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Houzz Tour: A Dull 1930s Home is Totally Transformed
This family’s newly renovated house was smart, but it needed something extra to feel like home...
The owners of this 1930s house had already completed a major renovation, including a ground-floor rear extension and a loft conversion. One year on, though, they still didn’t feel at home and many of the rooms remained empty and unused.
“They’d come from a one-bedroom flat, so had found it tricky to fill the space,” says Yoko Kloeden, who was hired by the couple to help them create a cosy family home that reflected their personalities.
“They’d come from a one-bedroom flat, so had found it tricky to fill the space,” says Yoko Kloeden, who was hired by the couple to help them create a cosy family home that reflected their personalities.
A bespoke, live-edge oak dining table is surrounded by classic Wishbone chairs. “I like to use natural materials that have an understated elegance,” Yoko says.
Dining table, Revive Joinery. Wishbone chairs by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen, available at The Conran Shop.
Dining table, Revive Joinery. Wishbone chairs by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen, available at The Conran Shop.
The seating area is ideally located for a young family, with direct access to the garden and in close proximity to the kitchen.
A cosy mauve sofa complements the framed piece of wallpaper that hangs on the wall. The jute rug is great for kids to play on, as it’s both durable and soft.
Armchair and footstool, Camerich. Sofa, Loaf. Side tables, Mater. Cushions, St Judes; West Elm; Style Library. Wabi wallpaper in frame, Calico. Floor lamp, Heal’s.
A cosy mauve sofa complements the framed piece of wallpaper that hangs on the wall. The jute rug is great for kids to play on, as it’s both durable and soft.
Armchair and footstool, Camerich. Sofa, Loaf. Side tables, Mater. Cushions, St Judes; West Elm; Style Library. Wabi wallpaper in frame, Calico. Floor lamp, Heal’s.
Yoko’s team designed a media unit in black-stained oak with brass detailing. “The low units are for the children’s books and toys, while the tall cabinet is used to store files,” Yoko says.
Find a local interior designer to help you create a beautiful home.
Find a local interior designer to help you create a beautiful home.
The original front living room lacked character, but Yoko used colour and texture to give it a soft, tranquil feel.
The new room features a custom-made pink velvet sofa, which sits above a pale-coloured rug, while a pair of armchairs add extra seating for guests.
“We designed this room as a space for entertaining friends, or winding down with a glass of wine,” Yoko says.
“We designed this room as a space for entertaining friends, or winding down with a glass of wine,” Yoko says.
Sofa, Stuart Scott. Armchairs; rug; floor lamp, all West Elm. Side table between armchairs, AYTM. Glass tables, Rockett St George. Artwork, Caroline Collom.
Check out more before and after living room transformations.
Check out more before and after living room transformations.
The owner already had the Art Deco drinks cabinet in the corner, so this was used as a starting point for the room’s design.
An abstract artwork in pink and green helps to anchor the colour scheme.
Sideboard used as drinks cabinet, Marks & Spencer.
An abstract artwork in pink and green helps to anchor the colour scheme.
Sideboard used as drinks cabinet, Marks & Spencer.
An adjoining garage was turned into another small living room, which is used as a games room. The space has a cocooning feel, with dark walls and a moss green velvet sofa.
Sofa, Camerich. Cushions, Style Library. Wall shelf, Connox.
Sofa, Camerich. Cushions, Style Library. Wall shelf, Connox.
A dramatic wallpaper forms a backdrop to the practical media unit.
Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper, Cole & Son.
Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper, Cole & Son.
By extending the home, the couple had managed to include a utility room, extra storage and a cloakroom on the ground floor. In the latter space, Yoko decided to bring in some fun by using a wallpaper with a playful monkey motif.
Ardmore Acacia wallpaper, Cole & Son. Mirror, Ikea.
Ardmore Acacia wallpaper, Cole & Son. Mirror, Ikea.
The clients were bold in their colour choices, and included some darker tones around the home that start in the hallway. A dark wood console with powder-coated steel legs sits against inky blue walls.
Console, Swoon Editions.
Console, Swoon Editions.
The newly converted loft is home to a master bedroom and en suite bathroom. Dark blue was chosen for the walls to give the space a serene feel, and the seascape artwork adds to the calm ambience.
Bed linen, Habitat. Cushions, West Elm and John Lewis & Partners. Lynne Douglas artwork, Saatchi Art.
Bed linen, Habitat. Cushions, West Elm and John Lewis & Partners. Lynne Douglas artwork, Saatchi Art.
Yoko designed a recessed shelf above the bed. “It’s a practical alternative to bedside tables, as it takes up less space,” she says.
Bed frame, Made.com.
Bed frame, Made.com.
Behind the headboard wall is a walk-in wardrobe. The design team worked with the sloping ceiling to fit in storage and a useful dressing table.
“The owners were really open to our suggestions, so it was an enjoyable process,” Yoko says of the project. “Afterwards, they sent me a one-line email saying, ‘I can’t believe we live somewhere so beautiful.’ It still puts a smile on my face when I look back.”
Stool, Swoon Editions.
Tell us…
What do you like about this 1930s home? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
“The owners were really open to our suggestions, so it was an enjoyable process,” Yoko says of the project. “Afterwards, they sent me a one-line email saying, ‘I can’t believe we live somewhere so beautiful.’ It still puts a smile on my face when I look back.”
Stool, Swoon Editions.
Tell us…
What do you like about this 1930s home? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
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Who lives here? A couple and their two children
Location South-west London
Property A 1930s terraced house
Size Four bedrooms and two bathrooms
Designer Yoko Kloeden of Yoko Kloeden Design
Features such as flooring had already been chosen before Yoko was brought in to help with the interior design, so these were a starting point for her scheme.
“We thought really hard about enhancing the owners’ choices,” Yoko says. “It’s harder to work with existing elements than start from scratch, but that’s part of the job.”
The kitchen is situated in a central location slightly away from the patio doors. The couple chose white units, which blend into the background and allow other materials in the room to take centre stage.
Kitchen cabinets, Wooden Horse London.