Designing The Black House

Designing The Black House

In 2018, my family and I embarked on a new adventure: transforming a dated 1960s bungalow into our dream family home, now known as 'The Black House'.

The property was surrounded by woodland, offering a serene setting that aligned with my desire to create a tranquil living space. However, the existing structure needed significant changes to meet our needs.

Interior transformation

When redesigning the bungalow, we focused on creating a home that felt open, warm, and deeply connected to nature. Working with architects, we carefully planned the layout to enhance the flow between rooms while ensuring the space remained functional for our family of five. Interior design was considered from the start, with a focus on materials that would bring character and practicality. Inspired by Scandinavian design, I chose a polished concrete floor for its earthy feel and durability. Every detail, from window placement to open-plan living, was designed to create a sense of harmony between the home's interior and the natural surroundings.

Exterior connection

The bungalow's woodland setting was what first drew me in, and I wanted to make sure the renovation embraced its surroundings. Originally a modest 1960s home with floor-to-ceiling windows, it already had a strong indoor-outdoor connection, which we aimed to enhance. We secured planning permission to extend upwards, transforming it into a double-storey home while preserving its relationship with nature. Large windows and carefully placed openings ensured uninterrupted views of the trees, blending the indoors with the outdoors. Through thoughtful design, we created a home that not only suited our growing family but also allowed us to fully experience the beauty of the natural world.

Sourcebook

Beautiful burnt wood cladding from Toasted Wood

Kitchens & Home Accessories from deVOL Kitchens

The Reena Simon range in collaboration with The Main Company