Victorian homes often feature stunning original elements, like sash windows and intricate moldings, showcasing craftsmanship from a different time. In this north London terraced house, the owner appreciated these details but chose not to restore purely ornamental features like picture rails and fireplaces during the renovation.
'She appreciated the structure but wanted a modern feel,' explains Nicola Crawford, tasked with creating a design that reflects the owner, a lawyer's, personality.
'Eclectic' and 'bold' were key descriptors for this project. This vision is evident in the limewash applied to the hallway walls, adding a contemporary touch, and the striking floor-to-ceiling tiles on the chimney breast in the living room, replacing a traditional mantelpiece.
Entryway: For visual interest, Nicola opted for a neutral limewash on the walls, complemented by a darker shade on the woodwork. Walls in Ibiza limewash, Bauwerk Colour. Woodwork painted in Wainscoat, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. Ceiling light from Pure White Lines.
This approach to design creates a refreshing atmosphere. The thoughtful reconfiguration of the ground floor allows the kitchen to connect to the hallway through an internal window situated near a new dining area.
The middle reception area, often just a pass-through in side-return extensions, has been transformed into a cozy reading nook, featuring open shelving to showcase art and pottery.
Dining Area: A window connects this space to the hallway, enhancing the light. The banquette is upholstered in a durable faux leather. Banquette in Majilite, Dedar. Knit-Wit pendant lights from Made by Hand. Artwork by Jack Penny via The Dot Project.
Art plays a significant role in the home's character, displayed in clusters or intentionally off-center.
'I'm passionate about art – it brings life to a room,' shares Nicola, who enjoyed curating the collection.
Her favorite piece features three whimsical waiters by British artist Jack Penny, found at an exhibition by The Dot Project. Other significant pieces came from M.A.H Gallery and Rye-based McCully & Crane.
Living Room: With rich colors and textures, the space includes a chimney breast covered in glossy zellige tiles. Nicola had the lacquered table custom-made to match the curtains. Tiles in Caramel, Terrazzo Tiles. Pouffes from Sister by Studio Ashby. Coffee table by Freeborn Carpentry.
Finding harmony between the vibrant artwork and the decor was crucial.
'The goal was to ensure the interiors were visually striking yet didn't overshadow the art,' says Nicola.
She chose Joa's White, a taupe-based neutral from Farrow & Ball for the lower walls, allowing the art to breathe.
Living Room: The earthy hue of the sofa is echoed on the ceiling. The striking lamp by Henry Holland Studio complements the artwork. Cove sofa from Fred Rigby Studio. Ceiling in Light Bronze Green, Little Greene. Artwork by Nadia Tuercke.
With a green ceiling in the living room, reflecting the client's favorite color, the ambiance resembles that of a worldly collector rather than a standard gallery.
Nicola layered the space with a variety of textiles, from linen to bouclé. The ceramic nerikomi floor lamp from Henry Holland Studio serves as a focal point, adding form and texture to the design.
Kitchen: The centerpiece of this space is the tile-wrapped island. Nicola sourced three distinctive styles from a firm in Portugal; the flat counter contrasts with a three-dimensional tile around the sides, creating a captivating surface that reflects light. Tiles from Barro. Pedestal bowl by Henry Holland Studio. Bar stools from Vaunt Design.
Nicola believes kitchens should feel like beautiful rooms. Here, avoiding wall cabinets and embracing a 3D-tiled island adds a restaurant-like sophistication.
Kitchen: Nicola designed the oak kitchen herself, opting for open shelving instead of wall cabinets to display vessels and decor. The splashback and countertop are made of travertine. Cabinetry by Freeborn Carpentry.
'It's situated lower and not at eye level, which works well,' she explains of the structure.
The open shelving above gives a cocktail bar vibe while minimizing the visual impact of boxed-in steel beams.
'I recognized that more lighting wasn't needed, so this solution helped define the kitchen area,' she clarifies.
Bathroom: The bathroom was refreshed with new floor and wall tiles. Nicola repainted the slipper tub, and the art was sourced from charity and vintage pop-up shops. Floor tiles from Otto Tiles & Design. Wall tiles from Marrakech Design.
The main bathroom received a makeover without altering the plumbing.
Nicola repainted the slipper tub and replaced the tiles, opting for encaustic cement tiles for the floor.
The new walls are adorned with zellige tiles edged with a marble pencil trim that she discovered on eBay.
Primary Bedroom: The layout transformed by adding a wall for the bed, creating space for a walk-in wardrobe behind it. Bed upholstered in Adamo & Eva by Dedar. Floor lamp and chair from Soho Home. Artwork by Tabby Booth.
Having experience with this type of home, Nicola utilized a proven layout for the main bedroom.
By positioning the bed perpendicular to the windows and constructing a wall behind it, she created ample space for closets, plus a nook for a vanity.
Primary Bedroom: Responding to the client's fondness for green, a feature wall behind the bed is painted in an earthy shade. Nicola designed the chic sideboard. Walls painted in Moss, Fenwick & Tilbrook. Nude artwork from Studio SPF.
'This arrangement means that when you enter the room, you first see the softest element – the bed – while the harsher elements, like the closets, are concealed,' Nicola notes.
She created a headboard wrapped in moss-colored velvet by Dedar, resulting in a luxurious, hotel-inspired space that would impress any Victorian.
