Urban Glamour #28

THE PROPERTY

An Edwardian semi in north London. On the ground floor are two living rooms, a kitchen-diner and study. The children's bedrooms and two bathrooms are on the first floor, with the master bedroom, bathroom and games room on the second floor.

HALLWAY

The ivy, eucalyptus and pine garland (pictured top) is fake, but looks amazing. At Christmas, the baubles can just be weaved in and changed up depending on the theme.

FRONT LIVING ROOM

There are certain themes in this Edwardian house: the greenery, the palms, round or convex mirrors in virtually every room, faux birds, dark colours, an eclectic mix, a touch of Morocco here and there. And dream catchers.

The moody colours make the house cosy, cocooningand just a little bit sexy.

Manyof the decorative elements in this space are in fact permanent features, that then get further jazzed up in the winter. At Christmas, the cherub statue gets a crown and some fairy lights.

REAR LIVING ROOM

There are hits of glam in every room. Glitter, sequins and metallic flashes add a frisson of rock ’n’ roll sauciness to what could have been a traditional family home.

There is a subtle sparkle in every room, including decorations that stay up all year round.

The sequined cushions, large star and fairy lights are here all year, giving the room flashes of light.

Fake birds? Baubles? Fairy lights all year round? But of course!

KITCHEN

The kitchen has a more industrial look. The brick wall at the back was painted inthe same colour as the sliding patio doors to create a uniform look.

The kitchen cabinetry is über-functional – because not everyspace has to be sultry. Sometimes you need to be practical too.

Cabinetry and fittings were made by the home owners,transforming a standard kitchen intosomething that looks bespoke.

DINING AREA

The dining table was found on eBay, and despite not being very big is still able to fit 12 or 14 around it for dinner parties.

On the wall behind is a vintage train-reversing mirror, bought from an antiques dealer when covered in rust.

The lush greenery (a mix of real and faux)all add a sense of Seventies exotic.

BOYS' ROOM

Choosing a look for this room was a team effort between mother and son.

MASTER BEDROOM

The bedside table was found in India. Originally, it was a different colour so the manufacturer was asked to make the same table again in black.

The darkness of the room only helps highlight the view outside.

Photography ⁄ Alexander James