Located on a historic London street, this townhouse seamlessly blends centuries of character with contemporary flair.
Created by Sims Hilditch for a sophisticated, globe-trotting client, the 17th-century residence transforms into a serene haven. It's a tranquil, layered space that harmonizes its architectural elegance with a personal touch.
Here, subtlety reigns, and that’s the essence of its design.
Exterior: The classic white-painted exterior on Cheyne Walk sets the stage for the inviting interior.
Rather than enforcing a new identity, the design approach honors existing features. "We believe in preserving what’s not broken," remarks design director Gemma Holsgrove.
“Many original elements were retained, from elegant Georgian proportions to period paneling, molding, and fireplaces,” she adds. “Our design celebrates these features, grounding the home in a quiet sense of dignity.”
Entry: "The entrance hall was designed to evoke calm and retreat upon entry. It serves as a vital link between rooms, establishing a thoughtful palette of soft, neutral tones," explains Gemma.
Working within the constraints of a historic property, structural alterations were minimal, enhancing rather than restricting design choices.
“The listing status limited structural changes, prompting a more intentional design direction,” she notes. “We emphasized enhancement through materials, lighting, and tailored joinery.”
Sitting Area: A sitting nook features softly structured seating and a curated gallery wall, perfect for intimate moments or entertaining.
The design doesn’t compete with architecture; it complements it.
“Cohesion emerges from a carefully curated palette and layered materials, allowing each area to connect while serving its unique function,” Gemma explains.
“Working within a listed building emphasized a thoughtful, restrained approach, which became a project strength,” she adds.
Kitchen: Muted pistachio cabinetry, aged brass accents, and veined marble create a timeless and stylish kitchen atmosphere.
“The client leads a fast-paced life, so the goal was to craft a calm and elegant London sanctuary, a space for relaxation, entertaining, and working from home,” Gemma shares.
If 'considered calm' feels abstract, this home makes it tangible.
Bathroom: The bathroom features a freestanding tub and antique brass fittings against botanical wallpaper, creating a whimsical feel.
“It balances historic charm with modern ease,” Gemma describes. “Influences stem from the riverside location, the gentle London light, and Chelsea’s vibrant cultural backdrop. The interiors reflect the client’s travels, resulting in a timeless and textured space.”
“It’s deliberately understated, relying on subtle tonal shifts and layered textures rather than contrasts.”
Living Room: Two George Smith sofas introduce warmth, adorned in Safavid Boteh fabric by IKSEL. A Hanging Round Frieze Chandelier from Charles Edwards adds grandeur.
Materiality is a key player in the design.
In the living area, patterns are introduced subtly through textiles and art, allowing materials like linen, timber, and stone to shine and add depth.
“The living spaces are layered and inviting, designed to balance relaxation with social interaction. A blend of bespoke joinery, upholstered elements, and antiques fosters comfort, while thoughtfully chosen statement pieces spark interest,” Gemma explains.
Living Room: Here, the client's antique tapestry serves as a striking focal point. Nearby, the Imari Blue and White Vase Table Lamp injects a hint of color.
“It combines comfort, elegance, and a sense of ease, reflecting its role as both a sanctuary and a gathering space.”
Art is pivotal in shaping the home’s ambiance, adding personality and narrative depth. Curated with Cramer & Bell, the collection balances contemporary and classic styles. “Pieces were chosen for their emotional resonance and tonal harmony, not just for decoration,” Gemma shares.
“Cramer & Bell ensured the collection felt cohesive, site-specific, and well-scaled, enriching the home’s narrative.”
Kitchen: Filled with natural light, the kitchen pairs classic cabinetry with warm wood floors and a vintage rug, proving practicality can be inviting.
In the kitchen, practicality meets calmness. It’s a space designed to feel as serene as the surrounding rooms.
Despite the layered design, visual clutter is absent. Classic cabinetry maintains a streamlined look, while a soft green palette, mixed metals, and marble surfaces create a gentle ambiance.
“The kitchen is both functional and elegantly designed, featuring tailored cabinetry, banquette seating, and a bespoke table that maximizes space for relaxed dining,” Gemma notes.
Dining Area: The dining nook features a bespoke Tilden Table from Howe London, with a custom banquette by Ben Whistler, upholstered in Christopher Farr Cloth's Loom Weave, along with chairs from Soho Home.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area exudes a more vibrant energy.
A bespoke table surrounded by comfortable seating invites relaxed gatherings.
Soft lighting and curated art enhance the space's welcoming atmosphere, making it suitable for both casual meals and hosting. “There’s a dynamic interplay of softness and structure, balancing the architecture’s formality,” notes Gemma.
Primary Bedroom: The bedroom features a verdant bed draped in Lewis and Wood's Verona Velvet. Mahogany nightstands by Titchmarsh and Goodwin frame the scheme, with Kyoto Imari Table Lamps from Vaughan.
Designed as a true retreat, the primary bedroom emphasizes comfort.
“Upstairs, the atmosphere becomes more cocooning,” Gemma explains. “The bedrooms are calm and restorative, focusing on texture and comfort.”
The upholstered green headboard introduces a gentle silhouette, while decorative plates offer a unique touch. Antique nightstands bring warmth with their patinated tones, and decorative lamps add personality without disturbing the serene vibe.
Guest Bedroom: Featuring a curved cane headboard, antique wooden accents, and soft textiles, the guest bedroom feels timeless and inviting.
The guest bedroom carries the same tranquil essence but feels lighter.
A cane headboard offers texture, complementing the traditional nightstands. “Antiques are vital to our approach—not only for their history but for sustainable design,” Gemma explains.
“As a certified B Corp, we prioritize existing pieces over new purchases, ensuring longevity and craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact. Contemporary elements are introduced for comfort and function, all within a cohesive tonal and material framework for a seamless finish.”
Powder Room: A moody atmosphere is created in this guest WC with House of Hackney's Zeus Wallpaper in Carob paired with an 18th-century Kingwood and Walnut Commode from Lorfords Antiques and a Countess Mirror from Julian Chichester.
While much of the home is serene, the bathrooms introduce a playful energy.
“Vibrant colors and bold patterns create a lively mood in the bathrooms,” notes Gemma.
Home Office: “The study offers a refined yet focused workspace,” Gemma explains. The large mahogany desk from Titchmarsh and Goodwin commands attention, complemented by the Montparnasse Bouillotte Table Lamp from Vaughan.
Ultimately, the depth of this townhouse reflects its client.
“She was actively involved throughout the process, often bringing in pieces from her travels, showcasing her authentic passion for design,” explains Gemma.
“Thus, the project became a collaborative journey, resulting in a home that feels deeply personal and thoughtfully curated.”
Formal Dining Room: In the corner, Soane's Nureyer Trolley with Rails creates a playful vignette alongside decorative plates.
“A sense of ‘considered calm’ pervades the whole design,” Gemma adds. “It’s expressed through a subtle palette, tactile materials, and gentle layering.”
“By prioritizing atmosphere over bold statements, the design achieves a timeless quality,” she concludes. “The challenge was to infuse warmth and contemporary comfort without compromising original features like paneling, cornices, and fireplaces.”
