Houzz Tour: Modern and Vintage Mix Beautifully in a Period Home
Bold colours, exposed architectural features and antique furniture bring warmth and character to this family house
Taking the time to get to know their new home was hugely important for Vanessa Bold and her young family. “We only wanted to make thoughtful changes that would stand the test of time,” she says. They lived in the property through every season before making any major alterations, just so they could see how the light fell in each room and work out how they could best use the space.
After hiring Hayley Hammond Architects to design a large ground floor rear extension with an apex roof, a pair of roof lights and an almost entirely glazed rear wall, the family brought designer Krystyna Martin-Dominguez of K Space on board to help with the interior.
After hiring Hayley Hammond Architects to design a large ground floor rear extension with an apex roof, a pair of roof lights and an almost entirely glazed rear wall, the family brought designer Krystyna Martin-Dominguez of K Space on board to help with the interior.
Krystyna showcased the raw brick walls, concrete floor and surface-mounted electrical fittings throughout the kitchen. Rattan fibres add a soft, natural feel, and she included plenty of freestanding furniture to give the space a relaxed mood.
Noko pendant, Nkuku. School chairs, eBay. Table top in Charcoal Mono, Foresso.
Noko pendant, Nkuku. School chairs, eBay. Table top in Charcoal Mono, Foresso.
A stunning worktop of teal zellige tiles makes a bold statement on the island and contrasts with a brass splashback behind the wall units. The latter was commissioned specifically for the space and made from liquid metal sprayed onto a backing board.
Dodoma pendant lights, Mullan Lighting. Zellige tiles, Terrazzo Tiles.
Find a reviewed interior designer in your area on Houzz.
Dodoma pendant lights, Mullan Lighting. Zellige tiles, Terrazzo Tiles.
Find a reviewed interior designer in your area on Houzz.
Krystyna designed a seat with built-in storage below the picture window. Deep set with views down the lengthy garden, it’s the perfect spot to read, chill or enjoy a morning coffee.
A handy music and study room leads off the new rear extension and is an ideal spot for homework and quiet study.
The team repaired and revarnished the original herringbone flooring throughout much of the ground floor. It creates a warm background of natural texture and movement.
An extra-long desk provides practical workspace for everyone, and Krystyna teamed this with useful wraparound bookshelves.
Knox chairs, Made. Desk, K Space.
Knox chairs, Made. Desk, K Space.
Vivid William Morris wallpaper and pink joinery add a playful feel to the hallway.
Krystyna made use of the high ceiling in here by installing a bookshelf above the door.
Acanthus wallpaper in Slate Blue/Thyme, Morris & Co. Woodwork painted in Covent Garden Floral No. 270 and Museum No. 151, both Mylands.
Krystyna made use of the high ceiling in here by installing a bookshelf above the door.
Acanthus wallpaper in Slate Blue/Thyme, Morris & Co. Woodwork painted in Covent Garden Floral No. 270 and Museum No. 151, both Mylands.
A concrete lintel has deliberately been left on show in the hallway. “The builders intended to disguise it with a false ceiling, but this would have meant losing up to 20cm from the impressive ceiling height,” Krystyna says. “They were mortified when I insisted on leaving it uncovered, but the family and I all feel it’s a quirky and fun feature.”
Painted in a striking shade of dusk pink, the front door of Vanessa and Noah’s family home reflects the soft palette of colours used within.
The north-facing sitting room is at the front of the house. Dark wood furniture and sumptuous fabrics, bring warmth and character to the space.
Vanessa is an avid eBay spotter and loves to pick out distinctive and unique pieces. Here, for example, she’s turned a vintage trunk into a sturdy coffee table.
Sofa upholstered in Omega Velvet in Grape, Linwood. Antique rug, K Space. Walls painted in French Grey, Little Greene.
Vanessa is an avid eBay spotter and loves to pick out distinctive and unique pieces. Here, for example, she’s turned a vintage trunk into a sturdy coffee table.
Sofa upholstered in Omega Velvet in Grape, Linwood. Antique rug, K Space. Walls painted in French Grey, Little Greene.
A vintage desk is tucked into an alcove to make good use of the space.
Upstairs in the main bedroom, Krystyna teamed a teal feature wall with pink and green bed linen. A dark wood bedhead contrasts with industrial-style side tables.
Wall painted in Inchyra Blue, Farrow & Ball.
Wall painted in Inchyra Blue, Farrow & Ball.
Framed antique prints bring period details to a soft, pale pink wall.
The shower room is a mix of contemporary fittings and vintage touches. A walk-in shower lined with artisan-style metro tiles is separated from the rest of the space by a half wall.
Potters Glaze Gadsby tiles, Claybrook.
Potters Glaze Gadsby tiles, Claybrook.
Black contemporary brassware brings an industrial touch to the room, while a dark wood wall cabinet adds warmth and an opportunity to display favourite toiletries.
Tell us…
Do you like to mix contemporary design with vintage finds? Share your ideas in the Comments.
Tell us…
Do you like to mix contemporary design with vintage finds? Share your ideas in the Comments.
Who lives here? Vanessa Bold, her husband Noah, and children Carmen and Delilah
Location Lewisham, south-east London
Property An Edwardian end-of-terrace house
Size Four bedrooms and two bathrooms
Designer Krystyna Martin-Dominguez of K Space
Architects Hayley Hammond Architects
Photos by Kasia Fiszer
“I love working on Edwardian houses,” Krystyna says, “as they’re square and easy to work with in terms of creating a good, workable layout.”
Vanessa and Krystyna have a similar approach to interiors and love of honest materials and antiques. “Vanessa’s mother ran an antiques shop, so Vanessa grew up with an amazing eye for design and feel for different materials,” Krystyna explains. “I come from a family of makers who dislike any kind of waste, so we were on the same page from the off.”