‘We’ve created a home that perfectly balances practicalities and aesthetics' – how this designer created stylish and soothing family home

The design of this London property is full of subtle contrasts; the old and the new, the bold and the soft, the plain and the pattern, and the practical and sophisticated. Overlooking a leafy London park, it’s the work of Notting Hill-based design team Studio Duggan, founded by Tiffany Duggan.

‘Our brief for the house design was to create a warm, layered, and relaxed family home,’ says Tiffany, ‘a space that was beautiful yet practically considered.’ While the clients wanted the house to feel ‘calm and settled’, they were keen for it not to be boring.

Tiffany explains that they also wanted to preserve the original character and charm of the Edwardian double-fronted property.

‘Both clients were drawn to honest, natural materials and colors,’ she says, ‘And with one of Iranian heritage, we were also keen to incorporate elements that reflected this, like the Persian rug in the main bedroom and its pendant lights.’

The clients also specified some degree of separation between the family (they have two young daughters and a son) and more defined adult spaces, with the ability to close off the playroom from the rest of the house.

Studio Duggan started work in the spring of 2022, taking a year to complete it. Structurally, the space was extended and layouts altered to give a more practical flow.

With four bedrooms (plus a fifth used as a gym), four bathrooms, a formal sitting room, a playroom, a walk-in larder off the new kitchen/ dining/seating area, as well as laundry and boot room, there was plenty for Tiffany (who founded the studio in 2012 after a successful career in set design and interiors styling) to work her magic on.

‘Theatre has certainly influenced my work,’ shares Tiffany. ‘I think this is where my penchant for the dramatic comes from. I love to create a mise-en-scène or an immersive experience.’ Tiffany and her team love to go into detail when designing.

She explains, ‘We often choose scents, flowers, glassware, and tableware to feed the narrative of the project and reflect the personality of our clients. We’ve even been known to make playlists!’

There is plenty of that signature style in this home: from murals in the children’s bedrooms and dramatic marble basins in the main en suite, to beautifully reupholstered art deco armchairs in the formal living room and red joinery in the pantry.

Talking of the larder, Tiffany says, ‘This red color pop is a great way of introducing more saturated color to lesser used areas of the house and is such a lovely way of sparking a little joy every day.’

Pushed for her favorite space, she says it’s the main suite. ‘It feels very calm and cohesive, with lovely light. The bath also overlooks the park through privacy shutters – having such a view is a luxury in London.’

Perhaps that’s why this house is a joy on so many levels. Studio Duggan has taken a period London property and made it work for a family today, creating spaces to play, entertain, and relax. While it’s a house of soft contrasts, each is in beautiful equilibrium.

‘We’ve created a home that perfectly balances practicalities and aesthetics,’ explains Tiffany. ‘The opportunity to work on such projects is so exciting, as each space allows for a unique experience and a new design story – with our clients as the ultimate inspiration.’

Meet the designer

Tiffany Duggan shares her style inspiration

What part of the project was your biggest splurge?

A pair of calcite lamps sourced from Paris flea markets.

Do you have a go-to color?

It’s the magic of the combinations, rather than individual colors for me - sky blue and chocolate brown; emerald green and plaster pink; sage and aubergine…

Any design heroes?

French designer Jacques Grange and I also adore the work of French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand.

Where do you find inspiration?

I have an ever-growing interiors book collection.

Can you reveal an address for our books?

Trove by Studio Duggan (of course!).

Do you have a favorite building?

Leighton House in Holland Park.

Best hotel interior?

The Costes hotel in Paris.