Nailing form and function, this beautiful family home works on every level.
Get the look: The woodwork is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Off Black estate eggshell. The mirror is an eBay find. The coat hooks are from Anthropologie.
THE PROPERTY
A late-Edwardian terraced house in southwest London. The ground floor comprises a living room, kitchen-diner/family room and a WC. On the first floor is the children’s bedroom, playroom, guest bedroom, shower room and study. The master bedroom suite is in the loft conversion upstairs.
HALLWAY
Original floor tiles line this spacious entrance (pictured above). You don’t normally get a big hallway such as this in this type of house, but it’s great if you have kids and buggies.
FAMILY ROOM
Functionality is placed above fancy flourishes in this knick-knack free home. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, you won’t find it here.
But if you think that sounds a little strict, just take a closer look. Gorgeous, tactile materials, such as polished concrete, flint-grey marble and recycled wood form the backbone of this family home.
Get the look: The futon cushions are covered in Berwick fabric by Prestigious Textiles at House Décor.
Original artwork injects colour and personality and a mix of vintage pieces and cleverly adapted finds adds yet more heart. Super-functional it may be, but this place feels warm and stylish too.
An integrated futon in the family room is both comfy and space-efficient. The futon is made with a wood base, Ikea mattresses and layers of upholstered cushions.
This room faces northwest, so doesn’t get much direct sun, but sliding doors, roof lights and generous glazing allow the rear of the house to be flooded with light.
Get the look: The vintage chandelier, is from Dezanne in Clapham Common. The mural is by Ricardo Cavolo. This is a Globe table light by Collectiviste at Etsy. The garden log burner/barbecue is from Round Wood of Mayfield.
LIVING ROOM
Away from the busy family hub, a living room at the front provides a cosy retreat, which includes a wood burner. The sitting room is invitingly snug.
As much of the furniture is built-in, the rooms have an uncluttered feel, with just a few freestanding pieces dotted around. Most are vintage finds or one-offs, snapped up on eBay or Etsy.
Get the look: This is a Dante wood-burning stove by Carron. The mid-century armchair is from 20thC Quarters. The sofa is by Raft. The ceramic heads, found at the Affordable Art Fair, are by Swedish artist Johan Thunell.
KITCHEN
The wall of kitchen cabinets is made from Ikea carcasses fronted with plywood. They reach from floor to ceiling, a clever solution to prevent any dust from accumulating on the tops of cupboards.
Get the look: The kitchen carcasses are from Ikea. The polished-concrete worktop is by Mortise Concrete.
They also help to maximise storage space, and elongates the room.
Get the look: The kitchen carcasses are from Ikea. The polished-concrete worktop is by Mortise Concrete.
Reclaimed timber originally used for school science-lab tables now fronts one side of the cabinets and lines the alcove shelving.
There are all sorts of graffiti on it. You remember what we all used to do in boring science lessons?!
Get the look: The salvaged Iroko timber is from Retrouvius.
KITCHEN-DINER
Vintage materials and upcycled pieces give heart and character to the space – the floorboards were cut from reclaimed beams, while the table was made from a salvaged slab of marble, mounted on legs custom-forged by a blacksmith.
Get the look: These are Stefan dining chairs by Ikea. The vintage stools are from Retrouvius. The large artwork by Brazilian artist Carlos Contente was bought at Frieze London.
GUEST BEDROOM
Vintage finds, colourful art and an invigorating sense of style mark this distinctive decorating look.
Get the look: The Sixties Maclamp table light by Sir Terence Conran for Habitat was found on eBay.
The same recipe of black woodwork teamed with pure white walls runs throughout the house.
Get the look: The woodwork is painted in Off Black estate eggshell by Farrow & Ball. The cane chair is antique. This is a Monochrome Spring rug by House Doctor at Design Vintage.
KIDS’ ROOM
Excess wallpaper was used on the side of the children’s bunk bed to continue the theme.
Get the look: The bunk bed and bedding are by Ikea.
Instead of dividing the room into smaller bedrooms, the larger space allows more room for playing.
Fixing the shelving on a shop-style, MDF wall panel allows for plenty of flexibility as the children grow.
MASTER BEDROOM
This loft bedroom used to have a very low ceiling and tiny windows. A huge renovation was required to open the space up and create the airy master bedroom it is now.
Get the look: The reclaimed Iroko wood used for the headboard is from Retrouvius. The wall sconce is from Spark & Bell at Etsy.
MASTER ENSUITE
White tiles and black grout create a fresh and modern look in this master ensuite.
Get the look: The wall tiles and Smoked Embers anti-slip floor tiles are from Walls and Floors. The bath is from The Cast Iron Bath Company.
Photography ⁄ Paul Massey
Find out more about Lisa’s work at thespaceologists.com
