Houzz Tour: Scandinavian Cool With a Comfortable Sophistication
This generously sized London home has had a gradual and glamorous transformation
Natalie Wain
April 8, 2015
UK-based Houzz contributor.
I've been writing for the national press in Britain for almost 10 years and my most recent post was as the News Editor at Housetohome.co.uk.
These days I can usually be found hunched over my dining room table (which I've commandeered as my office) where I scribble away for a number of UK-based publications, including Homes & Gardens, The Telegraph, metro.co.uk and This is Money, among others.
I'm a bit of a jack of all trades but hopefully master of some.
And, in case you're wondering, I'd describe my interior style is brave, bold and eclectic. That's not to say I don't love a gleaming white wall... but I can't resist an accessory or two.
As the glorious Vivienne Westwood once said, 'when in doubt, overdress...'
UK-based Houzz contributor.
I've been writing for the national press in Britain... More
“It’s a gorgeous, big house, although it looked like an empty barn when I first saw it,” says designer Fiona Andrews, reflecting the sentiment of this property’s owners when they moved in a few years ago, a little overwhelmed. “It’s a lot bigger than their previous home, so they needed some help with the layout and transforming it into a comfortable family home with personality.”
The mid-19th-century house is set over four floors, and the owners adopted a gradual approach to renovation, living in the property as they restored it one floor at a time over a two-year period. With the help of builder Pascal Huser, Andrews’ first task was to make a number of structural adjustments to the layout to enhance the flow between rooms, before creating a relaxed yet glamorous interior, shot through with flashes of bold color. “The owners naturally gravitate toward cream and brown interiors, which can be lovely, but this house needed some color,” Andrews says. “As the build went on, they grew in confidence, and so, much like the house, their style has evolved over time.”
The mid-19th-century house is set over four floors, and the owners adopted a gradual approach to renovation, living in the property as they restored it one floor at a time over a two-year period. With the help of builder Pascal Huser, Andrews’ first task was to make a number of structural adjustments to the layout to enhance the flow between rooms, before creating a relaxed yet glamorous interior, shot through with flashes of bold color. “The owners naturally gravitate toward cream and brown interiors, which can be lovely, but this house needed some color,” Andrews says. “As the build went on, they grew in confidence, and so, much like the house, their style has evolved over time.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A professional couple with their sons, ages 10 and 13
Location: West London
Size: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
“They’re a big, warm family who love to entertain, so a convivial kitchen–dining area was essential,” Andrews says.
Hand-painted wood-paneled walls in this part of the house have been teamed with a pale gray wood floor for a restful scheme, in a masterful blend of Scandinavian cool and country-style charm. “The owners love the pale and interesting look of Scandinavian-style kitchens, so there was a push to incorporate this into the design,” says the designer. To get the look, she sanded down the existing wood floor and gave it a lime wash to lighten it and complement the pale gray cabinetry.
Kitchen: Neptune Home Fulham; wall paint (similar): French Grey, Little Greene
Who lives here: A professional couple with their sons, ages 10 and 13
Location: West London
Size: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
“They’re a big, warm family who love to entertain, so a convivial kitchen–dining area was essential,” Andrews says.
Hand-painted wood-paneled walls in this part of the house have been teamed with a pale gray wood floor for a restful scheme, in a masterful blend of Scandinavian cool and country-style charm. “The owners love the pale and interesting look of Scandinavian-style kitchens, so there was a push to incorporate this into the design,” says the designer. To get the look, she sanded down the existing wood floor and gave it a lime wash to lighten it and complement the pale gray cabinetry.
Kitchen: Neptune Home Fulham; wall paint (similar): French Grey, Little Greene
The owners wanted to keep the Aga range, but Andrews persuaded them to integrate a second cooktop into the design for ease of use. “They love to cook, so this part of the kitchen is perfect for quick family suppers,” she says. “Agas look fantastic, but they’re not always a practical choice.”
An elegant chandelier above the sleek cooktop, meanwhile, is cunningly designed to conceal an extractor fan. “It’s a lovely piece and proves that practical appliances can be beautiful as well,” says Andrews.
Elica Celestial Ceiling Mounted Decorative Hood: Angel Appliances; artwork: Will’s Art Warehouse
An elegant chandelier above the sleek cooktop, meanwhile, is cunningly designed to conceal an extractor fan. “It’s a lovely piece and proves that practical appliances can be beautiful as well,” says Andrews.
Elica Celestial Ceiling Mounted Decorative Hood: Angel Appliances; artwork: Will’s Art Warehouse
Andrews was given the task of incorporating a number of heirloom pieces — such as the console table on the left — from the family’s previous home into the design, enhancing the warmth and friendliness of the scheme.
“The cabinet works really well in this space. The rich texture of the wood echoes the grain of the flooring in this part of the house, adding depth and interest,” Andrews says.
“The cabinet works really well in this space. The rich texture of the wood echoes the grain of the flooring in this part of the house, adding depth and interest,” Andrews says.
“This area was a blank slate when I first saw it, although the skylight was already there,” Andrews says.
With so much space to play with, there was a danger the room would feel too cold, so Andrews opted for colorful banquette seating to add drama to this corner of the room.
“We added the traditional-style wall unit above the seating to give a more friendly vibe,” she says. “Having books along the top makes it a really personal space, and is a lovely way to express the family’s character.”
Fabric: Arley Stripe, GP & J Baker; dining table: Karavan; bookcase: custom built by Pascal Huser
With so much space to play with, there was a danger the room would feel too cold, so Andrews opted for colorful banquette seating to add drama to this corner of the room.
“We added the traditional-style wall unit above the seating to give a more friendly vibe,” she says. “Having books along the top makes it a really personal space, and is a lovely way to express the family’s character.”
Fabric: Arley Stripe, GP & J Baker; dining table: Karavan; bookcase: custom built by Pascal Huser
Just off the kitchen, a cozy space has been transformed into a TV room that erupts with seductive blue, raspberry and silver hues.
“It’s a naturally shady room, so we decided to embrace the darkness and add interest with texture and color,” Andrews says. “This is the room where they spend most of their time as a family, so we’ve hidden a TV among the bookcases, and we brought in a little more light with the mirrored cabinetry.”
Wall paint: Blue Blood, Paint & Paper Library; silver sofa fabric: Nakuru, Sabi Velvets, Osborne & Little
“It’s a naturally shady room, so we decided to embrace the darkness and add interest with texture and color,” Andrews says. “This is the room where they spend most of their time as a family, so we’ve hidden a TV among the bookcases, and we brought in a little more light with the mirrored cabinetry.”
Wall paint: Blue Blood, Paint & Paper Library; silver sofa fabric: Nakuru, Sabi Velvets, Osborne & Little
“By the time we decorated this room, the owners trusted me enough to take a few chances,” Andrews says. The sofas were reused from their old property and reupholstered in sumptuous velvet.
Yves Wall Light: Porta Romana
Yves Wall Light: Porta Romana
Playful parrot wallpaper in the downstairs powder room makes this tricky space sing with life.
“The client found the wallpaper and loved it, but we didn’t know where to use it at first,” Andrews says. “Eventually we settled on here — downstairs loos are a great place to be a bit more dramatic with the interior.”
Wallpaper: Perroquet, Nina Campbell; sink fixtures: Connaught Monobloc, Lefroy Brooks
Browse 10 bathroom designs that pair perfectly with Victorian homes
“The client found the wallpaper and loved it, but we didn’t know where to use it at first,” Andrews says. “Eventually we settled on here — downstairs loos are a great place to be a bit more dramatic with the interior.”
Wallpaper: Perroquet, Nina Campbell; sink fixtures: Connaught Monobloc, Lefroy Brooks
Browse 10 bathroom designs that pair perfectly with Victorian homes
Lofty ceilings and pale flooring create a simple, elegant look in the hallway.
“We’ve continued with the Scandi theme in this part of the house, but we’ve added a touch of drama with some Oriental-style furniture. It’s a subtle look and very timeless,” Andrews says.
Light Green Lacquer Ladies Cabinet: Orchid; deco lantern: Hector Finch Lighting
“We’ve continued with the Scandi theme in this part of the house, but we’ve added a touch of drama with some Oriental-style furniture. It’s a subtle look and very timeless,” Andrews says.
Light Green Lacquer Ladies Cabinet: Orchid; deco lantern: Hector Finch Lighting
An elegant cabinet elsewhere in the entrance hall provides an elegant storage solution in an unexpected spot. “As it is for any modern family living in London, storage space is always at a premium,” Andrews says.
Anna 2-Door Low Cabinet: Julian Chichester
Anna 2-Door Low Cabinet: Julian Chichester
An original fireplace in the formal living room is a beautiful relic restored from the original property.
“It’s very grown-up in this part of the house,” Andrews says. “They use it quite a lot for reading the papers or a book, and for making the most of the sunshine that streams into the room during the summer. It’s next to the TV room, but it’s a much more relaxing space and not as visually challenging.”
Sofas: Redcliffe, David Seyfried
“It’s very grown-up in this part of the house,” Andrews says. “They use it quite a lot for reading the papers or a book, and for making the most of the sunshine that streams into the room during the summer. It’s next to the TV room, but it’s a much more relaxing space and not as visually challenging.”
Sofas: Redcliffe, David Seyfried
When it came to decorating the master bedroom, Andrews was asked to create a calm, comfortable, grown-up space, with just a hint of decadence.
A sumptuous antique French bed with richly textured velvet takes center stage, while soothing creamy walls and pleated curtains melt effortlessly into the background.
Antique French bed (similar): Swans of Oakham; artwork (similar): Will’s Art Warehouse
Get ideas for creating a glamorous bedroom with a movie star quality
A sumptuous antique French bed with richly textured velvet takes center stage, while soothing creamy walls and pleated curtains melt effortlessly into the background.
Antique French bed (similar): Swans of Oakham; artwork (similar): Will’s Art Warehouse
Get ideas for creating a glamorous bedroom with a movie star quality
Just off the main bedroom — in what used to be the en suite bathroom — a cozy TV area with a champagne fridge provides a decadent spot where the couple can unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.
There is a distinct hotel-chic feel to the new en suite bathroom. “The owners chose marble for its clean, fresh finish in this part of the house,” Andrews says. “It’s luxurious but refreshingly bright and breezy in here.”
Tub: Philippe Starck, Duravit
Tub: Philippe Starck, Duravit
“The client fell in love with this yellow fabric, so I came up with this crazy combination of brown and yellow for the dressing room,” Andrews says. “It’s certainly a little bit over the top, but it’s important to let yourself go in certain rooms if you can.”
Curtain fabric (similar): Floratina by Lorca, Osborne & Little
Curtain fabric (similar): Floratina by Lorca, Osborne & Little
The owners reused furniture from their previous property when it came to furnishing the spare bedroom. “Again, we’ve gone for a timeless, neutral palette in here, but the Sanderson wallpaper adds a subtle hint of vintage style. It’s pretty but not overdone,” Andrews says.
Wallpaper: Swallows, Sanderson
Wallpaper: Swallows, Sanderson
The guest bathroom is long and narrow, so Andrews positioned the shower behind the walls near the sink to make the most of the available space. “As it’s quite compact, we didn’t want to make this room too busy, so I’ve relied on texture and tone from the mosaic wall tiles,” Andrews says.
Mosaic tiles (similar): Praetorian square, Topps Tiles
Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes | Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Barn Homes | Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes
Mosaic tiles (similar): Praetorian square, Topps Tiles
Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes | Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Barn Homes | Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
This whole house is stunning. Love the color palate, and the "over the top shoe room", in one word, awesome!
So awesome and cool!