Houzz Tour: A London Victorian Terrace Gets a Chic Urban Makeover
Determination, careful planning and a creative vision turn a run-down Victorian terrace into a spectacular home
When interior designer Chantel Elshout bought a run-down Victorian terrace in London, she wisely decided to live in it for 18 months before beginning a total redesign. This meant that when she was ready to start the renovation, she was familiar with the space and knew exactly how she wanted to use it. It also meant that when the builders began work, there were no hold-ups, as Chantel had worked out exactly where all the electrics and fittings needed to go. Consequently, her advice to anyone considering a similar project is to ‘do as much planning beforehand as you possibly can’.
Despite Chantel’s contemporary decorating style, she was keen to preserve the property’s many original features, as well as reinstall some of the missing ones, such as wooden sash windows and traditional-style radiators. The result is an elegant, sympathetic renovation that blends contemporary style and original character beautifully.
Houzz at a Glance
Owners Chantel Elshout and Michael Craig
Location Clapham, London
Size 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Despite Chantel’s contemporary decorating style, she was keen to preserve the property’s many original features, as well as reinstall some of the missing ones, such as wooden sash windows and traditional-style radiators. The result is an elegant, sympathetic renovation that blends contemporary style and original character beautifully.
Houzz at a Glance
Owners Chantel Elshout and Michael Craig
Location Clapham, London
Size 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
The original tiles in the hallway are a little worn after decades of being walked on, but Chantel decided to leave them as they were, as she likes the character the worn patina adds to the space. ‘If you choose quality natural materials, they will only improve with age,’ she says. She decided to paint the ceiling in a soft black shade, which really makes the white ornate cornicing pop. This monochrome palette has a Dutch feel, and lends the house an elegant air.
The living room is at the front of the house and quite dark, but as Chantel and her husband, Michael, mainly use it in the evenings, she decided to emphasise the cosy feeling by choosing darker shades, rather than trying to brighten it with white. To achieve the snug look, she painted the walls in Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball, the rich tone creating an intimate mood perfect for evenings.
Take a look at some more rooms that work dark blue well
Take a look at some more rooms that work dark blue well
Chantel turned the former dining room in the centre of the house into a second living room, where the couple read or watch films. The pale grey walls and charcoal sofa and pendant shade create a restful atmosphere.
The kitchen has a streamlined, contemporary feel, and continues the monochrome colour palette. The dark wood breakfast bar adds warmth and a tactile element in contrast to the high-gloss surfaces. Chantel extended the original kitchen space to incorporate a dining area, illuminating it with a large skylight.
Running up through the centre of the house, the staircase acts as a light well, with a skylight drawing sunshine into the space and the glass balustrades filtering it down through the levels. Because Chantel is susceptible to allergies, she has laid wooden flooring in every room, which creates a nice flow throughout the house.
Chantel wanted the bedroom to have a cosy feel, so she carried the strong colours over from the rest of the house and painted the walls in Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe. The headboard is covered in a rich maroon velvet to create an enveloping feel. The contemporary chandelier boosts the sense of glamour, while patterned cushions add a cheerful pop of colour.
Having lived in the house for 18 months prior to the renovation, Chantel decided to completely change the configuration to suit her and Michael’s lifestyles. This included creating ‘his and hers’ bathrooms on the top floor. This luxurious bathroom is Chantel’s own space and was designed around the freestanding slipper bath. A window, where the taps are now, was boarded up and replaced by a skylight to draw light down into the room. The marble tiles complete the luxurious look.
Michael’s bathroom, in contrast, has a sleek walk-in shower tiled in dark charcoal for a luxury hotel vibe. A waterfall shower head and chrome accessories enhance the chic mood, while inset storage makes the most of the small space.
The ornate wrought iron bedframe is the centrepiece in the guest room. Chantel teamed it with a tall, freestanding dresser and wardrobe to make the most of the available space. The furniture was originally white, so Chantel customised it by painting both pieces charcoal and adding a mirror to the front of the wardrobe for a bespoke feel.
An extra bedroom has been converted into a home office, as this was the most practical use of the space. Double desks mean Chantel and Michael can both use the room at the same time, and white furniture and files keep the busy space looking as simple as possible. The noticeboard acts as both artwork and inspiration.
Chantel designed the garden space to reflect the rest of the house, mixing greys, natural wood and splashes of strong colour. Using built-in seating, smart decking and raised planters, she has made the most of every available inch. Rather than installing an off-the-peg shed, Chantel designed a stylish, made-to-measure one to house the couple’s bikes and garden equipment. It has a living roof to bring in extra colour.
Tips on how to perk up your patio
Tips on how to perk up your patio
There wasn’t a cloakroom downstairs, so Chantel had one installed. As it was the smallest room in the house, she decided to go quite dramatic with the design and chose a flocked wallpaper and black glass splashback. ‘I had fun with the design,’ she says, ‘because the door to the room is usually closed, so I could make a strong statement without it being overpowering.’
What did you think of this house? Tell us about it in the comments below.
What did you think of this house? Tell us about it in the comments below.