dual purpose
This Victorian terrace in northwest London boasts the perfect blend of style and substance
Irina Hemmers and Darren Quigg were looking to upsize when they came across a striking terrace in northwest London. ‘With two children, Lukas, nine, and Mila, six, and plans for another, we’d outgrown our house,’ says Irina. ‘This place seemed too good an opportunity to turn down.’ What they didn’t bargain for was a complete refurbishment with the arrival of twins Valentina and Mathilda, now three, thrown into the mix.
Undeterred, the couple bought the property and, after 18 months in their new home and once the twins had turned six months old, they decided to get to work. ‘Structurally, the building was sound, as the previous owner was an interior designer and had taken on most of the major changes,’ says Darren, ‘ but we wanted to redecorate and put our own stamp on the place.’
At first, they decided to do the work themselves, but soon realised the house was too big. ‘ While looking for ideas, we came across interior design projects by Graz Darken of Slices London and, when we met her at her home, we knew that she was the right person to help us,’ says Irina. Graz began by asking the pair what they like and how they live. From this, she prepared mood boards and sourced and designed one-off pieces, including the statement marble-topped table in the dining room. ‘Graz encouraged us to consider things we’d never even thought about,’ says Irina. ‘The 20th-century lights in the sitting room are an example of this – we’d probably have opted for the more obvious choice of a chandelier. Graz has given this house individuality. She is also really practical and, appreciating the needs of a family, she has created lots more clever storage, which is discreetly hidden.’
Graz’s approach has resulted in an interior that is clearly unconventional yet liveable. From the cabinet in the family room that houses vintage soda siphons and trinkets to the broad range of modern and antique furniture, there is plenty to catch the eye. ‘Our aim was to create a family home that can be used and enjoyed, but that didn’t mean we had to stick to the obvious,’ says Irina. The lower-ground level is where all the family congregate to cook, eat and play. The sitting room is where Darren and I relax at the end of the day, after the children have gone to bed, and where we host friends.’
Looking back, would they ever repeat such an endeavour with four young children in tow? ‘There was a fair bit of dust,’ says Darren. ‘If we did this again, we’d move out while the work was being done.’ But the pair have no regrets about the result, which makes them smile every time they walk through the front door. ‘We’re always lifted because the house finally feels like it belongs to us,’ says Irina.