A striking rear extension defines this handsome west London semi, where stack-bond brickwork, olive-green framed glazing, and herringbone pavers create a confident architectural statement.
Step inside, and the same design intent continues to unfold, most notably in the timber-rich kitchen and carefully crafted bedrooms.
A Scandi Kitchen with a Restorative Feel
Owners Leigh and Goutam bought the house in 2020 with a clear vision to renovate the property from top to bottom, and create their perfect family home. They appointed architects Studio Werc to help them achieve their dream of a spacious, personalised home with improved areas for family gatherings and a kitchen centred around living rather than utility.
Leigh says the original kitchen felt constrained and overly functional. They wanted to separate those elements and create a true family room that felt less like a conventional kitchen and more like a place to gather, something calm and quietly luxurious, where everything felt considered but never overstated.
Working closely with Studio Werc, the ground floor was reimagined through a carefully considered extension, creating a distinctive kitchen-diner defined by light, materiality, and connection to the outdoors. A large skylight and full-height glazing draw daylight in while forging a seamless connection to the garden.
Design Approach and Materials
Functionality was equally important to the new space, and with limited existing storage throughout the house, the challenge was to create a clean, open environment without visual clutter. Leigh says they wanted something unique and beautiful – they didn’t even want a kettle showing.
Drawn to the warmth of oak, the couple spent months searching for the right cabinetry before discovering Swedish kitchen company Nordiska Kök. They initially investigated having it replicated but then realised they could have it made and shipped directly from Sweden.
It was a leap of faith working with an overseas brand, but the experience was seamless – the detailing, delivery, and assembly were all beautifully handled. The pale oak cabinetry establishes a calm and refined foundation, lending the space a distinctly Scandinavian ease.
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Against this, rich and expressive marble becomes the defining gesture. Leigh recalls they initially hesitated, concerned about wear and staining.
A Calm and Refined Space
However, after speaking with interior designer Rebecca Wakefi, their perspective shifted. Rebecca encouraged them to see the marble as a living material, rather than something to preserve; one that would evolve over time. With its depth, movement and quiet grandeur, the marble brings a sense of authenticity, a reminder that some materials simply cannot be replicated.
Throughout the home, one-off pieces add further layers of richness, balancing the architectural restraint with a sense of comfort and individuality, similar to how bold prints can raise a room.
Leigh describes the house as a place of retreat. They’ve created a home that feels so comfortable, they rarely feel the need to leave.
Even in winter, there’s a calm to it that makes being here feel restorative. This sense of serenity is woven through every aspect of the design, from the natural materials and muted palette to the consideration of light and space.
The collaboration with Studio Werc was central to achieving this outcome. It felt like a genuinely creative process. Studio Werc brought strong ideas from the outset, particularly the extension with its striking brickwork that has given the house its identity.
Paired with the precision of the kitchen cabinetry and the considered input of Rebecca Wakefi, the result is a home that feels both distinctive and cohesive. Above all, it reflects how they want to live, and there’s something very meaningful about raising their children in a space that’s so closely tied to their own values and sense of style.
