Quilter Street House, East London Building, Bethnal Green Residential Renovation, Architecture Images

Quilter Street House in East London

Bethnal Green Victorian Cottage Renovation Project design by Finkernagel Ross, England, UK

11 Jan 2020

Quilter Street House

Architects: Finkernagel Ross

Location: Quilter St, Bethnal Green, East London, England, UK

Quilter Street House is a Victorian worker’s cottage in an attractive, quiet residential street near Columbia Road flower market in East London. Finkernagel Ross’s renovation and thoughtful interior design has transformed the property, and their dressing, styling and photographing the property on completion has resulted in a 20% increase in its rental value.

Beyond the front door at street level is a bright and airy open plan living and dining area. The existing wall separating the stairs from the dining room has been removed, original pine floorboards have been stripped and sealed and the staircase to the first floor has been refurbished to create a light and welcoming space.

Original chimney breasts have been retained with a new wood burning stove becoming the focal point for the living area, where crisp white walls are softened with a stylish collection of vintage mid-century furniture. The dining area allows direct access to the garden with full height glazed doors that flood the area with light and enhance the house’s connection to the outside.

The rich mixture of surfaces and the contrast between old and new continues into the kitchen diner where Moroccan encaustic style tiles are offset against a contemporary white kitchen, and glazed doors open onto the garden.

Upstairs, ceilings are vaulted to give the impression of space in a relatively tight floor plan and to allow more light in through new roof lights. Exposed brick walls and restored Victorian fireplaces in the bedrooms retain the character of the building. A new bathroom, where striking tiles sit alongside the restored existing chimney breast, houses a free standing bath and separate shower.

Care and attention have been paid to details such as the contemporary lighting and new efficient radiators in a traditional style. Ram skulls in the bedroom bring a twist to the vintage style of the house. The interior of the house now does justice to the promise of the charming front façade.

The quality of the building fabric has also been improved – new render, damp proofing and double glazing have brought the property up to modern standards while keeping the house within the character and aesthetic of Quilter Street, which lies within a conservation area.

Finkernagel Ross designed and fully managed this project and, upon completion, dressed, styled and photographed the property for private rental marketing.