DREAM TEAM
Working with a good architect and builder was key to the success of this London home
Karine Valtanen has her husband Ossi to thank for spotting the potential in an unattractive southwest London terrace. ‘He had viewed it without me and reported that it had plenty of space to create a family home,’ she says. ‘It was cheaper than neighbouring properties, too, because it needed work and most of the original features had been stripped out.’
After making an offer that was accepted, the Valtanens moved in and quickly reinstated the Victorian coving and skirting boards, and also laid new wood flooring. ‘We invested a lot in getting the fabric of the place back up to scratch, but then we had to stop, to concentrate on our jobs and get the cash flowing again,’ says Karine.
When the refurbishment resumed four years later, Karine and Ossi, who are French and Finnish respectively, were determined to create the home they had dreamt of. ‘After our architect, Anaïs Bléhaut of DAAB Design, helped us redesign the interior, we asked her to recommend a builder to manage the project,’ says Karine. ‘That company was Orchestrate and they were a pleasure to work with. It was so important for those involved to work well together.’
As well as wanting to create a space to suit the family, which now includes Scarlett, 6, and Emma, 5, Karine and Ossi were determined to make the downstairs a sociable area. With that
idea in mind, they removed the wall between what is now the dining area – formerly the study – and the kitchen to create a light, open feel.
The intention was to reconfigure the interior to a high-spec design. ‘ We opted for pocket doors to link the hall with the dining area,’ says Karine. ‘They look fantastic and are real space-savers.’ Solid-wood tri-fold doors leading out to the garden were another big investment.
The couple’s approach was very hands on. ‘Ossi and I had a very clear idea of what we wanted – even down to the paint finish,’ says Karine. The whole house was redecorated, with each zone given a distinct identity. ‘In the sitting room, for example, we opted for a light yet sophisticated look as we entertain a lot.’
Far from adding new touches, much of the work upstairs involved removing features to maximise space, so all the bedroom fireplaces were taken out. ‘The builders also suggested we lose the chimney breast to create an alcove, which was a master stroke as it proved the perfect place for a set of drawers,’ says Karine. ‘And the space above it was tailor-made for a large framed photo of our daughters.’
The Valtanens say the house has turned out better than they ever hoped. ‘Everything went to plan,’ says Karine, ‘and it’s all down to good teamwork.’