With a rear extension that achieves the maximum sense of space and light, this dramatic renovation caught our eye. We take an in-depth look, exploring how it perfectly balances style and function…

This home exudes balance and symmetry. Everything lines up, everything works, nothing is out of place – from the kitchen cabinetry to the wall lights, to the beautifully bespoke glazing. Even the mix of practicality and uniqueness is perfectly proportioned. Of course, none of this is by chance.

The first-time homeowners achieved this harmonious design after reaching out to friend and interior designer Amelia McNeil. “They knew me and my style, so we were aligned from the start, which made navigating through all the design decisions much easier,” reminisces Amelia. “The brief was to create something that represented both of their styles, which worked equally as an entertaining space and as a family home.” (See? Balance.)

The rear extension

Together with architect Felix Padfield, they completely gutted and reconfigured the 1920s terraced house; the pièce de résistance being the rear extension. “We wanted to achieve the maximum sense of space and light, so we applied for the maximum possible planning allowance at 6m deep and 4m high, with eaves at 2.7m,” explains Felix.

“The relatively low eaves on either side are considerate to the neighbours, while the 4m apex gives a dramatic impression of light and space inside. We also added an internal step in the hallway to lower the floor level to be flush with the external patio, which again boosts the height.” As if this wasn’t statement enough, the eye is then drawn to the bespoke steel-framed doors and window, adding to the kitchen’s nod to industrial style.

The layout

With this unique build in mind, Amelia and Felix focused on the kitchen layout. The working area features a run of cabinetry with plenty of storage, an integrated fridge-freezer and a Lacanche range cooker, perfectly centralised. Opposite is a generous island with a sink and a built-in bookcase.

“On the other side of the room, we were able to fit in two bits of joinery, either side of the banquette – something every kitchen should have, in my opinion,” adds Amelia. “On the left sits a breakfast bar with a juicer, toaster and hot-water tap, all of which is so useful and prevents too much traffic around the main kitchen run – especially during that morning rush.

“Then, to the right of the banquette, there is a bar with task lighting and a wine fridge below, which is well placed for entertaining. In what is always the busiest room in the house, I feel clever space planning like this is key.”

The finishing touches

In terms of finishing touches, the Christopher Farr fabric on the banquette picks up on the island colour Railings, by Farrow & Ball. “While we went for quite a neutral colour palette on the main kitchen run, it has a touch of warmth to it, and I think the artwork was important to lift the space too,” she continues.

“Good lighting is of course key, and the oversized pendants I chose give off interesting shadows and a warm glow at night, perfect for entertaining. We had to go big in a pitched gable roof area like this, as there was a lot of space to fill, and I felt anything small would feel lost.”

While balance and symmetry are the buzzwords of this project, it’s also undeniable that there’s a sense of playfulness – from the zigzagged Barnaby Gates wallpaper for the downstairs WC, to the green roll-top tub in the bathroom.

“I like to feel an element of calm in a room, and to always have somewhere to rest one’s eye,” summarises Amelia. “And, while I also love pattern and colour, I don’t like a space to feel too busy or cluttered. I like texture and personality – I think this home ticks all these boxes.” So do we Amelia, so do we.

Photography: David Butler

This house tour was featured in the June 2024 issue of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine.

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