White Rabbit House brings colour and terrazzo to an average London terrace

Owen Ow and Elaine Chew purchased a former bed and breakfast in Sydney's Forest Lodge, attracted by its proximity to their children's school and the potential to blend modern and historic design elements. The Victorian terrace, though charming with its large backyard and space for a pool, was initially characterized by a fragmented layout with numerous compartmentalized bedrooms, lacking cohesive living areas suitable for a family. They enlisted Shaun Carter and Julie Niass of Carter Williamson Architects to transform the space. The couple's vision involved retaining the original features in the front section of the house while transitioning into a modern, open-plan living area at the rear. The architects focused on enhancing the quality and connectivity of the spaces, achieving this by removing several walls and an unnecessary staircase. The new open-plan layout integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with exquisitely handcrafted joinery used to subtly delineate these zones. Throughout the renovation, a warm and neutral color palette was maintained. Elaine's preference for ornamental pieces and Owen's inclination towards minimalism resulted in a balanced aesthetic. A peachy ochre paint, Dulux 'Kangaroo Pouch', was selected for the dining area, a decision that involved considerable deliberation to achieve the desired warm undertone. The new living area is anchored by terrazzo flooring, complemented by timber, marble, and brass elements, which provide a subtle contrast to the family's collection of colorful artworks, soft furnishings, and plants. Each item within the home was chosen for its personal significance, contributing to a space filled with stories and memories. Curved features are a recurring design motif, evident in the timber dowel and marble-topped kitchen island, which also incorporates built-in storage. The dining area continues this theme with curved joinery, shelves, and a rounded dining table and stools, alongside an arched entrance. A steel-clad archway and a brick step distinctively mark the transition between the older and newer sections of the home, creating a symbolic threshold into the heart of the residence. Strategic design choices brought natural light into previously dark areas. The bathroom features Ming green fishscale tiles and a Flos 'S1' suspension light, evoking a sense of calm and serenity. The primary bedroom offers abundant natural light and overlooks the backyard, creating a peaceful retreat. The design prioritizes a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, particularly benefiting warmer months, allowing the family to fully enjoy the pool and outdoor spaces. The design principles emphasize creating warmth in a neutral scheme through specific elements: choosing paint colors with warm undertones like peach, cream, terracotta, latte, or taupe; incorporating soft lighting through wall lights, pendants, and lamps to foster relaxation; and using decor with soft, tactile textures such as linen, velvet, microsuede, ceramics, and timber accents. This thoughtful approach has successfully transformed the Victorian terrace into a spacious, functional, and inviting family home that combines modern living with historical charm. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #NeutralPalette #ModernDesign #OpenPlanLiving #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #FamilyHome #SydneyHomes

Digital creative and brand consultant Lucy Williams embarked on her first renovation project, transforming a Victorian terraced house in west London into a home that reflects her distinctive style. Despite initially not wanting a Victorian terrace, Williams and her husband, Ruaraidh, found a house in late 2020 that, while well-maintained, offered the scope for a significant renovation. Their previous home, a "cavernous" two-bedroom flat, prompted a desire for a change of pace and a project that hadn't been updated in decades. Williams collaborated with Chantal at Flower Michelin Architects to achieve a balance between preserving the house's original character and integrating contemporary design elements. The renovation process began with the kitchen, where Williams learned the intricate interconnectedness of design decisions, likening it to a game of Jenga. A key starting point for the kitchen's design was a window seat, envisioned as a comfortable spot for their dog, Finn, and a feature that would connect the indoor space with the generous, south-facing garden. The garden itself, a rare private outdoor space in London, was a significant draw for the couple and was transformed into a "mini English country garden" with the help of Butter Wakefield, featuring abundant alliums and aquilegia. The design ensures the garden is visible from all ground-floor rooms, integrating the outdoors into the home's overall feel. The overarching design philosophy for the house was practicality and comfort, aiming for a space where guests could relax without being overly cautious. Williams intentionally designed the home to suit their actual lifestyle, rather than an idealized, more chic fantasy. The living room, for instance, boasts a bold blue color palette complemented by a large orange Maker & Son sofa, catering to their shared love for television. The kitchen was designed with entertaining in mind. Williams allowed herself one 'fantasy' space: a second reception room located between the kitchen and living room, featuring a travertine fireplace and sheepskin-covered antique chairs, where she envisions enjoying an evening glass of whiskey. Inspiration for the home's aesthetic draws from diverse sources, including the Copenhagen home of Ganni founders Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup, and California-based Reath Design. This blend of Californian and Scandinavian influences is evident throughout the house. The main bedroom and bathroom exude a west coast vibe with their relaxed ambiance and neutral colors, featuring an enormous, waved headboard and a custom-designed wardrobe. In contrast, other areas like the spare bathroom and attic room showcase vibrant patterns and prints, reminiscent of Beata Heuman's style. The master en suite includes an arched microcement shower inspired by Mediterranean summers, while the vanity was custom-made to provide ample storage while maintaining a sense of space. The house also incorporates a mix of vintage and antique finds alongside bespoke pieces. Reclaimed flooring and tiles were extensively used, and furniture was sourced from auctions, markets, and vintage shops. Unique elements like the bespoke kitchen by Browson Design, painted in 'Sky Blue' with Beata Heuman hardware, and a custom red pendant light by Beata Heuman in the dining area, highlight Williams's bold use of color. The hallway features 'Soho Pink' walls and reclaimed quarry tiles, with a vintage pine wall light as a favorite find. The study combines a 1950s Gio Ponti desk with a vintage chair reupholstered in mustard cord and vintage Poul Cadovius wall shelves. Even practical spaces like the guest bathroom, with its geranium wallpaper, and the utility room, located upstairs for convenience, are thoughtfully designed. The loft bathroom, clad in tongue and groove panelling and painted in 'Cavendish Cream,' includes sauna lights and a vintage rope mirror, demonstrating attention to detail even in smaller spaces. Williams views the house not as a 'forever home' but as an adaptable space perfectly suited to their current needs, a testament to thoughtful, personalized design. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WestLondonHouse #LucyWilliams #BoldColors #VintageFinds #GardenDesign #CustomFurniture

This article highlights the transformation of a Victorian terrace in south London, where designer Laura Stephens reconfigured its layout to inject light and modern living while preserving its historical character. The project addressed the common dilemma of modernizing classic townhouses by integrating contemporary elements without compromising original features like paneling, plasterwork, and traditional layouts. Instead of extensive structural changes, Stephens focused on a less interventionist approach, retaining the 19th-century architecture and skillfully adapting the floor plan to suit a modern family. Key changes included relocating the sitting room to the back, moving the kitchen to the middle, and positioning the dining room, which also functions as a small home office, at the front of the house. To enhance natural light, a glazed screen was installed between the hallway and dining room, creating an effect similar to an old-fashioned office partition, which significantly brightened the front of the home. The design incorporated fresh colors, and natural textures like jute and seagrass, along with subtle architectural details to create a living space that feels both contemporary and timeless. The kitchen features periwinkle blue cabinetry designed to complement the high ceilings, contrasted with 'utilitarian' white metro tiles and bronze hardware, which adds a touch of aged elegance. In the sitting room, a new fireplace was installed, and half-paneling was introduced to balance the striped wallpaper. The designer also focused on sustainability and cost-effectiveness by recovering existing furniture pieces such as sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, and an ottoman, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and repurposing items. The main bedroom underwent a significant transformation, with previously 'bleak' wardrobes being revitalized by glazed doors lined with gathered fabric. A gauzy pendant light was chosen for its sculptural quality, echoing the textured pink wallcovering that envelops the room. In the top-floor bathroom, an innovative solution was found when a shortage of mustard and white tiles led to the installation of a mirror panel. This not only extended the striped design but also visually expanded the cozy, eaves-tucked space. Laura Stephens also designed unique rugs in collaboration with Bombay Sprout, incorporating motifs based on antique passementerie and natural jute textures, reflecting the blend of past and present in the home's overall design. Laura Stephens shared her style inspiration, citing her satisfaction with the glazed wall, her preference for 'Spruce' by Paint & Paper Library as a go-to color, and drawing inspiration from interior design books, historical and contemporary, as well as her youngest daughter. She expressed admiration for architect Gil Schafer and the Chrysler Building in New York City. The project successfully created a bright, comfortable, and ageless living space that honors its Victorian roots while embracing modern functionality and aesthetics. #LondonTownhouse #VictorianRenovation #InteriorDesign #LauraStephens #HomeRedesign #ColorPalette #TextureMixing #NaturalLight #KitchenDesign #BedroomTransformation

The article explores ten distinct interior design color palettes inspired by famous royal palaces and castles around the world, presenting each location's unique aesthetic. The exploration aims to provide inspiration for creating regal and sophisticated home interiors. Buckingham Palace in London, UK, the official residence of the British royal family since 1837, features a rich, warm, and inviting color scheme. Its palette echoes Baroque and Rococo designs, incorporating shades from burgundy to mustard and muted grey-blue, embodying upscale taste with a welcoming ambiance. Windsor Castle, also in the UK and a staple property of the British royal family, showcases a brighter and more vibrant scheme. It utilizes emerald green, various pinks and purples, pops of orange, and abundant gold, creating a regal and eye-catching environment. Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, renowned for its beauty, employs muted tones that evoke images of angels, art, and historic grandeur. Its neutral palette includes creams, greys, golds, and subtle hints of blue, offering a serene yet grand atmosphere. Mysore Palace in India, covering 72 acres, presents a dramatic and elegant array of colors. The palette reflects India's rich cultural beauty, featuring turquoises, purples, burgundies, emerald greens, golds, and yellows. Kensington Palace in London, UK, known as a residence for Prince William, Kate, and their children, and formerly Princess Diana, offers a more neutral and cozy yet grand aesthetic. Its color scheme primarily consists of grey-blue and golds, complemented by warm browns and neutral taupes, achieving a regal and artful feel. The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, an imperial palace from 1420 to 1912 with 980 buildings, presents an unforgettable destination with a stunning range of hues. Its palette includes pale blue, muted mauves, rich reds, browns, and taupes. Dublin Castle in Ireland, built on a 13th-century Viking settlement, boasts a history of resilience and beauty. Its interior palette is rich in greens, from moss to kelly to emerald, alongside hints of red-pink, burgundy, and cream. Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy, a Renaissance-era palace home to art and stunning architecture, exhibits an opulent and uniquely Italian interior. Its color scheme spans deep browns, pale blues, golds, reds, and various intermediate shades. The Palace of Versailles in France, an iconic example of French Baroque architecture, is synonymous with opulence. Its color palette, centered on differing shades and tones of grey and gold, achieves an elegant and extravagant aesthetic. Hampton Court Palace in London, UK, another Baroque-era gem and former residence of King Henry VIII, features a color-rich palette largely due to its extensive art collection. Tones range from navy and sky blue to buttery yellow and vibrant orange, concluding the journey through royal-inspired interior designs. #InteriorDesign #ColorPalettes #RoyalPalaces #HomeDecor #Inspiration #BuckinghamPalace #Versailles #KensingtonPalace

Nimtim Architects designed an extension for a 1960s house in Forest Hill, southeast London, featuring a steeply terraced garden, parquet flooring, and blue-stained woodwork. The project, named Terraced Terrace, addressed the family's need for more space for their teenage children and a home office after a previous loft extension application was denied. The primary challenge was the property's steeply sloping rear garden, which Nimtim Architects creatively transformed into a usable area. The extension is constructed from red brick, complementing the original 1960s brickwork and brown geometric tiling of the existing three-storey house. It includes a new lounge and a study space. The study features an integrated linoleum-lined desk and a drop-down bed for guests, maximizing functionality within the new footprint. A small wood-burning stove serves as a focal point in the living area, while the desk is strategically placed in front of sliding glazing to provide garden views and natural light. Connecting the interior with the outdoors, the sliding glazing allows the new lounge to open onto a sunken patio. Beyond this, the newly landscaped garden incorporates parquet paving and raised planting beds made from the same red brick as the extension. To manage the project's £75,000 budget, timber sleepers were used instead of concrete for additional level changes in the garden, offering a cost-effective yet aesthetically pleasing solution. Inside the extension, simple white shelves are fitted into an alcove beside the chimney breast. Their staggered arrangement mirrors the pattern of the exposed brick wall and ties into the white-painted woodwork found throughout the rest of the house. The existing internal layout was also reconfigured, with the integrated ground-floor garage removed to make way for an en-suite bathroom, subtly concealed behind blue-stained plywood joinery. This pale blue cabinetry extends below the staircase, providing additional storage space. A new garage was subsequently built in front of the house. Oak parquet flooring is laid throughout the new entrance hall, extending into the rear lounge and study area. This continuous flooring choice visually unifies the original and new sections of the house. The use of herringbone-patterned brickwork and parquet reflects popular design trends in London homes, as seen in other recent projects such as a Victorian house extension in Hackney and a studio block in New Cross with a patterned facade. The architectural firm, Nimtim Architects, comprising Nimi Attanayake and Tim O'Callaghan, successfully delivered a practical and aesthetically cohesive extension despite site constraints and budget limitations, enhancing the living and working spaces for the family. #ResidentialExtension #LondonArchitecture #NimtimArchitects #TerracedGarden #ParquetFlooring #StainedWoodwork #HomeOffice #AdaptiveReuse #RedBrick #InteriorDesign

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

Child Studio, a London-based firm, drew inspiration from modernist European villas to redesign a three-storey townhouse in Belgravia, London. The project, undertaken for an art collector, focused on creating a sophisticated yet understated living space tailored to the homeowners' specific needs and preferences, eschewing transient design trends. The renovation primarily involved the top two floors of the 280-square-metre Georgian building, where a light-filled double-height space was created and clad in a plaster finish. A key architectural intervention was the addition of a mezzanine floor, which seamlessly connects the living room to an outdoor roof terrace via a cast-iron spiral staircase. In the living area, five-meter-tall mahogany wooden shelves were installed, covering an entire wall. These shelves, designed to house the owner's extensive book collection, were inspired by the library in the Paris studio of the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The dark wood of the shelves provides an elegant contrast to the pale plaster walls, contributing to the home's refined aesthetic. Wood is a dominant material throughout the interior, emphasizing a natural and tactile feel. The bedroom features an undulating wooden headboard, creating a sculptural focal point. According to Child Studio founders Che Huang and Alexy Kos, the design revolved around a carefully selected palette of natural materials including hand-crafted wood, solid stone, and tactile fabrics, reflecting a pared-back approach intended to highlight the owners' lives rather than overpowering them with design elements. The studio incorporated both classic and custom-designed furniture pieces. The dining room is furnished with Chandigarh chairs, a mid-century classic. The guest bedroom also features a Chandigarh chair, paired with a desk and chair by architect Pierre Jeanneret and a desk lamp by modernist architect Marcel Breuer. Child Studio also designed several bespoke furniture pieces for the project, including a custom daybed and mahogany stool in the main bedroom, influenced by Art Deco designer Jules Leleu, and a low teak table in the living room, inspired by 20th-century Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjort. This collaborative process involved artisans with whom the studio had established long-standing relationships. Beyond wood, stone plays a significant role, particularly in the bathroom. Drawing inspiration from Porto's Villa Serralves, the bathroom features an interior almost entirely sculpted from green Verde Guatemala marble. The built-in elements, including a marble sink and bathtub, were carved from solid stone blocks by a specialized marble workshop in northern Italy. The soft curves of these fixtures blend seamlessly into the walls and floor, creating a luxurious and cohesive space. The townhouse's lounge also references modernist villas, specifically Villa Necchi in Milan, with its mahogany-panelled walls and an antique Iroko-wood coffee table. The designers expressed their admiration for the craftsmanship and attention to detail found in early modernist European villas, applying this ethos to the Belgravia project by working closely with artisans in England and Italy. To ensure a coherent aesthetic, Child Studio also reinstated original Georgian architectural features, such as panelled wooden shutters, herringbone parquet flooring, and semicircular plaster ceiling cornices. The ultimate goal was to create a comfortable, effortless, and evolving home that serves as a subtle yet elegant backdrop for its occupants' lives. #BelgraviaTownhouse #ChildStudio #ModernistVillas #InteriorDesign #LondonArchitecture #ResidentialRenovation #CustomFurniture #NaturalMaterials #ArtCollectorHome

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

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

Ella and David Moore purchased their Victorian home in Manchester in 2017. Although it featured a 1980s two-storey rear extension, the property was in need of modernization and personalization. The couple spent the first year developing plans for improvements, aiming to reconfigure the layout to better suit their lifestyle rather than simply adding more space. Key structural changes included removing walls to create a large open-plan kitchen by combining the original kitchen, dining room, and a small reception area. Additional modifications involved the integration of a downstairs toilet and hallway, a new porch, and a utility room. The front door was also relocated from the center to the side of the house, which required obtaining planning permission. While the back of the house was designed as a sociable, open-plan area connected to the garden, the living room at the front was intentionally kept as a cozier, separate space. Upstairs, one of the three existing bedrooms was reconfigured to create a dressing room and an office for David. Two en-suites were installed, and the main bathroom was relocated to optimize the guest bedroom layout. The renovation process began a year after they moved in, with Ella managing the project and designing the layout, while an architectural technician drafted plans for planning permission. The couple approached the renovation without rushing, paying meticulous attention to detail, which included selecting traditional-style radiators, brushed-metal light switches, and beehive door handles. Most of the work was completed by the end of 2019, with the main bathroom remaining as one of the few areas yet to be finished. Exterior enhancements included replacing the modern uPVC windows at the front with traditional-style sash windows and installing contemporary aluminum windows at the back. The garden was also a focus of Ella's design efforts. Her passion for garden design and sourcing houseplants led her to establish an indoor plant business, Ella’s Garden, during the lockdown, which quickly became successful. In 2022, she expanded her entrepreneurial ventures by co-founding a crafting workshop business with a friend. Ella’s decorating approach was guided by instinct, favoring warm tones and complementary shades. She frequently used pinks and oranges alongside dark greens and blues and opted for warm neutrals as a backdrop instead of stark whites. To ensure continuity throughout the ground floor, engineered wood parquet planks were laid, with rugs used to add color, texture, and define zones within the open-plan areas. Ella emphasizes the importance of definition in open-plan spaces and the need for tidiness. In the kitchen, she maintains a minimalist aesthetic on the countertops, displaying only frequently used items. However, she is an avid collector of vintage items and souvenirs from her travels, frequently rearranging her favorite pieces on open shelves to keep the displays fresh and personal. She values showcasing these treasures, believing it contributes to a home's warmth. The article also provides a brief tour of other areas of the house, including the hallway, spare bedroom, main en-suite, and landing. The hallway features glazed French doors to maximize brightness, complemented by bare brick walls, scaffolding shelves, and vintage furniture. The spare bedroom includes a bed reupholstered in a leather-effect fabric. The main en-suite is painted in Card Room Green from Farrow & Ball and is equipped with a basin and vanity unit from Drench, a House Doctor mirror, Nordlux pendant lights, a Rose & Grey wire shelving unit, and Tile Mountain floor tiles. The landing showcases a vibrant lime green chair against a deep teal wall, illustrating Ella’s continued use of bold color and personal touches throughout the home. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #BiophilicDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #VintageDecor #Houseplants #OpenPlanLiving #HomeMakeover

British designer Bethan Laura Wood resides in a 575-square-foot apartment in a 1925 Art Deco building in East London, reflecting her vibrant and unconventional design aesthetic. Her home is an extension of her professional work, which is characterized by a bold use of color, texture, and a blend of industrial materials with artistic references. The apartment features powder pink stairwells, mint green window frames, and baby blue accents, providing an appropriate backdrop for her colorful creations. Inside, Wood’s living space is a dynamic display of peach, pistachio, and mauve walls, complemented by geometric rugs and a collection of unique objects. These include Pyrex lamps shaped like floral bouquets, a side table made from extruded pastel plastic, and various pieces she has designed or acquired. Wood emphasizes color as her primary language for interpreting places, drawing inspiration from regional palettes such as London's earthy grays and Venice's saturated blues. Her work often incorporates industrial materials like laminate, manipulating them to imitate other substances and exploring themes of globalism and authenticity through design history. Her current exhibition, "Ornate," at Milan’s Nilufar Gallery, draws inspiration from diverse sources including Japanese kimono fabrics, Victorian boudoirs, and insect anatomy. The exhibition features pieces like scalloped aluminum cabinets, glass light fixtures resembling hard candies, and an aluminum and brass headboard with shimmering gold and purple squiggles. Wood's living room is a visual feast, showcasing both her own designs and works by other artists and designers. Notable pieces include the Royal Daybed by Nathalie Du Pasquier and George Sowden, and a circular, jellyfish-like green, yellow, and blue resin lamp by Gaetano Pesce. A woven jacquard tapestry, designed by Wood and inspired by stained-glass windows in Mexico City, covers an entire wall, alongside an earth-toned laminate dining table with geology-inspired marquetry and a totemic light fixture made of stacked beaker-esque forms, produced with Italian glassblower Pietro Viero. Collaboration is central to Wood's practice, and many items in her home are products of partnerships or exchanges. Her collection extends into a narrow hallway adorned with hats and handbags hanging on Murano glass hooks, and artworks covering the walls. Her bedroom features an Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass and a neon glass light by Jochen Holz, illuminating a 1970s floral textile acquired during a trip to Brazil. A small, sunny library, dubbed her "room for dreaming," houses art books, animal figurines, glass sculptures, and wooden busts, including a birthday card from her mentor, Martino Gamper. Throughout the apartment, Wood masterfully combines high design with evocative everyday objects found during her travels or at London flea markets. She deliberately positions pieces to create dialogues, such as a multicolored rope mask by Bertjan Pot near a painting of a knight in psychedelic swirls. She also notes the connection between a jar of "pickled" balloons by Saelia Aparicio and a poster by Scottish Pop artist Eduardo Paolozzi, whose motifs she frequently references. Wood's passion for collecting and creating began in childhood, influenced by her mother's accumulation of eclectic items. While her minimalist father preferred these objects to be hidden, Wood's home openly displays her collections, which she views as a material record of her life's experiences, travels, and relationships. Living surrounded by pieces from friends and fellow makers provides her with comfort and connection, especially during times of isolation. #BethanLauraWood #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorfulInteriors #ArtDeco #DesignerHome #ContemporaryDesign #LondonDesign #ArtisticLiving

In the bustling heart of downtown Brooklyn, the residential Brooklyn Tower, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, stands as the borough’s tallest structure, offering 68 stories of luxury living. Local design firm White Arrow was tasked with transforming a model unit within this impressive building into a space that not only complements the refined architecture but also injects a sense of playfulness and individuality. This particular unit is one of several model suites White Arrow has completed, each featuring a distinct style. Keren Richter, co-founder and creative director of White Arrow, draws upon her background in fine arts to influence the firm's collective aesthetic. She emphasizes White Arrow’s strong connection to the local design community, which plays a crucial role in their sourcing strategy. By collaborating with and acquiring pieces from local makers and artisans, the firm was able to incorporate natural materials and simplified silhouettes. This approach culminated in a rarefied, yet lived-in, aesthetic that feels both luxurious and approachable. The design philosophy for this model unit centered on creating a "cozy, layered, and sophisticated vibe," as articulated by Richter. This vision was brought to life through a carefully curated selection of materials and furnishings. Lacquered brass accents, commissioned bespoke wallpaper, and a palette of noble neutrals establish a refined backdrop. Against this, wooden furniture pieces command attention, serving as focal points within the space. Notable examples include vintage Børge Mogensen dining chairs and a custom dining table inspired by Swedish modernism. The living space features the Arc armchair by Moving Mountains, which contributes rich wood tones and linen upholstery, further enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere. In the kitchen, White Arrow meticulously crafted a design that seamlessly integrated with the existing cabinetry, counters, and flooring, which were originally implemented by Catherine Newman. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to enhancing existing architectural elements. Throughout the unit, curvilinear elements are subtly integrated, providing a soft contrast to the building's linear architecture. Each space within the model unit possesses a distinct order and purpose, showcasing a harmonious blend of whimsy and sophistication. The deliberate selection of a considered color palette underscores the potential for each unit within the Brooklyn Tower to be transformed into a personalized home. This design effectively illustrates how a high-rise residence can embody both luxury and the eclectic charm characteristic of its surrounding Brooklyn locale, offering prospective residents a vision of elegant, modern living. #BrooklynTower #LuxuryLiving #InteriorDesign #WhiteArrow #ModelUnit #ResidentialDesign #LocalArtisans #NaturalMaterials #ModernDesign

Liddicoat & Goldhill, a London-based architectural firm, designed the Tailored House, a brick and concrete townhouse located in Kensington. The house was built on a site damaged by bombing during the Second World War, completing an existing terrace of Victorian townhouses. The project faced numerous design challenges and restrictions, including a tight budget, the risk of flooding, party wall negotiations, an irregularly shaped plot, and the crucial need to preserve the rights to light for adjacent properties. These constraints significantly shaped the final design of the dwelling. The Tailored House integrates seamlessly with its Victorian neighbors, maintaining the building line, while also incorporating contemporary elements. A key feature of the design is a fully glazed rear section, which plays a pivotal role in allowing ample daylight to penetrate both the new house and the adjacent properties. This innovative glazing solution is paired with a steeply angled roof, specifically designed to maximize natural light access for the homes behind the new structure. The rear section is also strategically cranked outwards, a response to the irregular shape of the plot, ensuring optimal space utilization. The building's exterior features a blend of traditional and modern materials. The street-facing elevation echoes the style of the adjoining terrace through its layered arrangement. Pale brick, chosen for its historical connection to London's brick construction, is used prominently. Contemporary details such as smooth concrete surfaces define the entrance bay and first-floor windows, with the same material extending to window reveals and an angular relief pattern on a cornice, adding modern touches to the facade. The rear elevation, characterized by a sheer brickwork wall, transitions into a screen of metal fins. These fins cleverly conceal glazing, providing both privacy and filtered light to the occupants and their neighbors. Internally, the design emphasizes continuity and natural light. Bronze-framed windows are set into the angled upper part of the end elevation, while glazed doors from the living room open onto a small courtyard. This courtyard incorporates a glass floor, allowing light to filter down to the kitchen and dining area located on the level below. A skylight in the steeply sloped roof illuminates a stairwell situated along the party wall. Additional glazed roof panels further enhance natural light, reaching a small bathroom at the front of the house and a staircase descending to the basement. Material continuity is maintained inside the house with brick walls, mirroring the exterior. These textured surfaces are complemented by wooden flooring and joinery featuring a strong grain, which introduces warmth to the light-filled spaces. The name "The Tailored House" reflects the complexity and bespoke nature of the design, which, despite its intricate fabrication, presents a recognizable, elegant, and simple overall appearance. However, upon closer inspection, the individuality and material richness of the house become apparent, akin to a finely tailored suit. Liddicoat & Goldhill, based in Dalston, east London, have a portfolio that includes other notable projects such as an oak-screened staircase extension to a south London home and a garden cabin with an angular roof. #LondonArchitecture #TownhouseDesign #BrickConstruction #ContemporaryArchitecture #GlazedFacades #ResidentialDesign #UrbanHousing #Kensington #ArchitecturalInnovation

This article explores the transformation of a 300-year-old London building, which has served various purposes from the Blewcoat School in the 1700s to an information center and a bridal boutique, into the first brick-and-mortar outpost for design firm Studio Ashby. The new space functions as both a Sister showroom and an office. Founder and creative director Sophie Ashby faced significant challenges due to the building's Grade I historical status, which imposed strict regulations on even minor alterations, such as hanging artwork or touching up paint, requiring lengthy approval processes. Despite the hurdles and a two-year-long negotiation period with preservation councils, Sophie Ashby was determined to realize her vision for a vibrant Studio Ashby hub, complete with community events and a comprehensive fabric swatch library. She describes the design process as a "surface intervention" due to the inability to modify the building's original framework. The decision to invest in a physical gathering space during a pandemic was driven by Ashby's belief in the immersive experience of a well-designed store, aiming to replicate that captivating atmosphere for her team and clients. The design approach treated the workspace as a client project, intending for it to be a physical representation of Studio Ashby's design philosophy. The main floor is organized into areas resembling a home's parlor, living room, and dining area, with four existing columns naturally defining these zones. A round table serves as a breakfast nook for client consultations, while a deep sofa and leather armchair create a welcoming space for weekly happy hours. Privacy in the open layout is achieved through strategically placed shelves filled with shoppable ceramics, sectioning off a quieter meeting area featuring a travertine desk and armchairs upholstered in pale green toile. Sophie Ashby meticulously selected furniture and fabrics to complement the building's original, unchangeable fixtures, such as the grayscale marble vanity in the bathroom. The primary workspace for the team is located upstairs, chosen for its abundant natural light, which even lower ceilings cannot diminish. Leopard-print chairs are incorporated to add a bold design element. The sample library is distributed between mood boards upstairs and extensive open shelving in the basement, both brimming with design inspiration. Ashby's design philosophy emphasizes eclecticism for timelessness. This is evident in the juxtaposition of diverse elements, such as a recycled plastic side table placed beside a mustard yellow velvet sofa, and an antique burl-wood chest paired with a modern ceramic lamp. Art installations were carefully executed using picture wires to avoid construction delays. Ashby notes that the building's historical white-box nature enhances whatever is placed within it, allowing each design element to stand out. #InteriorDesign #OfficeDesign #StudioAshby #LondonArchitecture #HistoricBuilding #DesignPhilosophy #WorkplaceDesign #EclecticStyle #RenovationChallenges

This article details the renovation of a modest rural building, dubbed "Texturized House," by Bongiana Architetture, located in a valley of vineyards in Padova, Italy. The project aimed to transform the existing structure into a contemporary retreat suitable for family celebrations and intimate gatherings, emphasizing atmosphere through light and raw materiality. The design philosophy centers on raw purity, utilizing rough surfaces, exposed materials, and essential details to create a visual and tactile narrative where every surface contributes to the spatial perception. A central feature of the renovation is the double-height barn, re-envisioned as a large, luminous cavity. The design maximizes natural light, allowing it to filter through openings and reflect off textured surfaces, creating dynamic shadows that animate the space. A suspended bookshelf within this volume introduces an intermediate, airy, and intimate area that complements the open space below. The theme of fire serves as a connection between the home's past and present; the original fireplace is preserved in the older section, while a new cast-iron stove becomes a focal point in the barn. The walls surrounding the stove are clad with split terra-cotta tiles, a design by Bongiana Architetture for Terraformae, where the jointing pattern forms the primary decorative element. A notable innovation is the new concrete floor, which reinterprets traditional Venetian terrazzo. Instead of incorporating marble fragments, the design utilizes reclaimed terra-cotta slats, cut from hollow bricks previously used to clad the portico's pillars. This choice creates a material connection between the ground and the building's structure, blending historical memory with contemporary design. The furnishing strategy further reinforces this blend of old and new; carefully selected reclaimed pieces, such as a 1950s kitchen salvaged from an old house and repurposed, contribute to a coherent and lived-in narrative. The 3,229-square-foot project involved several key collaborators, including builder F.lli Schivo, structural and civil engineer Stefano Debiasi, and landscape designer Studio Annachiara Vendramin. Riccardo De Vecchi captured the architectural photography. The overall design of Texturized House seeks to create essential atmospheres through the interplay of raw surfaces and abundant natural light, making every detail and surface integral to the home's story. #BarnRenovation #ItalianArchitecture #TerraCotta #TerrazzoFloor #AdaptiveReuse #RawMateriality #SustainableDesign #ReclaimedMaterials #ArchitecturalLighting

Terracotta is emerging as a vibrant alternative to traditional neutrals for creating luxurious interior schemes, evoking imagery of Mediterranean holidays and warm summer days. This paint trend offers a warm feel, making it an ideal substitute for beige or grey in crafting a relaxing and opulent home environment. While terracotta garden ideas have already gained popularity outdoors and the earthy shade is increasingly appearing in home furnishings like cushions, vases, and rugs, its potential for wall applications should not be overlooked. Whether opting for a pinky terracotta to drench entire walls or using vibrant red-toned terracotta to highlight specific features, the possibilities are extensive. Sophie Smith, founder of Zhoosh Paints, describes terracotta as a shade that evokes feelings of being abroad, deep sunsets, and mosaic floors. She characterizes it as simultaneously exciting and calming, bringing joy with its natural cosiness, making it suitable for both modern and older homes. For those looking to incorporate this tone into their living room or bedroom colour schemes, several styling approaches can achieve a sensational look. One approach is to go bold in a hallway. James Sirett, head of product at Fired Earth, notes that terracotta possesses a reassuring earthiness that conveys timeless simplicity. Excluding 'muddy' or burnt-orange variations, it can also appear surprisingly opulent. He advises choosing rich, vibrant red or orange-toned terracottas to create a warm and welcoming hallway. Examples include Freckle claypaint from Earthborn, an ideal warming orange-terracotta, or Riad Terracotta wall paint from Annie Sloan for a more dramatic vibrant red hue. Another method involves pairing terracotta with natural materials. Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, highlights that rich earthy tones add sophistication and warmth to any interior. Terracotta's versatility allows it to pair effectively with various textures, such as natural fabrics, and other colours, including biophilic greens. The earthy and grounding essence of terracotta makes it an excellent match for natural elements, facilitating the creation of a smart scheme. This includes incorporating rustic wooden furniture, textured rugs, and ample earthenware. Furthermore, terracotta can be mixed with warm neutrals. For those seeking to invigorate a neutral colour palette, terracotta offers a soothing alternative. Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown Paints, suggests that terracotta shades provide an ideal substitute for classic neutral palettes, integrating seamlessly with diverse design styles. She particularly recommends pairing rich terracotta tones with warm neutrals and dark browns to accentuate its inherent richness. Finally, terracotta can effectively warm up a dark room. Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, states that while fashion often leans towards neutrals, reds and pale terracottas should not be forgotten for enlivening interior spaces. Used judiciously, these colours can introduce warmth to poorly lit rooms and even enhance complexions when applied in bathrooms. However, it is crucial to consider where terracotta should not be used. The key to successful application lies in utilizing it in rooms that allow its undertones to shine. This generally means avoiding the use of deep terracotta shades in darker rooms. Annie Sloan, a colour and paint expert, explains that a complex brown colour like terracotta, with its red and orange undertones, performs best in spaces where its subtle variations are visible. She advises against using a deep shade in a darker, north-facing room, as the nuances may be lost, potentially resulting in a 'muddy' appearance. #TerracottaDecor #EarthyColours #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #ColourTrends #HallwayDesign #NaturalMaterials #WarmNeutrals #RoomWarming

The article highlights the transformation of a formal sitting room in the 2023 Whole Home, located in Hinsdale, Illinois, designed by Caitlin Wilson. The room, characterized by ornate moldings and trim, initially appeared outdated. Wilson’s vision for the space was a sophisticated setting suitable for a ladies' tea, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the television series Downton Abbey. She emphasized preserving the home’s historic features rather than stripping them away, as she had observed in other remodel projects of older homes. Wilson’s design approach involved using complementary colors to enhance the existing architecture, creating a distinctly feminine aesthetic. The color palette primarily features pink, with subtle touches of blue and green. The designer's intention was to revive the home's original grandeur through the strategic application of color, celebrating its inherent character. This focus on color was central to her design philosophy for the project. Beyond aesthetics, the design also prioritized practicality. Despite the room’s considerable size, Wilson incorporated functional elements such as swivel chairs and furniture pieces equipped with casters. These choices enable easy reconfiguration of the space, allowing it to adapt quickly for various family events and gatherings. This functional flexibility ensures that the elegant room is also highly usable for everyday life and special occasions. Specific design details are provided, including the paint choices: the walls were painted in Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground, and the trim in Wimborne White. The living space includes comfortable seating with two ottomans and four chairs, two of which swivel. The fireplace surround is adorned with framed chinoiserie prints and three-dimensional brass butterflies. Instead of a conventional gallery display, Wilson opted for framed intaglios, which are reproductions of incised art popular among 18th and 19th-century travelers, sourced from Statuette. A bookcase from Serena & Lily houses decorative vases, which are rotated between the mantel and tables. The article also lists the suppliers for various furnishings and decor items within the living room. Sofas, a loveseat, and a swivel chair were provided by Lee Industries. Lounge chairs, other swivel chairs (with fabric specified), art, accessories, pillows, and rugs were all from Caitlin Wilson’s own collection. Ottomans, tables, and the bookshelf were sourced from Serena & Lily. The fireplace screen and wall sculpture were by Claire Crowe, while fabrics were supplied by Fabricut. Lighting was provided by Visual Comfort & Co. This comprehensive list of sources underlines the curated and high-quality selection of elements used in the room’s design, contributing to its overall elegant and practical ambiance. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LivingRoom #CaitlinWilson #DowntonAbbey #HistoricHomes #ColorPalette #FunctionalDesign #LuxuryInteriors