A Victorian London Abode Celebrates the Multicultural Heritage of Its Residents
In the heart of London, a semi-detached home showcases a contemporary take on British style, fusing classic vernacular with modern elegance and a touch of flair. The property underwent an extensive renovation during the pandemic, breathing new life into its Victorian roots while catering to the family's contemporary lifestyle needs.
Home to Tara Connolly, her husband Edward, and their sons Alexander, 8, and Arthur, 6, the residence is a testament to their meticulous planning and lack of prior design experience. Previously residing in Hong Kong, the couple initially aimed for a straightforward relocation, but the lack of connection between the indoors and outdoors of the home prompted them to embark on a full-scale renovation.
The kitchen and dining space were cleverly distinguished to provide unique character. By introducing a stylish rug, the duo successfully created separate feels within the same space. The couple's objective was to strike a balance between acknowledging the building's heritage and adapting it for modern living.
Throughout the transformation, the home exudes a thoughtful and considered design approach. Pops of color, such as the leaf green staircase connecting the first and second floors, provide hints of faraway climes, echoing the couple's Australian-New Zealand heritage. Materials such as teak, rattan, and marble are skillfully blended, with mid-century shapes and travertine complementing the deep veins of the marble.
The dressing room incorporates delicate chinoiserie-inspired finishes and warm wood, reminiscent of the family's time spent in Asia. The kitchen, amplified by a generous freestanding island, boasts a homely and welcoming aesthetic, deviating from the industrial style prevalent in contemporary kitchen designs.
Striking elements like the low-slung, fluted travertine fire surround and storage unit add character and contrast. The fireplace's traditional basket pays tribute to the property's historical roots, while still embodying the home's cozy and unfussy ambiance.
Luxury touchpoints, such as pendant door knobs and signature lighting fixtures, enrich the spaces, underscoring a design philosophy that seamlessly blends aesthetics with practicality. Embracing warmer, earthier tones, natural materials, and biophilic design principles, the home showcases a new British style that prioritizes comfort, authenticity, and adaptable living spaces.
- The contemporary living room decor features a trendy art piece, showcasing a blend of classic and modern elements, mirroring the home's renovated Victorian architecture.
- To add texture to the interior design, the family selected an intricate design for the furniture upholstery in the living room, emulating the patterns found in home-and-garden settings.
- The kitchen, instead of following a typical industrial style, showcases a softer look, with warm color tones and natural materials, similar to the design of a comfortable living space.
- Tara and Edward, in designing their home, paid close attention to the texture of materials used, such as teak, rattan, and marble, emphasizing a lifestyle that appreciates both aesthetics and practical functionality.
- In the cozy and inviting kitchen, a standout feature is the low-slung, fluted travertine fire surround and storage unit, a piece that adds character and serves as a lovely nod to the home's historical roots.
- The interior-design philosophy of the property embraces biophilic design principles, integrating natural elements and fostering a harmony between the space and the family's genuine way of life.
