48 Edwardian
Great wood storage
Nice cabinet
Love this colour. James’ Office?
James office - lights
James Office
An extension to a between-the-wars home looks as if it’s always been thereFrom the inside of this detached 1930s family home in Cambridge, a key feature that stands out is the unusual window formation – a change from the more typical large expanse of uninterrupted glass and bifold doors. This is significant, as it’s a major detail that helps the new part of the house blend in with the original building, as you can see in the next photo. The new extension houses a sleek and contemporary kitchen-diner, but architect Kieran Hawkins of Mailen Design was keen to put it in context. “We wanted to make a room that respected the feel of an early 20th century English house. The rhythm of the windows and doors, and views of the garden, also helped to define the layout.”Materials including wood and ceramics were key to the characterful feel of the room. “It’s important to use natural materials that age well wherever possible,” Hawkins adds.
With the living room next door housing bookshelves and plenty of storage, we have the added luxury of not needing to build in alcove storage units to make use of every available inch of space. Instead, in our new snug, there will be the opportunity for vintage pieces, maybe a sideboard.We’re also hoping to transport a lovely wood and glass cabinet from its current position in the original dining room alcove into the snug. We plan to repurpose it as a bar area. (You can see the cabinet in a video on my Renovationwreck Instagram feed.)I like what they’ve done with that idea in this room – the smart glassware and mirrored back add a touch of retro glamour. In reality, we have no matching sets of glassware to our name (one of the joys of moving), but once we’re in, we’ve promised to treat ourselves, and no doubt we’ll be needing a stiff drink by then, too…Check out the couple’s progress on Clare’s Instagram feed @renovation_wreck and look out for her next diary instalment in a couple of weeks.What kinds of features and décor would you put into a ‘snug’ room – and do you have any tips for Clare’s renovation? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments section.
loft
loft
love the doors
loft
like the brick
loft with pitched ceiling
windows
Q