Imagine a Victorian terraced house in East London, bursting with color and life, perfectly tailored for a modern family. But it's not just a pretty picture; it's a story of how a design team brilliantly blended the past, present, and future. This isn’t your typical renovation – it’s a masterclass in creating a home that’s both stylish and deeply personal.
Let's start in the playroom. This room perfectly encapsulates the home's overall design philosophy. The walls, painted in Paint & Paper Library's rich burnt orange called ‘The Long Room,’ exude a sense of sophistication that's unexpected in a playroom. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about childish whimsy; it's about creating a space that can evolve with the children as they grow. The Balineum tiles on the fireplace hearth offer a stylish nod to the 1970s, adding another layer of depth. Vintage references are sprinkled throughout, like the re-upholstered armchair in a fun floral print from GP & J Baker and a lamp from Retrouvius gracing the mantlepiece. These pieces add a touch of worldliness and history, preventing the room from feeling too precious or fleeting.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it right to design a playroom with an eye toward its future use? Some might argue that a playroom should be purely for childhood, a space of unadulterated fun. Others, like the design team here, see it as an opportunity to create a room that can seamlessly transition into a den, a study, or even a guest room as the family's needs change.
This harmonious blend of styles and eras is a recurring theme throughout the house. The Victorian architecture isn't just a backdrop for mid-century modern furniture. Instead, the designer, Jess, found a way to celebrate the original features of the house by embracing bold colors. The original fireplaces are vibrant focal points, painted in joyful hues like Fenwick's ‘Kelp,’ a lively yellow-green in the playroom, and a warm buttery yellow in the living room. In the living room, the original cornicing and ceiling are painted a darker neutral, creating a sophisticated contrast. And throughout the house, doors and doorways are painted in glossy reds, vibrant greens, and biscuity browns, adding unexpected pops of color.
Just beyond the living room lies the extended kitchen, which Jess describes as having a ‘utilitarian mid-century vibe.’ It's a space designed for both function and feeling, capable of hosting everything from quick breakfasts to long, leisurely dinners. The glazed, white, square tiling from Claybrook is visually pleasing, offering a clean and classic look. The kitchen island is a rustic workbench, custom-made from striking dark oak. The use of wood is a defining characteristic of the entire house, celebrating the material's natural beauty and aligning with the mid-century modern design philosophy that prioritizes ergonomics, symmetry, and clean lines. "We’ve got oak, we've got walnut, we've got teak, we've got all sorts going on in this house, sepale," Jess explains. This variety of woods adds richness and warmth, complementing the bright splashes of paint throughout the house. "It’s such a cheat code for somewhere feeling warm, homely and attractive," she admits.
Incorporating the family's love of travel adds another layer of depth to the interiors. Instead of relying on typical souvenirs, Jess and Kat took a more subtle approach, such as giving the kitchen a “rustic, warm, almost Mediterranean feel” by installing terracotta tiles from Floors of Stone. Getting the kitchen right was crucial. The husband highlighted the dining table as a place “where all the important things in your life and all these lovely conversations would happen.” It's not just the cozy dining area with its patterned banquette where Jess and Kat have succeeded in creating a beautiful space for life's important moments. The entire house is a dialogue between the past and the present, looking forward to a future filled with family and connection.
Dean Hearne's words paint a beautiful picture, but what do you think? Does this blend of eras and styles truly work? Would you be bold enough to incorporate such vibrant colors into your own home? And what are your thoughts on designing a space with its future uses in mind? Share your opinions in the comments below!
