VICTORIAN REINVENTION
With thoughtful planning, Turner Pocock has reconfigured a period townhouse
KITCHEN-DINER
Pops of colour in the gallery wall influenced the choice of vibrant orange upholstery.
Trappist table in oak,
Heerenhuis. Banquette in orange leather-effect vinyl, Altfield. Banquette seat
in Tatton Stripe in Pumice, Perennials. Selecta sconce, Visual Comfort. Chinese
brushes and earthenware pot, Turner Pocock
Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock, founders of design studio Turner Pocock, are no strangers to reconfiguring townhouses. Indeed, since 2007 they have become synonymous with reimagining tired homes into spaces that are loved and enjoyed. With this detached Victorian property in Kensington, the creative duo were invited to gut the run-down interior and totally rethink the flow.
‘For us it all starts with the client. Our approach is personable and fun, but we take pride in ensuring the process is calm and polished,’ says Emma. Working with the owners, a couple in their mid-30s with two children under three, it was agreed their home needed to meet the demands of busy family life, while balancing a desire for sophisticated bespoke finishes and the sensibilities of practical utility space, usually found in larger country homes.
‘To achieve that within a London townhouse meant changing the alchemy: reworking a warren of small rooms with thoughtful spatial planning,’ says Emma. ‘It is our job to unearth what makes the client tick and to create a place that reflects their values, taste and needs.’ Projects kick-start with a designdirection meeting – the owners share their ideas, then Turner Pocock shapes them into a concept booklet as a basis for further discussion.
A traditional configuration was agreed: main living spaces on the ground floor, two children’s bedrooms, a family bathroom and master bedroom suite on the middle floor, with the top floor dedicated to a self-contained nanny annexe. ‘We are involved in all elements of the process – from concept, architectural drawings, planning and building works through to the interior design and finishing touches. Everything is about the detail,’ says Emma.
A side-return extension allowed for a capacious kitchen-diner at the back of the house, with a sizeable linking pantry-meets-boot room to fulfil the country house utility idea. Handmade cabinetry is given a modern twist with bronze hardware and a statement banquette is upholstered in vibrant orange vinyl and natural linen to cope with the wear and tear of family life. The artfully curated collection of Spanish artwork – sourced over many years by the owners – adds nostalgic personality to the space.
‘We are “colourists” and subtly add magic through a considered mix of tone, pattern, texture and comfort,’ says Emma. We are known for our classic use of bold colour, but with this project the owners were keen to use a more measured, earthy palette.’
Luxurious materials and consistent architectural finishes bring cohesion and textural appeal throughout the house – think smart leathers, natural linens, silk and wool rugs, African mud cloth, edgy vinyl, bronze fittings and handmade joinery. In the sitting room, striking silhouettes in the form of bespoke Julian Chichester cabinetry and chairs add an air of traditional elegance, juxtaposed with contemporary artwork and antique foxed mirror glass. In addition to this more adult space, there is a versatile family room, which evolves from playroom and cosy TV snug to a private study. Paint & Paper Library hues in varying shades of Slate create a calming synergy throughout the main living spaces, while the cloakroom reveals a bolder burst of
Arabian Red gloss by Craig & Rose.
With offices in London and Geneva, what began as a kitchen table start-up has quickly grown into an international design house. ‘Towards the end of this year we have exciting collaborations coming out with Lorfords Antiques and Chelsea Textiles,’ enthuses Emma. No surprise their clients love them: it’s simple – they clearly get what makes a home. &
INSIDER INSIGHT
Interior designer Emma Pocock shares her style vision
GO-TO COLOUR I have a natural affinity with blues and greens. They are colours, yet they are also usable neutrals that can be both light and dark. My new favourite is Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball.
BIGGEST INDULGENCE Spend money on lamps – they are like useful sculptures. Design bespoke furniture to fit perfectly, as it makes spaces feel instantly considered and works the hardest for you.
FAVOURITE DESIGNERS For fashion it is Anya Hindmarch, Celine and Rupert Sanderson.
DESIGN HEROES Too many to name, but I love a combination of Joseph Dirand, Anna Spiro and Kelly Wearstler all merged together.
LAST THING YOU BOUGHT FOR YOUR HOME Howe’s Mr Men wallpaper for the master bedroom – I am so excited to get it up.