When they first saw the beautiful Victorian home in Teddington, the owners already knew it was the one. Having lived locally for years, they had always admired the property’s period charm and generous proportions. When it finally came up for sale, they jumped at the chance. Although the house was in a liveable condition, it needed some care and thoughtful renovation to bring out its full potential.
Over the past eight years, they’ve carefully transformed the property from top to bottom – starting with the loft, converting the old garage, and most recently, completing a stunning kitchen and living space extension that has become the heart of the home.
Planning a Light-Filled Family Space
The goal was to create an open-plan area where the family could relax, cook, and entertain together. “We really wanted to complement the original house,” the homeowner explains. “It’s full of period features, so it was important that the new extension sat naturally alongside that.”
Rather than hiring an interior designer, she managed every element herself – drawing inspiration from interiors podcasts, TV shows, and her own eye for design. The vision was clear: a modern family space that felt bright, cohesive, and connected to the garden
They decided to live on site throughout the build – a decision that proved both practical and challenging. “We knew it would be hard work being without a kitchen for seven to nine months, and it was! We set up a temporary one upstairs in the bedroom. Living through the dust with small children wasn’t easy, but it meant we could monitor progress every day and keep costs down.”
Bringing in Natural Light
The previous kitchen was dark and gloomy, so maximising natural light was a top priority. “In our old kitchen, we had to keep the electric lights on all day unless it was really sunny,” she says. “Now, we never have the lights on in the day — it’s completely transformed the space.”
To achieve this, they installed a combination of Roof Maker rooflights: a Slimline® Roof Lantern above the living area and a hinged opening flat rooflight in the kitchen. Together, they flood the extension with daylight and fresh air.
“We’re south-facing, so it was important to prevent overheating. We chose a solar coating for the glass and went for hinged rooflights so we could open them slightly during the day — it’s brilliant for ventilation.”
The roof lantern became the central design feature of the new living area. After seeing a striking lantern during a trip to Marrakesh, she returned inspired. “I came back and asked Roof Maker if they could recreate it — and they did! It blends beautifully with our steel doors and the veranda outside.”
Sourcing and Installation
As a self-confessed interiors enthusiast, the homeowner took on the role of project manager, sourcing all materials — from the doors and veranda to the lantern itself. “I did a lot of research and found Roof Maker online. I loved that they offered a triple-glazed option, which was really important to us for energy efficiency.”
The process, she says, was smooth and professional. “I spoke to the sales team several times and they were really helpful with our bespoke requirements for the lantern. We agreed a delivery date and it was hit exactly. Installation went without a hitch.”
Coordinating multiple suppliers was one of the toughest parts of the build, but her careful planning paid off. “Making sure everything arrived on time and lined up with the contractor’s schedule was challenging, but it came good in the end.”
The Result
The finished space is a warm, light-filled haven where the family can cook, relax, and host friends. The dark, enclosed kitchen has been replaced with a bright, airy extension that feels connected to the outdoors. The Slimline® Roof Lantern adds a stunning architectural statement, while the opening flat rooflight ensures year-round comfort.
“When we bought this house, we always knew it was going to be our forever home,” she reflects. “All of the changes we’ve made are exactly how we want it. It’s so nice now to enjoy the open-plan space that really works for our family.”
For anyone planning a similar renovation, she offers one piece of advice: “If you can, stay on site during the build. Being there every day to see the progress and pick up issues was invaluable — and it saved us a huge amount of money.”
A Home Transformed by Light
With its mix of Victorian charm and contemporary design, the Teddington home now feels timeless. The rooflights bring in gentle natural light from every angle, enhancing the textures, colours, and craftsmanship throughout the space. What was once a dark kitchen has become a bright, inviting heart of the home — a place to live, laugh, and linger.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
✅ Made to measure in our factory in Leicestershire
✅ Constructed using triple glazed insulated glass units, with superior thermal efficiency and an outstanding Ug-value as low as 0.6w/m2k
✅ Available in your choice of RAL frame colours
✅ Available with a variety of glass types and tints
✅ We deliver anywhere in the UK mainland
