Houzz Tour: A Compact Ex-local Authority Flat in London is Transformed
An off-white scheme, stripped boards and metro tiles combine with quality appliances to modernise this Hackney flat
Jo Simmons
3 September 2016
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
“This was a really enjoyable project and wasn’t too complex,” says Katy Stevenson Bretton, who redesigned the interior of this third-floor flat in an ex-local authority building in Hackney, London. She spied the opportunity to add a second bedroom, by moving the kitchen and creating an open-plan living and cooking space instead, and then had fun bringing the tired décor up to date. A canny mix of investment buys, such as good appliances, and budget solutions combine to make this a home beautifully suited to 21st century life.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Two professional women
Location Hackney, London
Size 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Property A third-floor flat in an ex-local authority building
Designer Katy Stevenson Bretton of Katy SB
Photos by Kristy Noble
The flat had no major structural issues when Katy Stevenson Bretton was asked to revamp it. “The thing you find with local authority buildings is the flats are well-proportioned,” she says. “That’s why it’s easy to look at the floor plan and see how it can be improved and how you can make the space work a bit harder.”
The flat originally had a large living room with a dining area at the back. Stevenson Bretton decided to convert this into a kitchen and living space combined. “There’s a large peninsula for dining,” she says. “The whole space suits how people want to live nowadays.”
Who lives here Two professional women
Location Hackney, London
Size 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Property A third-floor flat in an ex-local authority building
Designer Katy Stevenson Bretton of Katy SB
Photos by Kristy Noble
The flat had no major structural issues when Katy Stevenson Bretton was asked to revamp it. “The thing you find with local authority buildings is the flats are well-proportioned,” she says. “That’s why it’s easy to look at the floor plan and see how it can be improved and how you can make the space work a bit harder.”
The flat originally had a large living room with a dining area at the back. Stevenson Bretton decided to convert this into a kitchen and living space combined. “There’s a large peninsula for dining,” she says. “The whole space suits how people want to live nowadays.”
The flat was well laid out and sound, but looked dull and tired. “There were disgusting carpets, bland magnolia paintwork and a really nondescript cream bathroom, too,” says Stevenson Bretton. “We ripped out the old kitchen and bathroom, did some work to remove pipes, added a new kitchen in the living area and the rest of the project was cosmetic.”
Ripping up the carpet revealed the original floorboards. “They were in beautiful condition and are now uncovered, probably for the first time ever,” says Stevenson Bretton. She had them sanded back and stained. “That was a huge bonus, as new flooring never looks as good as the original,” she adds. “These boards are narrower than boards you typically buy today, too.”
Fabric flex cable plug-in pendant light set and bulb, Vendimia Lighting Co. Oak bar stools, Mar-den. Geometric cushion, Room39.
Fabric flex cable plug-in pendant light set and bulb, Vendimia Lighting Co. Oak bar stools, Mar-den. Geometric cushion, Room39.
The kitchen was originally located in what is now the second bedroom. Stevenson Bretton fitted a new kitchen as part of the large living space, choosing simple, handleless units in a soft grey.
The tap and sink were in the original kitchen. “They were the only things we managed to recycle from the flat as it was before,” says Stevenson Bretton.
Units with Luca doors, B&Q; painted in Lamp Room Gray, Farrow & Ball. Hob; extractor, both Smeg.
The tap and sink were in the original kitchen. “They were the only things we managed to recycle from the flat as it was before,” says Stevenson Bretton.
Units with Luca doors, B&Q; painted in Lamp Room Gray, Farrow & Ball. Hob; extractor, both Smeg.
Simple white metro tiles with clean white grout make a fresh, contemporary splashback. The same tiles have been used in the bathroom, with a dark grout to give them a different feel.
White metro tiles, Walls & Floors.
White metro tiles, Walls & Floors.
“We bought things such as light fittings in Ikea, but then spent more on the kitchen units and appliances,” Stevenson Bretton says. “The idea was that this is a nice place to cook, with good appliances, and not the kind of cheap laminate rehash you often see in an ex-local authority rental!”
Hob, Smeg.
Hob, Smeg.
The bathroom was tired and beige. “We took out the separate shower cubicle, which was a bit naff,” says Stevenson Bretton, “and then put the new bath in exactly the same location.”
“We went for quite traditional-style sanitaryware,” says the designer, “but just chose more contemporary tiles and a nice grout.”
Plants add bursts of green throughout the flat; some are fake, including the plant in the cream pot near the basin.
For a similar basin and shower, try Burlington Edwardian basin and chrome wash stand; Hudson Reed Triple Exposed Shower Valve with Luxury Rigid Riser Kit, both Victorian Plumbing. White metro tiles, Walls & Floors. Faux plant, Abigail Ahern. Tumbler (used for toothbrushes), Falcon Enamelware. Lillangen mirrored cabinet, Ikea.
Plants add bursts of green throughout the flat; some are fake, including the plant in the cream pot near the basin.
For a similar basin and shower, try Burlington Edwardian basin and chrome wash stand; Hudson Reed Triple Exposed Shower Valve with Luxury Rigid Riser Kit, both Victorian Plumbing. White metro tiles, Walls & Floors. Faux plant, Abigail Ahern. Tumbler (used for toothbrushes), Falcon Enamelware. Lillangen mirrored cabinet, Ikea.
“This little wire shelving unit just makes the bathroom,” says Stevenson Bretton. “It’s something that feels different, and it gives a slightly more interesting element to the bathroom, beyond the sanitaryware.”
Wire wall rack, Cox & Cox.
Gen up on managing a tiling project with this complete guide
Wire wall rack, Cox & Cox.
Gen up on managing a tiling project with this complete guide
The same fresh palette has been used throughout the flat. “It creates a harmonious feel,” says Stevenson Bretton. “This isn’t a big flat. When you come in through the front door, you can see into all the rooms, so continuing the scheme throughout works really nicely.” An additional bonus is that using the same colours works out to be more economical than using lots of pots of different shades.
The carpet is a budget man-made design that’s hard-wearing. “It looks really nice, a bit like coir, and works with the other fittings, but it wasn’t expensive,” says Stevenson Bretton. The wooden bed frame has been updated with a grey linen cover for the headboard.
Walls and ceilings throughout painted in Blackened, Farrow & Ball. Elliot task lamp, John Lewis. Wooden crate, vintage. Norfolk Berber carpet in Fudge, available from many carpet retailers. Festoon lights, Lights4Fun.
Discover how to get your furniture for free
The carpet is a budget man-made design that’s hard-wearing. “It looks really nice, a bit like coir, and works with the other fittings, but it wasn’t expensive,” says Stevenson Bretton. The wooden bed frame has been updated with a grey linen cover for the headboard.
Walls and ceilings throughout painted in Blackened, Farrow & Ball. Elliot task lamp, John Lewis. Wooden crate, vintage. Norfolk Berber carpet in Fudge, available from many carpet retailers. Festoon lights, Lights4Fun.
Discover how to get your furniture for free
Basic wardrobe carcasses have been treated to bespoke doors in American walnut. “That was a bit extravagant!” says Stevenson Bretton. “I was including some bespoke joinery in another project and knew the carpenter had some offcuts of this timber. There was enough to make these wardrobe doors.”
Knappa pendant lamp, Ikea. Blanket, bought in Morocco. Black and white stripy cushion (on left), Urbanara. Peachy geometric cushion (on right), Ferm Living. Geometric yellow and black stripy cushion (in middle), Debenhams.
Knappa pendant lamp, Ikea. Blanket, bought in Morocco. Black and white stripy cushion (on left), Urbanara. Peachy geometric cushion (on right), Ferm Living. Geometric yellow and black stripy cushion (in middle), Debenhams.
This plan shows the flat as it is today, with two bedrooms. What is now the second bedroom (not photographed) was originally the kitchen.
What do you think of this revamped flat? Add your thoughts to the Comments below.
What do you think of this revamped flat? Add your thoughts to the Comments below.
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From humble beginnings to pure contemporary sophistication. What a lovely journey this home has been on!
I’d be interested to know the dimensions of the living area. Can anyone work it out from the photos?
We see no photos of the second bedroom- it will be tiny. I agree though - a lack of local housing stock nationwide and housing association alternative rents are high. Bought local authority housing tends to end up eventually rented out by landlords .