Cover The living room of the Victorian home renovated by Fraher & Findlay
The living room of the Victorian home renovated by Fraher & Findlay
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Fraher & Findlay renovate this Victorian home into a light-filled space that places the colour blue at the forefront
When renovating homes, one must balance the space’s historic roots while navigating the demands of contemporary life. Such was the case for this semi-detached Victorian house, recently completed by Fraher and Findlay Architects in Barnes, London. The owners travelled extensively, seeking a cosy retreat while maintaining an entertaining space for their grown children.
“We wanted to fully modernise the house without losing its period character,” shared the architects. “We reconfigured the existing spaces while retaining as much of the garden as possible.”
The result is a light-filled oasis with direct views of the sprawling garden. The home’s tranquil atmosphere was enhanced by pops of blue, from the study to the kitchen.
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The entryway of the home, with views leading to the garden
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Before entering the house, one encounters the arched front door. This motif is carried through arched glazing at the rear of the house, adding playfulness to the space. This carries over to the kitchen doors and under the staircase, tying the design story of each room into a cohesive unit.
“Colour, texture and pattern were important to the family,” shared the architects. This is immediately clear from the house’s entry, which faces the stairs. The stairs are lined with geometric shapes like circles and triangles, adding dimension to a space that is often left untouched.
The unique entryway is complemented by the geometric panelling on the floor, with a hidden jib door to the boot room. As a transitory space from the unpredictable British weather, the boot room houses the family’s coats and outdoor gear, with a nook for their beloved dog Lexi to curl up at night.
The kitchen's marble backsplash and island near the dining table
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The family prioritised an open plan, with the rooms flowing seamlessly into one another. The kitchen area is connected to the dining table, allowing the family to share a delicious meal and entertain each other while they cook.
The cabinets also feature geometric shapes that echo those found on the staircase. Adding even more texture to the space is the kitchen marble backsplash, which complements the soothing hues throughout the kitchen.
Over the dining table, there hangs an eye-catching pendant light, adding bold contrast with its undulating curves and shadows. The result is a kitchen that suits the family’s collection of plates and glasses to suit both formal and informal occasions.
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Above The dining patio area under a canopy of mulberry trees
The dining patio area under a canopy of mulberry trees
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The kitchen has its opening to the garden, which was designed by Ula Maria. Upon exiting the patio doors, one encounters an inviting dining area under a canopy of mulberry trees.
Above The patio doors with a view of the sprawling garden
Above The shelf in the living room, featuring an antique mirror that houses the television
The patio doors with a view of the sprawling garden
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The kitchen also has a step down into the sunken living room, with a modular sofa for the family to lounge on. The sofa is complemented by a set of Jindrich Halabala armchairs, upholstered in Pierre Frey’s velvet range Diamonds. Between the living room and the kitchen are fascinating artworks by British artist Mark Demsteader, which further personalise the spaces.
The living room is the perfect area to relax on a lazy afternoon, tucking into a book from the nearby shelf. Behind the sliding antique mirror on the shelf is a television, which is hidden from view to maintain the room’s timeless ambience.
Above The snug, painted a deep shade of blue to create a cosy atmosphere
The snug, painted a deep shade of blue to create a cosy atmosphere
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Another cosy space in the home is the snug, cosily walled-off and painted an even deeper shade of blue for a more intimate space. The snug features a marble fireplace, ready for the homeowners to curl up on a cold winter night.
Above The snug, which features a lounge chair by Terje Ekstrøm for Stokke
The snug, which features a lounge chair by Terje Ekstrøm for Stokke
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Nearby is the eye-catching yellow lounge chair by Terje Ekstrøm for Stokke, which adds liveliness to the otherwise relaxing space. The room is another opportunity for the family to showcase their extensive art collection, which includes artworks by Portuguese artist Manuel Rodrigues Almeida and portraits by Australian artist David Bromley.
Above The loft bedroom with handprinted Albaicin wallpaper from Rapture & Wright
The loft bedroom with handprinted Albaicin wallpaper from Rapture & Wright
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The first floor also features double doors that open up to the bedroom spaces, which overlook the garden. The loft bedroom also features handprinted wallpaper from Rapture and Wright, which enhances the bedroom with its undulating patterns.
Master bedroom
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The master bedroom maintains neutral tones complemented by calming shades of blue, which carry over into the dressing room, complete with an island for the family to display their accessories. Overall, the home’s intentional design lays the groundwork for the family’s growing collection of art and furniture, while reflecting the memories that they create together over time.
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Credits
Photography: Chris Wharton
Topics
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.
