Adding interest: epic restoration sees north London Victorian home mix contemporary design with traditional architecture

For colour, pattern and fun, the owners of this totally restored end-of-terrace north London Victorian family house called on interior designer Suzy Hoodless. 
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Emma J. Page24 April 2018

The owners of this four-storey townhouse in north London turned to designer Suzy Hoodless for contemporary inspiration to offset their classical architecture after the year-long renovation of their Victorian home: “We had a beautifully traditional backdrop, but we wanted to mix things up a bit.”

Being end of terrace, they benefited from light on three sides. They decided to play to that strength by having a large side extension built, complete with east- and west-facing terraces, adding a conservatory at the rear.

Internally, they returned the kitchen to the basement and created an elegant sitting room and library space on the ground floor.

Throughout, cornice was returned, doorways were widened and, with three children, plenty of hidden storage was added. The owners like mid-century pieces and share their taste with Hoodless, including an appreciation of the works of Giò Ponti and Fornasetti.

“But the owners hadn’t really lived with print, pattern and bolder hues before.” Hoodless took her lead from their furniture and rugs and scaled up, adding simple but eye-catching lines, including Fritz Hansen’s classic Favn sofa and a Hans J Wegner Papa Bear Chair in vivid chartreuse in the sitting room, complemented by leopard print and graphic cushions.

In the basement dining area, Muuto Nerd chairs in a range of hues expand the colour palette, while above the marble-topped kitchen island hangs a trio of Michael Anastassiades pendant lights. Spikes of colour everywhere include a vivid blue painted mural in the son’s room, offset by calm with soft greys in the main bedroom.

It was a matter of adding in places and pulling back in others to get the balance just right, explains Hoodless. She clearly succeeded. Her client says living with bold, graphic print “gives me pleasure every day”.

See the full feature in the May issue of House & Garden, on sale now
Elsa Young

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