Letting the light in…

Southsea couple Alex and Sam moved into their listed 19th century terraced home in 2015 but it was the imminent arrival of their child that prompted them to expand their kitchen and let the light in.

“We had always had it in the back of our minds to extend it and improve the living space, but it was when we started our family that we knew we wanted a bigger kitchen,” explained Alex.

Sarah is the one with an eye for style and design, and she knew instinctively what would work sympathetically with the history of the building while making it practical for modern family life.

Design Team Studios were able to take the couple’s vision and make it a reality with the help of TWF Building Services.

“The original features of the property are part of the charm and rather than replicate the original, the design adds a contemporary, minimalist light-filled addition that demonstrates the house has evolved over time,” said Joe Moser, Director of the Design Team Studios.

Neighbours in the terrace had already extended their own properties, and while Alex and Sam knew there would be disruption during the work, it would all be worth it. In the end.

Alex said: “We converted what was originally the utility room and ground floor bathroom into our new kitchen.

“We asked Joe to do the work for us because he had done similar projects with our neighbours and he was aware of the architecture of the street.”

In order to flood the area with light and link the new space with the garden, they opted for Crittall style doors and an apex window meant they could make the most of the exterior views.

Stone worktops and crafted joinery make the kitchen a delicious space to prepare food and be with friends and family.

“We really like the island feature in the middle. The original kitchen was really small and you could only fit one person in there while they were cooking so this has transformed the way we live,” said Alex, who works as an engineer.

When he and Sam, a doctor, moved to the city they were instantly drawn to the 1830s property that was to become their home and really liked the secluded street that is so close to everyday life in Southsea.

Started as a project to fit their growing family, Alex revealed it all fell into place in the best possible way.

“Our baby was born 10 weeks ago, and as we were coming home from the hospital, the team was just cleaning up here — it really was perfect timing,” he added.