A West London couple's extensive renovation of their Edwardian terraced house, featured on the television show "Extraordinary Extensions," transformed the interior into a space reminiscent of a "1920s ocean liner." The project, which cost an estimated £400,000 to £500,000, was characterized by the homeowners' exacting standards.
Nadine, an economist, and her husband Chris, a fast-food franchise entrepreneur, employed a hands-on approach, scrutinizing every detail of the work. This differed from a more relaxed style of management, which the show's reviewer humorously contrasted with the idea of endlessly offering tea and biscuits to builders. Nadine's attention to detail meant contractors were held to account for any errors or compromises, such as a blown seal in a double-glazed window or incorrect coloration of kitchen unit dividers.
The transformation resulted in a dramatic interior, despite the unchanged exterior. Upon entering, the house revealed a circular staircase spiraling through three stories to a skylight. The walls were clad in walnut and mahogany, and the design incorporated elements like walk-in wardrobes, koi carp ponds, and a home office finished with gold bricks. Presenter Tinie, formerly known as Tinie Tempah, likened the aesthetic to "full Gatsby."
The show also featured another segment in Norfolk, where a different family undertook a renovation of a thatched cottage, prioritizing recycled and renewable materials and completing some work themselves to manage costs. However, Nadine and Chris's project, with its high budget and luxurious finishes, cut no corners.
In contrast to the elaborate interiors, the show's visual presentation of architectural plans relied on simple line drawings with colored blocks, rather than advanced 3D graphics or computer-aided design.