Houzz Tour: Bold Colour and a New Layout Revive a Victorian House
A reworked layout and confidence with colour gave this family home bags of personality
Jill Morgan
23 December 2021
Freelance Editor and content writer specialising in property, interiors and gardens
Freelance Editor and content writer specialising in property, interiors and gardens... More
When Tim and Sara bought their mid-terrace house, they knew it had the potential to work for their growing family, so they engaged Simon Gill Architects to make some key changes to the floorplan and create a modern and free-flowing layout.
When it came to decorating, the couple were keen to get some guidance. Through their meetings with a kitchen design company, they got to know interior designer Amy Stoddart of Amy Rebecca Interiors, and immediately connected with her design ideas.
“It was clear that Tim and Sara wanted a stylish and spacious home and weren’t afraid of using colour,” Amy says. “The plan was to tailor the space to suit their lifestyle and explore confident colour options, ensuring each room had a different feel, but that, overall, the feel was cohesive.”
When it came to decorating, the couple were keen to get some guidance. Through their meetings with a kitchen design company, they got to know interior designer Amy Stoddart of Amy Rebecca Interiors, and immediately connected with her design ideas.
“It was clear that Tim and Sara wanted a stylish and spacious home and weren’t afraid of using colour,” Amy says. “The plan was to tailor the space to suit their lifestyle and explore confident colour options, ensuring each room had a different feel, but that, overall, the feel was cohesive.”
House at a Glance
Who lives here? Tim and Sara, plus their two young daughters
Location Fulham, west London
Property A Victorian mid-terrace house
Size Six bedrooms and six bathrooms
Architect Simon Gill Architects
Designer Amy Stoddart of Amy Stoddart Studio
Photos by Darren Chung
Occupying the new rear extension, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is where the family spend the majority of their time.
Fitted furniture offers plenty of practical storage and also hides away appliances, creating a streamlined, calm feel. A sink is fitted into the island’s deep-profile Caesarstone worktop. A mix of discreet downlighters and a multi-globe pendant ensure the room is practical and cosy at night.
Kitchen units, Day True. Worktop, Caesarstone. Pendant light, Made. Wall lights, Holloways of Ludlow. Fabric for banquette seating, Andrew Martin. Dining table, Spekva. Dining chairs, West Elm. Vase, Zara Home.
Who lives here? Tim and Sara, plus their two young daughters
Location Fulham, west London
Property A Victorian mid-terrace house
Size Six bedrooms and six bathrooms
Architect Simon Gill Architects
Designer Amy Stoddart of Amy Stoddart Studio
Photos by Darren Chung
Occupying the new rear extension, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is where the family spend the majority of their time.
Fitted furniture offers plenty of practical storage and also hides away appliances, creating a streamlined, calm feel. A sink is fitted into the island’s deep-profile Caesarstone worktop. A mix of discreet downlighters and a multi-globe pendant ensure the room is practical and cosy at night.
Kitchen units, Day True. Worktop, Caesarstone. Pendant light, Made. Wall lights, Holloways of Ludlow. Fabric for banquette seating, Andrew Martin. Dining table, Spekva. Dining chairs, West Elm. Vase, Zara Home.
Bathed in light from the glazed roof panel, the dining area combines both built-in seating with integrated storage and freestanding furniture. “It was important to maximise the space and ensure flow in this busy family room,” Amy says. “By teaming the bench seating with fitted cupboards, we could create handy storage for books and the children’s craft materials and balance the bank of floor-to-ceiling kitchen units on the facing wall.”
Colour adds a playful feel without overwhelming the space. “We wanted a soothing palette that still had impact, so teamed sage, deep buttermilk and green-blue,” Amy says. “Painting the supporting steel RSJs pink was a brave but fun touch.”
Units painted in Lichen and De Nimes; RSJ painted in Sulking Room Pink, all Farrow & Ball.
Colour adds a playful feel without overwhelming the space. “We wanted a soothing palette that still had impact, so teamed sage, deep buttermilk and green-blue,” Amy says. “Painting the supporting steel RSJs pink was a brave but fun touch.”
Units painted in Lichen and De Nimes; RSJ painted in Sulking Room Pink, all Farrow & Ball.
The cosy seating at the far end of the kitchen is a popular spot with the girls. A yellow sofa sits next to a stripe of pink and a striking Perspex side table.
Key to the calm feel of this new extension is not just the wall of sliding glazed doors, but the simple, plain flooring. “The poured resin not only bounces light back into the room, it’s deliciously warm and smooth underfoot and practical, too,” Amy says.
Yellow sofa, Sofa Workshop. Poured resin floor, Kote London. Side table, Connox. Leopard vase, Liberty London. Wall light, Anthropologie.
Key to the calm feel of this new extension is not just the wall of sliding glazed doors, but the simple, plain flooring. “The poured resin not only bounces light back into the room, it’s deliciously warm and smooth underfoot and practical, too,” Amy says.
Yellow sofa, Sofa Workshop. Poured resin floor, Kote London. Side table, Connox. Leopard vase, Liberty London. Wall light, Anthropologie.
Although leading directly off the open kitchen-diner, the family snug has a very different feel. “This area needed to be cosy and somewhere the whole family could de-stress in the evenings,” Amy says.
As it’s part of the original Victorian property, it made sense to give the room a more traditional look. Built-in shelves surround the internal window, and wood panelling, a dado rail and coving were all added.
Corner sofa, Natuzzi. Cushions, Zara Home and John Lewis & Partners. Pendant light; wall light, both Holloways of Ludlow.
As it’s part of the original Victorian property, it made sense to give the room a more traditional look. Built-in shelves surround the internal window, and wood panelling, a dado rail and coving were all added.
Corner sofa, Natuzzi. Cushions, Zara Home and John Lewis & Partners. Pendant light; wall light, both Holloways of Ludlow.
“The rug was the starting point for the gorgeous colours in this room,” Amy says. “Mixing deep blue-grey tones with touches of soft yellow creates a mood that’s enveloping mood but not oppressive.”
Rug, Tai Ping Carpets. Circular table duo, Amara.
Ready to refresh your home? Find reviewed interior designers in your area and see photos of their past projects.
Rug, Tai Ping Carpets. Circular table duo, Amara.
Ready to refresh your home? Find reviewed interior designers in your area and see photos of their past projects.
The internal window lets essential light flood through into the snug from the adjacent boot room. “We fitted reeded glass to obscure the view,” Amy says. It also has a midcentury modern feel that sits nicely with the statement wall lights and nest of circular coffee tables.
Walls painted in Inchyra Blue, Farrow & Ball.
Walls painted in Inchyra Blue, Farrow & Ball.
A striking feature in the snug area is the inset gas fireplace. Set within slatted timber panelling, and with a deep black border, it looks simple, but Amy knows otherwise. “Trying to ensure a precise fit was not without challenges, but the end result was well worth it,” she says.
Bespoke wood panelling, AR Interiors. Fireplace, CVO Fire.
Bespoke wood panelling, AR Interiors. Fireplace, CVO Fire.
The boot room, with a cloakroom off it, is located at the front of the house, creating the perfect buffer between the outside world and the interior.
Fitted shelves, built-in seating and a sliding pocket door make efficient use of the compact room. Baskets are used for stashing shoes and other paraphernalia and add a touch of warmth to the cool-toned décor.
“We needed to find room for a full-length mirror, but were short of wall space,” Amy says. “We soon hit on the idea of using the sliding door, which is fun as well as brilliantly practical.”
Window wall painted in Inchyra Blue; other wall painted in Ammonite; shelving painted in Railings; cloakroom panelling painted in Arsenic, all Farrow & Ball. Butterflies & Dragonflies wallpaper, Cole & Son. Flooring, Grestec Tiles. Blackfriars sign, owners’ own.
Fitted shelves, built-in seating and a sliding pocket door make efficient use of the compact room. Baskets are used for stashing shoes and other paraphernalia and add a touch of warmth to the cool-toned décor.
“We needed to find room for a full-length mirror, but were short of wall space,” Amy says. “We soon hit on the idea of using the sliding door, which is fun as well as brilliantly practical.”
Window wall painted in Inchyra Blue; other wall painted in Ammonite; shelving painted in Railings; cloakroom panelling painted in Arsenic, all Farrow & Ball. Butterflies & Dragonflies wallpaper, Cole & Son. Flooring, Grestec Tiles. Blackfriars sign, owners’ own.
On the first floor, the main bedroom suite provides Tim and Sara with a restful space. Keen for the room to have a luxurious hotel feel, Amy framed a floor-to-ceiling padded headboard – covered in soft teal velvet – with antique mirrors and a pair of simple glass globe pendants.
“Fitting the black reading lights and light switches into the mirror was tricky,” Amy admits, but the finish is super-smart.
Bed, Button & Sprung. Bespoke headboard; antique mirrors, all AR Interiors. Cushions; throw, all West Elm. Globe pendants, The Conran Shop.
“Fitting the black reading lights and light switches into the mirror was tricky,” Amy admits, but the finish is super-smart.
Bed, Button & Sprung. Bespoke headboard; antique mirrors, all AR Interiors. Cushions; throw, all West Elm. Globe pendants, The Conran Shop.
In the main bedroom’s dressing area, a wall of clothes storage is hidden behind mirrored sliding doors.
A flight of butterflies adds an artistic touch and picks up on the theme found throughout the house. “Sara loves butterflies,” Amy says, “so we wanted to bring them into the décor in a subtle way.”
Bespoke blind, AR Interiors; fabric, Romo. Rectangular stool, Broste Copenhagen.
A flight of butterflies adds an artistic touch and picks up on the theme found throughout the house. “Sara loves butterflies,” Amy says, “so we wanted to bring them into the décor in a subtle way.”
Bespoke blind, AR Interiors; fabric, Romo. Rectangular stool, Broste Copenhagen.
The same colour and material palette as the sleeping area continues into the en suite. The room has been kitted out with a walk-in shower, a wall-hung vanity unit, twin countertop basins and a large circular mirror.
Globe pendant, Flos. Countertop sinks, Catalano. Mirror, Broste Copenhagen. Wall lights, Made. Wall-mounted taps, Crosswater. Shower enclosure tiles, Grestec.
Globe pendant, Flos. Countertop sinks, Catalano. Mirror, Broste Copenhagen. Wall lights, Made. Wall-mounted taps, Crosswater. Shower enclosure tiles, Grestec.
The first floor bedroom has been transformed into a smart home office. Twin walnut desks, wall-hung storage and a deep russet paint colour give the room a distinctly different feel to the rest of the house.
Walls painted in Picture Gallery Red, Farrow & Ball. Desk; chair, both West Elm. Hexagonal mirrors, Amara.
Walls painted in Picture Gallery Red, Farrow & Ball. Desk; chair, both West Elm. Hexagonal mirrors, Amara.
The girls’ bedrooms are on the top floor. The couple rejigged the layout so the rooms are separated by sliding doors. Giving the children the option to completely open up the floor space or retain privacy has proved a simple but clever decision.
Curtain; bedside table, both Scandiborn. Lamp, Fatboy. Pompom throw, Perch & Parrow. J cushion, Nubie. Desk, Maisons du Monde. Chair, Sklum. Pegboard, Block Design. Pink wall light, Nordic Nest.
Curtain; bedside table, both Scandiborn. Lamp, Fatboy. Pompom throw, Perch & Parrow. J cushion, Nubie. Desk, Maisons du Monde. Chair, Sklum. Pegboard, Block Design. Pink wall light, Nordic Nest.
A cosy alcove in the youngest daughter’s bedroom makes the ideal sleeping spot. “We had to add the headboard once the bed was in place,” Amy says. “We used hooks to hang the canopy.”
Bespoke headboard, AR Interiors; fabric, Kensington Design. Canopy; balloon wall light, both Scandiborn. Pompom throw, Perch & Parrow. Cushions, Nubie Kids and Scandiborn. Wall painted in Cinder Rose, Farrow & Ball
Bespoke headboard, AR Interiors; fabric, Kensington Design. Canopy; balloon wall light, both Scandiborn. Pompom throw, Perch & Parrow. Cushions, Nubie Kids and Scandiborn. Wall painted in Cinder Rose, Farrow & Ball
Each of the couple’s daughters has their own favourite colour, which Amy used as accents in their bedrooms to mark their individual spaces.
Mustard yellow radiator, Stelrad. Desk, La Redoute. Chair, Sklum. Pocket wall tidy, Smallable. White shelves, Heal’s. Eames Elephant stool, Vitra. Pompom pendant light, Holloways of Ludlow.
Mustard yellow radiator, Stelrad. Desk, La Redoute. Chair, Sklum. Pocket wall tidy, Smallable. White shelves, Heal’s. Eames Elephant stool, Vitra. Pompom pendant light, Holloways of Ludlow.
When it came to refurbing the girls’ bathroom, it was important for Tim and Sara to love the look as well. “They wanted to go for a long-lasting, timeless finish, but with a fun element, too,” Amy says. This led to the candy-striped hexagonal tiles being used along the bath panel.
Marble tiling, Domus. Pendant light, Mullan Lighting. Mirror, Broste Copenhagen. Vanity unit and basin, Catalano. Wall-mounted taps, Crosswater. Laundry basket, John Lewis & Partners. Striped Lirio tiles, Grestec. Ceramic soap dispenser and tray, Made.
Tell us…
What do you like about this comfortable family home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Marble tiling, Domus. Pendant light, Mullan Lighting. Mirror, Broste Copenhagen. Vanity unit and basin, Catalano. Wall-mounted taps, Crosswater. Laundry basket, John Lewis & Partners. Striped Lirio tiles, Grestec. Ceramic soap dispenser and tray, Made.
Tell us…
What do you like about this comfortable family home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Related Stories
House Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Room Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Smart Layout and Genius Storage in a Victorian Home
Flipping the standard layout and carving out excellent storage have turned this tired house into a brilliant family home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Victorian House Brought Impressively Up to Date
By Jo Simmons
A cohesive layout and warm colours combined with energy-efficiency measures thoroughly modernise this terraced home
Full Story
Kitchen Tours
Kitchen Tour: An Open, Airy Space Made for Entertaining
Combining two separate rooms has improved flow and created a sociable open-plan kitchen, dining and seating space
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Family Home Inspired by its Seaside Location
Coastal colours and practical design combine to create a house that will adapt as the family grows
Full Story
Kitchens
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: An Airy, Scandi Finish for a Tall Victorian House
By Kate Burt
From a tricky inherited bath to a sticky-out staircase, on-site problem-solving led to a seamless update for an old home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A 17th Century Cottage Gains Warmth and Character
The clever use of colour and pattern has revived this old building while creating a 21st century family home
Full Story
Would have liked to see the before and after floor plan . Also what did it cost?
Thank you for sharing pics and details of this beautiful renovation. Any chance you know what type of tree that is in the garden? Would be perfect to block an overlooking window in my own space. Thank you . Lynn
Beautiful renovation and wonderful colours used throughout