Houzz Tours
Wales Houzz Tour: An Updated Period House With a Modern Extension
A light-filled addition and reworked layout transformed this tired Welsh property into a stunning family home
The owners instantly knew this four-bedroom Georgian house in Wales could be turned into the elegant modern home their family longed for. They called on designer Grace King of Studio Rey to help rework the traditional layout and breathe new life into the dark and dated interior.
Creating a light-filled kitchen-diner where the whole family could spend time together was a top priority, King explains. “The couple wanted a practical space where everyone could gather around the table, so it made sense to add a rear extension off the kitchen and open up the back of the house,” she says.
The extension was also an opportunity to let light into the dark ground floor, so an expansive skylight and fully glazed folding doors were added.
Pale porcelain-tiled flooring and walls painted light grey add to the effect and continue through to the cooking area, effortlessly blending the old and new. “We also sourced local vintage pieces, such as the table and chairs, to add an eclectic and homely feel,” says King.
The extension was also an opportunity to let light into the dark ground floor, so an expansive skylight and fully glazed folding doors were added.
Pale porcelain-tiled flooring and walls painted light grey add to the effect and continue through to the cooking area, effortlessly blending the old and new. “We also sourced local vintage pieces, such as the table and chairs, to add an eclectic and homely feel,” says King.
In the kitchen, deep-blue cabinets were chosen to ground the space. These were teamed with a mix of fresh-white composite and timber benchtops to add impact.
“Blue is the owner’s favourite colour,” says King. “We wanted to repeat this colour throughout the interior to create a bold and cohesive look.”
A row of glass and brass pendant lights and a brass mixer tap add a warm and welcoming touch to the island, while Hay bar stools encourage guests to linger.
Thinking of renovating? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz for expert help with your project
“Blue is the owner’s favourite colour,” says King. “We wanted to repeat this colour throughout the interior to create a bold and cohesive look.”
A row of glass and brass pendant lights and a brass mixer tap add a warm and welcoming touch to the island, while Hay bar stools encourage guests to linger.
Thinking of renovating? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz for expert help with your project
Across the kitchen, a second row of blue base units, which face the kitchen island, provide valuable extra storage. By adding an oak surface and matching shelf, King cleverly created a display space for showing off treasured artwork and accessories, adding a cosy feel.
The owner chose the geometric wall tiles for the kitchen splashback. “She was keen to introduce some pattern and continue her favourite blue shades,” says King. “We thought it important to go for a design that created a bold overall pattern for a clean, fuss-free look.”
Leading off the main entrance hall and into the new kitchen-diner, the living room is now a relaxed and comfortable space everyone can enjoy with its large L-shaped sofa.
King replaced the existing (and, in places, rotten) floorboards with engineered-oak boards for a cool, continuous look that now unites the front reception rooms and hallway. Pale-grey walls are highlighted by dark-painted architraves and panelled doors.
King replaced the existing (and, in places, rotten) floorboards with engineered-oak boards for a cool, continuous look that now unites the front reception rooms and hallway. Pale-grey walls are highlighted by dark-painted architraves and panelled doors.
“It was important to carve out different spaces for different uses in this busy family home,” says King. “The deep window reveals at the front of the house presented the perfect opportunity to create a bistro-style coffee spot for two in the living area and a quiet work area [on the other side of the hallway].”
New double-glazed sash windows sensitively replaced the old units, and the existing wooden shutters were revived and reinstated in the living room.
New double-glazed sash windows sensitively replaced the old units, and the existing wooden shutters were revived and reinstated in the living room.
Simple accessories, such as the circular mirror and Harry Bertoia-inspired mesh armchair, add character without dominating or cluttering the space. Neat floating shelves, painted the same shade as the wall, creates a minimal yet elegant display area.
The wood-burning stove forms the room’s cosy focal point, perfect for lazy family gatherings.
The wood-burning stove forms the room’s cosy focal point, perfect for lazy family gatherings.
Creating a peaceful space for work and relaxation away from the rest of the home was important for the couple, so the space opposite the living room has a different mood.
To complement the oak flooring, King opted for deep-blue walls. A sumptuous teal sofa, low-slung leather chair and wall lights add to the intimate feel.
To complement the oak flooring, King opted for deep-blue walls. A sumptuous teal sofa, low-slung leather chair and wall lights add to the intimate feel.
King and her team lost no time in reinstating the original fireplace opening. To add depth and character to the cosy space, she chose to line it with blue wall tiles. “These deep-blue linear tiles highlight the generous recess and turn it into a striking display space,” she says.
Shelving makes good use of a narrow alcove and, by teaming this with a utility-style floor lamp and a leather easy chair, King created a tranquil reading spot.
Shelving makes good use of a narrow alcove and, by teaming this with a utility-style floor lamp and a leather easy chair, King created a tranquil reading spot.
Upstairs, sophistication and glamour were the aim in the main bedroom. King wanted to create a relaxing, grown-up space that was warm but clutter-free, and painted the replastered walls in a soothing blush shade.
Neat wood panelling runs the width of the room, behind the bed, and provides a handy ledge and support for a pair of brass wall lights. A smart Roman blind adds pattern and a luxurious touch without detracting from the elegant sash window.
Neat wood panelling runs the width of the room, behind the bed, and provides a handy ledge and support for a pair of brass wall lights. A smart Roman blind adds pattern and a luxurious touch without detracting from the elegant sash window.
An ensuite with a shower leads off the main bedroom and is reached by a short flight of steps. King explains that the position of the shower was dictated by the placement of the existing plumbing. “A large walk-in shower with a bespoke glass screen makes efficient use of the space,” she says. The large, bespoke wall mirror above the basin helps maximise the daylight.
The Art Deco-inspired design is continued in the terrazzo tiles that King chose to use on the floor and basin wall. “We wanted an element of pattern with a contemporary edge, so we ran large tiles across the floor and up the wall and paired them with crisp black tapware,” she says.
The Art Deco-inspired design is continued in the terrazzo tiles that King chose to use on the floor and basin wall. “We wanted an element of pattern with a contemporary edge, so we ran large tiles across the floor and up the wall and paired them with crisp black tapware,” she says.
The two smaller bedrooms were previously accessed by a poky second staircase, so they felt separate to the rest of the house. The upstairs layout was reworked by the architect to create access from the main staircase, which enabled King to set about refreshing the rooms.
With younger family members often staying, the owners and designer were keen for one bedroom to have a more playful feel. Accents of ochre add a sunny touch, while two tones of grey paint make the space feel a bit livelier.
With younger family members often staying, the owners and designer were keen for one bedroom to have a more playful feel. Accents of ochre add a sunny touch, while two tones of grey paint make the space feel a bit livelier.
In both twin bedrooms, the existing timber ceiling beams and newly plastered walls have been treated to a fresh, crisp finish. King has dressed the deeply recessed windows simply with Roman blinds. “This introduces an element of pattern while maximising the natural light,” she says.
Browse more images of beautiful bedrooms
Browse more images of beautiful bedrooms
“It was important for the main bathroom to blend both traditional and modern elements,” says King. A sophisticated palette of soft blush, cream and crisp white with black details echoes the tones used elsewhere in the house, and emphasises the bathroom’s smart, clean lines.
“The layout had to revolve around the existing plumbing, so we boxed in the area behind the loo and basin, used sleek wall-mounted tapware, and created a handy ledge for storage and display,” says King.
“The layout had to revolve around the existing plumbing, so we boxed in the area behind the loo and basin, used sleek wall-mounted tapware, and created a handy ledge for storage and display,” says King.
The decor in the guest room has a distinctly vintage feel. “I teamed bold florals with rich teak furniture and spicy ochre for a considered, retro look,” says King.
The existing wood-panelled ceiling adds character and subtle texture to the space, as well as helping reflect light from the deep-set sash window. Harmonising with the other rooms, the whole property has a fresh, modern yet elegant feel that sensitively highlights the property’s Georgian bones.
The existing wood-panelled ceiling adds character and subtle texture to the space, as well as helping reflect light from the deep-set sash window. Harmonising with the other rooms, the whole property has a fresh, modern yet elegant feel that sensitively highlights the property’s Georgian bones.
A bold floral wallpaper is the star feature in the guest room. Large in scale and with plenty of movement, it adds pattern and personality without overpowering the space or detracting from the period features.
A framed artwork on the wall of a ship completes the scheme. “We chose artwork that was coastal-inspired as a subtle nod to the property’s location,” says King.
Your turn
What do you like most about this updated Georgian home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
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Missed our last Houzz Tour? Catch up on more great European style here with this Germany Houzz Tour: High-End Luxury in Munich’s City
A framed artwork on the wall of a ship completes the scheme. “We chose artwork that was coastal-inspired as a subtle nod to the property’s location,” says King.
Your turn
What do you like most about this updated Georgian home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last Houzz Tour? Catch up on more great European style here with this Germany Houzz Tour: High-End Luxury in Munich’s City
House at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their visiting grown-up family
Location: Newport, Wales
Property: A semi-detached Georgian house
Size: Four bedrooms and two bathrooms
Designer: Grace King at Studio Rey
It was the idyllic coastal location and handsome proportions that drew the family to this traditional Welsh stone property. Nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire’s thriving and characterful town of Newport, the house had the potential to be the modern, spacious home the couple needed.
The property’s main issue was the cramped layout and dark rooms. Low ceilings and tired decoration, along with narrow stairways and corridors, created an oppressive feel. To rectify this, the family turned to King and local architect WA Spees to oversee a rear extension, reconfiguration and refresh of the interior.