NEW CHAPTER

A tired 1930s semi proved to be Lucy-Anne and Paul Conway's opportunity to realise their dream home

- KAREN JENSEN

Downsizing doesn't have to mean compromising on style, or space, as Lucy-Anne and Paul Conway have proved in their impressive transformation of a tired 1930s semi in south London. Their colourful, stylish home is testament to a successful renovation and how to blend sustainability with design flair.

'With our family grown up, our house in nearby Clapham had become too big, even though we loved it,' says Paul. 'We knew we wanted a property with plenty of ground-floor space and lots of potential.'

With many years' experience as a director for a building contractor, Paul brought his expertise to the search and found a wider-than average 1930s semi with an old garage to the side which provided scope to extend the footprint. The couple then took the bold step of living on-site during the 18-month, phased renovation. 'We've been through renovations before and we're hardy,' laughs Paul. 'We got very used to cooking in an air fryer.'