The Final Edit: Home

The Final Edit: Home marks the third and final renovation by the clients since purchasing their house nearly 15 years ago. Originally a single-storey brick cottage, the home sits on an estate that was once the Richmond Racecourse.

Initially, our engagement focused on upgrading and expanding the kitchen, which had grown tired over the years and was no longer sufficient for the client’s passion for gourmet cooking. However, we saw an opportunity to rethink the internal layout, ensuring that all previous renovations seamlessly integrated into a cohesive whole.

The existing long corridor layout was reimagined into an L-shaped open-plan living space that wraps around the north-facing backyard, with the new kitchen at its heart. The children's corridor was retained, leading to a double-access bathroom that also serves as a powder room for guests. A striking skylight spans the width of the bathroom, flooding it with natural light, while a custom sliding door allows the space to be divided for simultaneous use—perfect for busy mornings before school. Additionally, a new entry and mudroom were introduced to create a more prominent and functional arrival experience.

Materiality played a key role in defining the character of the home. At the entry, the existing external brickwork extends indoors, with brick paving on the floor and even tiling across the ceiling. A moody, dark-toned entryway contrasts with the bright, open-plan living area beyond. Playful yet sophisticated colors define the interiors, from the soft blue-grey kitchen cabinetry to the deeper, more intense blue of the rear cabinets, which conceal a hidden door leading to a bathroom adorned in pink textured terracotta tiles.

A new stacking door connects the dining area to the outdoor deck, offering views of the freshly landscaped backyard—designed to become a lush, inviting retreat over time. Meanwhile, the front garden takes on a more understated presence, complete with a vegetable patch.

This final renovation strategically reshaped the home within its existing footprint, creating a warm and welcoming environment. The spacious new kitchen invites guests to gather as the client showcases his culinary skills, while the reconfigured layout ensures a natural flow toward the sunlit back garden. The children now have a thoughtfully designed space suited to their needs, including an upgraded bathroom tailored to their routines. Finally, the study has been transformed into a flexible, multipurpose room—serving as a productive workspace during the week and effortlessly converting into a cozy cinema room on weekends.