Twickenham
Modern RenovaTion
Planning permission was acquired to add a top floor, extend out the back and completely redesign the interior. The old conservatory was demolished and the kitchen moved from the front to the back of the property. We were asked to develop the interior design to create a contemporary look and feel with neutral palette and clean lines.
Our design concept evolved from Japandi principles. This tranquil aesthetic focuses on achieving finely tuned functionality to support health and wellbeing. Drawing on both Asian and Scandinavian influences, the choice of natural materials connects the interior to the elements of the world around us, creating a positive atmosphere and mindful energy.
Credits
Lead Designer Lorraine Sakharet / Photography KT1 Photography
"We wanted a clutter free simple design that was calm and minimalist. Using similar tones throughout the property we leant towards mid-century ochres and greens to lift the scheme interjecting some stunning tiles using organic textures, terrazzo-effect porcelain and micro-cement emulating natural stone in the bathrooms."
More About This Modern Renovation in Twickenham: Japandi Style
This Twickenham property began as a home in significant need of renovation. With planning permission already granted for a new top floor, a rear extension and a complete reconfiguration of the internal layout, our role was to shape the entire interior design concept and guide the transformation from start to finish. The client wanted a contemporary, neutral aesthetic with clean lines, warmth and a sense of calm running through every space.
Japandi Design as the Foundation
The design direction evolved naturally from Japandi principles, blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian comfort. This tranquil aesthetic is centred on balance, natural materials and refined simplicity - qualities that support wellbeing and create mindful, connected spaces. The palette of muted neutrals, soft greens and warm woods established a sense of serenity that flows throughout the home.
A Seamless Open-Plan Kitchen & Living Space
At the heart of the renovation is the new open-plan kitchen and family area. Scandi-inspired timber flooring grounds the design, working beautifully with the industrial edge of the black-framed glazing and Crittall-style internal doors. Contemporary tiles add subtle texture: soft green metro tiles connect the interior to the garden, while ceramic tiles across the island introduce another quiet layer within the muted palette.
We commissioned a specialist cabinet maker to produce a bespoke plywood kitchen. The natural grain is warm and natural, while the handle-less detailing keeps the look clean and contemporary. Paintable sockets and switches with simple, geometric shapes contribute to the overall purity of the scheme.
A custom window seat was designed in the snug area, overlooking the garden and concealing generous storage below. Even the cat flap was integrated discreetly, hidden within the under-seat joinery. Bold geometric art in earthy tones provides a bridge between the Japandi foundations and the soft mid-century influences used throughout the living space.
Light and Flow
Seen through the internal glazed doors, the living room continues the calm aesthetic. With textural upholstery, a dense woven rug and ceiling-hung shelving designed to echo the joinery in the kitchen, the scheme feels elegant yet welcoming. The uninterrupted sightlines maximise the natural light and strengthen the visual connection between the home’s key living areas.
A Sculptural Entrance & Hidden Cloakroom
The entrance hall became one of the most striking architectural moments in the renovation: a bespoke oak slatted feature rising in one continuous line from the ground floor to the second storey. This sculptural element sets an immediate tone of crafted simplicity.
Large-format tiles sweep seamlessly from the hallway into the cloakroom, where they continue up the wall to create a unified look. The cloakroom itself is concealed behind a full-height door with a hidden handle, allowing the space to disappear discreetly within the clean lines of the hall.
Restful Bedrooms with Thoughtful Storage
The Japandi aesthetic extends into the bedrooms, where clarity and calm were key drivers of the design. Bespoke cabinetry incorporates hidden dressing areas, mirrors and integrated power for hairdryers. This allows surfaces to remain clear and encourages the uncluttered environment associated with better sleep and wellbeing.
Microcement Bathrooms with a Spa-Like Feel
Both the master ensuite and the family bathroom were finished in micro-cement, chosen for its seamless texture and understated beauty. Without grout lines, the rooms feel more generous, tranquil and sculptural - qualities that work perfectly with natural wood tones and the muted colour palette carried throughout the home.
Optimising the New Top Floor
The newly constructed top-floor bedroom and bathroom required careful spatial planning to make the most of the compact layout. Through intelligent positioning of the shower, WC and vanity, we created a fully functional bathroom that still feels calm and cohesive. Natural materials and soft tones ensure this level feels connected to the rest of the design.
A Fully Managed Renovation
As with many of our renovation projects, we coordinated all contractors, trades and suppliers to ensure the design intent was executed with precision. From space planning to installation, we oversaw every stage of the process, resulting in a beautifully unified Japandi-inspired home that now provides a soothing, contemporary retreat in the heart of Twickenham.
If you would like help creating your own Japandi-inspired renovation, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to support you on your project.