From East London Eateries to Your Kitchen Extension: Bringing 'Playful and Familiar' Design Home

In the fast-paced world of London architecture, inspiration often flows from the commercial sector into the residential. The recent unveiling of the interiors for Tom's Pasta in Hackney, designed by House of Dré, offers a masterclass in creating spaces that feel both 'playful and familiar.' While this news focuses on a restaurant setting, the design principles showcased—warmth, tactile materials, and a sense of nostalgia—are exactly what many of our clients are currently seeking for their residential extensions and renovations. At London Extend, we have noticed a shift away from the sterile, ultra-minimalist 'white box' extensions of the past decade. Homeowners and small developers are increasingly asking for spaces that possess character and comfort. The House of Dré project utilizes classic materials and distinct zoning to create an atmosphere that feels lived-in and welcoming immediately. For a London homeowner planning a rear extension or a loft conversion, the lesson here is about 'structural warmth.' It is not just about the furniture you choose later; it is about how the space is planned from the outset—considering how light hits textured walls, where joinery can be integrated into the architecture, and how an open-plan layout can still offer cozy, familiar corners.