How can you give a new build home character? This London home is a lesson in how to make new look period |

0
How can you give a new build home character? This London home is a lesson in how to make new look period |

A tale of the unexpected, the reimagined house design of this family home in southwest London was Irene Gunter’s first large-scale project, so it holds a special place in her heart. Despite the house’s period facade, it was only built in 2021 and it’s a surprise to step through the door to a contemporary interior that celebrates color.

The clients wanted the house design to be as family-friendly and comfortable as possible, elegant and luxurious, yet fun and informal. ‘They requested a stylistic harmony throughout – they didn’t want it to feel jarring going between rooms but they wanted a sense of vibrancy and unexpected color in places.

Kitchen with navy blue and tiles

Cabinetry, bespoke design manufactured by Armstrong Vinton Furniture, painted in Kigali, Paint & Paper Library. Misty Carrara Satinato surfaces, Cullifords. Artwork, Jenna Burlingham Gallery.

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

‘It certainly was never meant to be a bland neutral scheme; it was always going to be fun and uplifting and unexpected,’ says Irene. Blues and greens are a color palette that resonated, with warmer tones introduced, resulting in a carefully curated look.

Irene explains, ‘All these colors should support each other They need to be layered and have some sense of compatibility with each other’.

living room with pink walls and plaster detail

Panelling in Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball. Chandelier, Porta Romana. Sofas, The Sofa & Chair Company. Ottoman, Pierre Frey. Rug, A Rum Fellow.

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

Comfort was of utmost importance. ‘We had to think it through,’ says Irene. ‘It wasn’t just suggesting a dining chair, but one that we’d sat in and tested to make sure it was going to work’.

She continues, ‘We also put forward craftsmen to make the sofas who we’ve worked with and whose sofas have been in our client’s homes for years so that we could say with confidence that it was going to be the right product.’

spiral staircase

Walls in Slate II, Slate III and Slate IV, Paint & Paper Library.

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

One of the most sublime spaces, and a particular favorite of Irene’s, is the heavily paneled formal sitting room. The living room paneling is painted in a seductive light pink. ‘I chose plaster pink because it’s a north-facing room. The clients wanted it to be light and fresh and I knew that if we were just going to use a shade of white it would fall flat’.

Irene continues, ‘I wanted it to feel comfortable; a room that gives you a hug while still being incredibly elegant and refined and that color was the one to achieve all that’. Curved sofas and a rounded ottoman make sense from a circulation point of view and tick boxes as regards to being practical, as well as avoiding any sharp corners that could prove a danger to the kids.

bedroom with cream walls and dark green bedspread

#Suit Yourself wallcovering in Pressed Powder, Phillip Jeffries. Headboard in Marcello Pietra, Rubelli. Aaron bedside table, SM London. Verano lamp, Soho Home, with custom shade.

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

In contrast to the pale aesthetic of the sitting room, a punch of navy blue kitchen adds drama. The house’s high ceilings were key to the design narrative. ‘We wanted to maximize the fact it was a huge, generous space but also make it feel intimate and suitable for a cozy November afternoon.’

Along with the dark tones, interest was also injected with a blend of materials – stone, tiles, and wood. A robust quartz was selected for the work surfaces, with a wood finish on the island and larder unit, while kit kat tiles above the splashback bring a Japanese aesthetic.

bedroom with orange bedspread and light grey walls

Bespoke bed in Thibaut fabric. Bedside table, Chelsea Textiles.

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

The hue of the olive green bar stools connects with the views of the garden. Harmony was an important element, so pale wood links the island and the larder unit, which is designed to look like a free-standing unit, while its reeded doors echo the low-level reeding detail on the island, as well as the pattern of the tiles.

‘The house feels incredibly inviting and warm; it’s a place that envelops you and makes you feel welcome,’ says Irene. ‘This is done by layering and the clever use of varying textures, as well as the sense of fun, color, and playfulness. It certainly isn’t a house for the faint-hearted – it’s got real personality and a sense of cheekiness.

bathroom with dark green walls

Cabinetry and walls in Prussian, Zoffany. Nadia wall sconces, Arteriors. Door fabric, Dedar.

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

Meet the designer

link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *