Design house: An elegant Georgian home with a decorative touch
When this international couple made the move to Britain, they embraced English decorative style with relish. Now their period family home offers an elegant contemporary variation on a quintessential theme


Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.
Thank you for signing up to Homes & Gardens. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Amid the tumult of change, it can be tempting to cling to the familiar. This was not the case, however, for the homeowners and their two sons, who moved to Britain early in 2013, shortly before they bought a classic Georgian townhouse in London. To this quintessentially English building they could have imported their cosmopolitan style – a reflection of their dual nationalities and extensive travel – but instead, they looked more locally for inspiration.
See: our spaces section for more inspiring featured homes
- See some of the world's best homes – beautiful properties from around the globe
The property
‘We knew we wanted to be close to central London, but we weren't sure where,’ says the owner. After a three-month search, they settled upon this elegant five-storey building in the south west of the city. ‘It's nicely proportioned and light with high ceilings, and we liked the garden, which is unusually large for this area,’ explains the owner.
While respecting the living arrangements that they had inherited when they bought the property, the family could not ignore the fact they needed to make some alterations to make the house work effectively for them. With the help of Dry Architects, an infill extension was created on the ground floor, giving the homeowner a dramatic, double-height sitting room with a conservatory roof, while French doors offer excellent views of the garden, which was such an important part of the property's appeal.
These significant structural changes were complemented by a series of smaller adjustments that opened up and simplified the ground and lower-ground floors, making them more practical for family life. 'There were a number of odd corridors and small rooms. The new configuration is a much better use of space,' says Claire Collett, of Dry Architects.
Drawing room
The subtle texture and soft gold hue of the handmade wall covering is key to the glamorous yet cosy atmosphere, while an elliptic coffee table makes an unusual focal point.
Kitchen
‘This is the only area where I didn’t follow the designers’ recommendation,’ says the owner. ‘They suggested a bespoke hardwood kitchen, but I preferred a German make, which I'd had before and knew would work for me.’
Dining room
‘We are very keen on family meals,’ says the owner, who is also an accomplished cook. A generous table, able toseat eight diners, ensures meals are taken in comfort.
Family room
Rugs have been used throughout the lower-ground and ground floors to denote areas with designated functions. This rug is used to help define the area where the family watches television.
Study
A built-in desk and matching shelves create a sleek look, which is given warmth by the wall color and mellow hues of the timber.
Sitting room
A bespoke seven-tier glass and polished nickel chandelier emphasises the grand proportions of this double-height room.
Entrance hall
The American brand Baker is one of the owner’s favourites. Its Constellation mirror, designed by Thomas Pheasant, brings an energising note to the entrance hall.
Main bathroom
A blind with a shimmering gold pattern is an invigorating addition to this luxurious scheme. The veining of the polished marble walls gives a sense of depth, while Art Deco-inspired details, such as the taps, introduce old-fashioned glamour.
Main bedroom
These Italian strung curtains have an appealing shape that draws attention to the sumptuous silk fabric and the handsome Georgian windows.
Photography/ Paul Raeside
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
-
-
Are scented candles toxic? Medical experts debunk a TikTok trend
Everyone on TikTok is asking 'are scented candles toxic?' I spoke with candle and toxicology experts to make sure that scented candles are safe.
By Laura Honey Published
-
MindTheGap launches color-centric wallpaper collection with artist and interior designer Minnie Kemp – perfect for maximalist decor
Home decor brand MindTheGap has unveiled its wallpaper collaboration with interior designer Minnie Kemp – a collection of colorful and cheerful designs
By Emily Moorman Published