CS House

Residential

Background

Nestled amidst the leafy greenery of North London, this romantic detached Victorian townhouse exemplifies classic English elegance and the rich architectural charm of the city. Spanning a generous 565 sq.m., the residence boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, three living rooms, a kitchen, and a combined living and dining area that opens onto scenic fields and a lush garden. A new extension adjacent to the main house features a games room, cinema room, boot room, and laundry room, while the garden now includes an indoor gym.

Brief

Commissioned in autumn 2020 by a creative family of five, the brief emphasised the creation of a versatile, all-encompassing family home that enhances and supports their varied interests. With hobbies ranging from playing musical instruments such as drums and piano to billiards and social gatherings—where the kitchen plays a pivotal role in the spatial design—this house reflects a lived-in and curated home. Each bespoke interior element and furniture piece has been carefully considered. Our approach was guided by a desire to create an atmosphere rich in materiality and personality, linking the property’s grandeur with its romantic setting in a sought-after London location.

Bespoke Interior Design

Our design journey began with inspiration from a mid-century 1950s glass extension featuring beautiful teak wood, which influenced our new joinery designs. This distinctive material colour complements the Victorian architecture and red brick of the original house, seamlessly connecting the exterior with the tall, ancient trees and lush garden. During our autumn visit, we drew from the rich seasonal colours to establish a palette that guided our choices for the interiors.

We applied a similar teak stain to bespoke joinery in the kitchen, master bedroom, and hallway, paired with lighter herringbone-patterned oak flooring throughout. Upholstery and curtain fabrics in shades of burnt orange, burgundy, and olive harmonise with the original architecture, while dusky olive green complements the garden aesthetic. Our curated mix of vintage and contemporary furniture balances the new and old, while custom joinery crafted by local makers adds a tailored touch.

A generous extension was added, featuring a lighter palette and a skylit corridor that floods the space with natural light. The cinema room, with a lower ceiling, embodies a cosy atmosphere achieved through dark green Bauwerk lime wash paint. The house’s size allowed exploration of diverse materials and finishes, such as unique marbles in the kitchen and master bathroom, giving each space its own character.

In the kitchen, tambour cabinetry inspired by Scandinavian and modernist design, expertly crafted by End Grain, became a focal point. The countertops, made of rare Italian granite sourced specifically for this project, highlight natural hues and rich brown veining that ties together other finishes and brass accents for a cohesive kitchen.

The master bathroom features rare Breccia Medicea marble from Fontanili Marble, a defining element of the space. In the entrance hallway, high-contrast marble arranged in a diamond pattern adds graphic interest, paying homage to classic townhouse aesthetics.

The result is a home that balances cosiness and sophistication, showcasing earthy colours, layered textures, and unique spaces that reflect the family’s lifestyle and personality.

Scope

Full interior design services stage 1-7, including; bespoke joinery design, FF&E sourcing & procurement management, artwork curation and final styling.

Completion: 2024
Project Details: 565 sq.m detached Victorian house
Location: North London, UK
Client: Private
Architect: McGuinness Architects
Contractor: Beam Development Ltd.

Back to Residential