Houzz Tour: A Revamp Brings Light and Space into a Victorian Terrace
A large renovation project has created a bright and functional family space that’s perfect for entertaining
When the owners of this Victorian terraced house decided to renovate, they didn’t do things by halves. An extensive project saw the size of the property increase from 1,007 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft. Architect Jo Cowen’s team added a full basement, a side and rear ground floor extension, a first floor rear extension and a new loft. “It was a large project,” says Cowen, “but it was actually relatively straightforward.”
A ground floor extension accommodates the dining area of this kitchen space. “We wanted to make it as open as possible to the garden,” says Cowen.
The bespoke kitchen consists of sprayed MDF cabinets and quartz worktops. Along the walls is a sleek marble splashback. The wall units have been carried right up to the ceiling. “The house is quite narrow,” says Cowen, “so we wanted to maximise the ceiling space.”
The cooking area is designed to be as minimal and streamlined as possible, while two rooflights bring plenty of light into the space.
Appliances, Siemens. Marble splashback, Carrara.
The bespoke kitchen consists of sprayed MDF cabinets and quartz worktops. Along the walls is a sleek marble splashback. The wall units have been carried right up to the ceiling. “The house is quite narrow,” says Cowen, “so we wanted to maximise the ceiling space.”
The cooking area is designed to be as minimal and streamlined as possible, while two rooflights bring plenty of light into the space.
Appliances, Siemens. Marble splashback, Carrara.
The couple enjoy cooking and like to invite friends for dinner, so Cowen ensured the space allowed them to cook and entertain in the same room.
The lighting has been kept simple in this space, with pendants over the island and recessed Polaris downlights, which also feature elsewhere in the house, in the ceiling. “They’re extremely minimal,” says Cowen, “and give a warm, soft light.”
The lighting has been kept simple in this space, with pendants over the island and recessed Polaris downlights, which also feature elsewhere in the house, in the ceiling. “They’re extremely minimal,” says Cowen, “and give a warm, soft light.”
Sliding doors occupy the whole of the rear wall, creating an open space that leads out onto the limestone patio.
Inside, large square ceramic tiles were a perfect choice. “They’re durable and the lack of grouting joints gives the appearance of a concrete floor. They’re also very cost-effective,” says Cowen.
Conproj G Grey floor tiles (1200mm x 1200mm), European Heritage. Sliding doors, Culmax.
Inside, large square ceramic tiles were a perfect choice. “They’re durable and the lack of grouting joints gives the appearance of a concrete floor. They’re also very cost-effective,” says Cowen.
Conproj G Grey floor tiles (1200mm x 1200mm), European Heritage. Sliding doors, Culmax.
In the garden, the designers kept the space as open and as large as possible. There’s a grassy area for the children to play on, while the fence panels give the space a uniform look.
At the front of the ground floor are two reception areas. The first of these is a zone that acts as both a seating area and a hallway.
Behind the armchairs is a mirrored wall that hides a coat storage cupboard. The walnut frame with antique mirrors consists of two doors that can be opened to reveal the storage, and a dummy panel on the right. They have the added bonus of reflecting the light and creating a stunning feature in the room.
Versailles parquet tiles, Cheville.
Behind the armchairs is a mirrored wall that hides a coat storage cupboard. The walnut frame with antique mirrors consists of two doors that can be opened to reveal the storage, and a dummy panel on the right. They have the added bonus of reflecting the light and creating a stunning feature in the room.
Versailles parquet tiles, Cheville.
The second zone is a formal seating area, located around the fireplace. A large conservation-grade timber sash window brings masses of light into the room. “The whole house was stripped back,” says Cowen, “so we had to replace every single window.”
The team built and spray-painted MDF storage in the alcoves, each comprising bookshelves and a cupboard.
In the new basement is a media room where the family can relax and watch TV together. “The biggest challenge of the project was emptying bucket-loads of water while constructing the basement,” says Cowen. “It’s a common problem when you’re building in a flood basin area like this.”
To the rear of the media room is a light well with steps that lead to the garden above. Cowen applied a quartz relief to the walls, which gives them some interest.
Thinking of extending into the basement? Read expert advice on what to consider first
To the rear of the media room is a light well with steps that lead to the garden above. Cowen applied a quartz relief to the walls, which gives them some interest.
Thinking of extending into the basement? Read expert advice on what to consider first
The couple have a passion for wine and asked Cowen to design them a wine cellar. A glass door leads from the media room into an airtight space with enough storage for 1,000 bottles.
“We designed a cooling system and insulated the walls,” says Cowen. “A joiner worked with the owners to design wine boxes of the exact measurements for the type of wine that was to be stored.”
“We designed a cooling system and insulated the walls,” says Cowen. “A joiner worked with the owners to design wine boxes of the exact measurements for the type of wine that was to be stored.”
The cellar’s location next to the media room allows the couple to bring out bottles and easily share them with friends.
The master suite has some clever space-maximising features, including built-in cupboards and a neat shelf that runs behind the bed to alleviate the need for large bedside tables.
A soft carpet and lustrous fabrics give a luxurious feel to the room.
See more ideas for boosting your bedroom storage
A soft carpet and lustrous fabrics give a luxurious feel to the room.
See more ideas for boosting your bedroom storage
An elegant dressing table benefits from being right next to the window.
A minimal en suite runs off the master bedroom, with a simple basin unit and freestanding bath. Marble has been laid on the floor and continues onto the walls.
A mirrored wall opens up to reveal recessed shelving with hidden charging points for toothbrushes. “We tried to keep everything clean and streamlined,” says Cowen.
Marble on floor and walls, Carrara.
A mirrored wall opens up to reveal recessed shelving with hidden charging points for toothbrushes. “We tried to keep everything clean and streamlined,” says Cowen.
Marble on floor and walls, Carrara.
A false wall behind the loo multi-tasks as a handy shelf.
What do you think of this sleek, light-filled space? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
What do you think of this sleek, light-filled space? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A French couple with two children
Location Fulham, London
Property A Victorian terraced house
Size 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Architect Jo Cowen of Jo Cowen Architects
Photos by David Butler
Jo Cowen’s brief was to maximise this period house as much as possible in order to create an ideal space for the owners and their children to enjoy.