Inside this Victorian villa apartment in London that's small in stature but big on style

The property

A first-floor Victorian villa apartment and modern home in west London, comprising a hall, living room, kitchen, dining nook, bedroom and bathroom.

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HALLWAY

With rich parquet, panelling and deep grey velvets inspired by luxe hotels the owner has stayed in, this home is feminine but not girlie. Delicately fluted Murano chandeliers, dazzling Deco motifs and the gleam of brushed brass make it sophisticated, yet with just the right measure of frivolity.

Heritage colours and period tiling lend the hallway an air of drama.

living room

Best of all, the apartment’s grand we-could-be-in-Paris architecture provided the perfect backdrop for the owner to play out her contemporary take on classic interior style.

Throughout the apartment there are Deco-style wall lights and dainty ruby-red table lights that could have been plucked from a romantic Forties movie.

Travel is also a source of inspiration for this owner. The antique brass lamps in the living room were booty from Chor Bazaar in Mumbai and the silk-thread cushions and rug were discovered in Jaipur. Online, 1stdibs.com and decorativecollective. com are go-to sites for ideas.

See Also: Chic and elegant living room ideas

KITCHEN

This was the room the ownerfound hardest to get right, as there’s not much space to play with. The mix-and-match approach of a British Standard by Plain English kitchen proved suitably classic but flexible, with the kind of detailing that appeals to her perfectionist streak.Vintage tin ceiling tiles add a layer of decorative texture.

A Tanya Ling fashion illustration adds a feminine feel.

DINING NOOK

To up the glam factor, glossy tiles line the walls and, by the window, a trio of Lee Broom crystal lights hang over the bijou dining area.

BEDROOM

Feminine glamour comes into its own, with textures of smooth silk and crisp cotton. Favourite finds include the Fifties Italian table lamp.

Chic storage comes in the form of vintage haberdasher’s drawers.

The built-in wardrobe and overhead storage were made from customised kitchen cabinets, fitted with smoked glass and a library ladder by a carpenter.

HALLWAY INTO BATHROOM

An original French Twenties floor, complemented by bespoke skirtings and wall panelling, creates an aura of decadence.

Find out more about British Standard by Plain English kitchensat britishstandardcupboards.co.uk

Photography / Paul Raeside

See Also: Style Classic - Encaustic Tiles