Reimagining Home
PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG | STORY MEGAN SMITH-HARRIS
As seen in the London Summer 2026 Issue.
For Melanie and Tom, the question was a familiar one: stay or go?
As their children prepared to leave the nest, the couple found themselves at a crossroads. Downsizing to a newly built home initially seemed like the logical next step. “However, as we considered the space we still needed for family gatherings and our work-from-home jobs,” says Melanie, “we decided to rework our existing home into a more modern layout.”
That decision set the stage for a full-scale renovation with London’s Riverside Construction, led by builder Greg Hassall, who immediately recognized the home’s potential – not just to be updated, but reimagined.
“There was a fair bit of structural work required,” says Greg. Opening the living and dining rooms meant installing substantial steel beams to support existing loads, along with new posts anchored to proper pier footings below, allowing for a clean, uninterrupted span. “The goal was to make it feel like the house was always meant to be this way.”
To help bring that vision into focus, Greg brought in Vanessa Cosgrove of Mosaic Design, a designer and space planning expert he frequently collaborates with.
“Melanie and Tom had a good idea of how they wanted the space to look and feel,” says Vanessa, “but they were looking for help with the selection process and pulling it all together.”
Vanessa immersed herself in the couple’s vision – walking the space with them, discussing what worked and what didn’t and reviewing inspiration images to understand their preferred aesthetic.
“The goal was to take what they were drawn to and elevate it, introducing possibilities they wouldn’t necessarily have thought of on their own,” she adds.
As so often happens with renovations, what began as a modest plan – new floors, an updated kitchen and the removal of a single wall – quickly evolved into something more ambitious that has transformed the main floor.
“We love the bright, airy feel the open concept gives the house,” says Tom. “Shifting away from a formal living room has made the layout way more functional. Now every area has a purpose we use daily.”
Materials and finishes were selected with care and restraint. Hardwood flooring from Sacwal Flooring Centres runs throughout the main level, establishing a warm, consistent foundation. Structural timbers and building supplies sourced through Copp’s Buildall support everything behind the walls.
Custom millwork and cabinetry played an equally important role. The kitchen grounds the main living area, while additional built-ins in the living room create a seamless flow between spaces. A new staircase from London Stair & Railing Co. Ltd. contributes to the home’s unified feel.
The newly defined living room centres around a cosy gas fireplace which creates a natural gathering place. The foyer, once dominated by red brick, has been transformed by a new front door from VDK Windows & Doors and a lighter, tonally neutral finish that softens the space and creates a welcoming first impression.
The most challenging phase for the homeowners occurred when the house was stripped back to its structure. “Seeing the house down to studs and subfloor was definitely nerve-racking,” says Melanie. “But the drywall was the moment everything clicked.”
From there, the focus happily shifted to design choices. Layer by layer, the vision came together. Tile sourced through Centura London and installed by Quality Tile Service adds depth, while plumbing fixtures from Aqualuxe London, installed by Inspire Plumbing, and lighting by Renwil add quiet sophistication throughout.
Painting, completed by Purtill’s Painting, ties everything together with a muted palette from Benjamin Moore (Chantilly Lace, Collingwood, Balboa Mist, Cloud Cover and Mountain Moss), allowing materials to reinforce the understated but refined vibe.
Upstairs, the primary suite has also been transformed. A bulky built-in tub was replaced with a sleek, white modern vessel, and a chic double vanity improves daily function. The shower enclosure – featuring ribbed glass – offers privacy without sacrificing light.
“We’ve always treated the bedroom as just a practical space that no one ever saw, but now it’s an elegant retreat,” says Melanie.
Furnishings and finishing touches further personalize the home, with multiple pieces sourced from Jack & Stella. Behind the walls, essential systems include electrical work by Loucks & Sons Electric, ensuring the home performs as seamlessly as it looks.
For Greg, the success of the project comes down to creating a layout that feels natural. He points to the repurposing of the former formal living room into a functional office – a shift that reflects how the homeowners live in the space.
“We get to deconstruct things and find exciting ways to put them back together. When everything clicks – with the clients, the design and the build – the results are outstanding.”
For Melanie and Tom, the transformation still feels a little surreal. “We still find ourselves looking around in awe.” OH