Houzz Tour: A Victorian Terrace With a Scandi Twist
This beautiful family home elegantly combines traditional features with contemporary details
Cheryl F
26 January 2017
Houzz Contributor. I'm a London-based journalist with years of experience writing for the UK's top interiors titles. I love shopping for quirky accessories, have a passion for rummaging through vintage stores and I'm ever-hopeful of finding that elusive perfect paint shade.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a London-based journalist with years of experience writing... More
When Holly and Hugh Canham came across this elegant period home in northwest London, they knew it was exactly what they needed – or rather, it could be, given a little work. “We were drawn to the leafy area and were looking for a property to accommodate our expanding family, as I was pregnant at the time,” interior designer Holly Canham recalls. “We were previously living in a two-bed flat and desperately needed more space.”
Some families in their position might have gone for the easy life – a home they could move straight into with minimal effort – but for interior designer Canham, who co-runs design studio Canham & Hart, that wasn’t top of the list. “We wanted a period property we could fully refurbish to suit our own style and taste,” she says.
In the event, they completed a full refurbishment with the help of Vorbild architects, including a side return kitchen extension and a loft conversion. And the timing couldn’t have been better. “My youngest son, Theo, was born on the Monday,” she says, “and we moved in on the Friday!”
Some families in their position might have gone for the easy life – a home they could move straight into with minimal effort – but for interior designer Canham, who co-runs design studio Canham & Hart, that wasn’t top of the list. “We wanted a period property we could fully refurbish to suit our own style and taste,” she says.
In the event, they completed a full refurbishment with the help of Vorbild architects, including a side return kitchen extension and a loft conversion. And the timing couldn’t have been better. “My youngest son, Theo, was born on the Monday,” she says, “and we moved in on the Friday!”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Interior designer Holly Canham, husband Hugh, an asset manager, and their children, Zac, 3, and Theo, 15 months
Location Queen’s Park, northwest London
Property A two-storey Victorian terrace
Size 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Architects Vorbild Architecture
Interior designer Holly Canham of Canham & Hart
Photos by Chris Snook and Verity Cahill
Working closely with Vorbild architects, Holly Canham’s brief was clear. “We wanted the house to have a contemporary feel, but to retain as many of the original features as possible.”
One of the first things the family did was knock through downstairs to create an inviting double reception room. The reclaimed oak parquet flooring, which adds warmth and character, is one of Canham’s favourite things about her finished home.
Parquet, The Natural Wood Floor Company. Sofa, The Conran Shop.
Who lives here Interior designer Holly Canham, husband Hugh, an asset manager, and their children, Zac, 3, and Theo, 15 months
Location Queen’s Park, northwest London
Property A two-storey Victorian terrace
Size 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Architects Vorbild Architecture
Interior designer Holly Canham of Canham & Hart
Photos by Chris Snook and Verity Cahill
Working closely with Vorbild architects, Holly Canham’s brief was clear. “We wanted the house to have a contemporary feel, but to retain as many of the original features as possible.”
One of the first things the family did was knock through downstairs to create an inviting double reception room. The reclaimed oak parquet flooring, which adds warmth and character, is one of Canham’s favourite things about her finished home.
Parquet, The Natural Wood Floor Company. Sofa, The Conran Shop.
The rear of the open-plan reception room has been turned into a dedicated play space for the two youngest members of the household.
The children’s bright toys add a cheerful contrast. “We wanted to create a fun and colourful space for the kids where they could make a mess – within reason! – but that would be quick and easy to tidy, hence the numerous toy sacks and baskets,” says Canham. “Good storage is important to prevent the house looking a mess. However, they have a lovely selection of toys they’re now able to display.”
Storage unit, Ikea.
The children’s bright toys add a cheerful contrast. “We wanted to create a fun and colourful space for the kids where they could make a mess – within reason! – but that would be quick and easy to tidy, hence the numerous toy sacks and baskets,” says Canham. “Good storage is important to prevent the house looking a mess. However, they have a lovely selection of toys they’re now able to display.”
Storage unit, Ikea.
Pale wood, geometric rugs… There’s definitely a Scandi influence in this home. “I had a desire to create a contemporary look but still in keeping with the Victorian framework,” says Canham.
Play table and stools, Flexa.
Play table and stools, Flexa.
Mixing old with new is one of Canham’s passions, reflected in pieces such as this vintage chair. “There are various antiques and vintage finds dotted throughout the property to add character,” she says.
Check out 10 interiors trends making a comeback
Check out 10 interiors trends making a comeback
The wood-burning stove is one of Canham’s favourite features in the whole house. “It’s our best investment ever – we use it all the time. It’s so user-friendly and warms the entire house extremely quickly.”
Stripy rug, The Conran Shop.
Wood-burning stove, Chesney’s. Carmina lampshade by Vita, available at Hurn & Hurn.
Stripy rug, The Conran Shop.
Wood-burning stove, Chesney’s. Carmina lampshade by Vita, available at Hurn & Hurn.
All the fireplaces in the home had to be replaced with new surrounds. “The marble surround in the reception room is Victorian, but it’s not original to the house,” Canham says.
Read expert advice on how to choose and install a wood-burning stove
Read expert advice on how to choose and install a wood-burning stove
The family were keen to preserve and reinstate period details. “Unfortunately, we had to replace the ceiling, so the only original feature is the ceiling rose [seen reflected in the mirror in the previous photo]. However, the builders did a great job of replicating the cornicing,” Canham says.
“We definitely wanted to retain the classic framework of a Victorian drawing room – along with the beautiful parquet floor – but furnish it in a contemporary way, so the room doesn’t look out of date.”
“We definitely wanted to retain the classic framework of a Victorian drawing room – along with the beautiful parquet floor – but furnish it in a contemporary way, so the room doesn’t look out of date.”
While the house might be light and bright now, that definitely wasn’t the case when they bought it. “It was very dark and dingy,” Canham recalls, “so it was important to create a light and airy feel by maximising the space as much as possible.”
Eames DSW chairs, available from The Conran Shop. Homer table, Loaf. All kitchen lights, Urban Cottage Industries.
Eames DSW chairs, available from The Conran Shop. Homer table, Loaf. All kitchen lights, Urban Cottage Industries.
The family decided not to totally open up the ground floor. “We wanted a separate space for cooking and family living,” Canham says.
Thanks to the new side return extension, the Scandi-style kitchen-diner has a airy, uplifting feel. Glazed doors pull in lots of light and open straight onto the garden.
In fact, this is one of Canham’s favourite things about her new home. “I love the way the kitchen looks out onto the garden, as well as the beautiful cement floor tiles in here.”
Voltaire floor tiles in Whisper, Marrakech Design.
Thanks to the new side return extension, the Scandi-style kitchen-diner has a airy, uplifting feel. Glazed doors pull in lots of light and open straight onto the garden.
In fact, this is one of Canham’s favourite things about her new home. “I love the way the kitchen looks out onto the garden, as well as the beautiful cement floor tiles in here.”
Voltaire floor tiles in Whisper, Marrakech Design.
The kitchen is central to this family home. “With two young kids, we spend a lot of time in here cooking,” says Canham.
While the house has traditional touches, in here the vibe is definitely modern. “We wanted to create a contemporary kitchen that was light and airy. I absolutely love Carrara marble, and it provides a good contrast to the darker kitchen units.”
Open shelves also add character and an opportunity to show off much-loved homeware pieces. “We have a nice collection of china, hence our desire to display them on shelves and not hide away in cupboards.”
Browse the 11 most popular kitchen photos on Houzz and what they tell us
While the house has traditional touches, in here the vibe is definitely modern. “We wanted to create a contemporary kitchen that was light and airy. I absolutely love Carrara marble, and it provides a good contrast to the darker kitchen units.”
Open shelves also add character and an opportunity to show off much-loved homeware pieces. “We have a nice collection of china, hence our desire to display them on shelves and not hide away in cupboards.”
Browse the 11 most popular kitchen photos on Houzz and what they tell us
The kitchen is from MC Stone. “They create beautiful bespoke kitchens handmade in Italy,” says Canham. The cupboards have recessed metal handles for a sleek feel. Dark grey units contrast with the lighter flooring and white metro tiles for a cool, modern look.
Kitchen, MC Stone. Units painted in Railings, Farrow & Ball. Appliances, Miele.
Kitchen, MC Stone. Units painted in Railings, Farrow & Ball. Appliances, Miele.
A long, marbled-wrapped island unit divides the cooking and dining areas, and provides extra storage.
The pictures over the dining table are vintage French prints.
The pictures over the dining table are vintage French prints.
The brief for the master bedroom was “light, airy and timeless”.
The fire surround may look old, but it’s actually new, and simply painted white. The windows were replaced throughout the house with new double glazing. “The sash windows were made in Poland and we bought the window furniture in London,” Canham says.
Sisal flooring is cosier than wood, but more modern than carpet, while Shaker-style cupboards add a traditional feel.
Walls painted in Great White, Farrow & Ball.
The fire surround may look old, but it’s actually new, and simply painted white. The windows were replaced throughout the house with new double glazing. “The sash windows were made in Poland and we bought the window furniture in London,” Canham says.
Sisal flooring is cosier than wood, but more modern than carpet, while Shaker-style cupboards add a traditional feel.
Walls painted in Great White, Farrow & Ball.
“Both the children’s bedrooms are contemporary, but we wanted to be able to accommodate furniture we’ve inherited, too,” Canham says. “This adds character to certain rooms, making for a more eclectic style.”
The geometric wallpaper really lifts Zac’s room, creating a happy feel. “I love pattern,” says Canham.
The old wardrobe in Zac’s room is an heirloom and the solid turquoise Tolix chair grounds the scheme.
Rug, Habitat. Harlequin wallpaper in Mint, Ferm Living. Greenaway Gallery bookcase, Great Little Trading Company.
The geometric wallpaper really lifts Zac’s room, creating a happy feel. “I love pattern,” says Canham.
The old wardrobe in Zac’s room is an heirloom and the solid turquoise Tolix chair grounds the scheme.
Rug, Habitat. Harlequin wallpaper in Mint, Ferm Living. Greenaway Gallery bookcase, Great Little Trading Company.
The thinking in Theo’s bedroom, says Canham, was “contemporary, Scandi and unisex”. Painted wooden floorboards rule in here. “We wanted to avoid carpet with small kids,” she says.
Walls painted in Blackened and Pavilion Gray, Farrow & Ball.
Walls painted in Blackened and Pavilion Gray, Farrow & Ball.
The daybed works as a place to sleep, play or relax with a book.
Daybed, Ikea. Radiators throughout, Castrads. Shutters throughout, The Traditional Shutter Company.
Daybed, Ikea. Radiators throughout, Castrads. Shutters throughout, The Traditional Shutter Company.
The new light, bright, family bathroom was knocked through and opened up from a separate toilet and wash space.
The towel radiator is positioned over the bath to save floor space.
Towel radiator, Burlington at Nationwide Bathrooms.
The towel radiator is positioned over the bath to save floor space.
Towel radiator, Burlington at Nationwide Bathrooms.
The striking turquoise geometric floor tiles add bold colour in here. They’re another expression of Canham’s love for pattern.
Knot tiles in Jade/Milk by Popham Design, Marrakech Design. Bathroom fittings, St James Collection.
Knot tiles in Jade/Milk by Popham Design, Marrakech Design. Bathroom fittings, St James Collection.
Canham adores the new stairs leading up to the loft. “They’re made from solid oak from Poland,” she says. “I think the staircase is one of the most beautiful features of the house, and the craftsmanship is excellent. I also love the fact it’s a pale timber, which contributes to creating a light and airy space.”
The hallway still has the original dado rail.
The hallway still has the original dado rail.
A rear dormer helped to open up the new loft extension. Large, double-glazed doors let the light flow in and offer amazing views over the nearby gardens. A little home office is set up by the window to take advantage of the light.
The loft extension doubles as a guest room. Soft pinks create a relaxing mood.
Wall painted in Pink Ground, Farrow & Ball.
Wall painted in Pink Ground, Farrow & Ball.
The painted brickwork on the chimney breast gives a lovely cottagey feel up here.
The guest en suite features a hexagon mosaic tiled floor, with a frameless shower enclosure and wall-hung toilet. The ‘niches’ create a home for shampoo and shower gels.
The house exterior was originally covered in pebble dash. This was stripped, the bricks were painstakingly restored and the facade was repointed and painted.
The rear and side brick facades have been painted white. New black aluminium-framed doors and windows open the kitchen and dining area straight onto the garden.
The garden was totally relandscaped, with rendered raised planters built in. “We used Indian sandstone for the paving,” says Canham.
The handmade slatted timber fence provides privacy and adds to the modern feel of the garden.
What do you like best about this house? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
The handmade slatted timber fence provides privacy and adds to the modern feel of the garden.
What do you like best about this house? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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This is a beautiful home I love the pale look throughout with lots of added colour and the flooring throughout is stunning.Love the floor tiles in the kitchen. A very child friendly house and as a comment made above children adapt they do not need molly codling all the time that garden is fine it looks elevated so even if there was some grass it would still have steps.
Wonderful twist! Love it