Finding the right balance between the old and the new is not easy, yet in a city like London—where tradition and a global cosmopolitan sensibility coexist—the combination feels entirely appropriate. The Ogee House extension and renovation achieves this balance beautifully, pairing contemporary interiors with a subtle old‑world finish. Designed by Bradley Van Der Straeten, the project uses recycled brick to add a sympathetic extension to a North London residence and creates a generous eat‑in kitchen that becomes the social heart of the home.
The layout centers on a comfortable eat‑in kitchen with a banquette dining area that links the interior to the modest garden. Warm oak finishes and crisp white surfaces define the palette: custom oak cabinetry and wooden detailing anchor the room while a white backsplash and sleek floating shelves introduce brightness and visual balance. The design keeps sightlines open and airy, highlighting the materials rather than overwhelming them.
Architectural moves such as the gently curved ceiling and a large skylight above the dining area bring a distinct character to the new space. Natural light floods the interior, enhancing the warm wood tones and emphasizing the clean lines of the cabinetry and fittings. Glass doors extend the living area outward, allowing the garden to become part of the everyday experience and blurring the boundary between inside and outside.
At the center of the extension sits a versatile island finished in oak with a smooth white Corian countertop, offering ample workspace and casual seating. Built‑in storage is carefully integrated: benches along the banquette provide extra capacity without disrupting the clean aesthetic, while a mix of closed cabinets and floating shelves ensures the kitchen remains practical and uncluttered.
The banquette seating beneath the skylight creates a cozy, communal spot for meals and conversation. Custom wooden benches are tailored to the corner layout, maximizing seating while concealing storage compartments. These bespoke details reinforce the sense that the extension has been designed to complement the family’s daily routines, not simply to showcase style.
Despite its contemporary touches, the extension respects the character of the original home. Recycled brick and oak finishes help the new volume sit comfortably alongside the existing façade, creating a modern classic look that feels considered rather than disruptive. The result is a cheerful, refined addition that enhances day‑to‑day living while remaining sympathetic to the building’s original aesthetic.
Overall, the Ogee House extension demonstrates how thoughtful material choices and careful attention to proportion can produce an addition that both modernizes and honors a traditional home. The result is an inviting, light‑filled kitchen that enhances daily life while remaining true to the building’s original character. Photography: French + Tye