As a London-based interior designer, I often work with clients looking to strike a balance between city living and a connection to nature. For this project, my clients—originally from Scotland but long-time Londoners—were craving the open green spaces reminiscent of the Scottish countryside. So when a sprawling period house overlooking one of London’s largest commons came on the market, they knew it was as close to ‘home’ as they could find in the capital.

Although they enlisted an architect for the structural elements, they were eager to bring us in from the outset to help shape the internal spaces and fully embrace the architectural heritage of the property. With its incredible proportions and period charm, the house called for an interior scheme that was elegant, grand, and perfectly liveable.

As experience has taught us working in period homes, we knew this project demanded a sensitive and considered approach. Our clients wanted a space that reflected the scale and grandeur of the property, but also felt warm, comfortable and welcoming for family life. With one client working in fashion, they were familiar with trends—but wanted their interiors to be timeless, layered and with just the right amount of quirk.

We developed a series of elegant yet playful design schemes, echoing the personality and lifestyle of our clients. Each room was designed to feel distinct but cohesive, using layers of colour, texture, and pattern to bring warmth and character. Patterned wallpapers and soft furnishings helped create an intimate, ‘cosy’ atmosphere in larger rooms, while saturated paint tones helped bring down the scale of soaring ceilings—over three metres high on the ground floor.

The kitchen and dining area—completely reconfigured and extended—offered a moment of calm in the overall scheme. The brief was for a light, bright, and neutral space, which we achieved through a mix of handmade glazed tiles (fitted to ceiling height to reflect light), a bespoke oak island designed to resemble an antique furniture piece, and a traditional roof lantern that floods the space with daylight. Classic timber doors open the room up to the garden, grounding the space in timeless design.

Perhaps the standout space in the home is the principal ensuite bathroom. With generous proportions and garden views, we were able to create a spa-like retreat featuring a freestanding bath, a large walk-in shower, and a careful mix of feminine finishes. Hand-painted vanities, scallop mosaic tiles underfoot, a plaster-effect ceiling, verde marble, and warm brass fixtures all combine to make this space truly one of a kind.

What made this project truly special was the collaborative spirit. The clients were both brave and detail-focused—ensuring every cornice, beading, and piece of hardware remained faithful to the original character of the home. Their trust in our vision, combined with their passion for authenticity, resulted in a home that is both elegant and effortless. It’s a space that feels stylish yet comfortable—refined yet relaxed. A perfect reflection of the people who live in it.