Color, pattern, and texture revive this London townhouse filling it with contemporary charm

The owner of a two-bedroom London maisonette, Gemma Edwards, who frequently travels for work with a government conservation agency, opted to hire interior designer Sean Symington to transform her home. Edwards sought a unique and non-standard interior, explaining her desire to avoid a “cookie-cutter” look and her focus on enjoyable aesthetic changes rather than extensive structural renovations. Symington, known for his adept use of color and pattern, was selected to invigorate the apartment. The living room, despite its inherent character, was previously described as dull and lacked a central feature. Symington addressed this by introducing a fireplace surround and incorporating alcove shelving, which served both as a focal point and provided display and storage options. A marble mantelpiece, sourced from a reclamation yard, enhances the room's coziness, particularly when candles are lit, despite not being a functional fireplace. The room features watermelon velvet sofas from Sofa.com and an armchair upholstered in an animal spot velvet. Edwards's existing Dashiki curtain fabric was adapted for the south-facing living room, with Sean lengthening them using an additional panel, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new curtains. The room also benefits from a small balcony, providing a pleasant outdoor space for morning coffee and a developing potted garden, accommodating Edwards's busy schedule that limits traditional gardening. In the kitchen and bathroom, the strategy focused on redecorating rather than replacing existing fixtures and appliances, which were of good quality, to avoid waste. Edwards prioritized investing in fabrics and furniture, elements she could potentially take with her if she were to move. The kitchen now boasts soft, earthy red walls contrasting with dark blue cupboards and a chequerboard floor. Radiators were painted to match the walls, a budget-friendly solution. A matching Roman blind and sink skirt introduce softness, and vintage dining chairs were reupholstered. The narrow hallway was not overlooked in the decorative scheme. One wall features a gallery of framed prints, each without a backing to expose the wall behind. The radiator is cleverly concealed by a fabric skirt and a shelf, providing both style and utility. The main bedroom showcases a vibrant palette of emerald and mustard, combined with natural materials. A half-tester over the bed creates a bold statement, complemented by a classic William Morris print wallpaper. Table lamps from Pooky and smaller reading lights with scalloped seagrass shades adorn wicker-topped bedside tables. Fitted wardrobes, painted in Bancha by Farrow & Ball to match the woodwork, include both panelled doors and open shelves, aiding in creating a sense of spaciousness, with Ikea baskets used for storage. The home office underwent a significant transformation from an unliked baby blue to a warmer Farrow & Ball India Yellow. This color provides a suitable backdrop for a painting and a kilim rug, a souvenir from Edwards's time working in Africa. An antique desk from Vinterior and practical shelves with decorative scalloped edging complete the space. Edwards expresses her satisfaction with the final result, highlighting how each room now possesses a distinct character and individual color scheme, attributing the elevated aesthetic to the paint colors and fabrics chosen with Symington's expertise. #LondonMaisonette #InteriorDesign #ColorfulHome #PatternedDecor #BudgetDecorating #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeOfficeIdeas #Renovation #SeanSymington

The article details the seven-year-long decorating process of interior designer Emma Grant's London apartment in Primrose Hill. Grant, who transitioned from a fashion career to interior design, has used her home as a personal laboratory for her unique finds and design experiments. The apartment, a two-bedroom unit in an 1870s row house, features high ceilings and a front terrace overlooking Primrose Hill and the London Zoo, offering an unusual green view for London. The living space is south-facing, providing ample natural light throughout the day, which influenced the apartment's color scheme. Grant’s approach to decorating is unhurried, reflecting a passion for collecting unique pieces rather than adhering to trends. Her finds include a 19th-century wavy marble bistro table, bathroom shelves made from Verde marble fragments sourced from Tate Britain, an antique Suzani blanket that inspired her bedroom's color palette, and gold sconces acquired at auction. Before moving in, the apartment already boasted desirable features. Grant's initial renovations included restaining the oak floors and commissioning a custom ceiling rose to complement the existing vine cornicing in the dining room. A significant design choice was to abandon the previous owners' blue and turquoise walls in favor of a new color palette that transitions from light to dark, moving from the front of the apartment towards the back. The narrow hallway serves as a neutral bridge, painted in Edward Bulmer's Eau de Nile, a color made with natural, eco-friendly pigments. In the main bedroom at the rear, a pale blue, reminiscent of the former color scheme, is accented with pops of cherry red, creating a striking contrast. The kitchen, located at the front, was brightened by salvaging and refreshing the existing cabinets. Grant replaced bulky upper cabinets with reclaimed wood veneer shelving and reduced an imposing black backsplash to a thin border, opting to display her glassware and ceramics. The lower cupboards were painted in Farrow & Ball's School House White and fitted with vintage brass hardware. The flooring features wavy tiles, inspired by a trip to Sierra Leone, which is also referenced by raffia-skirted chairs in the living room that her fiancé brought back from Freetown. The living room, predominantly white, is layered with vintage mirrors, terracotta vases, and a ruby red velvet sofa, which was a secondhand Harrods purchase. The extra-deep sofa, too large for the staircase, required hoisting through the French doors. Grant also incorporates seashells collected from her travels, displayed on chair rails, adding a personal and whimsical touch. Recent projects include remodeling two bathrooms, one with a custom wavy marble sink and another with a $25 blue-bordered sink salvaged from another renovation, requiring the sacrifice of wardrobe space for an enlarged shower stall. Her latest addition is a 19th-century Shaker-style four-poster bed for the second bedroom, reflecting her ongoing joy in curating a unique and evolving home. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LondonApartment #ColorPalette #VintageFinds #Renovation #UniquePieces #EclecticStyle #HomeTour

A 1970s-style Dallas ranch house underwent a significant transformation, moving away from its original closed-in and sprawling floorplan to embrace an open, light-filled modernist aesthetic with South American influences. The homeowners, with a background in Mexico and Brazil, sought to infuse their new US residence with the warmth and richness reminiscent of their time in South America, creating a vibrant backdrop for their art collection and modernist furniture. Interior designer Joshua Rice led the renovation, focusing on opening up the space, enhancing natural light, and establishing a cohesive flow throughout the home. The original house posed challenges due to its convoluted layout, characterized by a series of disconnected rooms. Joshua Rice addressed this by strategically removing walls, thereby creating a 150-foot visual connection spanning nearly the entire length of the house. This design choice not only improved navigability but also brought a sense of unity to the interior. The entryway now feels spacious and offers a clear view into the kitchen, fostering a connection with other areas of the home. Artworks by Pago Mann and Mr Brainwash, displayed on neutral walls, introduce color and a playful element. One notable design solution involved replacing a hazardous, zig-zagging three-step transition between two living rooms with a simple yet elegant stone half-height wall. This Pietra Grey stone box, with its precise detailing—waterfall edges and articulated reveals—effectively separates the upper and lower levels while maintaining a spatial connection. This intervention significantly improved both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the space, moving beyond the original architectural limitations. The renovation heavily emphasized the use of natural materials and a neutral color palette. In the eat-in kitchen, Faye Toogood's Roly Poly round table and dining chairs introduce a softening element to the otherwise defined lines of the main kitchen. The kitchen itself features cabinetry crafted from teak with bronze accent panels by Forms & Surfaces, paired with concrete engineered quartz countertops by Santamargherita. These elements collectively contribute warmth and a touch of midcentury modern style. White oak flooring extends throughout the main rooms, offering a durable and visually cohesive surface, while a custom vent hood combining teak and blackened steel adds a modernist touch. The living rooms showcase a curated selection of vintage South American midcentury modern pieces. The main living area features iconic Presidential armchairs and a vintage Oushak rug, complemented by a cast bronze table by Jojo Corväiá. The dining room is anchored by a 1959 Guanabara rosewood table by Jorge Zalszupin and illuminated by an RBW Palindrome light, with Fiona Weedon's "Tears and Flowers 1993" oil on canvas adorning Venetian plaster walls. The upper living room, centered around the Pietra grey stone fireplace, includes a Sideways sofa, vintage Alta lounge chair, and two 'Diz' chairs, alongside additional cast bronze and ceramic tables and a rare Brazilian sculpture. The home office incorporates Aim lamps by Flos, vintage swivel and lounge chairs, and a desk from Poltrona Frau, while the main bedroom offers a window alcove with seating and a blackened steel fireplace. The project successfully blends modernist principles with rich, textural materials, creating a luxurious and welcoming environment. The architect, Mark McCollum, noted that despite the original convoluted floorplan, the careful crafting of connections resulted in a grand and gracious home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernistHome #DallasArchitecture #MidCenturyModern #SouthAmericanInfluence #VintageFurniture #OpenConceptLiving #NaturalMaterials

The selection of paint colors and finishes in brownstones and townhouses is a critical aspect of renovation, often presenting numerous options and varying opinions that can be overwhelming. Interior designers emphasize the use of classic and neutral colors as the most effective approach for these types of homes. Tamara Eaton, an interior designer, frequently employs soft whites for walls in townhouses, almost always opting for Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace for trim due to its crisp white quality. This crisp white then serves as a foundation for introducing subtle color on the walls. Eaton's preference leans towards creamy whites or off-whites for walls, generally avoiding bold colors and certain grays. Eaton expresses a reservation about the widespread use of trendy gray walls in townhouses, unless they are specifically a soft, warm gray. She notes that in the presence of warm wood floors and traditional architectural details, gray can often appear too cold and institutional. Complementing this perspective, interior designer Lauren Stern advocates for warm, earthy colors in townhouses. Her suggestions include Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace and Linen White, as well as Farrow & Ball's Hay or Elephant’s Breath. Stern stresses the importance of maintaining consistency between paint colors, interior finishes, and architectural elements with the historical period of the building. She believes that modern design elements are best introduced through movable items such as furnishings and accessories. Rich, warm colors are favored for their ability to emulate the effect of oil paint and plaster, materials traditionally found in brownstones. When it comes to paint finishes, Stern recommends a matte finish for walls to absorb light, a satin finish to create a luminous effect, and a high gloss finish specifically for moldings, millwork, and doors. She highlights the necessity of testing paint colors in several spots within a room, as colors can appear differently depending on the time of day, floor color, and both interior and exterior lighting conditions. This variability means that the same paint color can exhibit distinct appearances in different spaces. Jen Albano, another interior designer, suggests utilizing lighter and darker variations of a chosen color to establish continuity between rooms and connect various parts of the house. Alternatively, one can maintain a single color for walls, trim, and ceilings. Albano frequently adopts a cleaner, more modern palette in older homes, particularly vertical Brooklyn houses with intricate trims, by applying one color from floor to ceiling and varying only the sheen. This technique is particularly effective in hallways and for shelving, enhancing the perception of high ceilings. In a current townhouse project, Albano is painting long, dark hallways entirely in different sheen levels of Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl. She advises against using white on its own in darker, narrow halls unless it is a consistent color throughout the entire house. On occasion, Eaton deviates from a muted palette, opting for dramatic dark colors like charcoal or navy blue (such as Benjamin Moore’s Deep Space or Hale Navy) on both walls and trim. While she once had the opportunity to paint a powder room pink, she generally finds that classic and reserved colors are more suitable for brownstones and townhouses. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #Brownstone #Townhouse #HomeRenovation #NeutralPalette #ClassicColors #ArchitecturalElements #DesignTips

This article details the transformative design of an East Harlem townhouse owned by Gordon Espinet and Jonathan Ledoux, emphasizing the strategic use of color and a collaborative design approach. The project was led by Melissa Miller and Helen Lazic of LAMILL Design, who leveraged their shared professional history with Espinet from the beauty industry, particularly MAC Cosmetics, to establish a foundation of trust and a collective visual understanding. This shared background facilitated an intuitive design process, aligning their aesthetic sensibilities from the outset. The clients' vision for their home was clear: a tranquil yet playful space characterized by simple, clean details, and abundant natural light. They also sought a residence suitable for entertaining, capable of showcasing their art collection and travel-acquired furniture, while maintaining a sense of connectivity and layered design. Gordon Espinet, drawing from his expertise in makeup artistry, played a pivotal role in the thoughtful placement of vibrant color accents, which were carefully balanced against natural wood, neutral finishes, and incoming light. This approach ensured that color, while prominent, integrated harmoniously into the overall scheme. Prior to the renovation, the townhouse was segmented into numerous small, dimly lit rooms. A primary objective of the design team was to open up these spaces, linking them with natural light filtering from both the front and back of the house. This reconfigured layout aimed to create a unified, single-family home ambiance. Given the narrow footprint of the property, structural partitions were minimized. Instead, transitions between rooms were subtly defined through variations in texture, material, and color. Examples include the soft lighting and wood elements in the kitchen, contrasted with high-gloss paint surrounding a sliding door in the dining room. The design strategy extended to the upper levels, where each room was assigned a distinct mood tailored to its function and desired level of privacy. Guest rooms were conceived as more open and expressive, featuring lively tile accents and visual continuity with the hallways. In contrast, the back library and the primary suite were designed as more introspective retreats, characterized by quieter, more focused energy. Lighting received meticulous attention, with the owners expressing specific preferences for its application. The design incorporated a minimal number of recessed lights, prioritizing the strategic placement of decorative pendant fixtures and task lighting. The intention was for the lighting to serve as a complementary backdrop, enhancing the architectural features and finishes rather than dominating them. Additionally, the design team created a series of distinct zones throughout the home, catering to gatherings of various scales. These zones, unified by the natural light from the north and south ends of the property, contribute to a home that is both open and thoughtfully attuned, reflecting its history while being reinterpreted through light and color. #EastHarlem #TownhouseDesign #ColorPalette #CollaborativeDesign #LAMILLDesign #InteriorRenovation #StrategicLighting #ArtIntegration #ModernDesign

Textile designer Aelfie Oudghiri's Brooklyn townhouse, shared with her husband, Hicham, and daughter, Mirah, serves as a living showcase for her eponymous line of bedding, soft goods, rugs, and furniture. Housed in a former industrial pencil factory, the 1,800-square-foot space reflects an easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic deeply rooted in Oudghiri’s upbringing. Her parents, both builders and developers, introduced her to the transformative power of design early on, and an oversized Kerman rug from her childhood ignited her passion for textiles, inspiring her eventual career. Many pieces in her home are samples from her company, allowing her to live with and test products before their official launch, ensuring they are practical and durable. Oudghiri's journey into design began with an e-commerce store in her teens, focusing on products made by other young women, which taught her the foundations of design. Her childhood dream, however, was to design bedding, driven by frustration with the gendered, corny, or poor-quality synthetic options available at the time. Her early sketchbooks are filled with bedding concepts, foreshadowing her future in textile design. When designing her home, the living room was the starting point, prioritized for its comfort, openness, and suitability for entertaining. Her Moroccan husband influenced the layout, seeking a space reminiscent of a Moroccan salon with ample seating for guests. This led to the inclusion of a mint green sofa from CB2, praised for its durability, and another from ABC Carpet & Home. Oudghiri approaches home design with a lack of inherent attachment to spaces, a common sentiment in New York, preferring to evolve the design slowly. Her access to her own home decor line means her apartment is filled with a complementary array of her designs, from bath mats and pillows to poufs and tables, all serving as practical testaments to their wear and tear resistance. A key design element for Oudghiri was baby-proofing and creating a kid-friendly environment for her daughter, Mirah. The massive, open layout allowed for a play-friendly space free from hard obstacles or fragile items. The open and industrial nature of the former factory presented challenges in making the space feel cozy and welcoming. Oudghiri overcame this by strategically using rugs and artwork to soften the industrial brick walls and warm up the cold aesthetic. Her favorite aspects of the home include the exposed beams, high ceilings, abundant wall space for art, and the intricate texture of the floors. A design element she recommends for readers is foregoing a traditional coffee table in favor of side tables and poufs. This decision, initially driven by an inability to find a beloved coffee table, later proved invaluable for creating a large, open play area for her daughter. Visitors often comment on the home's established feel, assuming Oudghiri has lived there for a long time, despite only a few years passing, indicating the successful integration of her personal style and products. #TextileDesign #BrooklynHome #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorfulDecor #PatternMixing #KidFriendlyDesign #IndustrialConversion #DesignerHome

The article presents a case study of a London home designed by Howark Design, aiming to evoke a country feel within a city setting without resorting to clichés or artificial elements. The client, a young Belgian woman who is an avid equestrian, desired a relaxed home that incorporated her family's heirloom antiques while also accommodating frequent international travel and large dinner parties. The design team successfully blended country charm with modern city influences through careful layering of colors, patterns, and vintage pieces. The project addressed several key challenges, including maximizing natural light in what was initially a dark space. This was achieved by enlarging the door between the kitchen and dining room to create a more linked ground floor layout. Additionally, a glazed partition was introduced between the front door and the sitting room, allowing for separate entrance area treatment while ensuring maximum light penetration. This partition enabled the creation of a statement entrance with bold-colored paneling and Victorian-style tiled flooring. In the front room, seating was optimized with a custom-designed sofa featuring angled sides to fit snugly into the bay window. The kitchen exemplifies the successful integration of country aesthetics without being overly traditional. It boasts a lived-in feel with personality and charm, featuring collected pieces rather than an overly curated look. The color scheme plays a crucial role in balancing the country and city styles; a deep red on the kitchen island, pantry storage, and range cooker grounds the warm neutral cabinetry, adding playfulness and interest. A subtle pop of pale lime green on the door trim further distinguishes the space from a standard neutral kitchen. The design team chose this green to complement the garden view, deeming black metal too harsh. A key functional addition to the kitchen was a pantry, despite limited space. The designers noted that incorporating this element required careful planning, but the final result was highly satisfying. The use of vibrant colors extends to the home office, where bold red bookshelves are contrasted with a traditional family portrait above a reclaimed fireplace. This deliberate juxtaposition creates a playful yet balanced aesthetic, preventing the ornate artwork from overwhelming the smaller room and ensuring a contemporary feel alongside antique elements. In the main bedroom, a more muted color palette is employed, but interest is maintained through vintage furniture and layered patterns. The walls were kept neutral with warm undertones, allowing vibrant accessories and furniture to stand out. The successful mixing of patterns in this space is attributed to varying the scale of the prints, ensuring they harmonize rather than compete. This approach results in a subtle yet engaging visual texture. Throughout the entire project, the interplay of bold colors like red, lime green, dark blue, and mustard yellow, alongside layered prints, demonstrates how these elements can create livable spaces. The design achieves a delicate balance where colors sometimes reflect the urban setting and other times contribute to the rural ambiance, making the home a true homage to country living within the city. #InteriorDesign #LondonHome #CountryStyle #CityLiving #HowarkDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #ColorPalette #VintageFurniture

Brynn Jones, owner of Aralda Vintage, and her husband, Ness Saban, an indie film distributor, transformed their 1963 Robert Lee-designed home in Los Angeles. Jones, who has a lifelong affinity for 1960s and 1970s aesthetics, recognized the potential in the three-bedroom house despite some outdated decor. While Saban initially needed more convincing, Jones envisioned the possibilities, leading them to enlist Frances Merrill of Reath Design to revitalize the property. The home’s original dark wood paneling and brickwork, which date back to 1963, were considered essential elements to retain for their warmth and coziness. However, the kitchen and bathrooms, which had undergone poor remodels in the 1990s, required complete renovation. Jones's design vision was heavily influenced by her love for vintage fashion, drawing inspiration from the homes of style icons like Gloria Vanderbilt, Diana Vreeland, and Diane von Furstenberg, as well as '60s and '70s design magazines. Merrill embraced this approach, encouraging unusual color combinations and bold patterns. The initial phase of the renovation involved a simple yet impactful change: repainting the common areas, original built-ins, and doors from an institutional gray to a rich emerald green. This color choice effectively unified the existing paneling and brickwork. In the kitchen, a glossy chartreuse tiled backsplash was introduced, creating a vibrant contrast that surprisingly complemented the walnut and cream cabinets and dark wood. The primary bathroom became a canvas for more experimental color, featuring a checkerboard pattern of light purple, burgundy, and scarlet tiles, a peachy marble countertop with rose veins, and purple marble lining the shower. Jones acknowledged the intensity of this design, humorously noting a friend's comparison to a Stanley Kubrick film. Beyond color, patterns played a significant role in the home's transformation. The office features a botanical Hermès wallpaper, providing a psychedelic backdrop for a custom desk and wall unit. The main bedroom embraces a moodier ambiance due to a lack of natural light. Jones selected a kaleidoscopic House of Hackney design for the window drapes, bedding, and wallpaper, extending it to the ceiling. Despite the abundance of prints, Jones found the olive green and dark teal color palette to be calming, while Saban humorously described the room as being inside a wrapped, inverted present. The final phase of the renovation focused on the nursery for their son, Odin. Jones aimed to create a stimulating and charming space that avoided a stereotypical kid's room feel. This was achieved with a daybed reupholstered in dinosaur fabric, baby bedding made from mismatched Liberty London textiles, a dusty-blue sky mural by Londubh Studios painted across cabinetry and the ceiling, and a plush custom carpet designed to resemble a coral reef, laid over a purple linoleum floor. The nursery also features a custom clothing and storage nook, a former closet converted into built-in cabinetry, painted in dusty blue and pale lavender to provide a soothing atmosphere. This playful and imaginative design philosophy, first established in the nursery, extends throughout the entire home. #HomeTour #VintageInspired #InteriorDesign #LosAngelesHome #RetroDesign #BoldColors #PatternMixing #RenovationProject #ReathDesign

After residing in New York City for eight years, Tina Orlando and Ian Waring opted to relocate to the UK, establishing their new home in Chelsea. Their time in the US, particularly their experience with a holiday home on Shelter Island in the Hamptons, profoundly influenced their values and design preferences for their London residence. The island's natural surroundings, characterized by dense forests and sandy beaches, became a key inspiration for their new home. They selected a five-story Victorian townhouse, a significant departure from their previous Manhattan loft. To transform this property into a family-friendly space, they enlisted the expertise of Tom Rutt from TR Studio for the architectural redesign and collaborated with Riley Brooks for the interior design. The primary goal of the renovation was to evoke the serene, nature-inspired ambiance of their Shelter Island home within a London context. The design aimed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere using materials reminiscent of driftwood and fossils, explicitly avoiding the traditional or overly sleek aesthetics often found in Chelsea residences. A central element in achieving the home's cohesive identity is the extensive use of cross-sawn oak and the distinctive clay plaster walls. Tina Orlando initially had reservations about the slightly pink tone of the plaster but grew to appreciate its calming effect and its resemblance to the aged walls of an Italian palazzo, which resonated with her heritage. This wall treatment, combined with the oak, imbues the house with a sense of character and history. In the kitchen, the design focused on creating a modern yet functional space with natural textures. Symmetrical mirrors were incorporated to discreetly conceal glassware storage, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. Horizontal beams were strategically placed to enhance the perception of width in the room and contribute to a relaxed, rustic aesthetic. The renovation also addressed the property's flow and spatial organization. Although the house had been renovated a decade prior, its modern alterations had become dated. Tom Rutt redesigned the staircase, replacing a cumbersome old structure with a graceful, sweeping version featuring a curved wooden handrail. This new staircase serves as a unifying architectural element, connecting all five floors of the townhouse. Each bedroom was designed with specific considerations. The master bedroom features a tall canopy bed, chosen to complement the high ceilings and create a spa-like sanctuary. In the children's bedroom, pared-back furnishings allow a large-format tropical palm wallpaper to be the focal point, making a bold statement. Despite its urban location, the family has found their Chelsea home and its walled garden to be a tranquil retreat, offering a stark and welcome contrast to the constant noise of Manhattan. #ChelseaTownhouse #NaturalTextures #ClayPlasterWalls #OakFloors #ModernHome #VictorianRenovation #InteriorDesign #LondonLiving #FamilyHome

Irene Gunter's inaugural large-scale project involved the interior architectural redesign of a family home in southwest London, a property that, despite its period-style facade, was only constructed in 2021. The design brief from the clients emphasized creating a home that was simultaneously family-friendly, comfortable, elegant, luxurious, fun, and informal. A key requirement was stylistic harmony throughout the residence, ensuring a cohesive flow between rooms while incorporating vibrancy and unexpected color in specific areas. The interior was intended to be uplifting and engaging, moving away from a bland, neutral aesthetic. Irene Gunter's approach centered on a carefully curated color palette predominantly featuring blues and greens, augmented by warmer tones. She stressed the importance of layering these colors to ensure they supported each other and maintained compatibility. Comfort was a paramount consideration, leading to meticulous selection and testing of furniture, such as dining chairs, to guarantee their suitability and durability. The designer collaborated with trusted craftsmen for custom pieces like sofas, relying on their proven track record. Among the standout spaces in the home is the formal sitting room, which features extensive paneling painted in a 'seductive light pink.' This choice was strategic, as the room is north-facing, and a simple white would have appeared flat. The pink hue was selected to imbue the space with warmth and comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and elegant. The use of curved sofas and a rounded ottoman in this room not only enhances circulation but also addresses practical concerns related to young children, eliminating sharp corners. In contrast to the serene sitting room, the kitchen introduces a bold punch of navy blue, adding a dramatic element to the design. The high ceilings of the house were leveraged to create a sense of grandeur while simultaneously making the expansive space feel intimate and cozy. The design incorporated a blend of materials, including stone, tiles, and wood, to introduce texture and visual interest. A robust quartz was chosen for the work surfaces, complemented by a wood finish on the island and larder unit. Kit kat tiles on the splashback were used to introduce a Japanese aesthetic, further enriching the material palette. Olive green bar stools were strategically placed to connect the interior with the garden views, maintaining the theme of harmony. Pale wood was used to link the island and the larder unit, which was designed to resemble a free-standing piece. Reeded details on the larder unit and island echoed the pattern of the tiles, creating subtle connections throughout the space. The overall effect is a home that is inviting and warm, achieved through layered textures, playful colors, and a distinct personality, reflecting the designer's vibrant, colorful, and sophisticated style. #InteriorDesign #HouseDesign #LondonHome #NewBuild #ColorPalette #InteriorArchitecture #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome #ElegantInteriors

This article explores various residential projects that effectively incorporate vibrant colours into their architectural and interior designs, moving beyond subtle accents to create impactful and transformative spaces. It showcases how architects leverage colour to enhance functionality, express individuality, and redefine living environments. The featured projects demonstrate a range of approaches to colour integration, from bold exterior statements to carefully curated interior palettes, highlighting both new builds and renovations across different geographical locations. The Maryland House in East London, designed by Remi Connolly-Taylor, exemplifies a contemporary approach to colour blocking. This live/work space, built on a previously derelict lot, utilizes London stock brick for its exterior, echoing the local Victorian and post-war housing. Despite its compact 100 sq m footprint, the interior is a "jewel box" of efficiency and minimalist aesthetics, with colour strategically used to define spaces. Similarly, Studio Ben Allen’s House Recast, a winner of London's 'Don’t Move, Improve' competition, stands out for its playfully colourful architecture, pushing boundaries in domestic design. Office S&M;'s Mo-tel House in Islington transformed a Victorian townhouse's lower ground floor into a vibrant space through bold colours and shapes. Block-coloured surfaces and tinted mirrors create a dynamic interior that visually expands the space, featuring bespoke joinery like blue kitchen cabinets, a pink and dark blue dining bench, and a light green ceiling. Alexander Owen Architecture's project on Amott Road further illustrates this trend in London's home improvements, demonstrating how unexpected designs and a sense of lightness are being brought to everyday living spaces. Moving to bolder applications, Villa Nilon in Zurich, a 1923 villa, was revitalized by Swiss studio ILAI with yellow and pink hues in bathrooms and hallways, complemented by monochrome patterned tiles. A green joinery kitchen and original stained glass windows contribute to a playful character, with architects also opening up spaces for natural light and generosity. The Blue Building by LOT in Bushwick, Brooklyn, makes a striking statement with its entirely blue exterior, inspired by the studio's previous design work. Inside, translucent panels and walls in white, light pink, and green balance the exterior's boldness. Isla Architects' Lover's House in Mallorca features a warm terracotta-pink concrete exterior, reminiscent of Luis Barragán's work, which deeply connects the structure to its natural landscape while maintaining a graphic, contemporary feel. CAN Architects' Mountain View House in South London, home to practice founder Mat Barnes, showcases a radical makeover with bold colours, unusual details, and a staged mountain scenery roofline, drawing inspiration from diverse sources like Hi-Tech style and fashion shows. The Andi in Boston, reimagined by Patrick Planeta, uses bold coloured fabrics and saffron-coloured lighting to add character to a minimalist concrete apartment, with drapes creating intimate "pods" and curated artworks enhancing the space's concept. Project Hereward by Studio VA in London demonstrates how a compact renovation can achieve impactful design through the right blend of colour, sleek lines, and industrial materials, balancing old and new elements. In the realm of pastels, Dedraft's AR Residence in Walthamstow features an avocado green extension for an illustrator and librarian, with a matte green aluminium panelled addition housing interiors with muted tones and pops of brighter colours in specific areas. Jonathan Tuckey Design’s Upper Wimpole project in central London integrates refined, craft-rich joinery elements in varying colours to differentiate rooms while maintaining a coherent design. Lastly, Jerome Byron’s Monon Guesthouse in Los Angeles, a wooden structure nestled in a hillside garden, and Barlow & Barlow’s Albion Street project in London, blending Swedish and English heritage with a chic pastel palette, further highlight the diverse applications of colour in residential architecture. #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ColourfulHomes #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #LondonArchitecture #ModernLiving #SpaceTransformation #PastelInteriors

This article details the transformation of a 5,000-square-foot new-build house in southwest London, where interior designers James Arkoulis and Saskia Howard of Howark Design created a vibrant and family-friendly home. The homeowners, particularly their three children aged 7 to 11, drew inspiration from the whimsical interior of the kids' film Paddington Bear. This unconventional reference led to a design ethos focused on fun, color, and practicality for an active family life, moving away from the previous developer-grade finishes like glossy gray kitchen units and marble floors. The design process involved a deliberate shift towards a more colorful and energetic aesthetic. The designers had to navigate the homeowners' desire for brightness, sometimes even pushing for bolder hues than initially suggested. A key element was the extensive use of color, exemplified by the kitchen's bright yellow cabinets, painted with Farrow & Ball’s Babouche. This choice, while requiring convincing, ultimately achieved the desired warm and balanced effect. The kitchen, a large 30-foot space, was ingeniously divided into three distinct zones—an island, a dining setup, and a lounge area—using a bespoke glazed partition and strategic furniture placement, preventing it from feeling overly long and ensuring each section served a real purpose. Storage was a high priority and a significant investment. Bespoke solutions were implemented throughout the house, including a large media unit and library shelves in the basement playroom. This area, spanning the entire footprint beneath the kitchen, was designed with bold colors for the media unit to house board games and art supplies, while a ladder rail provided access to an expanding book collection. The designers also made clever cost-saving decisions, such as retaining the existing wardrobe boxes and updating them with new fronts to create a uniform, custom look. Artisan craftsmanship was incorporated, particularly in the principal en suite, where space was reallocated to expand the dressing room. This expansion included a unique upholstered niche for the children to relax in while their mother prepared. Hepzabeth from the Textile Wall Company created this cozy space, fully upholstered with batons for a soft and enveloping feel. Other impactful, albeit smaller, details included replacing harsh chrome hardware with antique brass in the bathrooms to align with the house’s classical proportions and swapping recessed lighting for softer wall sconces and flush mounts. Several design decisions, like the boldly colored stair runner spanning four levels, were considered risks at the time but ultimately contributed to the home's distinctive character. The project showcases how a creative and playful inspiration, combined with thoughtful design and material choices, can transform a standard new-build into a personalized, functional, and joyful living space tailored to a family's unique dynamics and aesthetic preferences. #HomeTour #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #KidsInspiredDesign #BespokeFurniture #KitchenDesign #PlayroomDesign #StorageSolutions #TextileWall #Renovation

HÛT Architecture undertook the renovation of a three-story, mid-terrace townhouse in De Beauvoir Town, East London, for a musician and a furniture designer. The neighborhood is characterized by early Victorian villas and townhouses, many of which are in a conservation area, influencing the architectural approach. Rachel Eccles, Associate Director at HÛT Architecture, guided the project, emphasizing a simple palette of minimal, handcrafted materials chosen for their ability to age gracefully and develop a natural patina over time. This design philosophy aimed to ensure the building's longevity and aesthetic improvement for another century. The exterior rear extension was constructed using black Petersen bricks, chosen to complement the original masonry of the terrace row while establishing its own contemporary identity. These coal-fired bricks impart vibrant light and dark shades, contributing to a robust and high-craft appearance. Although the front facade was meticulously restored to its original Victorian state, including repairs to sash windows and brickwork, the rear allowed for a more playful and modern design. The new front door, painted an olive green, matches the kitchen cabinetry and the master bedroom walls, creating a cohesive color scheme throughout the interior. The interior renovation focused on reconfiguring the ground floor to create an open-plan social area, culminating in a full-width kitchen-dining extension at the rear. This extension features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling doorways, enhancing the sense of space and light. Robust materials like terrazzo, timber, and steel were consistently applied. For instance, the handcrafted fireplace, made from recycled building rubble by Granby Workshop, echoes the terrazzo floor tiles in the bathroom. Douglas fir timber flooring on the ground floor mirrors the timber used to over-clad the original staircase, further unifying the design elements. Visual connectivity was a key aspect of the design. A black steel-framed glazed partition separates the living room from the entrance hallway, a motif repeated in the steel-framed glass doors leading from the extension to the patio and the bathroom shower screens. An internal picture window connects the extension to the front of the house, maintaining clear sightlines through the entire ground-floor living space and extending views into the garden. This intentional design fosters a sense of openness and allows natural light to penetrate deeply into the home. Despite planning restrictions limiting the extension's height at the boundary wall to eight feet, HÛT Architecture incorporated an angled skylight with a ribbon of glazing. This design maximizes natural light and volume, offering views of trees and sky to the tall client. The seamless connection between the extension and the garden, achieved with an almost flush threshold, allows the living space to extend outdoors during warmer months, while visual connectivity is maintained through glass windows in winter. The upper floor retains its original layout but integrates contemporary finishes and materials, such as olive green walls and built-in cabinetry in the master bedroom, completing the blend of historical preservation and modern design. #LondonTownhouse #HomeRenovation #HÛTArchitecture #VictorianArchitecture #DeBeauvoirTown #ContemporaryDesign #HandcraftedMaterials #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign

This article details the transformation of a new-build property into a characterful family home with a country-style charm, achieved through careful planning and a keen eye for design. The owners, who acquired the house as a blank canvas due to its practical benefits and ideal location near family, the countryside, and transport links, embarked on a decade-long journey to personalize their space. They focused on injecting personality into the neutral scheme, ensuring the home reflected their tastes while accommodating their growing family, including a new daughter and two dogs. The kitchen-diner, though small, was designed for both functionality and intimacy, facilitating family interaction during meal preparation and hosting cozy dinner parties. The owners introduced red and green accents to add character and warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. The red provided richness, while the green offered a calming, natural balance. To delineate the dining area, they installed wall paneling and added open shelving made from repurposed scaffolding planks, which not only offered practical storage but also served as a canvas for decorative displays, allowing for personal touches and regular aesthetic updates. The original kitchen lacked personality, prompting a renovation that aimed to blend contemporary style with classic country charm without a complete overhaul. This involved incorporating zellige tiles, replacing standard door fronts with traditional Shaker kitchen cupboard doors, and swapping a stainless-steel sink for a ceramic one. To conceal non-integrated large appliances, green linen curtains were used, contributing to a softer, less cluttered look. The chosen paint for the doors was Farrow & Ball's School House White Estate Eggshell, complemented by angled spotlights in Antique Brass to enhance the desired aesthetic. In the living room, the goal was to create a cozy, multi-functional space, as it was the most frequented area. Wall paneling was introduced to add texture, depth, and a cozier feel to the plain walls. The room was further enriched with layers of natural materials, varied textures, and warm, earthy tones, transforming it into a comfortable and inviting environment. The primary seating in this room is an Otto medium RHF chaise sofa in Taupe Brushed linen Cotton. The bedroom showcases a bolder approach to color, utilizing Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster for walls and wardrobes to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. A luxurious dark green velvet headboard was incorporated to add richness and elegance, making the bed a focal point without significant expense. The unexpected pairing of pink and green hues was a deliberate choice to infuse fresh energy and dynamism into the narrow space, reflecting the owner's personal style and achieving a boutique hotel aesthetic for a calm retreat. Practical elements like sheer linen curtains were chosen for affordability, softness, and diffused natural light. The home office was designed as a calm and creative space, featuring a soft color palette and a blend of different wood tones and grains. This approach aimed to add warmth, texture, and a balanced, natural feel, ensuring a conducive environment for work. For the compact bathroom, instead of a costly renovation, simple updates were made, including a bespoke curtain, vintage-framed artwork, mirrors, and soft towels to introduce color and texture, making the space more engaging. Thoughtful styling is evident throughout the home, particularly with organized living room shelves that display books and objets d’art. Books are often arranged with their spines hidden to maintain an artful and consistent look. Built-in cabinetry, combining Ikea units and MDF, provides both lower storage for children's toys and open shelving for decorative items, adding character and functionality to the room. The daughter's bedroom was designed to be adaptable as she grows, maintaining a neutral scheme with pops of color and playful touches, while incorporating functional and charming storage solutions like peg rails for coats and bags, encouraging tidiness and accessibility for toy storage. Overall, the home demonstrates how a new-build can be transformed into a deeply personalized and character-filled space through deliberate design choices and the strategic use of color, texture, and materials. #NewBuildDesign #CountryStyleHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenDinerIdeas #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomDesign #HomeOffice #FamilyHome

This article highlights the interior design of a five-floor, mid-terrace townhouse in London by designer Lara Bates, focusing on how color and pattern are used to create a cohesive, sophisticated, yet relaxed family home. The owner's desire for a home suitable for entertaining and impressing guests influenced the design, leading to a mood board centered on sumptuous materials, jewel colors, abundant patterns, and a theatrical aesthetic. The primary challenge in designing such a tall building with multiple levels and diverse patterns was maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the residence. Lara Bates addressed this by employing color as a unifying element, particularly evident in the transition areas and half-landings. A key design choice was the installation of a terracotta carpet that extends up the stairs, linking different spaces, such as the ground-level sitting room and the main bedroom. The two-tone nature of the carpet, with its burnt-orange flecks, was selected for both practical reasons, like concealing dirt, and for its ability to soften the overall hue. The designer also deviated from conventional white skirting boards, opting to paint them in unexpected colors that complement the adjacent rooms, emphasizing that "the devil is in the details" and such touches elevate the spaces with a fresh and sophisticated feel. Examples include powder blue skirting and cornicing paired with buttery yellow walls in a child’s bedroom, and red-tinged brown wood trim against floral wallpaper in the cloakroom. The dining room features a striking mural, framed by green skirting and sky-blue cornicing, which seamlessly integrates with the tropical garden motif, demonstrating how color choices can enhance and highlight focal points. Lara Bates explained that paneling was considered but rejected for the dining room to avoid interrupting the mural. Instead, the colored woodwork at the bottom and top ensured the wallpaper remained the central feature, while a crystal chandelier added sparkle without detracting from the motif, reinforcing the "more is more" approach. Throughout the home, various elements contribute to a sense of plush luxury. In the main bedroom, an emperor-sized four-poster bed creates an impressive focal point. The bathroom vanity features a 15-centimeter-thick marble top, a detail chosen not only for its luxurious appearance but also for its practical function of concealing undermounted basins. In the living room, efforts were made to subtly integrate the television within the T-shaped layout. By placing it low in an alcove and positioning a larger artwork opposite, the TV's prominence was diminished, allowing other design elements to draw attention. The dark painting above the sofa, for instance, provided a strong contrast and an alternative focal point. The overall design strategy for this London townhouse creates a sophisticated environment that balances grandeur with comfort, employing meticulous color coordination and luxurious details to achieve a cohesive and inviting living space. #LondonTownhouse #InteriorDesign #LaraBates #ColorCoordination #PatternIntegration #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDesign #SophisticatedLiving #ElegantHome #TransitionalDesign