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3 July 2026 23 view(s) 10 min read
How @tinyandthehouse created a boutique-style master suite with carefully chosen heating from The Radiator Company
When Jacqueline Mercer, the creative force behind @tinyandthehouse, bought her Victorian home in North London, she knew it would be a labour of love. The property needed a complete renovation, but beneath the tired interiors was a home full of potential.
Over the years, Jacqueline has transformed every corner of the house, creating a warm, characterful family home inspired by vintage interiors, mid-century furniture and carefully chosen pieces collected during her travels.
Designing a Space with Personality
As an interior designer, Jacqueline approached the loft conversion with a clear vision.
“I would say my design style is eclectic, but I particularly love vintage looks. Having travelled a lot over the years, I've collected ideas and inspiration from all over the world. I wanted the house to feel timeless but with personality.”
The finished space perfectly reflects that philosophy. Crisp white walls and exposed roof timbers create a light, airy backdrop, while warm walnut furniture, rich mustard textiles and bold green tiles introduce colour and character throughout the room.
Choosing Heating That Complements the Architecture
Having experienced ongoing issues with cheaper radiators elsewhere in the property, Jacqueline knew the loft renovation would need a slightly different approach.
Initially, traditional cast iron radiators seemed the obvious choice for a Victorian property. However, with the new master suite located in the loft, both weight and installation became important considerations.
Working with The Radiator Company, Jacqueline discovered that our Ancona multi column steel radiator could deliver the same classic aesthetic she loved while offering a lighter, more practical solution for the space. Finished in our distinctive Bare Metal Lacquer finish, the radiators sit effortlessly beneath the original-style sash windows, complementing the home's period character while introducing an industrial-inspired finish that perfectly balances the loft's vintage styling. Alongside their striking appearance, they provide efficient, dependable warmth for the newly created master suite.
Heating That Becomes Part of the Interior
Rather than blending into the background, the radiators have become an integral part of the design.
The industrial, metallic finish pairs beautifully with the warm tones of the timber furniture, while the classic Ancona column profile echoes the property's Victorian heritage.
In the en-suite, a traditional chrome towel rail completes the look, adding both practicality and timeless elegance.
The result is a heating scheme that feels considered from every angle, enhancing the interior rather than competing with it.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Like many renovation projects, the loft came with its share of unexpected challenges. Final room measurements couldn't be confirmed until the new staircase had been installed, which meant radiator sizes and positions had to be finalised later than planned.
Despite the changing timeline, working with The Radiator Company gave Jacqueline confidence that she was making the right choices.
“Working with a reputable, knowledgeable supplier like The Radiator Company has made all the difference. It's made me feel totally confident that we've got the right heating this time.”
Looking back, her advice is simple:
- Invest in reputable suppliers
- Choose experienced tradespeople
- Always prioritise functionality alongside beautiful design.
A Calm Retreat Above the City
Now complete, the loft has become Jacqueline's favourite room in the house.
Hidden storage keeps the space free from clutter, natural light floods through the roof windows, and every detail has been carefully considered.
The radiators and towel rail don't simply provide warmth; they contribute to the overall atmosphere, proving that practical elements can be every bit as beautiful as the furniture and finishes around them.
Q&A with Jacqueline from @tinyandthehouse
1. Why did you decide on a renovation, and what or who inspired or influenced your design choices?
We bought the house eight years ago, and basically it was the worst house you’ve ever seen! It needed a complete renovation from the roof to heating to windows. But because it was in London and property prices were so high, we were happy to take on a project. We were also pre-children at that point, so it was a lot easier to make the decision. In terms of design choices and influences, I’m a designer, so creating my own space was definitely an added bonus. I would say that my design style is eclectic, but I particularly love vintage looks and having travelled a lot over the years, I’ve also collected items and ideas from all over the world. I hope that the house now looks timeless but with personality.
2. How early in the process did you consider heating in the design and did you have to make any compromises?
Unfortunately, we made a bad decision with the radiators in the majority of the house. We were trying to save money and just chose the wrong company and have ended up with radiators that have been problematic ever since. We should have invested more into them. So, when we decided to renovate the loft as our family grew, we wanted to be sure to find a reputable company with great designs, who we could trust. Which is how we got in touch with The Radiator Company. We were determined not to make the same mistake again. As the house is Victorian/Edwardian, we originally thought we wanted traditional cast iron radiators, but as we talked to TRC it became obvious that we could get a similar aesthetic without the enormous weight of cast iron – which was a huge relief to our plumber who had literally refused to carry cast iron up to the loft.
3. Were there any unforeseen factors that you had to consider and how did you overcome them?
Apart from the weight of cast iron being too much for both the plumber and the loft, I had some very clear design ideas that it was imperative to include in our new loft space. The area is now an open-plan master bedroom, with an en-suite, and I wanted to be able to lie in bed and see nothing – no wardrobes, no clutter. I designed the space so everything is hidden, and now that it’s almost finished, it feels just like a hotel! It wasn’t that easy at the beginning of the project, though, as I was unable to complete the final floor plan, including precise measurements for the heating, until the stairs went in, so it felt a bit last-minute at the time.
4. What have you learnt from this process that would impact any future project decisions?
Working with a reputable, knowledgeable supplier like The Radiator Company has made all the difference to the heating side of the loft renovation. It’s made me feel totally confident and relaxed that we have got the right heating this time. That’s something I would definitely take into a future project –be careful who you work with. I would also have liked to have the floor plan sorted much earlier, and prefer to work in a much more organised way. It just wasn’t to be this time; with a five-year-old and a three-month-old baby, it was difficult to juggle everything! I also wanted to hold out for a cream radiator, and the plumber insisted that he didn’t have the time to wait for it to be powder-coated, so I chose a different one that could be delivered sooner. As it turned out, it's there waiting for a slot in the plumber’s diary to fit it, so I could have gone with the cream one I wanted. Next time, I would be very specific about everyone’s timelines and stick to my guns.
5. What would you say to anyone starting a project?
Find reputable suppliers, like The Radiator Company, and good tradespeople. They are both worth their weight in gold. And always keep in mind functionality and storage. Remember what purpose you need each room to have, and don’t be swayed by images in a magazine. Your home is a working thing, and you can make it look pretty afterwards.
6. What do you love most about the project now it’s almost finished? And what are you looking forward to the most?
Now that we’re in the final stages, I love seeing how it all fits so beautifully together, from the flooring to the colours, through to the furnishings and the radiators. It’s affected how the rest of the house feels too, bringing in more light and air. And the thing I’m looking forward to the most is being able to lie in bed and see nothing! But before I get too complacent, I’ve got the kids' rooms to redecorate before Christmas…
