Clever & Contemporary Studio Renovation in South London

By restricting her choice of materials and colours to a limited palette, Louise could save on costs and enhance the feeling of space. A significant material was the light birch plywood (which comes in different grades, with the top BB grade best suited to furniture and interior finishing). Louise used this plywood for all her built-in storage, including the kitchen cabinetry. “It’s very versatile as a material,” says Louise.

The studio was entirely open plan when Louise bought it and the stairs were constructed from perforated metal. She added built-in storage wherever possible to make the open space work more effectively. This includes a new coat-hanging space under the stairs, wardrobes in the bedroom, shelving throughout, a built-in bench over the industrial radiator and a new landing at the foot of the stairs, which provides a hidden place to store shoes.

Clever storage was critical to the functioning of this compact studio. Louise incorporated it in innovative ways that wouldn’t compromise available space

New painted door blanks now also close off the kitchen and bathroom. Louise gave these more interest with weathered brass ironmongery in the same T-shaped design that is used on the Orient Express, a train known for its Art Deco glamour.

At mezzanine level, a long folding door fixed just behind the balustrade creates a more flexible space, which Louise uses as her bedroom. When she needs privacy, the door, constructed from birch plywood panels, opens out, creating a division between the bedroom, the rest of the studio and the window beyond.

When it’s not needed, the door folds back, taking up limited space. Louise designed all of these elements herself, her choices determined partly by the tight £40,000 budget and partly by her want for fittings that were lightweight and easy to install. These fixtures were built and fitted by her joiner, Tomasz of Tomkin Construction, with whom she’s worked many times before. “He’s super reliable,” says Louise.

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Working Remotely & Perfecting the Interior Scheme

Louise’s design choices were kept simple and made offsite, which was crucial when it came to navigating the biggest challenge Louise faced; getting the studio renovated during lockdown. Since she couldn’t have groups of tradesmen in the studio together, constructing everything offsite wasn’t just easier for project planning, but also for working around Covid restrictions. “The worst thing was people calling me about the number of people in the flat and the queues at the builders’ merchants,” says Louise, who was forced to project manage over the phone.

One area where Louise could take a relaxed approach was the kitchen. Although it had hardly any cupboards, she kept the existing appliances, adding custom-made cabinetry, and turning the galley into an L-shape. A circular sink in the corner makes the most of otherwise wasted space, and a quartz kitchen worktop is both durable and stylish. “I’ve even cooked for dinner parties in there,” says Louise. “Although I have to admit, there are plenty of restaurants on my doorstep.”

The bathroom required rather more work. Originally just a shower room, Louise ripped everything out and started again, redesigning the space to allow for a compact bath with a shower over it. A basin with storage underneath and mirrored cabinets enhances the sense of space, while the new door adds essential privacy.

The existing lighting was, like everything else, basic to the point of useless. Louise added in different types of lighting at different levels of the home in a carefully considered plan that highlights specific objects and areas in a way that would create the illusion of space. At the top of the studio, there are downlights. Globe lights add a nod to the Art Deco design of the building, while wall lights shine upwards in the living area to create that sense of infinite space.

The metal staircase and plaster finish on the walls create an effective visual contrast

In the double-height area, three spotlights point at different objects and emphasise the room’s height. The stairs, which are a dominating feature, now have gentle step-level illumination from small LED lights. These are simply taped into the gap between the wall and the staircase. “It gives a nice wash of light across the wall,” says Louise.

The Urban Renovation’s Finishing Touches

For the finishing touches, Louise took on some DIY and adapted an Ikea table, using MDF and gloss paint to get the finish and size she needed. Placed in the centre of that window, it has become the focal point of the studio. Louise then added a few vintage pieces of furniture to add character and depth to the internal scheme. Carefully collected over the years, these include vintage Danish-made Niels Jorgen Haugeson metal chairs. Mid-century in style, like the stairs they are made from perforated metal, in keeping with the material and colour accents throughout the scheme and adding a touch of character.

Considering the challenges Louise faced, the project went extremely smoothly. The only low point was when she had to move in and the kitchen wasn’t ready. “I was heavily pregnant. I just bought a George Foreman grill and got on with it,” says Louise. In the race between her impending birth and the completion of the project, the renovation won.

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Creating flexible space on the mezzanine level is a clever way to achieve both a sense of space and privacy when needed

Despite Louise’s home being designed for one person, it was easily adapted for two. “It is still working for us as a family, but the time is approaching when I will need a second bedroom,” says Louise.

“I will be very sad to leave here, though.” The studio is very roomy for its size, however. This was proven when Louise managed to fit in a tall Christmas tree and welcomed friends over for a housewarming party shortly after moving in, which was one of the high points in the project for her. The renovation of this tiny property has created a home that Louise loves, making a big difference to her life and allowing her to have a clutter-free, serene space – even with the arrival of a newborn baby!