A CLASSIC SYNERGY
Unable to resist the charm of a dated Georgian property, Anna and Haj Atwal used their experience to create a stunning home
Complementary colours and a cleverly curated mix of styles are the perfect partners in this Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh
Despite two Georgian townhouse renovations under their belt, Anna and Haj Atwal didn’t balk at the chance to do it all again. Opposite beautiful private gardens instead of facing other houses, their new project came complete with an abundance of period details. ‘We didn’t plan to move, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ says Anna. ‘The house has beautiful light, open views and is on our favourite street in Edinburgh. I’m hugely passionate about period property, especially Georgian. I love the scale and natural light of the rooms, the high ceilings and large windows, and the challenge of breathing new life into buildings in need of restoration.’
For the previous five years, the house had been left empty but fully furnished, so it was in a sad and dusty state. Refurbished in the Eighties, the windows, structure and general layout were good, but the decor and fittings were dated. ‘We didn’t need to do much to the layout other than move a few doors,’ says Anna. ‘I’d have loved a huge open space from front to back but it’s a Category A listed building. I decided to integrate the kitchen with the hallway and open the entrance up to accommodate the Crittall glazing, which reveals the staircase.’
It was while they were widening the opening to the kitchen that a bit of the hallway floor became exposed – and under the laminate Anna spotted a small Victorian tile. ‘We lifted a little more of the laminate to check, and there was this stunning section of the original tiling,’ she says. Ripping up more of the laminate eventually revealed an intact, tiled floor! This is now one of the most beautiful
aspects of the house, and it works wonderfully with the new industrial-style Crittall doors.’
Anna’s sense of style is honed by her job as owner of Pad Lifestyle, selling homewares, furniture, art, lighting, and fashion, with a new concession at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. ‘I’m a magpie for cool, collectable brands that I source and curate,’ she says. For her own home, this translates into a stunning interior with a mix of styles and eras: relaxed grandeur with a bit of glam and a touch of fun.
‘The house had felt so dark and sad, so I started by painting everything white, including the wooden floors,’ she explains. ‘Once I’d done that, we lived in it for a bit, getting used to the light in all the rooms.’ Then she started layering on touches of colour, first adding a dark contrast to the wall below the dado rail in the hallway and up the sweeping staircase. This created a really smart base to which she added colour and personality through artworks. ‘I love pink and greens together - pink is a happy colour, and using just a sprinkling through textiles, artwork and even a sofa is not an overpowering statement. Green also has that pleasing factor, and I use soft, chalky grey accenting in various complementary tones,’ says Anna.
Mirrors and twinkling crystal chandeliers bounce light and reflect the views, while cosy rugs add texture and comfort. Anna also added sculptures and unusual items throughout. ‘Spaces should not be so serious!’ she says.