Catalog House by Pend Architects – A Contemporary Family Home in Trinity, Edinburgh

Transforming Two Flats into a Unified Family Home

Pend Architects undertook a comprehensive renovation to combine two former flats into a single-family home for long-term clients Dixie and Ralf, owners of the multi-brand design store Catalog Interiors in Stockbridge, Edinburgh. The project, Catalog House, serves as a permanent family residence while offering versatile spaces for hosting, blending private family areas with open, social zones.

Initially, the couple lived on the ground floor of a subdivided Victorian semi-detached property. They approached Pend Architects to replace poorly constructed rear extensions that limited access to the west-facing garden. When the upstairs flat became available, the project evolved into a full-scale home renovation, creating an ideal family home without the compromises typical in Edinburgh’s competitive housing market.

Design Vision: Light, Flow, and Functionality

The renovation introduced a 35 m² curved rear extension, opening directly onto the garden terrace. The lounge captures golden afternoon and evening light through large glazed patio doors and a rooflight, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Natural wood accents and oak joinery complement the neutral-toned Petersen brick, which harmonizes with the original buff sandstone and neighbouring properties.

Pend Architects maintained the home’s generous proportions while integrating essential storage discreetly. A utility room and compact office are hidden behind panelled doors, preserving spatial coherence. The east-west orientation maximizes natural light, while relocating the kitchen to the front bay window allows morning sun to illuminate the space.

Balancing Heritage and Contemporary Design

The kitchen, dining, and lounge areas are designed for both daily living and entertaining. Original cornicing and millwork are carefully restored and juxtaposed with clean, contemporary cabinetry, reflecting a sensitive balance of heritage and modernity. Wide openings connect the entrance to the garden, reinforcing a sense of flow and visual continuity throughout the home.

A private TV snug, tucked off the main lounge, offers an intimate retreat. Its rich green palette and soft furnishings create a calming space while maintaining optional connection to the open-plan areas. This thoughtful zoning ensures that Catalog House responds to the rhythms of modern family life.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Integration

The curved brick exterior wall mirrors the internal hallway curve, guiding movement through the garden terrace and patio. Large planters define an intimate outdoor seating area, creating a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The rear extension enhances both aesthetic appeal and functional living, allowing the family to host gatherings while enjoying a private sanctuary.

Curated Interiors Reflecting Client Lifestyle

Catalog House is a reflection of the design-led aesthetic of Catalog Interiors. Every piece of furniture and material selection, from lighting to joinery, embodies the clients’ discerning taste. Pend Architects’ careful interventions respect the property’s historic character while elevating its functional and social potential, transforming a once-divided property into a cohesive contemporary home.

Client and Architect Collaboration

Jamie Anderson, Director of Pend Architects, noted: "Working with Dixie and Ralf allowed us to unify two flats into a cohesive home, restoring original character while introducing modern spatial connections that reflect contemporary family living."

Dixie Mirowski, Client and Director of Catalog Interiors, added: "Jamie and Ben immediately understood our style, material preferences, and functional needs. Their thoughtful approach gave us confidence throughout the build. We loved collaborating with the Pend team."

Catalog House demonstrates how sensitive renovation, strategic spatial planning, and attention to detail can create a family home that is both functional and aesthetically refined. Pend Architects’ design harmonizes heritage elements with contemporary interventions, providing a timeless, elegant, and highly functional home tailored to its clients’ lifestyle.

All Photographs are works of Lorenzo Zandri