Cover Exploring the sculptural details on display in the living room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
Exploring the sculptural details on display in the living room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
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Blending Georgian architecture with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and Indian heritage, Aashni Kumar created a family home in London that retains a sense of tranquility over time
To develop one’s craft, one often has to step beyond one's comfort zone; for interior architect Aashni Kumar, such an opportunity arrived at dawn one morning. Sitting in her email inbox one day was an opportunity to design a 4,500-square-foot Victorian terrace in London, her first design commission outside of India and the UAE. The home was to be created for a young couple with two children, who wanted to anchor their home in the light and greenery of their childhood.
Nestled in the verdant Hampstead neighbourhood, the London home has been transformed into the family’s oasis. Spread across the ground floor and lower-ground level, the Victorian terrace retained many original features, from ornate wall mouldings and delicate ceiling cornices to beautifully aged oak flooring. Altogether, such elegant details ensure the home retains its timelessness and sophistication amid the historic neighbourhood.
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Above The blend of wabi-sabi elements and Indian craftsmanship on display in the living room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
Above The blend of wabi-sabi elements and Indian craftsmanship on display in the living room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
The blend of wabi-sabi elements and Indian craftsmanship on display in the living room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
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“There was also an inherent beauty in the home’s imperfections—the patina of materials, subtle irregularities and the lived-in quality of the structure,” Kumar shared. “Rather than viewing these as elements to be corrected, they felt like qualities to be preserved and celebrated, aligning seamlessly with the client’s affinity for wabi-sabi.”
The Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection and material honesty became the foundation of the entire project. For the family to feel immediately at home in the space, Kumar had to strike a balance between Victorian heritage and modern amenities. This also served as Kumar’s foray into the world of maximalist design, playing around with shapes, shades and styles that infused classical English details with nods to Indian design.
Upon entering the home, one is immersed in the open-plan sequence. Each zone, from the formal living area and informal lounge to the dining space and kitchen, retains its own identity through subtle shifts in material and lighting while contributing to a sense of cohesion.
Above Exploring the sculptural details on display in the dining room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
Exploring the sculptural details on display in the dining room of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
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The formal living room balances the comforts of contemporary living with elemental ease. Some of the most notable pieces in the space are the rounded Roche Bobois sofas whose curves soften the Victorian geometry. Paired with a Nisu Home coffee table, Benuta rug and Hestia lamp, the living room balances sculptural pieces with old-world charm. On the wall, a monochromatic stepwell photograph by Darshan Mehta adds a personal touch, as it was a gift from the client's relative connecting their new London home back to their Indian heritage.
The dining room, which the homeowners identify as their favourite space, sits at the pinnacle of the London home’s symphony of influences. A custom-designed feature wall with softly curved fluting introduces a dynamic texture into the space, forming the perfect complement to the sculptural rattan pendants floating above the wooden dining table. Olive green tones reverberate through upholstery and abstract artwork, bringing a sense of the garden indoors whilst maintaining a restrained palette.
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Above The blend of wabi-sabi elements and Indian craftsmanship on display at a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
The blend of wabi-sabi elements and Indian craftsmanship on display at a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
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Nestled nearby, the kitchen transitions into a bespoke breakfast nook with a beige marble table. Adjacent to the space, the informal living room unfolds as a relaxed counterpoint to the formality of the living room, layered with comfortable upholstery and low, grounding silhouettes to encourage conversations long into the evening.
Throughout the lower level of the London home, Kumar emphasised a sense of lightness and a deep connection to nature. Altogether, her approach involved opening sightlines to frame views of the garden and choosing hues that reflect the shifting London sky and seasons. Soft beiges, light taupes and warm greys keep the interiors grounded, whilst moss, natural browns and clay tones dissolve the boundaries between the garden and the glass. The courtyard becomes a particularly potent expression of this pursuit, adjusting a Californian garden to suit London’s varied climate.
The blend of wabi-sabi elements and Indian craftsmanship on display in the bedroom of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
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In contrast, the upper level of the London home maintains a quieter, more contemplative character. Entering through the foyer leads past one of Kumar’s favourite elements: a custom-designed Mandir altar. Framed by an arched window, its slender, black form creates a moment of stillness and reverence, creating both a visual and spiritual pause in the home.
For Kumar, the master bedroom reveals her evolution towards bolder design strokes whilst retaining the roots of wabi-sabi. Soft ambient hues provide a serene foundation for the space, punctuated by such eye-catching elements as a striking chair resembling a carved boulder and Amal Jayn’s pebbled wall art, which introduces a biophilic texture into the atmosphere. A partitioned wall separates the sleeping quarters from the walk-in wardrobe, where the dressing table and mirror feel more akin to an art installation than functional furniture.
Above Exploring the sculptural details on display in the bedroom of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
Above A child's bedroom in a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
Exploring the sculptural details on display in the bedroom of a London, England home designed by Aashni Kumar
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To complete the space, the children's rooms and guest accommodation complete the ground floor. Each was designed by Kumar with a high level of attention to material quality and spatial refinement evident throughout. She retained the London home’s original architectural elements, but paired them with limewashed walls that hearken back to the homeowners’ Indian heritage.
The synthesis works because Kumar approached the project with what she describes as “quiet confidence,” ensuring that every element slotted neatly into the next one. “This project is a clear expression of our belief in designing homes that feel deeply human, timeless and emotionally grounded,” Kumar reflected. “Rather than imposing a singular aesthetic, the process focused on listening to both the architecture and the clients’ lifestyle.” That capacity to slow down and allow the space’s voice to shine through has created a truly unforgettable home, one that will reflect the homeowners’ evolution for years to come.
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Credits
Photography: Saurabh Suryan
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
