Victorian Family Home
Nestled within a 'circus' of grand early Victorian villas, this five-bedroom house in London has remained in the same family for generations.
Our clients—a couple with a young daughter—asked us to introduce fresh colours and vivid patterns while honouring the home’s history. We re-used existing furniture, refreshed joinery, and even collaborated with the original joiner to refine bespoke pieces. This marks the second time that we have had the privilege of working with this family.
Through a front garden enclosed by fine railings, a flight of steps leads to the entrance, flanked by characterful windows with semi-circular heads. To lighten the hallway, we replaced a bold wallpaper with Farrow & Ball’s All White paint, accented with Oval Room Blue woodwork. A Sophie Cooney stair runner injects some fresh energy into the space.
New herringbone timber flooring flows through much of the ground floor, including the breakfast room, which retains its original architectural details. A newly created opening enhances flow between this space and the kitchen, where a largely neutral palette is punctuated by deep green joinery and berry-red dining chairs.
Designed by Tom Howley with finishes by Sims Hilditch, the kitchen features a striking rhubarb-red island. Given the house’s crescent shape, we introduced subtle design adjustments—such as a wedge-shaped island—to accommodate the lack of right-angled corners.
A long and elegant sitting room runs the full depth of the house. Here, we reupholstered sofas, and retained the exquisite de Gournay wallpaper and Murano glass pendant light, which had once hung in our clients grandmother's house. To soften the formality, we layered small-scale patterns and contemporary stripes, creating a space that balances tradition with a more fresh, relaxed feel. The room is designed in two zones: one for formal entertaining and the other a relaxed family area with a large L-shaped sofa. Discreet toy storage ensures practicality without compromising style.
Upstairs, we reconfigured the principal bedroom to enhance space and accommodate a larger bed and dressing area. The centrepiece is a bespoke, oversized headboard upholstered in Colefax & Fowler’s embroidered fabric, evoking a tree of life wall hanging. A soft palette of Farrow & Ball’s School House White and Light Blue, alongside the striped curtains, complete the scheme.
A new dressing area features opposing wardrobes with fabric-panelled doors for a touch of softness, while a concealed full-length mirror adds practicality.
The principal bathroom was redesigned for optimal use of space, centring around a sunshine-yellow slipper bath—a nod to a similar piece in the family’s Yorkshire home, also designed by Sims Hilditch. Marble-lined walk-in showers, antique brass fittings, and a ribbed-front vanity introduce texture and warmth.
The study, featuring two desks, was carefully adapted to retain the original joinery, which we updated with paint and paper. One desk is seamlessly integrated within a bookcase, while a cherished family desk across the room was refreshed with new handles.
On the top floor, two bedrooms—one currently a nursery—and a bathroom are painted in warm, rich hues. Shutters upholstered in patterned fabrics replace traditional blinds, and the designs allow for easy transition into more mature spaces as the children grow. Two guest rooms on the lower-ground floor features accent headboards, bringing warmth and character.
Throughout the house, we continued to introduce playful colour and pattern to transform this young family home.
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