Project type: Residential Renovation and Interior Design
Location: Muswell Hill, North London
Services: Architectural Refurbishment, Period Restoration, Kitchen Design, Bespoke Joinery and Bathroom Design
Project Overview
This five-bedroom Edwardian residence in Muswell Hill underwent a comprehensive architectural refurbishment to preserve its historic character while adapting the property for contemporary family living. The owners wanted to retain the architectural details that defined the original home while creating brighter, more open spaces for everyday life and entertaining.
Oraanj Interiors developed a design approach that brings traditional craftsmanship together with modern materials and carefully planned layouts. Original cornicing, deep skirting boards and timber sash windows were restored, while a full-width rear extension introduced a spacious kitchen and dining area overlooking the garden.
The result is a cohesive interior that respects the property’s Edwardian heritage while accommodating the practical requirements of a modern household.
Preserving the Edwardian Architectural Features
Restoring the original features was central to the renovation. Rather than replacing the period detailing, the design retained and repaired important architectural elements across the formal reception rooms and all three storeys.
The restoration included:
- Repairing original ceiling cornicing and decorative plasterwork
- Restoring ceiling roses and picture rails
- Retaining timber sash windows
- Preserving deep skirting boards and solid timber flooring
These details maintain the character of the Edwardian interior and provide a traditional foundation for the contemporary additions.
Careful restoration also helped establish continuity between the home’s original architecture and its updated living spaces.
A Contemporary Kitchen and Dining Extension
The full-width rear extension creates an open kitchen and dining area with a stronger connection to the garden. Designed around family use and entertaining, the space combines practical storage with distinctive materials and clean architectural lines.
Bespoke, hand-painted sage-green cabinetry introduces a muted colour palette, complemented by Calacatta marble worktops and a statement island. Fluted marble detailing adds texture, while integrated Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances support the kitchen’s functionality.
Additional features include:
- Handmade in-frame timber cabinetry
- A dedicated breakfast pantry
- Pocket doors for a streamlined finish
- Crittall-style doors overlooking the garden
Together, these elements create a kitchen that feels contemporary without appearing disconnected from the character of the original property.
Bespoke Joinery Throughout the Residence
Custom joinery contributes to the consistency of the interior design. Cabinetry and storage were planned to suit the individual rooms, combining practical functionality with carefully selected materials and finishes.
The restrained colour palette and considered detailing allow the joinery to complement both the traditional reception rooms and the more contemporary extension.
This approach helps maintain a clear design relationship throughout the house rather than treating each room as a separate project.
Marble Bathrooms and Contemporary Finishes
The bathrooms introduce a more contemporary material palette while maintaining the home’s emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
Book-matched marble slabs create striking surfaces, while walk-in rainfall showers and brushed brass fixtures add refined details. Bespoke reeded vanity units introduce texture and provide practical storage.
Microcement finishes complement the marble, creating a balance between natural stone and understated contemporary surfaces. The result is a series of bathrooms that feel consistent with the wider design while providing a distinct atmosphere within the private areas of the home.
Bringing Heritage and Modern Living Together
The Muswell Hill renovation demonstrates how an Edwardian property can be updated without losing the architectural details that make it distinctive. Period restoration, a carefully planned kitchen extension and tailored interior finishes work together to create a home suited to contemporary family life.
Through considered material selection and a consistent design approach, Oraanj Interiors brought the original architecture and modern additions into balance, creating a residence that retains its historic identity while meeting the needs of its owners.
