North London HMO converted into a light-filled family home

Purvi Harlalka and Jyothish George bought a large, long-neglected HMO in north London and transformed it into a light-filled family home. George initially told Harlalka at the viewing, “There’s no way we’re going to buy this dump!”, but Harlalka later persuaded him, citing the house’s light and, importantly, a garden.

Architect Jo Edwards was asked to create a sense of spaciousness by delivering fewer rooms and more space. Rather than adding loft rooms, ceilings were removed to create expansive double-height volumes, while the previously divided basement became an open-plan living, eating and play area for their young son, linked by a contemporary steel staircase and glass doors opening onto the garden.

Edwards said the clients “didn’t want to squeeze every bit of space out of it” and that “the full-height kitchen cupboards look like a simple long run, but they hide a multitude of sins.” Interior designer Edwina Boase brought a playful but practical aesthetic, working closely with Harlalka, who said, “Edwina is a lover of art and colour, as am I.” The couple commissioned bespoke artworks, sculpture, photography, furniture and fabrics, many bought from overseas via artists and makers found on Instagram and Etsy.

Key Topics

Culture, Purvi Harlalka, Jyothish George, Jo Edwards, Edwina Boase, North London