This spacious two-bedroom Edwardian apartment, perched on the top floor of a detached house in Kew, was a joy to transform for returning clients in their early 70s. Having worked with them on their previous home, it was a privilege to help shape this new chapter as they downsized during the Covid lockdowns.

Although the apartment had beautiful proportions, high ceilings, and original features, years as a rental had left it feeling tired and unloved. Both the kitchen and bathroom needed replacing, and we reworked the layout to improve flow and functionality. While plans to enlarge the bathroom were blocked by the freeholder, thoughtful planning allowed us to create a spacious and well-balanced room within the existing footprint.

My clients brought with them many treasured pieces I had sourced for their previous home — from curtains and light fittings to furniture and art. Reusing these not only honoured their sentimental value but also aligned with my sustainable ethos, creating a fresh, cohesive scheme layered with personal history.

Comfort and wellbeing were also at the heart of this project. When my clients moved in, the apartment was bitterly cold in winter. We tackled this first — adding solid wall insulation, upgrading radiators, and improving the windows. These measures transformed the apartment into a warm, healthy, energy-efficient home.

The finished scheme feels serene yet full of colour and character, with ample storage, improved natural light, and a joyful kitchen-dining space at its heart — future-proofed for many years to come.