After finding sanctuary in Forest Gate with their home nestled just a stone's throw away from Wanstead Flats, Photographer Jonathan Arundel and his wife Harriet wanted to channel their love of gardening by replacing their dimly lit rear kitchen with a bright, open plan space that has a natural connection to the outdoors.

To help realise their vision, it was a family affair as Johnny brought in his brother Alex and his London-Norway Architecture & Interior Design Studio AB.Co to transform their home with a fresh extension that offered uninterrupted views of their garden.
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The newly extended space spills out into a garden designed with a nod to the wild beauty of Wanstead Flats, featuring tall grasses that sway in the breeze.

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A generous kitchen opening now frames the garden, bringing the outdoors in and creating a seamless flow from the house.
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Inside, the aesthetic is natural and unfussy. Exposed Douglas fir beams and raw plastered walls introduce texture and warmth, giving the space a welcoming feel.
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With their shared love for gardening and photography, Harriet and Johnny were equally invested in the landscape design, ensuring it was as much a focal point as the architecture itself.

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So with AB.Co's ethos of blending nature and design, the project was in perfect harmony.

Here Harriet and Johnny open the doors to their E7 eden...
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What's home life for you?

Slow mornings drinking coffee and playing with our daughter or warm evenings enjoying a nice glass of wine and dinner in the garden.

‍How have you made your house your home?

We slowly collect objects and furniture whenever we travel to make our home feel unique to us.

Describe your colour palette...

‍Natural, earthy tones.
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Minimalist or Maximalist? Be honest...

A mix - we hate clutter but don't like things overly clinical.

Best bargain piece or treasured possession you'll never let go of?

‍A tough one but probably a De Sede black leather sofa we found on eBay for £50.

If money was no object, what would you do in your home?

We'd love to make the house more eco with an air source heat pump and solar panels.

Plant policy both inside and outside?

Inside - cut flowers, outside - wild and nature friendly.
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Cats or Dogs?

Cats, we have a very fluffy black one called Chan.

Where are we most likely to bump into you out and about?

‍Out walking on the flats.

Why should we move to Forest Gate?

‍Wanstead flats for the countryside feel but still close to the city for everything you need and want.


Check out the AB.Co architectural gallery here and for further updates follow ab.co__
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