Inside the Five-Storey Townhouse Painted Head-to-Toe
Architect: Fabrica Architecture
Construction: Brookcraft Construction
Location: Tredegar Square, Mile End, East London
Photo: Liam Baldock
In the heart of East London stands a five-storey Georgian townhouse, perfectly set on one of the area’s most picturesque garden squares. With its tree-lined streets, historic façades and charming atmosphere, this corner of the East End feels almost cinematic — the kind of place where you half expect Paddington Bear to stroll past with a suitcase in hand.
Over the past four years, the owners, Ted and Sarah, along with their daughter Rita and their cheerful dog Bertha, have lovingly restored this elegant home from top to bottom. Once divided into separate flats, the property had long lost its original charm. Partition walls, outdated kitchens and tired finishes concealed its true potential. That changed when the family embarked on a full-scale renovation and extension project, carried out with the great team at Fabrica Architecture and our expert builders in London.
A Celebration of Colour and Craftsmanship
Rather than opting for the conventional white-and-neutral palette, the homeowners took a bold and playful approach — transforming their townhouse into a vivid celebration of colour. Painted entirely in Pickleson, the house features twenty-two different hues that together create a joyful, layered and highly personal space. Each room tells its own story through colour and texture, turning the home into a living work of art.
The office, for instance, is an elegant balance of green and blue tones — a space designed for creativity and tranquility. The master bedroom, painted in a sandy yellow base, is complemented by wooden elements in a warm Mediterranean terracotta — a tone inspired by family trips to Sicily. This delicate blush hue brings warmth even to the greyest London mornings. The adjoining bathroom blends muted greens, blues and greys, paired with carefully selected green tiles that add depth and sophistication.
A Family Home Filled with Personality
Upstairs, Rita’s bedroom bursts with energy — an explosion of Tequila Green and Disco Pink, colours she chose herself. The result is a watermelon-inspired wonderland that captures her lively spirit.
Throughout the home, colour and design work in perfect harmony. A deep red front door provides an inviting first impression, while the pink living room, painted in the shade ‘East and Clay’, subtly adapts to the changing light throughout the day. In one of the bathrooms, dusty yellow walls meet terracotta tiles and vibrant yellow furniture, creating a space that radiates happiness and warmth.
What makes this renovation truly special is not only its visual appeal but also its feeling of comfort and character. It’s a home designed for living — a place to cook long dinners, relax with the dog by the fire, or host spontaneous garden gatherings with friends.
The scope of renovation and extension works included:
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Full Refurbishment of the Property
The entire five-storey townhouse underwent a full refurbishment, transforming it from a series of outdated flats into a cozy family home. Every surface, structure and system was carefully upgraded to meet modern standards while retaining the building’s original Georgian character. The refurbishment included new finishes, plumbing and fittings throughout, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
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Reconfiguration of Internal Layouts
To improve the flow and functionality of the home, the internal layouts were reconfigured. Walls were removed and repositioned to create open-plan living spaces, improved sight lines, and better natural light distribution. This interior reorganisation allowed for a more contemporary lifestyle while maintaining the proportions of the building’s era.
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Rear Extension
A beautifully designed rear extension adds valuable living space to the ground floor. Constructed in close collaboration with Fabrica Architecture, the extension enhances the connection between the interior and the landscaped garden. Large glazed doors and high-quality materials ensure the extension feels both modern and respectful to the original structure — a seamless continuation of the home’s character.
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Loft Conversion
The unused loft space was converted into a bright and functional upper floor, providing an additional bedroom and bathroom. With carefully considered insulation, bespoke joinery and strategically placed roof lights, the loft now offers a peaceful retreat with impressive views over East London’s rooftops.
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Underfloor Heating Installation
A modern underfloor heating system was installed throughout key living areas, offering efficient and comfortable warmth. This energy-efficient solution eliminates the need for bulky radiators and provides an even temperature, enhancing both comfort and interior aesthetics.
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Full Electrical Rewiring Throughout the House
All electrical systems were replaced to meet the latest safety standards and improve energy efficiency. The rewiring included new lighting layouts, smart home integrations and upgraded sockets and switches — ensuring the property is fully future-proofed for modern living.
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New Partitions and Insulation to All External Walls
To improve energy performance and acoustic comfort, all external walls were fitted with new insulation and plasterboard partitions. This upgrade enhances thermal efficiency, reduces heat loss and ensures a consistent indoor climate throughout the home — essential for sustainable city living.
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Staircase Renovation
New oak staircase installation from top to bottom — a careful renovation combining craftsmanship, elegance, and durability. The timeless oak finish enhances the interior, adding warmth and sophistication to every step. The result is a statement feature that connects all five floors with elegance and integrity.
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New Doors and Frames Installation
New doors and frames installation — a precise renovation enhancing both style and functionality. High-quality materials and expert craftsmanship ensure a perfect fit, improved insulation, and a refined look that complements interior design.
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Installation of Bespoke Wooden Sash Windows
New double-glazed wooden sash windows were crafted to replicate the original Georgian profiles, ensuring both authenticity and improved thermal performance. These bespoke windows provide excellent insulation, noise reduction and long-term durability — all while maintaining the heritage look of the property.
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Complete Paint and Plaster Finish to Walls and Ceilings
Every surface received a high-quality plaster finish, followed by several coats of paint in the bold Pickleson colour palette. The result is a perfectly smooth, enduring finish that brings depth and vibrancy to each room. Special attention was given to achieving consistent texture and precision in all decorative details.
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High-Quality Tiling Throughout
Bathrooms, kitchen areas and utility spaces were finished with premium tiles, carefully selected for both function and aesthetics. The tiling work demonstrates precision and craftsmanship, with clean lines, perfect alignment and durable finishes that will stand the test of time.
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Custom Joinery and Bespoke Kitchen by Andrea Felice
The kitchen was designed in close collaboration with Andrea Felice, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The bespoke cabinetry includes wardrobes, shelving and fitted furniture tailored to each space. The kitchen combines solid materials, bright finishes and integrated appliances — a perfect balance of design and practicality.
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Garden Landscaping and Exterior Design
The outdoor area was thoughtfully redesigned to complement the interior transformation. Featuring new paving, soft landscaping and planting, the garden creates a natural extension of the home. The result is a tranquil retreat for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying time with family — a hidden gem in the heart of East London.
A Collaborative Effort
This colourful East London home stands as a testament to what can be achieved when architectural creativity and construction excellence come together. The project reflects the shared vision and a close collaboration of the house owners, Fabrica Architecture and Brookcraft Construction — a team work based on craftsmanship, precision, and an appreciation for individuality in design.
From concept to completion, every detail was executed with care, respect for the building’s Georgian heritage, and a commitment to quality that ensures the home will stand the test of time.
