This London Townhouse Proves 'Considered Calm' Is the Most Luxurious Design Trend of 2026

Set along one of London’s most storied stretches, this townhouse might be steeped in centuries of history, but step inside and it feels refreshingly current.

Designed by Sims Hilditch for a young, well-travelled client, the 17th-century home has been reimagined as a place to exhale. A calm, layered retreat that balances the elegance of its architecture with a softer, more personal approach to modern living.

Here, nothing shouts – and that’s exactly the point.

Rather than imposing a new identity, the house design leans into what was already there. 'We are real believers that if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it,' says design director Gemma Holsgrove.

'Many of its original features remained intact, from the elegant Georgian proportions to the period paneling, molding, and fireplaces,' Gemma continues. 'Through our design, these details were not only preserved but celebrated, forming the foundation of the design and lending the home its quiet sense of gravitas.'

Working within a protected historic property meant that structural changes were intentionally minimal – but rather than feeling restrictive, it sharpened the design direction.

'The listed status naturally limited structural intervention, which led us to take a more considered approach,' she adds. 'We focused on enhancing – through materiality, lighting, and bespoke joinery.'

So instead of competing with the architecture, the design gently builds upon it.

'Cohesion comes from a carefully controlled palette and a consistent layering of materials, tones, and light, allowing each space to feel connected while still responding to its individual function,' says Gemma.

'Working within a listed building called for a considered, restrained approach – something that ultimately became one of the project’s strengths,' she adds.

'The client leads a fast-paced, travel-heavy lifestyle, so the brief was to create a calm and elegant London sanctuary – a space where she could truly switch off, while also being able to entertain, host, and work from home with ease,' Gemma explains.

If 'considered calm' sounds a little abstract, this home is the blueprint.

'It's a balance of historic character and contemporary ease,' Gemma describes of the aesthetic. 'Influences came from the Thames-side setting, the softness of the London light, and Chelsea’s rich cultural history. The interiors were also inspired by our client’s travels, resulting in a space that feels timeless and textural.'

'It’s intentionally understated, built through subtle shifts in tone and layers of texture rather than contrast.'

Materiality also does much of the heavy lifting.

In the living room, pattern is introduced sparingly 'through soft furnishings and artwork, allowing the materials themselves – linen, timber, stone – to take precedence and create depth.'

'The living areas are layered and inviting, designed to balance relaxation with sociability. In here, a considered mix of bespoke joinery, upholstered pieces, and antiques creates depth and comfort, while carefully chosen statement pieces introduce moments of interest and conversation,' Gemma explains.

'It brings together comfort, elegance, and a sense of ease, reflecting the home’s dual purpose as both a sanctuary and a place to host.'

Art plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere of the home, adding another layer of personality and narrative. Curated in collaboration with Cramer & Bell, the collection draws on both contemporary and classic influences. 'Pieces were selected for their tonal harmony and emotional resonance rather than purely decorative value,' says Gemma.

'Cramer & Bell ensured the collection felt cohesive, site-specific, and balanced in scale, helping to weave cultural depth into the overall narrative of the home.'

In the kitchen, practicality has been carefully softened. It's a space designed to feel just as calm and considered as the rooms that surround it.

Despite being beautifully layered, there's no visual noise. Classic joinery keeps everything streamlined and purposeful, while a muted green palette, mixed metals, and marble surfaces ensure the overall feel remains gentle.

'The kitchen is both practical and elegantly resolved, featuring tailored joinery, banquette seating, and a bespoke table that maximizes space while encouraging relaxed, informal dining,' says Gemma.

Just beyond, the dining area has a slightly more social energy to it.

At its center sits a bespoke table paired with plenty of comfortable seating, a combination that invites a more relaxed way of gathering.

Above, soft lighting and curated artwork add a layer of personality, ensuring the space feels as welcoming for everyday meals as it does for hosting. 'There’s a consistent interplay between softness and structure, which helps balance the formality of the architecture,' says Gemma.

Designed as a true retreat, the primary bedroom leans into comfort.

'Upstairs, the atmosphere becomes more cocooning,' Gemma explains. 'Bedrooms are calm and restorative, with a strong emphasis on texture and comfort,' she adds.

At the center of the room, the upholstered green headboard introduces a gentle, curved silhouette, while the decorative plates on the wall bring an unexpected touch. The antique wooden bedside tables bring warmth through patinated wood tones, while decorative lamps and collected objects introduce personality without disrupting the overall sense of serenity.

In the guest bedroom, the same level of considered calm is carried through, but with a slightly lighter feel.

A cane headboard introduces texture, while its warm wood frame complements the traditional antique nightstands. 'Antiques are integral to our approach – not just for their sense of history and character, but as part of a more responsible way of designing,' Gemma explains.

'As a certified B Corp, we don’t default to buying new; instead, we look to pieces that already exist, bringing longevity, craftsmanship, and a lighter environmental impact. Contemporary elements are then introduced where needed for comfort and functionality, and by keeping everything within a cohesive tonal and material language, the result feels seamless.'

If much of the home is calm and restrained, the bathrooms offer a joyful departure.

'A sense of playfulness is introduced in the bathrooms through vibrant color and pattern, where rich tones and bold wallpapers create a lively, expressive mood,' says Gemma.

What ultimately gives this townhouse its depth is the reflection of the client.

'She remained closely involved throughout the process, often introducing pieces discovered during her travels and drawing on her genuine passion for interiors,' Gemma explains of the design process.

'As a result, the project evolved into a collaborative journey, culminating in a home that feels deeply personal and thoughtfully curated.'

'A sense of ‘considered calm’ underpins the entire scheme,' Gemma continues. 'Expressed through a restrained palette, tactile materials and a gentle layering of elements.'

'By leaning into subtlety and prioritizing atmosphere over statement, the design achieves a timeless, enduring quality,' she adds.'At the same time, the challenge was to introduce warmth and contemporary comfort without compromising original features such as panelling, cornices, and fireplaces.'

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