A Victorian terrace house in southwest London has been completely renovated and transformed into what architects describe as a "space primed for hosting" by local design firm Studio McW. The project, named Sobremesa after the Spanish tradition of socializing around the table after meals, was commissioned by Charlie and Joshua Karlsen, founders of luxury catering company Opus 11.

The original property had been previously divided into three separate bedsit apartments, but Studio McW united and expanded the dwelling through strategic side, rear, and attic extensions. This comprehensive renovation allowed the ground floor to be completely opened up into a flowing entertainment space, flanked by a small courtyard and garden area that enhance the home's hosting capabilities.

"The spatial organization of the house was conceived to serve both the rhythms of everyday family life and the clients' love of entertaining," explained Greg Walton, studio director at Studio McW. "The layout gently choreographs movement through the home: guests are welcomed directly into the reception room, ideal for drinks and conversation. From there, the plan steps down into a generous dining area, strategically positioned and framed by two courtyards with soft, dappled light filtering from above."

The design employs varied floor finishes and large thresholds to clearly demarcate movement between different spaces throughout the home. Oak floors in the front lounge and reception areas transition to concrete flooring in the dining area, while paved flooring in the rear extension blends seamlessly into an external patio, creating a continuous indoor-outdoor flow.

At the heart of the entertainment space, a large marble kitchen island serves as both a functional cooking area and a natural divider between the kitchen and dining zones. Bench seating is positioned along the side extension's wall, situated beneath a timber-framed skylight that floods the dining area with natural light. The marble island is complemented by a large matching splashback in the kitchen, which is framed by a curved alcove surrounded by built-in oak joinery crafted by Idle Furniture.

Timber-framed glass doors provide access to the home's hard landscaped garden, while a curved section of brick wall unites the rear and side extensions. This curved wall hugs a small planter and concrete bench that can be observed from the dining area, creating visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

"We aimed high with our inspiration – the curved brick form drew inspiration from Lewerentz's St Mark's Church, where the architecture almost feels carved rather than constructed," Walton noted. "Victorian archways and plaster details were also referenced from the existing property, subtly informing the extension curves and arches."

The first floor houses the main bedroom with an adjoining walk-in wardrobe, alongside a TV room and an en-suite bedroom. Above this level, the attic conversion contains two additional en-suite guest bedrooms, maximizing the home's capacity for hosting overnight guests.

Continuing the natural, textured palette established on the ground floor, the bedrooms feature lime plastered walls in cream and dusky pink tones. These are complemented by marble and terracotta tiled bathrooms that maintain the home's sophisticated material palette throughout all levels.

Studio McW has previously completed notable residential projects including a series of stone and timber-clad additions to a large 18th-century home in Cambridgeshire, and a London extension divided by bespoke timber joinery. The Sobremesa project photography was captured by Lorenzo Zandri, showcasing the seamless integration of the Victorian original with contemporary extensions designed specifically for modern entertaining needs.