Susan McGowan of Ashen & Cloud gives us the benefit of her experience as an interior architect, with three top tips to getting your renovation right.
Words: Róisín Carabine
1. Consider the sun
"We see a lot of knock-on issues with large southwest glazing, where main living areas are typically zoned. Solar gain is great, but not if you can’t use the room due to heat overload. My advice? Factor in appropriate window treatments (recessed blinds, curtains) at the build stage, in tandem with external architectural shading if necessary."
Above: A light-filled room in Ashen & Cloud's Stable House project. Susan McGowan recommends, "Including appropriate window treatments for proposed glazing at the build stage."
2. Optimise storage
"I cannot stress the importance of giving adequate space to your back-of-house areas. It may seem like secondary space, but without it, your lovely new home will be overrun due to lack of storage. Consider coat cupboards close to entryways and a separate boot room and utility."
Above: Susan says, "Try to optimise storage throughout your home, wherever possible.”
3. Upgrade your kitchen
"Top of everyone's wish list is a new kitchen, but when it comes to ideas, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s more important to make the space work for you. Don’t be afraid to break traditional kitchen ‘rules’ either, like the working triangle."
Above: "How you like to work and use your kitchen area is very individual," says Susan.
For more top renovation tips from Susan McGowan and our other experts, see the House and Home January/February 2025 issue, which is a renovation special. Get your copy here.
