The Grange Park Full House Project

Full Home Renovation

From the very beginning, this project was shaped by the needs and interior direction from the family. They had waited three years before beginning the loving restoration to their home, and in that time period they were able to really consider just what they wanted to get out of their new home.

The decision to work with Herringbone came early on, after following along for some time and feeling drawn to the way we approach our work. “We just liked that you are a small business that cares about the clients, and that sense of care stayed consistent throughout. We didn’t want to feel like just another project, and with a smaller, more personal team, we never did. Bigger companies you can get lost, it felt important that we were listened to,” and from the outset, it felt like everyone was aligned. “We were all singing from the same page.”

A visit to the Canterbury workshop brought that feeling to life in a very real way. Being able to see pieces in progress, to open and close cabinetry, and to understand how everything are made gave them a level of confidence that’s hard to replicate. “Seeing things, feeling things and touching thing, having the workshop is so important.” In a world where so much is hidden behind screens, that connection to craftsmanship stood out. “Nowadays it’s so good to see an actual workshop and how it’s made.” It set the tone for the rest of the project, collaborative, and grounded in real detail.

When our clients first moved in, they always knew the house would evolve over time. It had charm and character, but it didn’t yet feel like theirs. “It was someone else’s home and we wanted to make it our own.” Rather than rushing into changes, they chose to live in the house for three years, allowing it to slowly reveal what it needed. Over time, they came to understand how they naturally used the space, which rooms mattered most, and how the light shifted throughout the day. “We lived in it and saw what works and didn’t work, what rooms you really use the most, and the way the light hits the different rooms.”

The house itself was perfectly liveable, but behind the surface it needed updating. “It was an older property and needed to update and redo electrics, plumbing and heat efficiency. We wanted to keep the character of the house externally.” That balance between old and new became central to the project, shaping a home that feels both considered and comfortable.

By the time the renovation began, there was a clarity around the design. It wasn’t about following trends or making bold statements, but about creating a home that worked well for everyday life. “We knew what we wanted and where we were heading,” and that confidence carried through each stage of the project. The focus was on practicality, ease, and making sure the house supported the way our clients live. “It just makes everything more practical. It was designed for us.”

Of course, working with an older property always comes with a few surprises. During the build, they uncovered structural elements that hadn’t been anticipated. “There was one beam holding everything in the loft, which was a surprise.” These moments are part of the process, and rather than disrupting the project, they became part of the story behind it. Luckily, their build team J&L Builders, were brilliant and stuck to the projects time schedule.

The joinery played a key role in bringing everything together. With everything made from scratch, there is a level of flexibility that allows the design to be completely tailored to the home. “Nothing was ever too much,” and that openness made it possible to create something that felt both practical and personal. Working closely with our Interior Designer, Martyna helped refine those decisions, making sure that each element sat comfortably within the space. “She helped choose and make sure everything went together,” and throughout the process, communication remained steady and clear.

Now that the work is complete, the biggest change is in how the house feels to live in. “It makes me happy when I walk in; it makes such a difference.” The layout works more intuitively, and the smaller details have had a lasting impact. “It just makes everything more practical.”

The kitchen, in particular, has become a space they genuinely enjoy spending time in. “I love the kitchen and feel very happy and relaxed in the place.” Thoughtful storage keeps everything feeling calm, with hidden elements allowing the space to stay uncluttered. “I love the hideaway parts of the storage design in the kitchen, everything that can be hidden away, works so well.” Even everyday routines have shifted in subtle ways, like the addition of an upstairs utility room. “The kids actually put their stuff in the washing basket,” a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about how the house now works. And one I am very jealous of! What a dream!

There’s a sense of comfort running through the whole home now, a feeling of being settled. “I feel very lucky and very comfortable.”

“We get so many compliments and we feel so lucky,” our clients told us, but more importantly, it feels right for them.

We wish the family a lifetime of happiness in their beautiful home!