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Houzz Tour: Forest Greens Give a Period Home a Calm, Elegant Mood
A mix of relaxing hues, reinstated period features and improved flow has created a well-functioning yet timeless home
Most of us would like to connect our homes to nature, but city dwellers tend to have to work a bit harder. In this revived Victorian house in London, designer Ina Appleby of Studio Appleby has given a masterclass in how to do that elegantly. A palette of greens – “but cool, calm greens, more forest than jungle,” she says – flows through the three floors, while painterly florals grace walls and natural timber warms floors.
Along the way, Ina reinstated period plasterwork and panelling and rearranged rooms to improve flow. The result is a restful, inviting home that feels timeless.
Along the way, Ina reinstated period plasterwork and panelling and rearranged rooms to improve flow. The result is a restful, inviting home that feels timeless.
Several elements of the original layout weren’t great, such as not being able to access the kitchen from the hallway without going through the dining room.
The kitchen was originally only 2m x 5.3m, and was in the centre of the house, with no windows, just a doorway into the side return. There was a living room at the back (accessible only via the kitchen), with standard patio doors onto the garden.
The extension, seen here mid-works, has added about 3m at the back and 2m at the side. A slightly narrower utility room now sits where the kitchen once was, and the extended back room has become a kitchen-dining-living space. “Nowadays, people want the kitchen to be a more open space and looking out to the garden – more indoor-outdoor living,” Ina says.
Planning to revamp a room – or more? It’s easy to find and hire interior designers through Houzz.
The kitchen was originally only 2m x 5.3m, and was in the centre of the house, with no windows, just a doorway into the side return. There was a living room at the back (accessible only via the kitchen), with standard patio doors onto the garden.
The extension, seen here mid-works, has added about 3m at the back and 2m at the side. A slightly narrower utility room now sits where the kitchen once was, and the extended back room has become a kitchen-dining-living space. “Nowadays, people want the kitchen to be a more open space and looking out to the garden – more indoor-outdoor living,” Ina says.
Planning to revamp a room – or more? It’s easy to find and hire interior designers through Houzz.
Glazing spans the back wall and skylights run down the length of the side-return extension, but the room is north-facing, so it doesn’t get too hot.
The wall behind the sofa is quite low because Planning Permission demanded a sloping roof, so the left-hand pane is fixed, while the other two can slide open.
Ina has softened the angles with traditional-style panelling, which she added to link the new room to the rest of the house. “Although this is a [modern] extension, we still wanted to have some of the Victorian feel,” she says.
Floral wallpaper is one of Ina’s recurring themes throughout the house and, in here, she’s used panels of a painterly paper like artworks. “It almost gives the effect of individual art – they’re all different, as we used different sections of the paper,” she says.
Walls painted in Sage Green, Dulux Heritage. Floral panels cut from Bois De Bouleau Scene 1 Sepia wallpaper, Designers Guild. Sofa, Loaf. Coffee table, Atkin and Thyme. Picture lights, Pooky.
The wall behind the sofa is quite low because Planning Permission demanded a sloping roof, so the left-hand pane is fixed, while the other two can slide open.
Ina has softened the angles with traditional-style panelling, which she added to link the new room to the rest of the house. “Although this is a [modern] extension, we still wanted to have some of the Victorian feel,” she says.
Floral wallpaper is one of Ina’s recurring themes throughout the house and, in here, she’s used panels of a painterly paper like artworks. “It almost gives the effect of individual art – they’re all different, as we used different sections of the paper,” she says.
Walls painted in Sage Green, Dulux Heritage. Floral panels cut from Bois De Bouleau Scene 1 Sepia wallpaper, Designers Guild. Sofa, Loaf. Coffee table, Atkin and Thyme. Picture lights, Pooky.
Ina has managed to include four distinct areas in the room without it feeling cluttered. “That was the challenge, but also the reward with this room,” she says. “It’s such a large space and the couple knew what they wanted to include – a kitchen, dining area, seating area where they can watch TV, and work desk. When you walk in, it all has a nice feel, but everything is still separate.”
For the kitchen, Ina has chosen units in two different shades of green that tone with the walls. As in other rooms, she’s woven in white to keep the look crisp and cool – here in the form of Calacatta quartz worktops and splashback.
The cabinets are boxed in for a neat finish and to avoid collecting dust. Because there’s a full wall of cabinets near the dining area (see below) and storage on both sides of the island, Ina was able to include glazed units for display here. “So [the couple] are able to show off all their nice plates and glassware and the beautiful little ornaments at the top, rather than it feeling like cupboard after cupboard after cupboard,” she says.
The tall cupboard to the right is a coffee and tea station.
Kitchen in Forest Green (island) and Moss Green (cabinets), Wren.
For the kitchen, Ina has chosen units in two different shades of green that tone with the walls. As in other rooms, she’s woven in white to keep the look crisp and cool – here in the form of Calacatta quartz worktops and splashback.
The cabinets are boxed in for a neat finish and to avoid collecting dust. Because there’s a full wall of cabinets near the dining area (see below) and storage on both sides of the island, Ina was able to include glazed units for display here. “So [the couple] are able to show off all their nice plates and glassware and the beautiful little ornaments at the top, rather than it feeling like cupboard after cupboard after cupboard,” she says.
The tall cupboard to the right is a coffee and tea station.
Kitchen in Forest Green (island) and Moss Green (cabinets), Wren.
The breakfast bar and dining table are intimate spaces with comfy seating. “[The couple] do like to have friends round, but they primarily wanted to feel comfy and at home in the space,” Ina says.
Despite the side return extension, there’s still a pathway from the front to the back of the house and, as this photo shows, the extension doesn’t run right back to the original house, so the property’s middle room, along with this back corner of the extension, still gets light.
Despite the side return extension, there’s still a pathway from the front to the back of the house and, as this photo shows, the extension doesn’t run right back to the original house, so the property’s middle room, along with this back corner of the extension, still gets light.
There are actually three office spots in the home, but this one allows someone to enjoy the garden while working.
Oak flooring is laid throughout the house. “I wanted to bring in warmth through the flooring and other natural wood pieces, such as the dining and office tables,” Ina says.
Dining table; work desk, both Cosywood.
Oak flooring is laid throughout the house. “I wanted to bring in warmth through the flooring and other natural wood pieces, such as the dining and office tables,” Ina says.
Dining table; work desk, both Cosywood.
The natural theme continues in the cloakroom, with a stone basin, forest green panelling and a soft floral wallpaper. “It’s such a small space – not even 2m x 1m – but we managed to make it almost a wow effect,” Ina says. It has a space-smart pocket door.
The brass elements also continue in here. “We tried to keep the metals brass or antique brass throughout the house – the door handles, taps and lights,” she says.
Panelling painted in DH Slate, Dulux Heritage. Assam Blossom Sage wallpaper, Designers Guild. Scrula Cream marble basin, Tikamoon.
The brass elements also continue in here. “We tried to keep the metals brass or antique brass throughout the house – the door handles, taps and lights,” she says.
Panelling painted in DH Slate, Dulux Heritage. Assam Blossom Sage wallpaper, Designers Guild. Scrula Cream marble basin, Tikamoon.
The living room at the front of the house is designed for relaxing. “There’s no TV in here – the couple wanted it to be a reading room where they can unwind,” Ina says.
They also love playing board games and the table in the window is for just that. “The top opens up and games can be stored inside,” she says.
Apart from some panelling on the staircase wall, all the other panelling, cornicing and ceiling roses had been stripped out. These have now been reinstated. The couple already had these artworks, but they fit in nicely with the biophilic mood of the restored house.
Paintings by Colette Baumback. Ceiling rose and cornices, Plaster Ceiling Roses.
They also love playing board games and the table in the window is for just that. “The top opens up and games can be stored inside,” she says.
Apart from some panelling on the staircase wall, all the other panelling, cornicing and ceiling roses had been stripped out. These have now been reinstated. The couple already had these artworks, but they fit in nicely with the biophilic mood of the restored house.
Paintings by Colette Baumback. Ceiling rose and cornices, Plaster Ceiling Roses.
The fireplace is one of the few period features still intact. “We just repainted it and brought it back to life,” Ina says. She had joinery built into the alcoves and painted in the same cool green as the walls.
The middle room (glimpsed here to the right) was formerly the dining room and is now a home office.
Walls painted in DH Drab, Dulux Heritage.
The middle room (glimpsed here to the right) was formerly the dining room and is now a home office.
Walls painted in DH Drab, Dulux Heritage.
In the hallway, the original banister was in place, as well as two corbels (see below), but apart from that, any period features had gone.
Here you can see a doorway has been created into the kitchen-diner at the back. This was originally blocked by a cloakroom (you still can see the tiles), which has now been moved to the right.
Here you can see a doorway has been created into the kitchen-diner at the back. This was originally blocked by a cloakroom (you still can see the tiles), which has now been moved to the right.
The furthest of the three doors on the left leads into the utility room, and the cloakroom is opposite.
Ina laid tiles with a Victorian feel, reinstated the cornices and panelling, and refurbished the stairs with the engineered oak used throughout the house.
Panelling painted in DH Slate, Dulux Heritage. Walls painted in Alabasta White, Dulux.
Ina laid tiles with a Victorian feel, reinstated the cornices and panelling, and refurbished the stairs with the engineered oak used throughout the house.
Panelling painted in DH Slate, Dulux Heritage. Walls painted in Alabasta White, Dulux.
On the first floor, two small bedrooms and a bathroom at the back of the house have been turned into a suite, with a bedroom, bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.
Navigating a whole build and redesign like this can be quite overwhelming, and Ina says the couple really appreciated her guidance.
One element that made the project easier was her use of Houzz Pro software, which allows homeowners to see exactly which stage the project is at and what to expect next, as well as being able to view all the suggested products, colours and fittings in one place and simply click ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
“I used the product Clipper, which is great,” Ina says, “then added all the products with images to the Selections board for [the couple] to approve, which saved a lot of time.
“They found it useful, because instead of having so many spreadsheets, I could just share the full board with them and they had access, so they could go back and look again,” she says. “And it’s all live, so you can add details as and when, and I just let them know when I’d added anything.”
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
Navigating a whole build and redesign like this can be quite overwhelming, and Ina says the couple really appreciated her guidance.
One element that made the project easier was her use of Houzz Pro software, which allows homeowners to see exactly which stage the project is at and what to expect next, as well as being able to view all the suggested products, colours and fittings in one place and simply click ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
“I used the product Clipper, which is great,” Ina says, “then added all the products with images to the Selections board for [the couple] to approve, which saved a lot of time.
“They found it useful, because instead of having so many spreadsheets, I could just share the full board with them and they had access, so they could go back and look again,” she says. “And it’s all live, so you can add details as and when, and I just let them know when I’d added anything.”
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
The painterly wallpaper – this time a mountain scene – continues in here. “The small details – the birds and butterflies – are quite magical,” Ina says.
The panelling also continues. “Fitting panelling is a challenge, because it’s so technical – you have to know down to the final inch how big the wall is, how much you need to take from either side, take into account any sockets and light switches, but the end result is beautiful,” she says.
Rather than lots of white, Ina has chosen creams and beiges to partner the green in here. “Just bringing in the neutrals felt as if it created a calm mood to the room,” she says.
The cream curtains are a heavy velvet fabric that catches the light and falls beautifully, while the wall lights are stone with a small brass detail that links to the brass elsewhere.
The walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom (not seen) are accessed to the right of the bed.
Miyako Scene 1 Dove wallpaper, Designers Guild. Walls painted in Waxed Khaki, Dulux. Bed, Loaf.
The panelling also continues. “Fitting panelling is a challenge, because it’s so technical – you have to know down to the final inch how big the wall is, how much you need to take from either side, take into account any sockets and light switches, but the end result is beautiful,” she says.
Rather than lots of white, Ina has chosen creams and beiges to partner the green in here. “Just bringing in the neutrals felt as if it created a calm mood to the room,” she says.
The cream curtains are a heavy velvet fabric that catches the light and falls beautifully, while the wall lights are stone with a small brass detail that links to the brass elsewhere.
The walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom (not seen) are accessed to the right of the bed.
Miyako Scene 1 Dove wallpaper, Designers Guild. Walls painted in Waxed Khaki, Dulux. Bed, Loaf.
These are the stairs to the loft, which had already been converted. The understairs cupboards were already there; they were just repainted and storage was added inside.
You can see the guest bathroom ahead, with the two doors on the right both guest bedrooms.
You can see the guest bathroom ahead, with the two doors on the right both guest bedrooms.
The bathroom is clad in porcelain tiles in a marble pattern with striking green veins. The window shutters are painted to pick up the deeper shade.
The oak panel behind the basin breaks up the tiles. “Fully tiled bathrooms can be quite cold, so that was to add the wooden element you can see throughout the house and bring warmth to the room,” Ina says. The mirror in a pebble shape and the stone basin add to the natural feel.
The box on the left is a storage cupboard, and the bath has a shower over it. The floor tiles pick up the green in the marble pattern but are a different shape and size. “If they were the same as walls, it would be a bit too much, so they break it up nicely,” Ina says.
Scrula Bamoro marble basin, Tikamoon.
The oak panel behind the basin breaks up the tiles. “Fully tiled bathrooms can be quite cold, so that was to add the wooden element you can see throughout the house and bring warmth to the room,” Ina says. The mirror in a pebble shape and the stone basin add to the natural feel.
The box on the left is a storage cupboard, and the bath has a shower over it. The floor tiles pick up the green in the marble pattern but are a different shape and size. “If they were the same as walls, it would be a bit too much, so they break it up nicely,” Ina says.
Scrula Bamoro marble basin, Tikamoon.
The owners are delighted with the result. As they said in their review on Houzz, “Ina has done such a fantastic job in designing our lovely home. She puts her heart into it, listens to feedback, is patient and committed (our renovation took a year and she helped us throughout, from early stage planning and colour choices to specific item picks).”
For Ina, the green thread running throughout is the most successful element. “They’re all different shades of green, but they all work together,” she says. “[The couple] wanted that calm feel when they walked in and I think that’s exactly what we’ve achieved.”
Tell us…
What do you think of Ina’s use of colour and the way she’s created a link to nature? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
For Ina, the green thread running throughout is the most successful element. “They’re all different shades of green, but they all work together,” she says. “[The couple] wanted that calm feel when they walked in and I think that’s exactly what we’ve achieved.”
Tell us…
What do you think of Ina’s use of colour and the way she’s created a link to nature? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Who lives here? A professional couple in their mid-thirties
Location North-west London
Property A semi-detached Victorian house with a converted loft
Size Four bedrooms and three bathrooms
Designer Ina Appleby of Studio Appleby
Project year 2024
Photos by Juliet Murphy Photography
The homeowners inherited an awkward layout with next to no link to the garden, few period details and very tired fittings. “The house was unloved and hadn’t been updated for a very long time,” Ina says.
Initially, the couple weren’t sure how much they wanted to use an interior designer, but, as they talked to Ina, they decided to go ahead with the entire property. That meant she could redesign the layout on the ground and first floors and create a cohesive look throughout.
As well as connecting to nature, the couple were keen to restore the period features that had been removed. “We wanted to create the feeling of walking into a Victorian home, but at the same time making it modern,” Ina says.