Bold designs meet functional spaces in this playfully reimagined Victorian home
This vibrant home is a place where bold hues meet thoughtfully curated spaces, reflecting a life full of zest and creativity. Built in 1896, the detached period property boasts two lounges and a wealth of space that immediately captivated its owners when they were house hunting in 2010. The house had already undergone some renovations, but these adaptations could not accommodate the family’s changing needs. The couple now share their home with their ten-year-old twin daughters. “The property had previously been renovated by a developer, who added two small extensions,” one of the homeowners explains. “Generally, it was done to a poor standard, and we really wanted to make it our own.” Motivated by a desire to give the property their own personal touch, the couple embarked on further renovations to improve its functionality and make it better suited to family life. “The renovations we’ve completed include extending the children’s bedroom and adding an en suite, which meant they had plenty of space when we had the twins,” the homeowner says. “We also extended the kitchen to create room for a dining table closer to it. This allowed us to turn the old dining area into a playroom-cum-office. “Having a separate space on the ground floor for toys, storage and playing has transformed our home. Being able to dine in the kitchen overlooking the garden is perfect during the summer, when we can open the bi-fold doors and enjoy indoor-outdoor living. We’ve also added a dressing room to the principal bedroom, which brings an extra touch of luxury.”
And when it comes to aesthetics? “Our style is very much ‘punch you in the face’ with colour and pieces that will always make you smile,” says the homeowner. “I’m from the Caribbean, so colour really speaks to me, and I love clashing unexpected shades. No matter how much I sometimes want to love classic styles, I’m always drawn back to bold colours and interesting artwork.” Do the couple always agree on their décor choices? “As a couple, we generally agree, but sometimes I have to override my husband’s preference for muted colours. Over the years, his taste in art has grown to match mine, with pieces featuring bold prints and colours. Sometimes, his taste and style are even bolder than mine.” The couple worked with Nathan Kingsbury Design on their latest home projects, particularly the open-concept kitchen and dining room. Their playful and fearless approach to design made them dream clients. “Nathan first created a mirror for our dressing room and a sideboard for the dining room. Since then, working with him has been like a drug,” the homeowner laughs. “The chemistry was key to our continued collaboration. It was like dating! He really understood our style. “He respected and admired it, and he was able to offer designs and décor that complemented it. I hope he agrees that he also had a certain amount of creative freedom, as we are both quite open and not too restrictive with our briefs.” The kitchen and dining room feature sleek white cabinetry outlined with a contemporary neon stripe and a chunky, utilitarian dining table surrounded by playfully mismatched seating. The space is centred around light-loving bi-fold doors and a statement island crafted from mixed metals, including patinated brass and raw oxidised metal. The island delivers a bright turquoise pop of colour that would not typically be paired with neon yellow, yet the combination works beautifully. “The island was the one thing we specified to Nathan,” the homeowner explains. “We wanted the rusted metal effect. Nathan ran with the idea and created the stunning lines, shapes and floating effect you see today. “We have so much trust in Nathan, which he continues to earn because his designs always enhance our original brief. We literally can’t say no when he suggests something.” Dream clients indeed.
The sculptural, angular kitchen island would not look out of place in a gallery. It fits perfectly with the property’s wider aesthetic, where artwork plays a significant role. Bold, colour-splashed canvases sit alongside safari-inspired sculptures that roam the garden of this London home. “I must give my husband credit for the artwork,” says the homeowner. “The colour came from me, and he ran with the sculptures. The giraffe, elephants and teacup are all his. I think it is the interesting and unexpected that draws us to certain pieces. They’re things you don’t usually see.” Look up and you will see spectacular bespoke lighting throughout the house. Another Kingsbury addition, the lighting is as much a work of art as the pictures on the walls. “The lighting designs are Nathan’s genius,” the homeowner says. “For ages, we had been looking for something that would make a statement and wasn’t what you would see in everybody else’s home. “We mentioned this to Nathan, and he suggested designing something that would complement the architecture of the kitchen lights while casting beautiful and interesting shapes and shadows throughout the days and seasons. “He drew up and presented the designs, and we discussed how they would work, how they would be fitted, how they would fall and whether there would be enough light for the space to remain practical. Then away he went.” Which room has become the family’s favourite, and where do they spend most of their time? “I love the small lounge and the kitchen,” says the homeowner. “It makes me happy to see both rooms working in harmony. Sitting at the island and chatting with friends and family really is at the heart of our home. “We’ve never seen another island like it. Nathan spent a great deal of time making sure the patination on every piece was exact, which only a true perfectionist would do.”
