Maximising Space in Period Properties
The Challenges of Period Properties:
Period homes are highly sought after in areas like Chelsea, Islington and Hampstead, but they come with their own set of challenges. Built during a time when family life was quite different, and storage solutions, room layouts, and the flow of space were not designed for contemporary needs.
Some of the most common challenges include:
Narrow, disconnected rooms – Period homes often feature smaller, more compartmentalised spaces, which can feel restrictive for modern families who prefer open-plan living.
Limited natural light – Many period properties on the lower ground floor levels can feel dark and enclosed.
Storage – These homes often lack adequate storage solutions for modern families, particularly when it comes to keeping children's toys, sports equipment, and other everyday items organised and out of sight.
At Nancy Gouldstone Architects, we specialise in reimagining these properties to address these challenges head on. Through careful planning and bespoke design, we transform period homes into functional family spaces that retain the charm and character that makes them so special.
1. Roof conversions: Unlocking hidden space
One of the most efficient ways to increase space in a period home is by converting the attic or loft. Attic conversions are particularly popular in London, where vertical space can be maximised without altering the façade of the home, an essential consideration in conservation areas.
Case Study: Islington Townhouse For our Islington project, we worked with a young family that had recently purchased a Victorian townhouse. They needed an additional bedroom and bathroom to provide separate bedrooms for their young daughters. By converting the attic using a mansard roof conversion with dormer windows, we created a sweet children’s bedroom along with an extra family bathroom that could be used by both of the children. In the new bedroom space, we created built in storage into the eaves and corners of the room and shelving desinged around the nooks and crannies created by the chimney breast wall. The attic conversion was carefully designed to bring in plenty of natural light through a velux window and large flat roof light above a window seat, making the space feel airy and open despite the roof slope.
Our Islington Townhouse - the newly created second floor level in what used to be the attic
Design Tips for Attic Conversions:
Use Dormer Windows and Skylights: Bringing in natural light is crucial in an attic conversion. Dormer windows not only increase headroom but also allow for larger window openings. In our Islington townhouse, we were able to achieve planning permission for a full almost 90 degree mansard roof at the back with double dormer windows allowing for a large area with excellent floor to ceiling heights to be achieved.
Tailored Storage Solutions: Custom joinery can make use of low eaves and sloping ceilings, creating built in storage that maximises every inch of the space. We designed joinery for every nook and cranny, in the photos above and below, you can see the quirky triangular cupboards that allowed to eek out space around the angled chimney breasts.
Maintaining Period Charm: Retain the character of the original home by using traditional materials for the windows and finishes, such as timber sash windows. We used thin framed timber sash windows, beading to the joinery and period style door architraves on this new level to ensure the period features from the rest of the house flowed into the design of this space too.
Islington Townhouse - Tailor made joinery allows for maximum storage space around the original chimney breasts.
2. Extensions: Seamlessly Blending Old and New
For families looking to create additional living space, an extension is often the ideal solution. Whether it's a rear extension, side return, or even a basement extension, designing additions that respect the heritage of period homes while enhancing functionality.
Case Study: Hampstead Townhouse In our Hampstead project, a grand and imposing five storey home, the family required more space for entertaining and family time to all be accessible from one floor. They envisioned a spacious, open-plan kitchen-dining area that would flow naturally into new living room area space on the ground floor and link visually with their garden. By designing a rear extension, we are able to expand the ground floor significantly. Using a large picture window and glazed doors that lead onto the garden we have been able to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Brompton Townhouse: A sympathetic extension to the existing Victorian house using matching brick and complementary materials for the doors.
Using matching London stock brick and delicately detailed glazing details we complemented the architecture of the original house while introducing a new subtly modern extension that provided the extra space the family needs for living and entertaining on their raised ground floor.
Key Considerations for Extensions:
Respect the Original Architecture: In conservation areas like Hampstead, it’s essential to use materials that complement the existing structure. London stock bricks for the external walls, creating a green roof and using thin glazing bar details for the new windows can help blend the new extension with the period architecture.
Zoning for Family Life: Open plan living is ideal for young families. Zoning different areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing ensures that the space is functional without sacrificing flow. In our Hampstead house and Belsize Park house projects we have created open plan ground floors which accommodate large kitchens, dining areas and living areas so that family life can be enjoyed easily all on one floor. We also made sure to keep a small WC on this floor - essential when you have young children and playdates.
Bringing in Light: Using large amounts of glazing through large windows and glazed doors as well as roof lights, or even glass ceilings in certain areas can bring in much-needed natural light through a deep floor plan, making the extended area feel even larger.
3. Reclaiming Underused Spaces: Creative Storage Solutions
Storage is a common issue in period properties. Many older homes were not designed with modern storage needs in mind, leaving families struggling to find places to store their belongings, especially with young children in the mix. This is where creative, bespoke storage solutions can make all the difference.
Case Study: Belsize Park Townhouse In our Belsize Park project, we transformed underused spaces into practical storage solutions. The original entrance hallway to the house was a wide open but unusable space. We custom-designed built-in storage cupboards in the hallway, fitted in a small but practical home office and added a WC. The hallway cupboards providing the family with much-needed space for coats shoes, linens, toys, and other essentials without encroaching on the open feel of the area. We added an entrance bench with hidden storage below in easy pull out drawers with enough height for shoe storage.
Storage Ideas for Period Properties:
Bespoke Joinery: Utilise awkward spaces, such as under the stairs or in alcoves, by designing custom joinery that blends seamlessly with the existing architecture.
Hidden Storage: Installing cupboards behind wall panelling or beneath window seats can help keep clutter at bay while maintaining the elegance of the home.
Landing Storage: Landings are often overlooked as potential storage spaces. By adding bespoke shelving or cabinets, you can turn this underutilised area into a practical and attractive feature.
Suggested Image: A hallway with hidden storage solutions, showing how period detailing can be preserved while providing practical family storage.
4. Basement Conversions: Extending Below Ground
In many London homes, where outdoor space is at a premium and height restrictions limit adding extra stories, basement conversions offer an ideal solution for creating additional living space. Basements can be transformed into family rooms, playrooms, home cinemas, or even extra bedrooms—without altering the external appearance of the home.
Case Study: Belsize Park Townhouse For our Belsize Park clients, the house already had a basement level added but it was cramped and dark with a poorly lit kitchen that led out onto a high wall of concrete planters. We transformed the basement space by extending into the lightwell area, removing the concrete planters that took up most of the lightwell space. By doing this we reclaimed we transformed an underused basement into a multifunctional family space. The basement now includes a home cinema, a dedicated playroom for the children, and ample storage for toys and books. By installing a lightwell, we were able to bring natural light into the space, preventing it from feeling dark or enclosed.
Creating extra space on the basement level - a comfortable living and entertaining space with views onto a verdant lightwell
Basement Conversion Considerations:
Maximising Natural Light: Lightwells, glazed staircases, and large windows can all help bring natural light into a basement, making it feel like a part of the home rather than an underground space.
Durable Finishes: Basements are often high-traffic areas, particularly if used as playrooms or family spaces. Use durable, easy-to-clean materials such as engineered wood flooring or washable paints.
Optimising Layout: Basements can often feel disconnected from the rest of the home. Consider the flow and layout to ensure the space feels integrated with the upper floors. In our Belsize Park Townhouse, we continued the arched doors design to the lower level too, ensuring the architectural style remained consistent and added the same level of interest to this floor.
In this house we have also extended the basement area and have created a media room and gym. Areas that don’t specifically need lots of natural light. We added a decorative fireplace to add structure and a focal point to the room so that it feels just as loved and designed as the other areas above ground.
5. Reconfiguring Internal Layouts: A Better Flow for Modern Living
In many period homes, the original layout may no longer suit the way families live today. Reconfiguring internal layouts—by removing walls, opening up spaces, or creating more logical room arrangements—can greatly improve the flow and functionality of the home.
Case Study: Islington Townhouse In Hampstead townhouse project, we removed a portion of the rear elevation on the ground floor to create a more open, family-friendly space, opening the dining space onto the new extension area which will be a living room area . By opening up the living area and kitchen, we created a space where the family could cook, dine, and relax together, all while keeping an eye on the children. The reconfiguration will also allow for better natural light throughout the ground floor, making the home feel more spacious.
Internal Layout Strategies:
Opening Up Small Rooms: Period properties often feature smaller, disjointed rooms. Removing non-load-bearing walls or adding open archways can improve the flow between spaces.
Pocket Doors and Sliding Partitions: For rooms that need to be separated occasionally, such as a home office or playroom, pocket doors or sliding partitions offer flexibility without permanently dividing the space.
Feature Staircases: Reconfiguring the staircase to make it a central design feature can improve flow while maintaining the elegance of a period home. In our Hampstead house, the original staircase to the basement level had already been replaced but with a much worse even smaller design. We have removed this staircase and designed a bespoke feature cantilevered design to connect the lower and raised ground floors.
Hampstead House: A view from the kitchen area through to the dining room and down to the new extension area
Creating Homes That Grow with Your Family
At Nancy Gouldstone Architects, we specialise in helping families unlock the full potential of their period homes. By maximising space, improving flow, and blending old with new, we ensure that your home not only retains its historical charm but also supports you and your family’s lifestyle as your lifestyle evolves.
Whether you’re looking for an attic conversion, an extension, a basement renovation, or simply a reconfiguration of the internal layout, our team offers bespoke solutions tailored to your needs. We understand that as busy professionals, you want a stress free, full service approach. We take care of everything, from design and planning to construction and final finishing touches, ensuring that your home becomes the perfect space for your family to grow.