See inside this south London townhouse painted head-to-toe in striking blues
This south London townhouse is a painterly palette of hues – ranging from sapphire to cerulean – layered with vivacious prints and patterns sets the tone for this fabulous family home
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THE PROPERTY
An early Victorian four-storey south London townhouse and modern home (opens in new tab). There's a dual-aspect sitting room on the ground floor, while the lower-ground floor houses a study, living room (opens in new tab), cloakroom (opens in new tab) and kitchen, which leads to a dining / family room. On the first floor is the master bedroom (opens in new tab), guest bedroom (opens in new tab) and a bathroom. The girls' bedroom, plus another guest bedroom and a bathroom, are on the top floor.
The home is filled with plump, button-backed blue chairs, swan-necked lamps and fringe-clad sofas. Cobalt ebbs into azure, ultramarine fades into forget-me-not: it’s a palette that, in less confident hands, might feel overwhelming. But here, the effect is bold, glamorous – and as enticing as a deep lagoon on a hot day.
The look sits very well with the architecture of the house. The house is early Victorian, on the cusp of Georgian, and the architecture is stunning throughout.
See Also: Beautiful modern homes around the world (opens in new tab)
THE LIVING ROOM
The living room (opens in new tab) is a bold blue hue, feeling simultaneously dramatic and calm.Like elsewhere, an easy mix of designer objects and antiques brings the space to life.
The velvet sofa is fringed as thickly as a flamenco dancer’s skirt. Reflecting her love of clean lines, the abstract painting by Jane Goodwin is echoed in toe-cosseting rugs by another client, Christopher Farr.
Blue makes the art stand out, and despite being a dramatic colour, it feels surprisingly calm.
THE KITCHEN
Whisper-blue walls set the tone for the kitchen (opens in new tab), where bespoke joinery is offset by brass handles and a Victorian-esque tap.
The bespoke kitchen includes deeper-than-average work surfaces, with tops made from Carrara marble.
THE FAMILY ROOM
In the adjoining family space, succulent plants draw the garden inside through wide windows. The hothouse-feel is echoed in an over-scaled palm print by the late, charismatic textile designer Michael Szell, which is lavished on a sofa, lamp shades and curtains.
THE DINING ROOM
The dining room is lovely, light and inviting.
See Also: Laidback Luxe Dining Room Ideas (opens in new tab)
THE MASTER BEDROOM
The low headboard is designed to not to detract from the carefully arranged accessories. This brings definition to the space, with its restful mix of designerand vintage pieces.
THE GIRLS' BEDROOM
The twin bedroom looks smart with identical beds, table lamps and wall sconces in complementing pastel shades.
Colourful pompoms add a a sense of fun to the otherwise calm room.
THE STUDY
In this slim but practical home office (opens in new tab), a bespoke marble-top desk echoes the design of the adjoining kitchen.
See more of Katharine’s interior design work at katharinehowardstyle.com.
Photography ⁄ James Merrell
See Also: Striking Home Office Ideas (opens in new tab)
Shining a spotlight on the now and the next in home design and decor, Livingetc is the UK's best selling high end and contemporary home design magazine. As a brand, Livingetc showcases the world's very best homes, breaks and makes the trends, and has access to leading international designers for insight and ideas. It was first published in 1998, and is currently edited by Pip Rich.
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