OPEN MINDED
These owners used ideas from their previous loft-style apartment to bring a contemporary look to a traditional semi-detached property in London
When Fionnuala and Matt Oomen left their central London factory apartment for a more family-friendly home, they took their sense of style with them. ‘We moved here from a big,open-plan loft-like space that was interrupted only by pillars,’ says Fionnuala. However, once their first child, Lorcan, came along, rooms without borders became more of an issue. ‘We needed a different kind of home for life with a toddler – and we longed for a garden, too.’
Now, with Lorcan, 6, and second son Elis, 3, the couple live in a five-bedroom Victorian house in south London, which has given them ‘space to breathe’. The couple loved its classic double-fronted proportions, wide hall and period features. But Fionnuala and Matt were not ready to ditch their love of contemporary art and furniture for a traditional look. ‘A Victorian house doesn’t mean you have to emulate period style,’ says Fionnuala. ‘ We liked the idea of something creative – adding a slightly more contemporary character to this lovely frame.’
Their plans started at the top, with an innovative but sympathetic loft extension, which includes three rear-facing dormer windows as part of a conversion that changed the roof structure from hip to gable. ‘We didn’t want a standard addition,’ says Fionnuala. The couple are well versed in inspiring architecture and the Vitra Design Museum is Matt’s favourite building. ‘This design by A Small Studio is an example of creative architecture on a more domestic scale,’ says Fionnuala. ‘It’s both beautiful to view from outside and brilliant to live in.’
The conversion makes the most of the space, with a master bedroom, dressing area
and en suite which all flow, as a gentle reminder of the open-plan living that the couple already loved. ‘Lots of bespoke furniture were a must, too,’ continues Fionnuala. ‘I love having efficient storage – it means your home looks calmer because clutter doesn’t accumulate so easily.’
The living spaces already had a similarly open-plan feel, with the double sitting room leading into the dining area and the kitchen around the corner. On the ground floor, a playroom, cloakroom and utility room are the only spaces behind closed doors. ‘Moving from a warehouse, we didn’t want to go into a house that had a series of small boxy rooms,’ says Fionnuala. ‘So for us, this was a great compromise.’
The couple did have to trade in some of the larger pieces of furniture from their loft-living past, but refreshed their look with designs that hail from the mid- century or show its influence. So a Terence Conran wing chair is more recent, but slips easily into place next to classics by Hans J Wegner and Charles Eames. ‘We chose shapes that have endured and convey a sense of poise,’ says Fionnuala.
Lighting is suitably minimal in the hall and the loft extension, while the sitting room has a more decorative chandelier. The couple have also brought home special finds from their travels that include a mask from South Africa and ceramics from Canada and Nepal. ‘After all, a pot or picture means more if you remember where you bought it,’ smiles Fionnuala.
The loft extension is now the couple’s favourite space, loved by both of them for its sense of calm and simplicity. ‘It’s been a wonderful project,’ reflects Fionnuala, ‘and just shows how you can breathe new life into a period home.’