Pencil and Brick
Project Spotlight

A House with Pink Stairs

Whole House Renovation
Works
Refurbishment and Extension of a Four-Storey Victorian Home Design
Collaborators
Location
Borough: Islington

Background

Appointed post-planning, we led the technical design for this full-house transformation in the heart of Islington. What began as a tired, unloved property is now a bright, modern family home, carefully reworked across four floors, with new spaces that flow, breathe, and celebrate everyday life.

Featured in Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine and The Telegraph, our brief was to:

  • Make room for family life and flexibility
  • Deliver an open-plan kitchen and dining space that’s built for entertaining
  • Combine modern materials with period charm
  • Maximise light, flow, and storage without compromising character

The Problem

This was a complex build, demanding precise coordination between structure, services, and finishes;  particularly in the concrete detailing and staircase interfaces. We delivered the technical design stage, translating vision into buildable, beautifully resolved details.

Scope of work included:

  • New basement level with patio access
  • Rear ground-floor extension
  • Loft conversion
  • Internal and external staircase design
  • Board-marked concrete walls and features
  • Full refurbishment across all floors

 



Islington Townhouse Renovation with Pink Staircase and Basement Extension
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Design Details

The ground floor now centres around a striking kitchen with a sculptural timber island, marble surfaces, and open shelving for a warm, informal feel. The basement has been reimagined as a generous family room with light and space that defies its level. Upstairs, we created a vaulted master suite, walk-in wardrobe, and home office, all with a calm material palette and tailored lighting design.

Outcome

The house now feels confident and calm, a space that supports modern family life with just the right balance of texture, light, and rhythm. It’s a home to grow into, not out of.

Architect’s Note

“Favourite detail? Without question … the eye-catching pink staircase. It’s playful, unexpected, and gives the house its personality. It’s the kind of moment that reminds us architecture should delight as well as function”

Customer Reviews

Our clients trust us to get the results

We’re not just proud of our awards and 5-star reviews, we’re proud to have built lasting relationships and homes that speak for themselves.

 

 

Go to all Reviews Go to all Reviews

It’s been excellent working with Seán and Matt on the renovation of our house. They listened closely to what we needed and developed thoughtful and exciting designs that responded to our brief and budget. They also made some great suggestions for things we hadn’t even thought of, which has strengthened the design further. We’ve just submitted our planning application, and we can’t wait to see their designs turn into reality.

S.H

A House with a Sunlit Kitchen

I commissioned Pencil & Brick’s construction arm to carry out a two-storey rear extension on my property in East London between September and December 2022, for which I had already completed architectural and structural designs. Being my first construction project, I was hugely grateful for the insight and guidance that Pencil & Brick’s highly experienced and dedicated team provided throughout the project. The project was well planned and executed, and I received regular updates and feedback from developments on site. I always found Pencil & Brick to be totally honest and transparent, and this is something that the company clearly prides itself on. Pricing estimates were accurate and realistic, and costs at all stages of the project were clearly broken down and explained.

J.G

Acacia Road

The highest testimony I can give is having worked with Sean and Stephen in a professional capacity through my role at the London Borough of Waltham Forest I then chose them to be the architects for my own home extension. I trusted them to improve my home, meet my children, husband (and my cats) and to shape how I will live in my house for many years to come…. they are trustworthy, conscientious and sticklers for detail. I felt comfortable leaving them a key to my home when they needed to take measurements and felt able to ring them once the design was completed for advice on anything from the contract, to design challenges, changes and how to approach issues with the contractor.

S.N

A House with Lofty Ambitions

Work.

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Pencil and Brick Architects Ltd. RIBA Chartered Practice No.20016109, Registered in England and Wales. Reg No. 08511999. Pencil and Brick Ltd, Federation of Master Workers No. 130675, Registered in England and Wales. Reg No. 12010077 © Pencil and Brick.

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