In a three-year-long process during the height of the pandemic, Lindgren and Lonergan not only transformed the home’s layouts—the basement is expanded in size and depth, while a rear and mansard extension were also added—but also its appearance. 

The designers opened up the basement, converting it into the main living space that encompasses a kitchen and living spaces. The ground floor, which was home to the kitchen and dining room, became formal reception rooms, which would have been here when the house was originally built. The first floor now houses the master bedroom.

Opening up the basement provided the opportunity to create a space perfect for modern family living, says Lindgren. Here, the kitchen overlooks the dining area, which leads out to a sun-drenched walled courtyard.

In the kitchen, an ornately veined Calacatta Borghini marble is chosen as worktops, juxtaposed against bronze hardware. “We love the rich, warm veining and knew it would perfectly complement the timber floor and bronze ironmongery,” says Lindgren.

At the opposite end of the kitchen, through a set of double pocket doors, is a family room, which features a bespoke sectional sofa and upholstered, patterned ottoman. “This whole floor really works for both family life and entertaining,” she adds.

In the master bedroom and en suite—the designers’ favourite part of the house—the double pocket doors from the bedroom allow light to come in from both sides of the house. This creates a relaxed sense of luxury, says Lonergan. The bath is positioned under the window. This is an eye-catching detail that also means there is space for the double vanity and shower to sit perfectly opposite each other. “The room feels very balanced, and in keeping with the Victorian sense of symmetry.” 

In an effort to recreate the period details in the home, the designers installed a Nero Marquina bolection fireplace in the formal living room. Its grand appearance is similar to what was favoured in the 19th century, explains Lindgren. In the hallway, the designers added moulded arch and decorative plaster corbels—details that would have been typical in a house of this age.

The biggest challenge in the project was working with the narrow spaces in the home—something that is typical of many London properties, says Lonergan. Dark colours on the walls would have been overwhelming; instead, the designers chose a calming off-white shade. The floors feature a warm, chocolate-toned timber, featuring a herringbone pattern, which creates a sense of depth and adds character. 

The rich finishes in the spaces add elegance, adds. Lonergan. “From the chocolate-toned timber floor to the silk wallpaper in the bedrooms, and luxe fabrics such as velvet, brushed cotton and chenille, every finish was chosen with [elegance] in mind.”

Creating a sense of elegance, adds Lindgren, is all about layering materials. Letting in natural light is also an important consideration. “We love how these different tones are highlighted by the light throughout the day.” 

With its new layout and renewed character, the townhouse is now the ideal home for the clients, says Lonergan. “They hope to be in the house for as long as the previous owners.” 

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