This multi-functional living space, created by extending into the side return of a terraced maisonette in Mortlake, comprises kitchen, pantry, living and dining space. It leads round to a brand new third bedroom/office with its own loo. It’s the space that made the most dramatic impact in the Alder Road project renovation, and one that I really love.
The client had a clear idea of what she wanted, including a navy shaker kitchen with a big island and industrial details mixed with high-end glamour. Above all else, it had to have a Kardashian-esque bowl of moss!
Read more about the Alder Road Project here:
Side Return Extension Plans
Hallway Renovation
Black & White Guest Bathroom Renovation
Master En-Suite Renovation
Office/Guest Bedroom & Botanical Half Bathroom Reveal
The Befores & The Brief
This space previously housed a living area, kitchen/dining room, and small utility. The client wanted a larger kitchen with an American-style fridge freezer, oversized hob, large island and walk-in pantry.
The dining area previously sat four people, but she wanted space for 8-10. She was already firm on layout, wanting the living area opposite the kitchen so she could see the TV while cooking, and a large dining table at the far end near the garden.
Outside, the window to the master bedroom backed on to a small side return, running underneath a balcony/landing belonging to the upstairs neighbours. This structure had not been built to code and was dangerously unstable. It had to come down, but we still had to allow the neighbours access to their half of the garden. We also needed to maintain light and ventilation to the master bedroom.
Side Return Extension Plans with Kitchen, Living & Dining Spaces
The plan was to extend into the side return, move the utilities to the hallway, and upgrade all the other interior spaces.
The living area has a similar footprint to the original layout, but the dining and kitchen areas are larger, and the whole space functions better as a family home.
Side Return Extension Reveal
Kitchen
The kitchen is the first thing you see as you walk through the front door. We chose a sliding door with a black wooden frame that has the feel of the Crittal without the cost.
Navy shaker cabinets and marble counters were non-negotiable. We paired them with brushed chrome hardware, stainless steel appliances, and classic glass pendant lights to create a bridge between traditional and modern.
A pocket door leads to a small walk in pantry, and the oversized LG Instaview fridge/freezer has a mirrored glass panel that lights up and allows you to see inside the fridge while the door is still closed.
The bar stools are oversized for maximum comfort, and we got the moss bowl in!
We chose a five burner, 90cm wide cooker with a gas hob and electric fan oven, great for entertaining. It’s paired with a splash back in the same gorgeous marble as the work tops.
A large, bespoke roof light opposite the kitchen, combined with a series of Velux roof lights runs the length of the extension. The whole interior is flooded with natural light as a result.
Living Area
The living area is narrow, so furniture scale was very important. We kept the colour scheme soft and neutral with splashes of pastels to balance the industrial details.
Local planning regulations set the maximum exterior wall height for the extension, meaning we had to work with a fairly steep pitch. The roof lights play a huge part in increasing the sense of space, as did furniture placement.
The layout is carefully considered. There is no need to stand in the reduced-height space, but it’s still thoroughly useable, housing the media unit and dining bench.
Because we extended into the side return, the master bedroom essentially lost it’s exterior window. We compensated for this with two bespoke angled windows separated by the new roof line. The bottom one looks out into the new extension, while the top one provides ventilation for the master bedroom.
Dining Area
A bespoke wooden table, flanked by chairs on one side and a bench that can sit against the lowered height ceiling on the other, helps maximise the space and flow. Pushing the seating area to one side allows plenty of room to access the garden and bedroom/office at the far end of the extension.
A brick slip feature wall runs the length of the living and dining areas, adding warmth and character. With the abundance of natural light, it’s a lovely spot for an olive tree to soak up the sun.
Wrapping up the tour, at the far end of the new extension is a new guest bedroom/office with it’s own private bathroom.
LIVING, KITCHEN & DINING AREA SOURCES
Kitchen Units – Howdens
Pendants – Pooky
Sofa – Sofa.com
Love Seat – Oliver Bonas
Media Unit – Swoon Editions
Dining Table – Cosy Wood
Candelabra – GJ Steel Works
External Doors – Bifold Door Factory
Radiators – Best Heating
NEED HELP WITH A SPACE IN YOUR HOME?
I work with clients across London and the UK, on projects ranging from room styling and home staging, to project managing full renovations from concept to completion. Your initial consultation is free of charge – let’s chat!
