BOLD AMBITION

Experienced renovator Howard Smith knew at first sight that this Victorian terrace could be extended and rearranged to create something special

Thanks to a clever redesign, this Brighton terrace is now a joyful home full of heart and soul

When experienced renovator Howard Smith met the vendors of his new home, he hadn’t anticipated being grilled by the couple, their children and grandchildren. ‘I turned up straight from the gym, in a tracksuit, to find the smartly dressed family sitting at the table, ready for a question and answer session, complete with tea and scones,’ says Howard. ‘It transpired that this lovely pair, who had lived there for 40 years, and their family just wanted to be reassured that the house would be in safe hands.’

Back in 2017, Howard, who was searching for his next project, knew this property offered vast potential. Glancing through the window of the dated kitchen, he saw not just one, but two lean-to structures and an outside toilet, plus a spacious back garden. ‘The house was crying out for a roomier, light-filled kitchen with bifold doors leading out to a beautiful landscaped garden,’ he explains. ‘Experience told me that there was scope to replace the lean-to structures and toilet with a single-storey extension within the existing permitted development, and also reconfigure the layout of the house to create a much better flow.’

A POSITIVE START

That initial meeting with the previous owners made Howard even more determined to go the extra mile to restore the property’s elegant features, including the cornicing, ceiling roses and original fireplaces. With the deal clinched, Howard contacted his trusty building team and submitted structural drawings for the extension, which passed building control’s requirements.

When it came to planning, to avoid any potential party wall dispute with neighbours, Howard came up with a design that did not span the back of the property. On the ‘higgledy-piggledy’ first floor, a plasterboard section, where the old water tank was positioned, was removed to create a larger landing. Another stud wall between the first-floor back bedroom and new bathroom was repositioned to gain more space in a guest bedroom. At the front of the house, a stud wall dividing what became the main bedroom, was removed and an en suite shower room installed.

FULL OF POTENTIAL

Realising that the second floor also offered a wealth of opportunities for two bedrooms and an en-suite shower room, Howard installed a new section of staircase to blend seamlessly with the original staircase. A study was also created on the second storey that could, if required, become a fifth bedroom. With the plumbing and electrics overhauled, and a new kitchen and bathrooms fitted, the flooring was laid and tiling finished.

Next, Howard turned his attention to redecorating and furnishing his new home. ‘Brighton is a vibrant, lively city and I wanted to reflect that in the decor,’ he explains. ‘Every room was given its own identity and a bold, stripy carpet was laid to link each floor together.’ The result is an eclectic, much more practical home that embraces its past and celebrates the present with imaginative, personal and fun touches.

Throughout every room, Howard’s enthusiasm and passion for interior design and attention to detail sings out. ‘Although I love the two reception rooms, and squeezing in a cloakroom on the ground floor has proved really handy, I feel that the lightfilled kitchen is the real show-stopper,’ he says.

Howard believes that altering the layout to gain more bedrooms has also worked well. ‘I’m thrilled that my vision has become a reality,’ he says. ‘I can only hope that, one day, if the previous occupants call, they’ll be just as pleased as I am.’

SITTING ROOM Inspired by the striking ceilings in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, Howard used a bold geometric wallpaper to inject a feeling of opulence. Layla Faye Daisy Chain Small wallpaper in Silver Moon, £39.50 a roll, Wallpaperdirect. Try Fabulous Furniture’s Phantom lamp, £105. Velvet cushions in Hibiscus, £25 each, John Lewis & Partners

KITCHEN Clean lines and a neutral colour scheme ensure this new space is bright and uplifting. Soho cabinets in Matt Dove Grey, price on request, Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery DINING ROOM Shapely furnishings add a modern yet timeless edge. Glass top white gloss dining table, £1,040, Nicky Cornell. Paper chandelier (excluding shades) £2,789, Moooi

BEDROOM An original fireplace is the focal point in this inviting space with its punchy yellow accents. Plain wool throw in Mustard, £80, John Lewis & Partners, is similar

BEDROOM Previously a disused attic, this is now an airy, inviting room. Try the two-tone throw in Blush, £50, and velvet and linen cushion in Blush, £25, both Cox & Cox

REAR EXTERIOR Trellis panels bring privacy to this outdoor living space. For similar furniture, try the Kettler Palma seven-seater set, £1,819, John Lewis & Partners

EN SUITE Wall-to-wall marble-effect tiles create a luxurious look. Carrara honed marble tiles, £61.18sq m, Mandarin Stone, would work here