Houzz Tour: A Modern Townhouse Retains its Period Beauty
Sensitive restoration and a pared-back colour scheme give this family home an elegant charm
The owners of this beautiful period property were well aware of its intrinsic beauty before they embarked on their renovation project. Although they asked Garry Meakins of Sims Hilditch to create a modern, family home, they wanted him to be sensitive with the existing architecture. Meakins agreed and has created a light, fresh home that is contemporary, but highlights the beauty of the original building.
The living room had previously been divided into two rooms. The Sims Hilditch team opened it back up and reinstated the cornice work that had been damaged where the space was divided.
They also fitted some bespoke joinery and spent time refinishing the lovely parquet floor. “It had an orange hue,” says Meakins. “So we put a light grey wash over it.”
The muted colour scheme throughout the house consists of silver and grey tones. The ground floor is more formal than the rest of the property, so Meakins added accents of heather to give it a separate theme from elsewhere.
Large Charles sofa in Isla Ermine with pale oak legs; walls painted in Lily, both Neptune. Fireplace, Chesney’s. Linara Silver Birch curtain fabric, Romo. Bespoke armchairs, ottoman and rug, Sims Hilditch.
They also fitted some bespoke joinery and spent time refinishing the lovely parquet floor. “It had an orange hue,” says Meakins. “So we put a light grey wash over it.”
The muted colour scheme throughout the house consists of silver and grey tones. The ground floor is more formal than the rest of the property, so Meakins added accents of heather to give it a separate theme from elsewhere.
Large Charles sofa in Isla Ermine with pale oak legs; walls painted in Lily, both Neptune. Fireplace, Chesney’s. Linara Silver Birch curtain fabric, Romo. Bespoke armchairs, ottoman and rug, Sims Hilditch.
Opposite the fire is a large dresser with some useful lamps fitted to the front. “It’s almost like a giant table lamp,” says Meakins. “In the evening you can use lamp light, rather than the downlight, to create a wonderful atmosphere.”
Discover how to prevent your neutral scheme falling flat
Discover how to prevent your neutral scheme falling flat
The ottoman is custom-made to fit the space, with an oak tray that takes up a third of the surface. “You can put your feet up on here, but there is also somewhere to put down a cup of tea,” explains Meakins.
At the other end of the living room is a writing desk looking out to the front. “There is a separate study in the house, but the client likes to sit here as the view is more interesting,” says Meakins.
The radiator covers were custom-made, and the alabaster-coloured linen curtains are triple-pleated to tie in with the formal look on this floor.
Bespoke desk, Sims Hilditch.
The radiator covers were custom-made, and the alabaster-coloured linen curtains are triple-pleated to tie in with the formal look on this floor.
Bespoke desk, Sims Hilditch.
In the ground-floor cloakroom,
contemporary sanitaryware is softened with decorative wallpaper.
A false wall hides the plumbing and also works as a useful shelf. The traditional cornicing is painted the same colour as the ceiling to create a more modern finish.
Duravit toilet and basin, West One Bathrooms. Hampstead Cool Grey wallpaper, Little Greene.
contemporary sanitaryware is softened with decorative wallpaper.
A false wall hides the plumbing and also works as a useful shelf. The traditional cornicing is painted the same colour as the ceiling to create a more modern finish.
Duravit toilet and basin, West One Bathrooms. Hampstead Cool Grey wallpaper, Little Greene.
A small window in the cloakroom lightens the space and is again fitted with a sheer Roman blind.
The separate ground-floor study is at the rear of the property. The couple didn’t want a traditional office, so Meakins fitted carpet to soften the space. The patterned wallpaper adds character to the room, but the soft grey colour prevents it from being overwhelming.
The bookcases that had previously dominated the space were taken out, as people tend to gather much less paperwork nowadays.
Contemporary restyled Hicks’ Grand wallpaper, Cole & Son. Brera Lino Graphite curtain fabric, Designers Guild.
The bookcases that had previously dominated the space were taken out, as people tend to gather much less paperwork nowadays.
Contemporary restyled Hicks’ Grand wallpaper, Cole & Son. Brera Lino Graphite curtain fabric, Designers Guild.
In the basement the look is more informal. “The family spend most of their time on this floor, so open-plan was a fantastic option,” says Meakins.
Here in the TV snug, a bespoke L-shaped sofa is covered with cushions and a throw. The colour palette consists of warm browns, taupes and blues.
The whole basement was dug out and enlarged, and a limestone floor was installed with underfloor heating.
Bespoke sofa, Sims Hilditch. Cushions, Oka. Herringbone Hambledon 4416 rug bound in stone, Capitol Carpets. Walls painted in Welcome Deep, Little Greene. Dijon brushed-limestone floor, Mandarin Stone.
Here in the TV snug, a bespoke L-shaped sofa is covered with cushions and a throw. The colour palette consists of warm browns, taupes and blues.
The whole basement was dug out and enlarged, and a limestone floor was installed with underfloor heating.
Bespoke sofa, Sims Hilditch. Cushions, Oka. Herringbone Hambledon 4416 rug bound in stone, Capitol Carpets. Walls painted in Welcome Deep, Little Greene. Dijon brushed-limestone floor, Mandarin Stone.
Another seating area is positioned in front of bespoke storage that fits neatly into the alcoves and is painted the same colour as the walls to melt into the background.
The dining area beyond is bathed in light during the day, thanks to bifold doors leading out to the terraced garden.
Bespoke dining table and chairs, Sims Hilditch.
The dining area beyond is bathed in light during the day, thanks to bifold doors leading out to the terraced garden.
Bespoke dining table and chairs, Sims Hilditch.
The family often gather at the kitchen island, so the comfortable bar stools are useful.
Behind the island is a wall of units that houses a large fridge-freezer and larder as well as a double oven. The glazed cupboards to the left can be illuminated.
Suffolk collection kitchen units, Neptune. Bar stools, Vincent Sheppard. Fridge-freezer, Fisher & Paykel. Ovens, Miele. Silestone Kensho worktop in suede finish, Anything Stone.
Behind the island is a wall of units that houses a large fridge-freezer and larder as well as a double oven. The glazed cupboards to the left can be illuminated.
Suffolk collection kitchen units, Neptune. Bar stools, Vincent Sheppard. Fridge-freezer, Fisher & Paykel. Ovens, Miele. Silestone Kensho worktop in suede finish, Anything Stone.
A stainless-steel sink is undermounted into a grey composite worktop with a simple glass splashback.
Undermount Kubus sink, Franke. Tap and Rinse, Perrin & Rowe.
Undermount Kubus sink, Franke. Tap and Rinse, Perrin & Rowe.
Large drawers in the island are perfect for holding pans, and there is also storage for chopping boards and an oak tray. Adjacent to the drawers is a low-level microwave and a warming drawer.
The fridge and cupboards project further than this second set of bifold doors, so instead of running them right up to the window, Meakins made the most of the left over space with a thin set of shelves, set back slightly. This storage nook is perfect for recipe books and wine bottles.
Check out this guide to planning the perfect kitchen storage
Check out this guide to planning the perfect kitchen storage
The master suite consists of a bedroom that leads through to a dressing room and en suite. The grey palette continues, but the wallpaper is a little warmer in tone for a restful feel. The lacquered bedside tables and Perspex lamp base give the room a contemporary feel, while the lampshade’s shape adds a classic look.
The headboard is covered with a chunky brushed linen for a tactile touch.
Bespoke headboard in Mark Alexander Vintage Mist fabric, Romo. Bedding, The White Company. Chest of drawers, Chelsea Textiles. Ikebana Sepia wallpaper, Knowles & Christou.
The headboard is covered with a chunky brushed linen for a tactile touch.
Bespoke headboard in Mark Alexander Vintage Mist fabric, Romo. Bedding, The White Company. Chest of drawers, Chelsea Textiles. Ikebana Sepia wallpaper, Knowles & Christou.
Meakins and his team made this dressing room feel open and light by removing the adjoining doors and replacing dark oak units with this bespoke joinery. “We moved the cornicing forward in front of the cabinets,” says Meakins. “It now feels more planted in the room.”
Both cupboards contain two tiers of hanging. The top rail is high, but you can pull it down on a cantilever to access the clothes.
The doors leading through to the bathroom have been fitted with linen that has been laminated between two sets of glass. “It keeps the light coming in, but is much softer than etched or frosted glass,” says Meakins.
Both cupboards contain two tiers of hanging. The top rail is high, but you can pull it down on a cantilever to access the clothes.
The doors leading through to the bathroom have been fitted with linen that has been laminated between two sets of glass. “It keeps the light coming in, but is much softer than etched or frosted glass,” says Meakins.
In the bathroom, a bespoke, double vanity unit provides plenty of storage. Huge mirrors reflect light to make the space feel airy. The team used porcelain tiles on the floor and limestone on the countertop, and there is a limestone trim around the shower. The pared-back finish makes the space feel tranquil, while glass accents on the wall lamps give an opulent look without being overpowering.
Baby Lartigue wall lights, Porta Romana.
Baby Lartigue wall lights, Porta Romana.
The couple’s teenage daughter sleeps on the top floor. In all of the children’s bedrooms there is a built-in desk and fitted storage. Here, the desk is built into the roof line and the wardrobe sits adjacent. Neither project too far into the room. “We used the negative space here as a positive,” explains Meakins.
Walls painted in Slaked Lime Deep, Little Greene. Bedding, The White Company.
What do you think of this elegant townhouse? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Walls painted in Slaked Lime Deep, Little Greene. Bedding, The White Company.
What do you think of this elegant townhouse? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A professional couple with 3 teenage children
Location Regent’s Park, London
Property Period townhouse
Size 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Designer Garry Meakins of Sims Hilditch
Photos by Brent Darby
The staircase of this central London townhouse illustrates the stunning architecture that was already in place. “It’s the original staircase, and has a beautiful curve,” says Meakins. “We refinished the handrail and fitted a wool-rib carpet that continues onto the first and second floors.
“The light in the building is fantastic,” he continues. This window is overlooked, so he installed sheer Roman blinds to obscure the view without blocking the light. “They’re prettier than obscured glass,” says the designer.
Air Jasper White fabric on Roman blind, Romo. Fuji Truffle carpet, Capitol Carpets. Walls painted in Welcome; banisters painted in Welcome Deep, both Little Greene.