Primrose Hill House, London

A Victorian Revival with a Contemporary Twist

From our very first meetings, it became immediately clear that preserving and enhancing the home’s Victorian architecture was essential. Apart from a few openings to create a more airy and open space, we left the original architectural features untouched. The stained-glass windows, original doors, wooden flooring, architraves, and the conservatory structure were all carefully retained. Though these elements were in poor condition, rather than replacing them, we made the bold decision to treat them with black resin—a courageous choice, particularly in convincing Milly that this wouldn’t darken the space but instead add depth and character to the house. The distressed look of these features contributed warmth and visual interest while also allowing us to work within the given budget.

A distinctive element of British interiors is the use of wallpaper. Instead of treating the walls in a conventional way, we decided to “paper” the flooring. The narrow entrance corridor leading to the conservatory was clad in an unexpected pattern of colourful marble, creating a striking visual impact.

The conservatory itself is a lush retreat—an intimate winter garden overlooking the meticulously manicured lawn. A bamboo sofa adds a retro touch, balanced by contemporary coffee tables in bold colours and an oversized mobile chandelier that sways gently in the breeze when the windows are open.

In the living area, the focal point is the large bronze-layered chandelier, which is beautifully reflected in the oversized mirror above the fireplace.

The kitchen balances tradition and modernity, featuring a bespoke classic design with the existing Aga oven, contrasted by a striking round cement table.

The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own distinct character, blending patterns, colours, and unique furnishings.

Across the entire project, we take pride in the use of unusual materials and unexpected combinations of patterns and colours. These elements define the interiors, where classic British influences coexist harmoniously with a more glamorous and eclectic style.

We carefully curated a mix of existing and antique furniture with iconic contemporary design pieces—such as the Gae Aulenti lamp, the Utrecht armchair by Cassina, and sculptural vases by Bose. The colour palette and furnishings were thoughtfully integrated to create a cohesive aesthetic.

Throughout the home, design pieces are abundant (see captions for details), complemented by carefully selected antique finds—some inherited, others sourced from markets. Notable pieces include the floral chair in the living room, the map-covered wall, and a collection of family-owned artworks, including a striking modern painting in the kitchen. Antique accents, such as the round mirror above the fireplace and small decorative objects, add a sense of history.

Bespoke furniture designed specifically for the space further enhances the project, including the mirrored coffee table in the living room, the soft pink dining table, the green bedside table, and the custom headboards in every bedroom.

The result is an interior that seamlessly blends heritage with innovation, tradition with contemporary flair, creating a home full of personality, warmth, and individuality.