JH3 pendant lamp, Skandium.
Running through the centre of the house is a light and airy stairwell. Katie has cleverly maximised the available natural light in this previously dark area. Clear toughened-glass panels, pale wood treads and risers and a coordinating handrail create a fresh and streamlined feel. Black steel bolts add detail and celebrate the functional nature of the design.
Streamlined symmetry in the hallway sets the scene for the home’s design-led decor. The mirrors teamed with wall-hung storage units are practical, reflect daylight around the central space, and lend a refined elegance.
Material wall lamps; Frame 35 cube units, all Nordic Nest.
Material wall lamps; Frame 35 cube units, all Nordic Nest.
A confident play of pattern gives the downstairs cloakroom plenty of personality. White metro tiles, navy walls and monochrome patterned floor tiles balance each other beautifully.
Walls painted in Old Navy 2063-10, Benjamin Moore. Elm mini basin in Fossil, Kast Concrete Basins.
Walls painted in Old Navy 2063-10, Benjamin Moore. Elm mini basin in Fossil, Kast Concrete Basins.
Open storage makes good use of the generous first-floor landing. Running the base cabinets under the window, which has garden views, has created a little reading corner.
The couple’s upholstered bed with its winged headboard adds a touch of understated elegance.
A white-painted sliding door, top-hung from a steel track, makes good use of the limited space and reinforces the functional details theme that runs throughout the updated home.
Wooden gallery shelves and an engineered wood floor add warmth.
A white-painted sliding door, top-hung from a steel track, makes good use of the limited space and reinforces the functional details theme that runs throughout the updated home.
Wooden gallery shelves and an engineered wood floor add warmth.
As with most family houses, storage was an important consideration. Making sure there was enough, and that it was seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated into each room, played a huge part in achieving the calm and tranquil feel of this home.
The master en suite shower room needed updating and the layout refining. Cappuccino wall tiles, a concrete basin and black brassware now give the space a clean-lined edge while also being warm and inviting.
Building out the wall in the shower not only neatly disguised the pipework, it gave Katie the opportunity to create a useful niche for toiletries.
Building out the wall in the shower not only neatly disguised the pipework, it gave Katie the opportunity to create a useful niche for toiletries.
The first-floor nursery has an airy and restful feel thanks to the neutral palette and simple white furniture.
Cot, Stokke UK. Eos feather lampshade, Amora. Balloon wall light, Nordic Nest.
Cot, Stokke UK. Eos feather lampshade, Amora. Balloon wall light, Nordic Nest.
The family bathroom also needed updating. Long and narrow, it posed a layout challenge, but Katie solved this by dividing off the space with two half-height walls. This provides privacy and hides the toilet from the doorway, while also increasing the usable wall space and adding an intimate feel to the bathing area.
Contrasting floor tiles bolster the effect of two separate spaces.
Contrasting floor tiles bolster the effect of two separate spaces.
Behind the right-hand half-wall, a floating vanity unit provides essential storage. Black brassware and light fittings accentuate the couple’s love of Scandi design and look stunning against the marble-effect wall tiles. Black grout sharpens the overall finish.
Brooklyn outdoor and bathroom Globe pendant light in pewter, Industville.
Brooklyn outdoor and bathroom Globe pendant light in pewter, Industville.
The loft conversion contains a guest suite. In the shower room, white metro tiles grouted in black add detail without being overly decorative.
Brass fittings add a luxe edge and create a softer feel than in the other wash areas in the house. The vintage-style finish also highlights the warm tones of the wood flooring.
Thomas Crapper Harwood basin, West One Bathrooms.
Thomas Crapper Harwood basin, West One Bathrooms.
The owner of the house longed for her own retreat, so the decision was made to install a roll-top slipper bath in the loft bedroom. Positioned beneath the roof window, the tub is bathed in light and offers a relaxing view of the sky.
Tell us…
What’s your favourite area in this light, airy family home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Tell us…
What’s your favourite area in this light, airy family home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Who lives here? A professional couple and their young daughter
Location Little Abington, Cambridgeshire
Property A 1930s detached house with a mature garden
Size Five bedrooms and three bathrooms
Designer Katie Malik of Katie Malik Design Studio
Photos by Maciek Platek
The couple had a strong idea of the colours, finishes and materials they wanted to use in their new home, and the existing Aga and cream, country-style kitchen with laminate worktops weren’t on their wishlist.
As the kitchen cabinetry was sturdy and well made and the galley layout was ideally suited to the space, Katie decided to keep the carcasses and have new unit door and drawer fronts made. The Aga was replaced with a sleek induction hob and extractor, and the space underneath used for deep storage drawers, with integrated ovens slotted into the nearby tall units.
A marble-look solid surface worktop was chosen as a hardwearing and seamless replacement for the laminate surface. The product could be made to fit off site and easily installed. It’s also supremely hygienic – perfect for a young, growing family.
Tall units painted in Twilight Zone 2127-10; base units painted in Cement Gray 2112-60, both Benjamin Moore. Worktop, Minerva.