Victorian Terrace Transformation: A Design by Jenny Wood
SW London Victorian Terrace Transformation
Our clients purchased a five bedroom Victorian Terrace in SW London. With their first baby on the way, they needed help to create a nursery transform the other bedrooms and update the connecting halls, stairs and landings. The brief was to inject colour into what was originally a very dull and beige property. Choosing bright and colourful wallpapers, playful patterns and bold colours to match our wonderful clients’ taste and personalities, careful consideration was given to each and every independently-designed room to achieve this stunning Victorian Terrace Transformation.
Hallway Design
Our starting point was to confront the once dull and dark magnolia-hued hallway. Taking inspiration from the clients’ nature-themed framed prints, we used a colour-blocking effect on the lower walls, stair treads and spindles in a thyme green paint with subtle aqua tones from Paint and Paper Library. For the upper walls, ceiling and woodwork, a classic heritage white from Little Greene was used to break up the walls and establish a fun and characterful space. This now flows throughout the home.
Our clients have a dog as well as a baby on the way. So, to complement the new walls and staircase, a beautiful yet practical mustard-edged striped runner was introduced. A great way to add contrast and enhance this high traffic area.
Teal Bespoke Joinery
Our clients loved the existing teal colour on the walls of their study. This was the starting point for the scheme. We designed and then commissioned our wonderful carpenter to create this bespoke shelving unit along the entire back wall of this room, to provide additional storage space. Painted to match the walls, it surrounds our clients with the colour they love, forming a strong base for the rest of the scheme.
Calm Home Office
We softened the space by adding texture in the form of a new velvet green armchair, a bamboo blind and a jute rug to tie in with the clients’ existing wooden desk. We removed the old radiator and replaced it with a modern gunmetal grey column-style.
Contemporary Nursey Interior Design
Moving upstairs, a small, dark middle room was transformed by re-skimming the once uneven walls, swapping out the carpet for engineered wood flooring and replacing the existing radiator with a more modern version that juxtaposes nicely against the sunny mustard walls.
The half-wall design provides the perfect amount of colour without feeling too overwhelming within this small space. It is paired beautifully with a leafy monochrome wallpaper to create a subtle contrast. Monochrome accents can also be found in the patterned playmat (which doubles as a rug) and sweet woodland themed animal prints.
Future-proof Nursery
This endearing space has been carefully and thoughtfully designed to subtly adapt over time. Future-proofing elements include a multifunctional cot bed and changing table and nursery rocking chair with interchangeable legs.
Replacing Wardrobe Doors
The most challenging element in the master bedroom was the useful yet extremely awkward and poorly-constructed built-in wardrobes. To transform this room into a calm, neutral and peaceful retreat, the bedroom door hinges were swapped to the opposite side of the door frame, and part of the overhanging windowsill was removed to accommodate new customised built-in cabinetry.
Designed by Decorbuddi interior designer Jenny, the new bespoke cabinetry features a range of cupboards, shelves, drawers and hanging space to cater for all of our clients’ needs. MDF batons painted in COAT paint’s Well Grounded were added to the wardrobe fronts to provide a modern twist whilst retaining the calm yet contemporary feel of the room.
Natural Materials
Working with the clients’ existing bed frame, terracotta and neutral tones were layered through tactile soft furnishings – such as beautiful muted linen bedding from Piglet in Bed and decorative accessories in natural materials, which can easily be updated in years to come. Warm oak engineered flooring was installed, a stunning wooden statement ceiling light was hung to create a focal point from the bed; and existing sockets and switches were replaced for caramel latte-coloured versions, in keeping with the colour theme.
Dried Flower Styling
Custom-made shelving was made to match the wardrobes. Designed to hold books and accessories they provide additional space for our client’s love of plants. A pretty dried flower hoop was commissioned for the chimney breast. Various sized rattan mirrors not only create interest but also reflect the light throughout the space.
Feminine Dressing Room
Embracing this small space, each and every element works extra hard to create the luxurious, glamorous and feminine retreat our client desired. Striking leafy green and pink wallpaper ties in with the natural motif running throughout the house and the dusky pink dressing chair.
Bright & Sunny Loft Conversion
A cheerful space for friends and family to stay, the loft bedroom conveys the feeling of a sunny boutique hotel. Rickety existing storage was replaced with custom-built wardrobes and drawers.
Sustainable Repurposing
The bright colours and design of Lorna Syson’s Juneberry and Bird Wallpaper inject a happy personality into this haven for guests. Splashes of yellow are taken across to the wool throw and chair, which was re-upholstered by one of talented network of preferred suppliers. Likewise, the existing white wooden bedhead was reupholstered, re-purposed into a special piece, rather than being relogated to waste.
We hope that you found this story of a Victorian Terrace Transformation, inspiring and helpful. If we can be of any help please do not hesitate to get in touch.
SW London Victorian Transformation Photography: KT1 Photography