Creative input (design concept and specification) for the renovation of a rental cottage in London that is managed by a property management company.

  • New kitchen
  • New flooring throughout
  • Painting of walls, ceilings and wood elements

Location:

London, UK

Renovation Budget:

£ 15'000

Duration:

3 Months

Before

The cottage from 1918 had been rented out by a property management company for the last 17 years. After the latest tenants moved out it was time for a refresh of the kitchen, and a general update of floors and painting to give the cottage more modern charm. The kitchen was in need of more storage space and modern, larger appliances. We decided to replace existing floor tiles and laminate with wood effect tiles throughout, to make the space appear larger, without compromising on durability and a cosy feel.

Inspiration

For this London rental cottage, the vision was to capture the soft, tranquil tones of a cloudy seaside day, setting a calm yet contemporary tone. The moodboard centred around cool blue-greys and warm beiges, creating a neutral yet sophisticated scheme to attract younger tenants seeking a fresh, modern space. In the kitchen, the design aimed to feel more open and streamlined, with careful planning to maximise storage and keep worktops uncluttered. The entrance area was reimagined with a subtle screen, adding a modern ‘broken-plan’ element that brings immediate character while managing high traffic at the entryway. To visually expand the downstairs area, we proposed durable, wood-effect tiles throughout the living space and kitchen, paired with new carpeting upstairs to create cohesion. Simple paint updates—like refreshing pine cabinetry and radiators in crisp white—added a refined, unified look throughout, giving the cottage a warm yet polished feel.

Renovation

Thank you so much for everything you did on this. It was a massive help, really. Not only your creative design skills but your organisation as well. I always felt like I knew where we were in the process, what was coming next, and how much it would cost. 
Working with TonjaLovesDesign also turned what originally seemed like a bit of a daunting renovation into a fun project. Thank you so much!

Ben Gilchriest

Property Owner