Located in Walthamstow, East London, this bay-fronted Victorian terraced house has undergone a ground-floor renovation to create a more functional and family-focused home.
Designed for a couple, their young daughter, and friendly tabby cat, the project sought to transform the ground floor into a welcoming, light-filled, and more connected living environment to support modern family life.
Phoebe Lewis Design, a boutique interior design studio in London, worked alongside architects BAT Studio, to bring their clients' vision to life. Having collaborated in the past, Phoebe Lewis focused on the interior design, procurement and project management; with planning, structural design, and build work undertaken by BAT.
At the heart of the renovation was the addition of a rear extension, creating an open-plan kitchen and dining space designed to become the focal point of family life in the home. Alongside the extension, the ground floor was reconfigured to also accommodate a new family bathroom, further improving the home's functionality.
"The introduction of a new rear extension was central to the renovation, with the aim to create a larger space, filled with natural light, and a stronger connection to the garden – somewhere the family could naturally gather and relax."
While the home's Victorian façade remains intact, the interior takes a distinctly contemporary direction.
“I drew inspiration from Scandinavian influenced design, combining clean lines, natural materials, and intentional blocks of colour that bring personality and warmth to the spaces.”
Natural light plays a key role in the design. A striking series of skylights run along the sloped roof of the new extension, complemented by double Crittall-style patio doors and a large side window. Together, these elements flood the space with daylight. Modern timber beams between each skylight add a striking feature, and reinforce the Scandinavian aesthetic.
The kitchen balances rich green cabinetry with warm walnut finishes, and pops of vibrant pinks are introduced through the bespoke upholstered dining banquette.
Flooring was a key consideration in establishing the overall atmosphere of the ground floor. Phoebe sought a material that would complement the palette, introduce warmth and texture, and unify the various living zones.
“It was important to have a continuous flooring material running throughout the space to create a sense of cohesion and connection between the different areas. Working through my samples I was immediately drawn to the light, pale wood tones of Tundra Herringbone in Seashell.
“It felt perfect to help keep the spaces bright, open, and airy, and the herringbone pattern was also a key factor. It immediately catches your eye as you enter the hallway, naturally directing your gaze through the home, towards the rear patio doors and garden beyond.”
Our Tundra Seashell herringbone is an engineered herringbone made from Premium European Oak. The light oak finish is created by the application of a blend of white oils, which are buffed into each block’s lightly brushed surface. This process gives the floor the look of a raw, untreated oak, whilst maintaining the durability of an engineered floor. The result is a beautifully natural finish that enhances the feeling of light inside a home.
“The floor was perfect for the overall feeling I wanted to create within the space. It helps the ground floor spaces feel grounded, warm, and inviting. The brushed finish adds a beautiful tactile quality and subtle texture, while the pale tone pairs particularly well with the dark walnut kitchen cabinetry, and pops of colour, creating a balanced and sophisticated contrast.”
“My favourite moment in the home is the view as you enter the kitchen. The skylights flood the space with natural light, and your eye is immediately drawn through the room and out towards the garden. It creates a wonderful sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. I also love the cat opening in the banquette joinery which connects to the exterior cat-flap and replicates the shape of the new extension. It’s a really playful and personal detail.”
“The success of the project lies in how it balances practicality with atmosphere, creating a bright, welcoming family home that feels both functional and calm. The Tundra Seashell herringbone flooring provides a light and natural foundation that enhances these elements, and gives the home an intuitive flow.”
Featured Flooring
Seashell
Tundra Seashell in herringbone is a lighter, muted oak, created using a subtle blend of white oils which are buffed into each planks lightly brushed oak surface, giving the impression of a raw untreated oak. These slender engineered strips of oak are packed full of character. The more narrow proportions have an elongating effect that accentuates the rustic grains.
