This renovated Hertfordshire home is a masterclass in calm, clutter-free design

In today's nonstop world, keeping the chaos at bay and finding a little calm can feel like a real win. For businesswoman and mother of four Lucy Fisher, it became the guiding principle behind the renovation of the Hertfordshire house she shares with her husband Dan. 'We both like our home to look clean and tidy,' explains Lucy. 'It makes us feel we can function better.'

Lucy and Dan bought their early-20th-century property nine years ago. Although perfectly livable, it felt dated. 'It wasn't to our taste, but we didn't have much money to do anything,' recalls Lucy. 'So we did it up as a blank canvas and lived with it like that for a few years, while we figured out what our style was.'

Lucy sitting on the window seat that overlooks the garden

That turned out to be a classic-contemporary look, focusing on natural materials and muted tones. But it wasn't just about the aesthetic – the home's layout didn't work for modern family living, so when the couple embarked on an update, it went far beyond simple redecoration.

They tackled the project in two phases, remodelling the house both inside and out. This included adding a second storey to an existing extension to create a main suite, replacing the garage with a new side extension and wrapping a timber-clad cloister around the outdoor areas.

Previously three separate rooms, this open-plan space is now airy and bright. The cabinetry is Moduu’s Minerva style

A trip to Australia inspired Lucy to open a plant-based café, which was where she first worked with local architect Michael Collins. 'Michael was brilliant,' she recalls. ‘He created a space that was green, wholesome and organic.’ After this meeting of minds, it felt natural for Lucy to turn to Michael’s practice, MCA, for help with their home project.

The main goal for the update was to reorient the house towards the garden and improve the flow. 'Our doors are always open,' says Lucy. She particularly loves the cloister-like spaces that provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. ‘I like to be outside, whatever the weather.’

An arched door that leads to the garden adds a distinctive touch

One of the biggest changes involved demolishing the garage and extending the house to the side. The new space includes a utility room, his-and-hers gyms and a downstairs shower. The bathroom features a distinctive arched shower cubicle finished in blue Zellica tiles from Topps Tiles. 'I saw a photo online and loved the look,' says Lucy. 'At the side of the house, there's an arched door that everyone comments on – it was a nice thing to incorporate.'

Steel-framed glazed doors make this room feel connected to the rest of the home. The Wishbone chairs are by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn

In the room below the new main suite, which is now a playroom for the couple's six-year-old daughter, a picture window perfectly frames the garden. A built-in window seat, crafted by Moduu, the company that also built the kitchen, contains extra storage, helping the space stay uncluttered.

Previously a small square room, the kitchen is now a combination of three former rooms, making it feel light and spacious. The solid-wood cabinetry was designed by Michael Collins to make the best use of the layout. 'Fitting everything in was quite difficult,' says Lucy.

The restful colour palette continues in this space, which is painted in Soft Skin from Lakeland. The Cotswold Company bed is dressed in The White Company linen, with a Ruggable rug adding softness underfoot

Throughout the home, a calm palette of pale oak, brass and pastel tones creates an atmosphere that is both restful and practical. Lucy is also passionate about using durable materials, opting for real oak floors and avoiding carpet: 'With pets and children, it makes keeping on top of cleaning much easier.'

The renovation also improved the home's structure: uPVC window frames were replaced with solid oak; extra insulation was added; and a sedum roof was installed across part of the house to support biodiversity while providing additional insulation. As part of this ‘sustainable retrofit’, Michael recommended using the African hardwood iroko for the exterior cladding. ‘It’s extremely durable, has great consistency and turns a beautiful colour when it ages,’ Lucy explains. ‘It is superior to oak, but far cheaper, which is a bonus.’

Panelled walls add texture to the main bedroom without overwhelming the calm neutral scheme

After nearly a decade and two phases of building work, Lucy admits that ‘high-spec was an investment’, but it’s not one that she regrets. ‘Interiors are a passion for me and I’ve really enjoyed doing this,’ she adds. ‘This house has a calm air – there’s a feeling of being able to just breathe.’

SEE MORE OF THE HOUSE AND GARDEN

Lucy loves indoor/outdoor living, and the cloister offers shelter from sun or rain

Lucy decided to include a rare pop of colour here. The furniture is from Dunelm and the rug is Urban Outfitters

Although there’s more colour in the children’s bedroom, the tones have been kept soft and muted

‘I wanted a light marble to give a sense of space, as it’s not a very big room,’ says Lucy

Even this small gym space feels airy due to the vaulted ceiling

Topps Tiles’ blue Zellica design and brass Corston fittings create a glamorous look

Lush planting around the pool creates privacy and blends in with the surrounding trees

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