Project 3
About The Project
Located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, this coach house was redesigned to create an attractive and practical rental property. Set within a development with a rich aviation heritage, the two-bedroom home needed a new layout to accommodate two unrelated tenants, each with their own private bedroom and ensuite, alongside shared kitchen and living spaces.
The challenge was to make the most of the existing footprint while creating a comfortable, functional home that would appeal to prospective tenants and remain within the client’s budget.
Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Project type: Commercial rental property renovation
Design Shaped Around You
The Design Approach
The existing layout was reconfigured to create two private bedroom suites, each with its own ensuite bathroom. To improve the shared living space, I proposed removing the wall between the original kitchen and living room, creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with a kitchen island or peninsula.
The new layout provided a clear distinction between private and shared spaces, allowing tenants to enjoy their own privacy while sharing the essential facilities of the home.
Design And Materials
As the property was intended for rental, the design needed to balance broad appeal, durability and cost-effectiveness. I selected practical, long-lasting fittings while ensuring the colours, textures and finishes worked together to create a cohesive interior.
Black and white finishes in the ensuites provided a clean, timeless look, while different flooring materials helped define the separate areas of the open-plan living space. A light blue quartz worktop added a premium finish to the kitchen, combining practicality with a subtle touch of colour.
Overcoming The Challenges
As the entire property was situated on the first floor, sloping ceilings restricted the available headroom in certain areas. This required careful space planning and bespoke modifications to the kitchen to make the most of the available space.
The existing plumbing also influenced the bathroom layouts, resulting in a bespoke trapezoidal ensuite for the second bedroom. These tailored solutions allowed the design to work within the constraints of the existing building while meeting the needs of both tenants.
The Result
The redesigned coach house combines private bedroom suites with a welcoming shared living space, creating a practical and appealing rental home. Through thoughtful space planning, durable materials and carefully considered finishes, the design balances everyday functionality with a contemporary, cohesive aesthetic.
Kind Words From Clients
I have recently bought a two bedroom coach house to let, which needed to be completely renovated; moving the walls then creating a new kitchen and two new bathrooms. I asked Viktoryia from VY DESIGN to help find a way of completely transforming the house without going outside my budget. Viktoryia understood what was required and was able to develop a design concept which combined attractive finishes with good value items. She also managed the work on site to ensure it looked at its best when it went on the market. As a result, the house generated high demand and I was able to let it within a week, for a higher price than expected. It was great to work with a designer who understands what a property developer requires.
