There is so much I want to talk about in this blogpost! This room has been over 10 months in the making – and has been a real labour of love, and so much more expensive than we ever imagined…but once we were ‘in’ it, we decided we wanted to do it properly – one of the reasons it took so long!
After our bathroom, this was the next stage of the renovation…in terms of priorities, a study wasn’t actually up there – however, the room that was originally here was in such dire need of attention that we had to tackle it next. It was a room we called the dungeon – it was the old kitchen (even though were no appliances in the room – just cupboards full of the previous tenant’s crockery!) and then attached to it was a dodgy lean-to bathroom extension which was leaking, was partially outside and frankly: scary. The ceiling also caved in after a month of living here – thankfully I was in the room next door when it happened!
Unlike most people in London, we chose to get rid of the extension rather than keep the extra space – this meant we could get side access back to the house, solve all the leaks and issues with the lean-to and have a bit more outside space.
We decided to move the kitchen into the back room which was larger (it used to be the dining room) and then this room would be a working space for me and my husband. There is, also potential for it to be a playroom later on in life but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it…
There were no pipes or heating in the house when we moved in, so installing a boiler was one of the first things we did. As a snap decision, we chose this room as it needed to be on an external wall and we weren’t sure what we were going to do with the kitchen yet…it became one of those tricky things as it deemed one wall quite redundant and then we had to figure out how to hide it…
We also got rid of the chimney breast to give us more room (and we took it out of the room upstairs at the same time) and removed the window looking out to a dark alleyway and put it in the back of the room instead, looking out to the garden.
The work started in April last year and took 2 months of structural work and then they left it all plastered. And then we ran out of money. It took us a while to find a window that was right (and came with warranty after installation – a lot of brands supply aluminium windows but don’t fit them) and then we still had to figure out how to hide the boiler and we had a tough time finding a door.
So we painted it Hague Blue (which I’ve talked about more in this blogpost) and got the flooring done – by Mick the amazing floor guy. This took another few months…we knew we wanted parquet and I was suggested reclaimed flooring by another friend who was renovating. It hadn’t crossed my mind to get it secondhand but there are loads of companies who specialise in it – they salvage it from old schools and gyms. It comes all grubby and covered in glue but once the fitter has worked his magic it looks fantastic. Again, it wasn’t a cheap job but we are so happy with it and we are treating this house as our forever home with no compromise (would rather it just took longer to do!).
Everything in this room became quite tricky to be honest, and we didn’t want to rush it. We knew we wanted built in cupboards to hide the boiler but also to store all of our kitbags, tripods, equipment for work, chargers etc. We had knocked down the under stairs cupboard in the hall so storage in the house was becoming scarce – but quotes from carpenters were around £5k minimum (we wanted panels, the boiler boxed off, sliding doors etc) so we just decided to wait. And when the builders came back for the next job in November, we asked if they could do something instead. It cost roughly £1500, exactly how we wanted and to our specifications.
To make the MDF cabinet look less bog standard, I knew it needed some decent handles and I have to admit, these Buster & Punch ones make all the difference – it really brings it to life (I saw them originally in Emily from The Pink House’s home – you can see the tour on my blog here).
Again, we knew we wanted a long desk against one wall – so we found someone that had tables we liked the look of on Etsy and contacted them to make a table top to order and just put it on trestle legs – much cheaper way of doing a made to measure desk. I would mention that we weren’t 100% happy with the result at first, and Chris had to re-sand this as it came in an unexpected colour – like it had been stained a green/grey. but we love it now!
Yes, we’re still looking for a small cabinet to go under this print…but I wanted to talk about the door. Again, we wanted something with glass to let more light into the hallway (our hall is in the centre of the house so not much natural light) and originally wanted an aluminium one to match the window – but size wise it was tricky as this space was very narrow, so we ended up getting it made by a local joiner – it was cheaper than an aluminium one and meant we didn’t need the big threshold that comes with those doors but sadly we can’t really recommend him as he got the measurements wrong about three times….we painted it ourselves to save money and my parents’ locksmith shop helped me with the handles – they don’t sell online but you can call and do mail order.
By the time we researched and got the door finished, the builders had come back to do the hall and build the cupboard, so this room was filled with so much dust and plaster…we actually had to repaint it again, which was a little soul destroying but worth it in the long run.
So I think that’s mainly it…we’re still after a shelf to go above the desk, we want to add a few more pictures and get a book shelf/cabinet for the space by the door but we love this room – it stays warm despite being external walls (that’ll be the Acova radiator) and we are so productive once we get in there to work. I am so happy to have a boiler hidden away along with the ironing board, a lot of our junk and spare suitcases. And we are most of all, happy that we went bold here – a dark room is a risk (and we almost always need the light on) but it makes us happy when I walk through the hallway and glance through the glass doors – and that’s what matters.
I still can’t believe we live here sometimes.
And this bumper post doesn’t stop here…we also filmed a video for YouTube as a little walk round tour. Hope you enjoy it and please subscribe here if you want to get more updates on our renovations:
I promise that’s it…!
Hope you found it useful and not too waffly, there was A LOT of info I wanted to get across!
Wow, it’s really lovely. I bought some knobs from Buster and Punch for our living room cupboards and I love them, well worth the money. I love your house updates!
Totally agree – I’m now finding every other handle in our house ‘unbearable’ and trying to change them all for B&P! Husband not so keen….!!
This looks amazing! It can feel forever when you are doing something yourself, but the finished product was well worth the wait, and those handles make your cupboard look so swish. I’ve just bough a tester of Hauge Blue for our bedroom – looking forward to splashing it on the walls!
Oh good luck – just to warn you, the first coat it looked quite green and we weren’t sure but it evens out beautifully xx
Absolutely beautiful. I enjoy your renovation posts a lot!
Love the shade of those walls! ?
Looking fab! I love those prints so much, I’ve been trying to collect pieces for frames every time we go away, I did see some beautiful retro style maps in Daunt Books the other day but I think I’ll try and find something more authentic when I’m away this year!
It is so nice to have a memory attached to it! Weirdly, the See American print was from Gothenburg in Sweden, but I loved it and still think of Sweden so it’s kind of a faux memory but all good! x
This room is pure perfection Alex. The touches are all the things I adore, the floor, wall colour, panelling, window style. It looks beautiful.
Mel x mediamarmalade.com
It’s a taste I’ve acquired over the years. See also: lots of copying on Pinterest !!
No waffle, all fantastic insights and testament to your determination and great taste! Room looks fantastic!
Thank you! xx
Wow Alex, it looks stunning, great work!
May I ask you a tip? where did you get the door from?
We were planning to put Crittall to part between living and dining but the price is to cry 🙁
thanks!
It was by a carpenter – it wasn’t cheap cheap though as it’s a trade – but cheaper than crittal. Have you looked at aluminium ones? x
No, I haven’t started properly looking as we are still waiting to remortgage to start with the renovation early next year. We live in N22 too, reason I asked you for the contact, it would be local for us.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Great room, great video. Love the bold colours too, the chairs are A lovely contrast to the walls. A floor to ceiling cupboard helps stop the room looking cluttered, stops you putting things on the top of it too!
The video gives a good impression of the size of the room, it looks bigger than I’d expected. Any chance of a floor layout plan? Helps me put thing into context spatially!
Yes, so true – hate too much stuff out on display! I don’t have a floorplan anymore on my phone! x
Wow this is such a stunning room. I’d never have considered a wall colour like that but it looks amazing!
Thank you – it really is a room I walk past and so pleased we went bold x
SO BEAUTIFUL!
XX
https://www.closettostreet.com/
Absolutely stunning! Pure labour of love, I really rate your dedication & commitment to sourcing the right piece rather than filling it with a ‘this will do/meantime’ item.
Do you frame all your pics yourself or do you bring them to a framers?
Thanks!
Yes it’s a perfectionist trait that sometimes isn’t the best, though! It depends, the print on the right is just a Habitat frame but the one on the left we got professionally done by a framer friend – and he did it ‘floating’ so you can see the raw edge and signature as it was a more special piece x
Hi Alex, as tasteful as ever- your house is as well turned out as you!
Please could you tell me where your basket that you are using as a planter is from. I couldn’t find any info on it but love & would like to pinch the idea,
Many thanks, Paddy
Thank you! The basket is White Stuff but it’s old…but Ikea have great baskets too x
Loveee this! Thank you for sharing it with us❤
Xx, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
My favourite thing on the internet & Instagram at the moment is your renovation!
Looks amazing x
Aaah thanks 🙂 xx
It looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys should be very proud of yourselves – renovations are not for sissies!
SO true – and we’re further ahead than we ever thought we would be by now! x
On the contrary, thank you for such a detailed post. It almost makes me feel like I could get through renovations again 🙂
*almost
Looks gorgeous! I love the little round side table – where’s it from?
It’s La Redoute – I got it on a 40% day….! Not sure they have the exact one anymore though x
Really enjoyed reading this, Alex. I love how you’re renovating your house and taking the time to do it all properly. Can’t wait to see your next finished room!
Yes, and I must admit – although budget means we’re doing it bit by bit, it also gives us a real feel of the space and what we want out of each room before we tackle it! x
Loving the renovation posts. One question, when you sanded the desk top did you wax it afterwards to protect the surface – if so what did you use?
The blue is fantastic – very bold.
J
No….we probably should have….! x
Out of all your content the home stuff is my favourite – you have such a strong aesthetic and clear idea of what you want, it’s great. X
Thank you – I enjoy it more, too! x
Love the renovation update, study looks amazing! Try Gathering Moss on Blackstock Road for shelves, there’s a fab carpenter in the basement who will make furniture to your own specs, I got my desk and matching shelves there and I love them. It took longer than they said but was a good price and they delivered which was fab. Good luck! X
Oh great, thanks – will look up! x
Your home is stunning! I love love love all the updates, they are so inspiring and the videos are fantastic, you really get a feel for the whole room this way. The attention to detail is brilliant and I love how you put your own stamp on the room with the affordable accessories/finishes.
Would you mind me asking, how much did you pay the joiner for the door? Just so I have a rough idea for approaching tradesmen. It’s exactly what I want made for our loft room to let the light in, such a clever idea and way cooler than a normal door. Funnily enough i’d been looking at them on the wicks website but they aren’t the right size and the beading isn’t quite right.
Wishing you all the very best with your arrival 🙂 you have made a beautiful home to bring them home too, enjoy this special time. Emily xx
Yes, we’ve been thinking about YouTube for a while but wanted to use it for something I couldn’t show on the blog – allows you to show the space so much more…the door I actually can’t remember – it was way more expensive than Wickes but also made to order, as we couldn’t buy ours online anyway with the size….xx
It looks amazing. Well done Alex and Chris, it’s gorgeous! x
Thank you! xx
Love what you’ve done – I am about to embark on a small dark dining room by painting it darker and this post has both inspired me and reassured my husband.
As always I appreciate your honesty about saving up for what you dreamed of, and showing how you got it while also making a few real-world compromises. Some bloggers move in and within a couple of months they’re shelling out on House of Hackney wallpaper and floor to ceiling bespoke curtains. Looks great, but they’ve either spent 15 grand on a room or got some hefty undisclosed discounts. Thank you for keeping it real!
Speaking of which there is a gorgeous teal blue industrial style metal and brass cabinet in ikea at the mo (saw it on design soda) which might clash horribly with your walls or might solve your cabinet issue!
This is so true – and while a lot of what we have bought is not cheap (what decent furniture is, really?) – we genuinely saved up and have a credit card to show for it (now paying it off!) – which is just real life! Ooh need to take a look, love Design Soda – the problem we have is I want storage, but have also promised husband we’d have some of his manga comics on display (a small compromise for getting everything I want in the room, so far!!) – so it has to be combo of cabinet and shelving – looking at vintage record cabinets currently on etsy, too! x
It’s called Fabrikor and it is £130. Has glass shelves and door inserts xx
Hi Alex, your renovation is one of my favourite things to follow on blogs/instagram, thank you for sharing! I think you’re doing an amazing job at preserving period features but making it look contemporary. I love your aerial beach shot on your desk and I know I’ve seen the photographer’s work before but can’t remember his/her name! Do you know?
Thank you!! The print is by Tommy Clarke at Lumitrix – not sure they do it anymore as was looking as it seemed to only have originals now (which were very ££!) x
What an amazing transformation!! I love seeing the before and after. I’m always so inspired by how you do things your own way, and with such care and creativity. So happy for you!
OMG I’m loving what you’re doing with your home! I can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of the house 🙂
http://www.champagne-lifestyle.com
Hi Alex, I’ve been watching your amazing transformation of your Home. I’m also slowly up dating my home and wondered what colour and material your blind is in the study? I’ve been deliberating for months over my window treatment and still can’t decide ?. Thanks, Amy
It’s grey kind of textured – not sure of the exact name – sorry! x
?The room is beautiful! Where did you source the floors from?xx
Hi there,
The room is gorgeous and I love the idea of reclaimed wood floor – amazing! Do you have a particular company you’d recommend for reclaimed floors?
I’ve searched online, but a recommendation is always so so helpful.
Thanks so much, xx
PS congrats on the Bubba 🙂
Thank you! I just searched reclaimed parquet oak flooring – I can’t recommend sadly as it all depends on which company has the square footage you need xx
Oh so sorry! Just saw your reply – page didn’t refresh or something.
Thanks for taking the time to respond x
Oh so sorry! Just saw your reply – page didn’t refresh or something.
Thanks for taking the time to respond x
Hi there,
I was wondering if you had any recommendations for companies that do reclaimed wood in London? I’ve been having a look but would be great if you know someone that you were happy with.
Thanks ever so much, and congrats on your gorgeous wee girl 🙂
Elise xx
PS sorry if you’re getting this twice, I tried to post the other day, but I don’t think it worked.
Room looks fab. What fabric blinds are these?
Thanks x
Kind of a chambray x
Hi Alex, gorgeous room. One quick question did you paint your radiator with the F&ZB eggshell too? X
no x
Just bought my first home (it’s 50 years old!) and in need some of TLC and unashamedly I’m using your entire home as my inspo. Amazon switches just ordered! Keep up the fab posts Alex x
Love following your blog — particularly your interiors and finance advice. Thank you.
Just a quick questions — where did you source the glass internal door from?
Many thanks in advance,
Eliza
We had it made by a local carpenter but sadly can’t recommend him as he got the measurements wrong three times x
Hi Alex. Just wondering if you can pass on the name of your builder. We desperately need some cupboards built and really love what you’ve had done.
If you email kate@the-frugality.com she can let you know – although he might not be able to do the job on its own – he did ours as it was part of a big job xx
I Absolutely love this space, I have copied the colour in mine as well as the chair ! Quick note, I have recently bought some handles from your family’s company online, may be worth updating the blog post 🙂 I Love mine
Oh yes! This was pre Saxon’s Instagram account – good idea! xx
Hello, another Alex here!
First of all let me tell you I love what you’ve been doing with your house! You guys really have amazing tastes and I’ve been following since the beginning.
We’re looking to buy a house around Alexandra palace and I was wondering if you could kindly share the contacts of builders you recommend (floor, plumber etc). It is so hard to find someone you can trust nowadays ! We’ve been very disappointed in the past and I would like to avoid this again. So any recommendation would be so helpful and appreciated.
Thanks a lot for you time,
Alex
Hi Alex! Ofc ourse – if you email kate@the-frugality.com she has all the details on file – be warned there is often a bit of wait! x