Explore A Traditional Victorian Villa With A Colourful & Modern New Interior |

last updated 18 February 2021

THE PROPERTY

A Victorian villa in a South London conservation area was described by new owners as an 'elegant wreck' and needed total renovation and reconfiguration to transform it into a modern home. Step in Clerkenwell based practice Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors, who tackled the project hands-on, turning it into a contemporary and colourful home.

The enormous 8-bedroom Victorian villa had previously been the home of a multi-generational family. The magnitude of the property meant that even basic renovation would cost a small fortune. The task set to Robert Rhodes was simple but challenging; total renovation and reconfiguration, with new heating, plumbing and electrics, new floors, structural repairs, new joinery, new bathrooms, a music studio, a wine cellar, new sash windows, landscaping, repointing... all for less than £1000/m2. The owners also wanted a kitchen that felt like a New York loft, complete with a polished concrete floor, underfloor heating and large floor to ceiling Crittall windows. No small ask! But together with the property’s owners, the architects managed to transform this property over a four year period into the forever home it is today.

HALLWAY

Although the property required a lot of modernisation, the owners and designers honoured the property by preserving period features and even adding some in, like the traditional encaustic tiled floor in the hallway, and gorgeous stained glass windows in the front door. Lighting has a traditional feel too; a modest chandelier hanging from a ceiling rose.

Walls carry a neutral, stoney palette of soft greys, with a darker shade on the banister to tie in with the stair runner. Colour is subtle; pops of blue in the tiled floor, striking green and red from the stained glass window, and a trio of framed movie posters.

LIVING ROOM

Don't be fooled by the neutral hallway, the rest of this home carries plenty of drama. A vibrant green scenic wallpaper wraps around the formal living room.

The Chinoiserie design in combination with the herringbone parquet floor and antique furnishings create an elegant and traditional atmosphere.

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A modern copper pendant light shakes things up.

SNUG

Across the hallway is a cosy snug, enveloped in a cocooning inky blue. The traditional chandelier is the same as the one in the hallway, creating a cohesive look.

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KITCHEN

The hallway leads straight to the main part of the house; a large, open-plan modern kitchen.

Here there's a large marble kitchen island, a dining area, and window bench seating for lounging.

It's a very modern space, with handleless cabinetry and smooth matte surfaces, floor to ceiling Crittall doors and windows, and polished concrete flooring.

The architects combined these modern features with traditional architectural details including finely crafted gauged arches and denticulated brickwork on the rear elevation and extension.

DINING AREA

A whole wall of Crittall windows frames the garden space and makes this the main focal point. The rest of the walls are decorated with framed posters and art prints.

A pair of Chinese lanterns emit a soft glow over the dining table.

WINE ROOM

Bespoke shelving was created in the basement to turn this space into a large wine cellar.

CLOAKROOM

A funky wallpaper makes the most of a small cloakroom / loo space.

STAIRCASE

Stained glass windows make this stairwell a bright and cheerful space.

Carpets on the landing areas are plush and cosy.

DRESSING ROOM

The architects added a few fun details to the property, including a hidden “jib” door that provides access to a dressing room.

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MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom was painted a teal colour, giving it a modern look.

This space leads through to a sumptuous grey master bathroom.

GUEST ROOM

At the top of the house is a powder blue painted guest bedroom.

GUEST BATHROOM

A tiled shower room makes the most of an awkward sloped roof.

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Photography: James Balston

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.