'It will always have a warm, autumnal atmosphere' – explore an elegant red brick home that's a lesson in creating cozy yet chic interiors

On her first visit to this home in an exclusive area of north London, Pernille Lind was struck by its leafy setting. ‘It was autumn, and the fallen leaves looked striking against the house’s beautiful red brick exterior.’ By the time she left, a color scheme was taking shape in her mind – one that delved into mellow tones such as dusky olive green, chocolate brown, and burgundy, which could be combined with lighter elements. Today, this is a family home for all seasons, but for Pernille, ‘it will always have a warm, autumnal atmosphere.’

During her redesign of this entire home for a family of five, Pernille, founder of Pernille Lind Studio, remained ever mindful of the house’s inherent character and heritage. While she wanted to reflect its Victorian roots, there was also a glass and teak extension that had been added in the 1950s.

Though this needed to be replaced with a more modern wraparound version, its mid-century character and rich tones inspired new pieces of bespoke teak-stained oak joinery that Pernille designed for many rooms in the house. In this way, the home displays a seamless interplay of eras alongside a careful balancing of light and shadow.

As the design centered around a palette of dark-toned timber and rich, autumnal shades, effective lighting ideas were a key part of Pernille’s vision. ‘Being Danish and having experienced long, dark winters, I’m aware that lighting is the most crucial element in any room, as it sets the mood and creates atmosphere,’ she says.

Homage was paid to the Victorian high ceilings and their intricate cornices by hanging chandeliers from a central ceiling rose, but Pernille selected designs that reflect a mid-century aesthetic rather than more formal styles in crystal or glass.

She then added decorative lighting at lower levels to accentuate areas and illuminate artworks. ‘Lighting should be used to highlight specific features or, conversely, kept subtle to generate shadows and depth,’ she adds.

The clients embraced Pernille’s love of materials and textures – from the distinctive marbles used in the kitchen and main bathroom to woven wallpaper, bespoke joinery, and decorative glass. Even some paint choices come with added texture, with Bauwerk limewash used in areas of the new extension and gloss finishes on woodwork in the original part of the house.

Throughout, oak flooring adds continuity, while a standout tactile feature is a fireplace clad in zellige tiles. This shimmering surround is another example of how Pernille has introduced modern elements in a seamless way.

‘This home needed to feel contemporary while integrating classic elements and traditional furniture, which the owners wanted to bring from their previous house,’ she explains.

Pernille collaborated with McGuinness Architects and contractors Beam Development, whose work included a wraparound extension that added a games room, cinema room, boot room, and laundry area.

She ensured continuity between the old and new spaces by using natural materials such as timber, marble, brass, woven rattan, mohair, and velvet. These choices helped instill a sense of longevity, as if the spaces had always existed.

‘Because these materials tend to outlast us, they evoke a sense of permanence and authenticity,’ she explains. When we’re surrounded by surfaces that have been crafted and honed by hand, ‘we’re subtly reminded of a time before modern technology,’ she adds.

That’s one reason Pernille designed the kitchen cabinets in teak-stained oak rather than a painted style. ‘This is a house that can carry this more textured and characterful material,’ she says. The cabinets also echo the bespoke storage found in other areas.

As always, cohesion and harmony are Pernille’s bywords. ‘The result is a home that gracefully balances coziness and sophistication,’ she says.