Our re-visit to Heather in Clerkenwell
Tucked away in a quiet Clerkenwell courtyard, Heather’s home is now a hidden gem that embodies the essence of city living at its best, bathed in natural light streaming through towering industrial windows.
“There is a stark contrast to my first London flat, a lower-ground apartment”, she says as she pops the coffee machine on. “I had to rely on lamps even on the sunniest days, and I swore never again. Here the daylight sold me instantly and the location sealed the deal—walkable, independent, just the right fit for me and my cat Phoebe,” she says, setting down a perfectly brewed black coffee.
Heather’s home and especially the kitchen has undergone a remarkable transformation. It had long needed an overhaul, and ten years gave Heather plenty of time to figure out what worked and what didn’t. The layout was functional but had the potential for so much more. “The kitchen needed a complete rethink. I wanted a wine fridge for dinner parties, and those frustrating, wasted corner spaces? They had to go.” The old IKEA setup, which always felt like a temporary fix, never truly maximised the space.
It was time for something thoughtful and intentional, but interior design has always been intimidating for Heather. “If you show me something, I can tell you if I like it or not. But I can’t do anything with a blank piece of paper. I am an accountant, I suppose—creativity is not our strong suit!”
While browsing renovation posts, a comment about a designer caught Heather’s attention. A woman raved about the designer’s stylish yet understated aesthetic, exactly what Heather wanted. “I wasn’t looking for ultra-luxury; I wanted high-quality, practical design.” The testimonials, especially those highlighting the designer’s ability to stay within budget, sealed the deal. Heather reached out to Lisa at Malt Interiors, and from their first conversation, she knew she was the right fit. Lisa’s New York roots, paired with twenty years in the UK, struck the perfect balance—American efficiency with an understanding of British design nuances. They clicked instantly, and now, three years later, Heather couldn’t be happier.
“It just feels like me now,” Heather tells Lisa whenever they catch up. The project wasn’t just about designing a kitchen—it was about creating the home she craved. And in the process, she gained a lifelong friend. It’s been a win in every sense of the word.
Heather’s journey to this perfect home is as rich as her life. She grew up in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, in a small agricultural town. Her career in accounting and finance has taken her from Toronto, Zurich, London, and Brisbane. Heather returned as Chief Financial Officer in the insurance industry to London, and now as a Non-executive Director. A good friend had lived in Clerkenwell for years and gave her the hard sell! The idea of walking to work in the City was appealing, and once she moved there, she realised just how convenient it is. She rarely takes public transportation anymore, but with the Elizabeth line now just down the street, she is exceptionally well connected to airports.
Heather is fortunate enough to have transitioned into a phase of her career that allows her to travel for longer periods at various times of the year. She is unapologetically taking as much time as she can for herself. She has family and friends around the world and thoroughly enjoys visiting them. She also has a long list of places she still wants to go. She ticked a big one off the list last year with her Antarctic cruise!
As much as Heather loves to travel, she has the traditional Cancer trait of being a ‘nester’. “I just love my home and truly enjoys coming back to it after a trip, closing the door, and relaxing back into the space. It is the ultimate battery-recharge”.
Heather stands in her dream kitchen, taking in the meticulous work that transformed this space into a new and inspiring haven. “Everything just works now,” she says with a contented smile, as if the thought of it all is no longer a burden. “Small, thoughtful changes, like the reconfigured pantry and that coveted wine fridge, have made all the difference, and relocating the washer-dryer freed up so much invaluable space. It’s those smart, seemingly minor adjustments that have transformed the entire home”.
My mornings feel like a ritual now. “I brew my coffee, lean against the countertop, and watch Phoebe stretch out in her favourite sunspot. I truly enjoy using my kitchen now, cooking often from a personalised cookbook a friend gifted me. The Caesar salad recipe is a favourite—one I keep coming back to.”
