Pippa Mundy took a somewhat unconventional approach to transforming her Victorian Cardiff house into a stunning industrial-style home. She had an overall vision for her home, but believed in respecting the essence of the building. By allowing it to reveal itself as they stripped it back to its bare bones, the direction of the project took shape.
Pippa’s carpenter made the island from reclaimed materials sourced at a salvage yard. Stainless steel work surface, Printmet. Pendant lights, Ikea. Taps, Ebay. Sink, Belmont
While Pippa’s intuition proved correct, it was her ability to remain calm in a crisis that was truly invaluable. When the second-floor ceiling fell down while the wallpaper was being stripped off, she saw it as a chance to create a striking pitched roof, instead.
Pippa’s decking is from Theodore Sons & Daughters Reclamation, and was once part of the Doctor Who set in Cardiff. It flows on from the indoor flooring
When it was discovered that the foundations for her extension required costly adjustments, Pippa simply amended the plans to include a supporting pier structure. ‘Ultimately, problems are just something to work with and can lead to unimagined possibilities,’ she says.
Light floods in through the bi-fold doors and aluminium ceiling glazing, from Denval Co. Bar stools, Ebay. The sideboard, dining table and chairs are all antique
The run of wall units were made by Pippa’s carpenter, and painted in RAL Anthracite Grey. The shelves and worktops are made from old church pews. Cooker, Appliance City
One of Pippa’s favourite spots in the house is the snug in the new extension. It features a wall clad in the same reclaimed wood as the kitchen island. The other wall was stripped of plaster, leaving exposed bricks
Pippa has let period features take centre stage in the living room. The restored original fireplace houses a Mendip wood-burner
In the hallway downstairs, an antique sideboard has been painted in Old White chalk paint from Annie Sloan. Pendant light, Ebay
Pippa removed a partition wall between the bathroom and WC to open up the space. Wood from her dad’s shed creates handy shelves. Basin, shower enclosure and WC, all B&Q. Mirror and bath, Ebay. Metro tiles, Tons of Tiles. Windows, Forse Joinery. Floor tiles, Wickes
The new sash windows form the focal point in Pippa’s room, which she has furnished with antique pieces. Walls painted in Urban Chic, Dulux. Floorboards in Sail White from Crown, and Ronseal Diamond Hard matt varnish. Curtain rail, The Pipe Centre
Pippa previously lived two streets away in central Cardiff, but was drawn to the size and period features of this house
Find more advice and inspiration to tackle your own real home transformation:
Laura Crombie is a journalist and TV presenter. She has written about homes and interiors for the last 17 years and was Editor of Real Homes before taking on her current position as Content Director for Country Homes & Interiors, 25 Beautiful Homes Period Living and Style at Home. She's an experienced home renovator and is currently DIY-renovating a 1960s house in Worcestershire. She's been quoted on home design and renovating in The Times, The Guardian, The Metro and more. She's also a TV presenter for QVC and has been a commentator for Channel 4 at Crufts dog show.
