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 (opens in new tab). Step in Clerkenwell based practice Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors (opens in new tab), 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.
See Also:Explore A Victorian Terrace in London With A Modern Rear Extension (opens in new tab)
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.
See Also:Chic Hallway Ideas That Make An Entrance (opens in new tab)
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.
See Also:Living Room Wallpaper Ideas (opens in new tab)
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.
See Also:Moody Blue Living Room Ideas (opens in new tab)
KITCHEN
The hallway leads straight to the main part of the house; a large, open-plan modern kitchen.
See Also:Gorgeous Blue Kitchen Ideas And Inspiration (opens in new tab)
Here there's a large marble kitchen island, a dining area, and window bench seating for lounging.
See Also:Modern Kitchen Island Ideas (opens in new tab) andStylish kitchen island pendant ideas (opens in new tab)
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.
See Also:Crittall-Style Doors, Windows And Room Dividers (opens in new tab)
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.
See Also:Laid-back Luxe Dining Room Ideas (opens in new tab)
WINE ROOM
Bespoke shelving was created in the basement to turn this space into a large wine cellar.
See Also:Wine Room, Wine Cellar & Wine Storage Ideas (opens in new tab)
CLOAKROOM
A funky wallpaper makes the most of a small cloakroom / loo space.
See Also:Bathrooms and Cloakroom Wallpaper Ideas (opens in new tab)
STAIRCASE
Stained glass windows make this stairwell a bright and cheerful space.
Carpets on the landing areas are plush and cosy.
See Also:Stunning Statement Staircase Ideas (opens in new tab)
DRESSING ROOM
The architects added a few fun details to the property, including a hidden “jib” door that provides access to a dressing room.
See Also:Chic Dressing Room Ideas (opens in new tab)
MASTER BEDROOM
The master bedroom (opens in new tab) was painted a teal colour, giving it a modern look.
See Also:Bedroom colour ideas: 25 paint colours with impact (opens in new tab)
This space leads through to a sumptuous grey master bathroom.
See Also:Chic And Stylish Paint Colours For Your Bathroom (opens in new tab)
GUEST ROOM
At the top of the house is a powder blue painted guest bedroom.
See Also:The Six Best Powder Blue Paint Shades (opens in new tab)
GUEST BATHROOM
A tiled shower room (opens in new tab) makes the most of an awkward sloped roof.
See Also:Clever Loft Conversion Ideas (opens in new tab)
Photography: James Balston