Period Townhouse Renovation in Barnes | Stunning Home Transformation
Our clients set out to transform their period townhouse in Barnes, West London. Their aim was to carefully modernise the home while celebrating and enhancing its original period features, creating a balance between contemporary living and classic character.
To achieve this, the design included a striking single-storey rear extension, featuring Crittall-style doors and a large roof lantern to fill the new space with natural light. This extension seamlessly connects to the open-plan kitchen, dining area, and family snug on the lower ground floor, creating a light-filled, flexible space for daily family life.
The house spans three floors, with grand reception rooms on the entrance level that retain their original proportions and period detailing. Upstairs, the bedrooms are arranged to maximise comfort and privacy, while subtle contemporary interventions throughout the property enhance the overall flow and functionality.
Project Type: Extension & Renovation
Project Profile: Complete refurbishment of the property, including a single-storey rear extension
Location: Barns, South London
Build Time: 9 months
Selection of Views
Key Design Features
One of the key design priorities for the two principal social living levels, the lower ground and entrance floors, was to maintain a dual aspect to maximise natural light throughout the spaces.
This was especially important on the lower ground floor, which is partially sunken. To counteract this, the space was opened up from the front windows through to the rear extension, which features an oversized roof lantern and large Crittall-style doors. This approach ensures the lower level is bright, airy, and visually connected from front to back.
The entrance floor benefits from the original oversized sash windows at both the front and rear of the house. The two principal reception rooms are elegantly separated with internal Crittall doors, allowing light to flow between spaces while maintaining a sense of division and formality appropriate to the period.
Moving Inside
Upon entering the house, you are welcomed by a two-tone palette of baby blue and sky blue, which continues up the staircase and through the entrance hallway. Original period features, including decorative panelling, high skirting boards, and ornate cornicing, have been carefully restored and enhanced with discreet hidden LED lighting.
The new kitchen adopts a classic Shaker style, featuring painted cabinetry, a generous solid timber central island, and refined brass accents. Parquet flooring runs throughout the ground floor, creating continuity between spaces, while a concealed bar sits neatly behind antique mirrored panels, adding an element of surprise and luxury.
The bathrooms, en-suites, and W.C. are true standout spaces, each designed with its own distinctive character. The principal en-suite is particularly striking, with a freestanding bath framed by a symmetrical double shower, creating a spa-like focal point within the home.
The downstairs washroom features striking tiles, patterned wallpaper, and a playful monkey wall light, adding a sense of character and charm to the space.
Before and After 3D Cut-through Plans
After: 3D Floorplans
Before: 3D Floorplans
Route to Planning & Other Features
Due to the property’s location within a conservation area, a full householder planning application was required. In support of the proposal, a Heritage Statement was prepared alongside a comprehensive set of drawings and supporting documentation to demonstrate how the design responds sensitively to the building’s historic context.
Given the site’s location and setting, a Construction Management Plan was also required. This ensured that the movement of materials, deliveries, and construction traffic to and from the property was carefully controlled, minimising disruption to the surrounding area throughout the build process.
The Team on the Project
Contractor: JD Homes
Interior Designer: Uplifting Interiors
Photographer: Chris Snook . Photographer
