Houzz Tours
London Houzz: Modern Meets Vintage in a Renovated Terrace
Bold colours, exposed architectural features and antique furniture bring warmth and character to this family house
Taking the time to get to know their new home was hugely important for Vanessa Bold and her young family. “We only wanted to make thoughtful changes that would stand the test of time,” she says of their terrace at the end of a row in London, UK. They lived in the property through every season before making any major alterations, just so they could see how the light fell in each room and work out how they could best use the space.
Their first step was to hire Hayley Hammond Architects to design a large ground-floor rear extension with an apex roof, a pair of skylights and an almost entirely glazed rear wall. Next up, the family brought designer Krystyna Martin-Dominguez of K Space onboard to help with the interior.
Their first step was to hire Hayley Hammond Architects to design a large ground-floor rear extension with an apex roof, a pair of skylights and an almost entirely glazed rear wall. Next up, the family brought designer Krystyna Martin-Dominguez of K Space onboard to help with the interior.
Martin-Dominguez showcased the raw brick walls, concrete floor and surface-mounted electrical fittings throughout the kitchen. Rattan fibres add a soft, natural feel, and she included plenty of freestanding furniture – plenty of which was sourced second-hand – to give the space a relaxed mood.
A stunning benchtop of teal zellige tiles makes a bold statement on the island and contrasts with a brass splashback behind the wall units. The latter was commissioned specifically for the space and made from liquid metal sprayed onto a backing board.
Find a reviewed interior designer in your area on Houzz and browse images of their previous projects
Find a reviewed interior designer in your area on Houzz and browse images of their previous projects
Martin-Dominguez designed a banquette seat with built-in storage below the picture window. Deep set with views down the lengthy garden, it’s the perfect place to read, chill or enjoy a morning coffee.
A handy music room and study leads off the new rear extension and is an ideal spot for homework and quiet study.
The team repaired and revarnished the original herringbone flooring throughout much of the ground floor. It creates a warm background of natural texture and movement.
An extra-long desk provides practical workspace for everyone, and Martin-Dominguez teamed this with useful wraparound bookshelves.
Browse beautifully designed Australian homes with mid-century flair
Browse beautifully designed Australian homes with mid-century flair
Vivid William Morris wallpaper and pink joinery add a playful feel to the hallway.
Martin-Dominguez made use of the high ceiling in here by installing a bookshelf above the door.
Martin-Dominguez made use of the high ceiling in here by installing a bookshelf above the door.
A concrete lintel has deliberately been left on show in the hallway. “The builders intended to disguise it with a false ceiling, but this would have meant losing up to 20cm from the impressive ceiling height,” says Martin-Dominguez. “They were mortified when I insisted on leaving it uncovered, but the family and I all feel it’s a quirky and fun feature.”
Painted in a striking shade of dusk pink, the front door of the family’s home reflects the soft palette of colours used within.
The north-facing sitting room is located at the front of the house. Dark timber furniture and sumptuous fabrics bring warmth and character to the space.
Vanessa loves online auctions and picking out unique pieces of furniture. Here, for example, she’s turned a vintage travel trunk into a sturdy coffee table.
Vanessa loves online auctions and picking out unique pieces of furniture. Here, for example, she’s turned a vintage travel trunk into a sturdy coffee table.
In the corner of the sitting room, a vintage desk is tucked into an alcove to make good use of the space.
Upstairs in the main bedroom, Martin-Dominguez teamed a teal feature wall with pink and green bed linen. A dark timber bedhead contrasts with industrial-style side tables.
Framed antique prints bring period details to a soft, pale pink wall.
The room hosts a mix of contemporary fittings and vintage touches. A walk-in shower lined with artisan-style subway tiles is separated from the rest of the space by a half-wall.
Black contemporary brassware brings an industrial touch to the room, while a dark timber wall cabinet adds warmth and an opportunity to display favourite and useful toiletries.
Your turn
How do you like to mix contemporary design with vintage finds? Share your ideas in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
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Your turn
How do you like to mix contemporary design with vintage finds? Share your ideas in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on another stunning Houzz Tour here with this Texas Houzz: An Architect’s Sustainable, Palm Springs-Style Home
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Vanessa Bold, her husband Noah, and children Carmen and Delilah
Location: London, UK
Property: An Edwardian terrace house at the end of a row
Size: Four bedrooms and two bathrooms
Designer: Krystyna Martin-Dominguez of K Space
Architects: Hayley Hammond Architects
“I love working on Edwardian houses,” says Martin-Dominguez, “as they’re square and easy to work with in terms of creating a good, workable layout.”
Bold and Martin-Dominguez have a similar approach to interiors and a love of honest materials and antiques. “Vanessa’s mother ran an antiques shop, so Vanessa grew up with an amazing eye for design and feel for different materials,” says Martin-Dominguez of collaborating with the architect. “I come from a family of makers who dislike any kind of waste, so we were on the same page.”