Houzz Tour: A Split-level Former Rental Flat Gains a New ‘Room’
Before and after photos show how thoughtful interior design transformed and personalised this home for its new owners
Interior designer Claudia Dorsch was charged with redesigning the flat her clients had previously lived in as a rental. When they became its owners, they were keen to personalise the home and make better use of the space to suit their needs.
Key requirements included improving the storage and making a stronger connection between the flat and the leafy views from its windows and terrace, which Claudia turned into an all-weather area, effectively extending the kitchen in the process.
Key requirements included improving the storage and making a stronger connection between the flat and the leafy views from its windows and terrace, which Claudia turned into an all-weather area, effectively extending the kitchen in the process.
“The owners are quite outdoorsy people – they love hiking, cycling and walking the dog,” Claudia says. As such, the terrace was a big focus. “The flat is in a large Edwardian house with some lovely views,” she says. “The garden belongs to the ground floor, but it makes the flats above feel less cramped, so we really wanted to bring the outside in and improve the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
“We were also keen to improve the enjoyment of the terrace,” she says, “which is actually quite spacious and adds another dimension to the kitchen.”
Terrace table and chairs, Fermob.
“We were also keen to improve the enjoyment of the terrace,” she says, “which is actually quite spacious and adds another dimension to the kitchen.”
Terrace table and chairs, Fermob.
Here’s how the kitchen and terrace doors looked before the renovation.
Part of the process of connecting the kitchen to the outside involved redesigning the doors to the terrace; Claudia reduced the number of leaves from four to three, so as to have less framing. “There’s now more light and the window looks less cluttered,” she says. She also had the wood painted white to give a light and bright effect.
Outside, she installed a modern awning and three discreet electric heaters that look like speakers and are operated remotely. “It means the owners can enjoy the terrace all year round,” Claudia says.
Seen through here, the storage in the kitchen that’s closest to the doors hides the wiring for the heaters and the awning, as well as the boiler. It also provides space for a vacuum cleaner and ironing board.
In the adjacent cupboard there’s a washing machine and tumble dryer. The cabinet doors are sliding to save space. Above the sliding section there’s more storage for occasionally used items, with a bespoke ladder for access to all the high cupboards in the room.
Claudia explains that the next bank of units “pop out”, creating a deeper area of kitchen storage. Inside these are a full-height fridge, a full-height freezer and a larder unit.
Awning; heaters, all AEL. Wychwood limestone floor tiles (inside and out), Artisans of Devizes.
Outside, she installed a modern awning and three discreet electric heaters that look like speakers and are operated remotely. “It means the owners can enjoy the terrace all year round,” Claudia says.
Seen through here, the storage in the kitchen that’s closest to the doors hides the wiring for the heaters and the awning, as well as the boiler. It also provides space for a vacuum cleaner and ironing board.
In the adjacent cupboard there’s a washing machine and tumble dryer. The cabinet doors are sliding to save space. Above the sliding section there’s more storage for occasionally used items, with a bespoke ladder for access to all the high cupboards in the room.
Claudia explains that the next bank of units “pop out”, creating a deeper area of kitchen storage. Inside these are a full-height fridge, a full-height freezer and a larder unit.
Awning; heaters, all AEL. Wychwood limestone floor tiles (inside and out), Artisans of Devizes.
Previously, there was a significant step down onto the terrace. Now, the external floor has been raised to be almost level with the kitchen, creating a much better flow. “It makes a big difference to how you can use the kitchen and terrace together,” Claudia says.
Claudia reconfigured the kitchen to improve storage and functionality. The run on the right-hand wall includes the sink, with a deep drawer beneath it built in a U-shape to fit around the plumbing. There’s also an integrated dishwasher and a recycling bin.
The kitchen table is, in fact, a bespoke island that doubles as an extra work surface. It can be moved out onto the terrace if needed.
Oven, Rangemaster. Bell Lamp pendant lights, Normann Copenhagen.
Claudia reconfigured the kitchen to improve storage and functionality. The run on the right-hand wall includes the sink, with a deep drawer beneath it built in a U-shape to fit around the plumbing. There’s also an integrated dishwasher and a recycling bin.
The kitchen table is, in fact, a bespoke island that doubles as an extra work surface. It can be moved out onto the terrace if needed.
Oven, Rangemaster. Bell Lamp pendant lights, Normann Copenhagen.
The wall units stretch to the ceiling to maximise storage potential. The glass-fronted sections at the top are backlit by LEDs; they’re designed not to be overfilled, since they’re backed with attractive tongue-and-groove panelling.
The splashback is also more than just functional. “The tiles have that handmade look,” Claudia says. “The glaze is a bit crackly and they look quite tactile.”
Worktops in Lagoon, Silestone. Splashback, Topps Tiles.
The splashback is also more than just functional. “The tiles have that handmade look,” Claudia says. “The glaze is a bit crackly and they look quite tactile.”
Worktops in Lagoon, Silestone. Splashback, Topps Tiles.
This is the breakfast area, with drawer storage and a corner cupboard with shelves. The tall cupboard on the right is the previously seen larder unit.
“This looks like a counter or a bar,” Claudia says. “In fact, it’s a space we designed for the dog’s bed.” The dog – and her bed – were on holiday when the photos were taken, so she wasn’t available to model her bespoke space.
Units painted in Pavilion Gray; walls painted in Dimpse, both Farrow & Ball. Glass pendant lights, Rothschild & Bickers.
Units painted in Pavilion Gray; walls painted in Dimpse, both Farrow & Ball. Glass pendant lights, Rothschild & Bickers.
The range cooker has an induction hob. “We convinced the owners,” Claudia says. “It’s so much easier to clean and you can put a chopping board on it when you’re not using it for cooking.”
Claudia also installed an integrated extractor and tiled the surface of the housing that hides it. She then used the surface to mount armed wall lights. The kitchen lighting is a mix of spots, pendants and lamps. “I like different types of lighting in an open-plan space, and that big tiled surface really lent itself to having something pretty and decorative on it,” she says.
The tiled front edge of the panel needed extra attention. “The front edge [where the tiles end] needed to be finished nicely,” Claudia explains. “We found a very slimline pencil trim that makes a really nice finish between the tiled vertical and the plastered and painted horizontal.”
Next to the cooker is a narrow wall, which Claudia had built. The wall divides in two a window which, from the outside, still appears as one. “It’s a four-pane window,” Claudia says. One pane is on the kitchen side, and the other three are in the newly created hallway.
“We wanted to define the space,” she says. “On the other side of that wall is a tiny bench seat [just visible] and, above that, a coat hook. The door you can see is the entrance to the flat.”
Pencil trim, Topps Tiles. Moroccan-style pendant, Vaughan. Blind fabric, Christopher Farr.
Claudia also installed an integrated extractor and tiled the surface of the housing that hides it. She then used the surface to mount armed wall lights. The kitchen lighting is a mix of spots, pendants and lamps. “I like different types of lighting in an open-plan space, and that big tiled surface really lent itself to having something pretty and decorative on it,” she says.
The tiled front edge of the panel needed extra attention. “The front edge [where the tiles end] needed to be finished nicely,” Claudia explains. “We found a very slimline pencil trim that makes a really nice finish between the tiled vertical and the plastered and painted horizontal.”
Next to the cooker is a narrow wall, which Claudia had built. The wall divides in two a window which, from the outside, still appears as one. “It’s a four-pane window,” Claudia says. One pane is on the kitchen side, and the other three are in the newly created hallway.
“We wanted to define the space,” she says. “On the other side of that wall is a tiny bench seat [just visible] and, above that, a coat hook. The door you can see is the entrance to the flat.”
Pencil trim, Topps Tiles. Moroccan-style pendant, Vaughan. Blind fabric, Christopher Farr.
The staircase to the upper floor is at the back of the kitchen. The cupboard on the left houses the AV unit, internet equipment, circuit board, music system and so on. There’s also space inside to hang up a few coats.
Need interior design help to turn your house into the perfect home? Search the Houzz Professionals Directory for local companies.
Need interior design help to turn your house into the perfect home? Search the Houzz Professionals Directory for local companies.
At the top of the stairs is the hallway, which contains plenty of storage in the form of cupboards on the right and a slim console on the left.
The door to the master bedroom and en suite is to the right of the cupboards (not seen). A door at the end on the left, out of sight, leads into the second bathroom, while the arch leads to the guest bedroom/study. The door on the left of the cupboards leads into the living room.
The door to the master bedroom and en suite is to the right of the cupboards (not seen). A door at the end on the left, out of sight, leads into the second bathroom, while the arch leads to the guest bedroom/study. The door on the left of the cupboards leads into the living room.
This is the living room as it was.
The space has now been refreshed in subtly pink neutral. Claudia had the large bay window repainted, and replaced the curtains with new blinds – Roman in front with sheer rollers behind.
Walls painted in Threadneedle, Mylands.
Walls painted in Threadneedle, Mylands.
The pale rug, along with several other textiles choices in the flat, was chosen to match Amber the dog’s hair.
Rug, The Rug Company.
Rug, The Rug Company.
The old fireplace was retained, but Claudia added a cosy wood-burning stove. The flooring is walnut parquet.
The alcove units, designed by Claudia, have slightly different proportions to each other, with the one on the left acting as a media unit.
Units painted in Clerkenwell, Mylands. Chandelier over coffee table, Tigermoth Lighting. Walnut flooring, Parquet Flooring.
The alcove units, designed by Claudia, have slightly different proportions to each other, with the one on the left acting as a media unit.
Units painted in Clerkenwell, Mylands. Chandelier over coffee table, Tigermoth Lighting. Walnut flooring, Parquet Flooring.
The unit on the right works as a buffet and bar for the dining area. Both have built-in LED lighting and are backed with seagrass wallpaper for texture.
Dining table, bespoke. Chairs, Softline. Pendant light, Flos.
This is the master bedroom, which features more bespoke joinery designed by Claudia. It includes a drop-down dressing table with a pouffe to sit on that lives at the end of the bed.
“The owners wanted a moody, cosy bedroom, so we chose these dark blue walls,” Claudia says. The joinery is also dark – either walnut veneer, to match the new flooring, or painted in dark blue.
“We offset this with large areas of creamy white, such as the linen blind and the linen-wool headboard,” she says. “It makes for a nice contrast.” The accent colour here is red and this runs throughout the flat.
Walls painted in Velvet Blue, Zoffany.
“The owners wanted a moody, cosy bedroom, so we chose these dark blue walls,” Claudia says. The joinery is also dark – either walnut veneer, to match the new flooring, or painted in dark blue.
“We offset this with large areas of creamy white, such as the linen blind and the linen-wool headboard,” she says. “It makes for a nice contrast.” The accent colour here is red and this runs throughout the flat.
Walls painted in Velvet Blue, Zoffany.
The master bedroom before its revamp.
The owners already had the painting hanging above the bed, and this was the inspiration for the flat’s colour palette. “I love working with artworks and taking them as inspiration for a whole scheme,” Claudia says.
Claudia’s packed in storage all around the flat. Here, for example, the bedside table is also a set of drawers. “I love offering people function as well,” she says.
Pendant light, Ochre. LED light, Porta Romana. Bedside drawers, Chelsea Textiles.
Claudia’s packed in storage all around the flat. Here, for example, the bedside table is also a set of drawers. “I love offering people function as well,” she says.
Pendant light, Ochre. LED light, Porta Romana. Bedside drawers, Chelsea Textiles.
The wardrobes, which have sliding doors to save space, fill the entire wall. “The flat had very little storage before and the bespoke units are really to make use of every centimetre,” Claudia says.
Artist-designed rug, Toulemonde Bochart.
Artist-designed rug, Toulemonde Bochart.
The mirrored section at the end is where the bath used to be before Claudia reconfigured the layout to turn the en suite into a shower room.
Inside, the wardrobe, the drawers have walnut knobs to match the walnut veneer flooring.
A limited palette of colours and materials keeps the look calm, as the flat isn’t large.
A limited palette of colours and materials keeps the look calm, as the flat isn’t large.
The en suite bathroom has rustic pink tiles. It features a long shelf to house double basins, with storage below for towels. The walnut cabinet on the wall is one of a pair (the other is out of shot).
The walk-in shower replaces a bath in this newly configured room.
Tiles, Artisans of Devizes.
The walk-in shower replaces a bath in this newly configured room.
Tiles, Artisans of Devizes.
The second bedroom doubles as a home office and features more bespoke cabinetry.
“The room is a tight space and designing it was challenging,” Claudia says. “We stripped everything back to the walls and built a wardrobe that includes a desk. It has a pull-out to make the desk deeper when in use.” It’s also in walnut to match the floor.
Cabinets, walls and desk joinery painted in Cadogan Stone, Mylands.
“The room is a tight space and designing it was challenging,” Claudia says. “We stripped everything back to the walls and built a wardrobe that includes a desk. It has a pull-out to make the desk deeper when in use.” It’s also in walnut to match the floor.
Cabinets, walls and desk joinery painted in Cadogan Stone, Mylands.
The storage unit in here has a mirrored back to the shelves to bounce light around, and space-saving sliding doors at the base.
Unit painted in Serpentine, Mylands.
Unit painted in Serpentine, Mylands.
The guest room/study in its previous incarnation.
The sofa-bed was made bespoke for the small space.
Sofa-bed fabric, Lewis & Wood.
Sofa-bed fabric, Lewis & Wood.
The second bathroom retains a bath with a shower over it.
Walls painted in Dimpse, Farrow & Ball. Tiles, Artisans of Devizes.
Walls painted in Dimpse, Farrow & Ball. Tiles, Artisans of Devizes.
The ‘before’ floorplan.
Claudia’s new floorplan shows how the layout has been tweaked.
Tell us…
Which space-maxing ideas would you take from this storage-packed flat? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section.
Tell us…
Which space-maxing ideas would you take from this storage-packed flat? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here? A couple and their labrador, Amber
Location A leafy residential street in north London
Property An Edwardian conversion flat on the first floor of a detached house
Size Two bedrooms and two bathrooms
Designer Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design
Joinery CAST – by The London Joinery Co
Contractor Green Sheen Construction
Photos by Malcolm Menzies at 82mmphotography
The flat was comprehensively renovated. Work included interior architecture, a new kitchen, two new bathrooms, new flooring and underfloor heating, a complete rewire and replumb, and bespoke cabinetry throughout. In addition, every piece of furniture, plus all the fittings and textiles, was sourced by Claudia, since the owners had previously rented.