Period Home Extension
Henleaze
A Fresh Start for a Much-Loved Home
We've loved working with the Ivywell team, as you're creative, professional, friendly, and adaptable. Your ability to respond positively to our feedback or changes of ideas, has made the house feel authentically ours whilst being largely driven by your inspired ideas!
A light-filled open plan kitchen
After 20 wonderful years in their family home, our clients were ready for a refresh. With their children now grown up, they wanted to transform their space into a haven for entertaining and relaxation. Their dream was for a spacious, light-filled kitchen-diner with views over the garden, perfect for hosting friends, book club gatherings, and enjoying a well-earned cup of tea after a long Nordic walk.
Designing a Home for the Next Chapter
We teamed up with Elke from DHV Architects to bring their vision to life. While Elke expertly crafted the architectural framework, we provided key interior insights—helping to shape window sizes, define the kitchen footprint and layout, and ensure a seamless flow throughout the space. Our kitchen partner, Creative Storage & Kitchens, brought our concept to life with a beautifully designed and hand-made kitchen, full of thoughtful details. The island shelves, perfect for their collection of cookbooks, and a bespoke wooden towel rail are just two of the many features we absolutely love.
A ‘Utili-Gym’ with Purpose
What began as a kitchen-diner extension soon evolved to include the transformation of a multi-functional ‘utili-gym’—a smart fusion of utility room and home gym. The client needed a space that could store her Nordic walking gear while also serving as a comfortable area for stretching before and after her walks. We carefully planned the layout to ensure it met both needs efficiently, while also maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. From the wallpaper to the splashback tiles, every detail was thoughtfully selected to create a harmonious and practical space. This clever addition not only kept their home beautifully organised but also seamlessly supported their active lifestyle.
A Shower Room with an Exotic Twist
Our next challenge? The shower room. We retained its existing footprint but replaced the bath with a sleek walk-in shower, instantly making the space feel larger. With a love of travel—particularly through Southeast Asia—the clients wanted a bold, evocative design. We sourced stunning printed glass panels that bring vibrant scenery indoors. Not only do they create a striking focal point, but they’re also incredibly low-maintenance—no grout, no fuss, just a quick wipe and it’s sparkling again (immensely pleases our practical minds!)
Maximising the Cloakroom
Next up was the cloakroom, where we made clever use of every inch. By incorporating drawers under the stair void and a bespoke bench, we transformed this compact space into a stylish and practical addition to the home.
A Perfectly Balanced Interior Scheme
With one client drawn to bold colours and oriental influences, and the other favouring muted Nordic tones, we crafted an interior scheme that beautifully blended both aesthetics. By drawing inspiration from their artwork and travel memories, we created a cohesive look that felt personal and inviting.
Bringing It All Together
Beyond the design, we managed the implementation process—working closely with contractors, providing detailed lighting and electrical plans, sourcing bathroom fixtures, and ensuring everything came together seamlessly. As with any renovation, questions and unexpected challenges arose, but we were there every step of the way to keep things on track.
The result? A transformed home that honours the past while embracing the future—full of character, warmth, and practical elegance. Another successful project in the books, and two very happy homeowners ready to enjoy their beautifully refreshed space.
