Advice

The couple ripped out the dated cabinets and replaced them with sleek Ikea ones, devoid of handles, alongside glossy white tile counters.

Marie Saldivar’s experimental metal-clad dwelling is the perfect place to host family—and proof of concept for her new prefab company.

The naturally ventilated Kumagaya House has a central breezeway, soaring volumes, and secluded spaces that give its occupants room to breathe.

Floor Plan of Kumagaya House by Chop + Archi

The floor is a woven vinyl from Sweden in the primary bedroom.

The custom sofa.

"The first thing you like is often the thing you should choose," says Nadine. "I ordered hundreds of tile samples for the bathroom, and I went with the first one I liked. The same with paint samples. I’ve tested every neutral shade out there, and it’s always the first one or two that I go with. Don’t overcomplicate things, and trust your instincts."

The floor tiles were chosen to emulate the type of concrete floor found in contemporary Mediterranean interiors. "There are so many gorgeous patterned tiles out there which are way more interesting, but I really can’t trust myself to be content with them in years to come," says Nadine.

Porcelain Superstore tiles and cream paint from Little Green Paint Company set off a La Redoute vanity and Tap Warehouse basin. "Our bathroom wall lights from Dowsing & Reynolds are still my favorite thing in this room," says Nadine. "At this point, my love for them is low-key creating a problem, as no ceiling light fixture can compare."

Londoners Nadine and Juls, who started revamping their first house just before the pandemic, share their tips on planning, budgeting, and DIY.