OLD MEETS NEW

James and Gwyneth Archer returned their period property back to its former glory, adding a few contemporary touches along the way

A pared-back palette of white, blue and grey with colourful accents lends a modern aesthetic to a five-storey period home in the capital

With a growing family, James and Gwyneth Archer felt it was time to leave their flat in west London in favour of a larger property. ‘We loved living in the apartment, particularly as it was quite big,’ says James, ‘but with two children [Harry, now five, and Vivien, three] and no outside space, we craved a garden, and a more flexible living area.’

So, the search began for a property that suited the Archers’ needs, with private outdoor space, well-lit rooms and a spacious area for them to relax together as a family. Ideally, they were after a house with tall ceilings and Victorian architecture. ‘One of the other things on our wish list was a walk-in larder, as it reminds me of my childhood,’ explains James. ‘We were hoping to find a house with a traditional look, but with some of the mod-cons necessary for 21st-century living.’

When James and Gwyneth first saw this Victorian terrace, not far from their existing home, they loved all the potential it offered. Located in a conservation area, it was nice and quiet. The rooms spanned over five floors, plus there was a garden. Internally, the place hadn’t been touched for 50 years, and the majority of the original features had been stripped out.

With plans to open up as well as update everything, the couple went ahead with the purchase, knowing that with professional guidance, they would be able to make it their own. To help with the changes, they

design advice ‘The three most important things to think about when refurbishing a home are: storage, storage and storage!’

enlisted the services of Tg-studio. ‘We chose them because we knew they would be able to oversee the whole renovation project, including obtaining the necessary permissions for any construction work, and also the interior design,’ says James.

Making decisions together, the couple were able to clearly convey to the studio what they wanted. ‘Structurally, our brief was to open up the lower-ground floor to incorporate an additional area of living space,’ explains James. ‘Then aesthetically,

favourite feature ‘I love the Victorian feel that we’ve created throughout the house, reflecting the property’s past’

we wanted to create a warm and inviting family atmosphere with a design inspired by today’s level of comfort, yet still being practical and respectful to the history and period of the property’s origins. This meant restoring the traditional Victorian features and feel of the house, but with classic as well as contemporary elements.’

In order to achieve this, the original staircase was separated from the ground floor up so that it would solely lead to the bedrooms, and a new staircase directly

linking the sitting room to the children’s playroom and kitchen on the lower-ground floor was added. Also on this level, a take on a traditional kitchen with Shaker-style units and modern finishes was installed. Then a combination of contemporary and classic fireplaces was added throughout the lower levels, with original cornices, architraves, skirting and wall panelling reinstated in the main rooms.

For the bedrooms upstairs, the couple selected soothing pastel shades of soft pink for the furnishings set against light-grey walls, with the woodwork picked out in cream, and complementary neutral carpet completing the look. For the family bathroom, a white and grey marble scheme is simple yet sophisticated.

‘Our favourite palette is a variety based on three main colours: white, blue and grey,’ says James. ‘We’ve kept this consistent throughout, but with a few changes here and there so it doesn’t all look and feel the same. We really love the house now and how it has all come together – it perfectly suits the way we live as a family.’

When asked if the transformation is complete, James replies, ‘Not quite. We have a great patio area outside, which is ideal for a bit of alfresco dining, but our next plan is to add a single-storey building at the end of the garden to create a gym as well as a childfriendly space.’ And will they tackle the job themselves? ‘No,’ James laughs. ‘If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from this experience, it’s that it’s always best to get expert help!’

SITTING ROOM ‘We bought the mirror at a flea market in Paris for a fraction of what it’s worth,’ says James. Winchester wing chair, price on request, Alter London. Garcon coffee table, £2,400, Julian Chichester, is comparable

DINING ROOM Velvet upholstery connects this elegant scheme to the adjoining sitting room, which features the luxurious fabric in equally striking hues. Lambeth carver chairs in Amy Somerville Smoking Room Velvet, price on request, Alter London. Simla bordered rug, from £1,332, Jacaranda

KITCHEN-DINER ‘We wanted a traditional design with modern comforts,’ says James. Luxurious cotton velvet aged brass bar chair, price on request, Touched Interiors, would work. Bianco Sofia marble surfaces, £167sq m, Natural Stone Projects

HALLWAY A splash of blue brings this area to life. For a similar table, try Indigo Mandarin console table, £995, Orchid

DINING AREA A banquette keeps the look relaxed. Iltavolo Caffé table, £350, Opinion Ciatti. Star lantern, from £435, Vaughan

BATHROOM A freestanding bath and marble floor lend an air of luxury. The Tay cast-iron skirted bath tub, from £3,570, Drummonds; painted in Bone China Blue Pale absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 1ltr, Little Greene

VIVIEN’S ROOM A blend of comfort and colour is perfect for an infant’s room. Personalised Kid’s director chair, £55, Etsy. L’envoi wallpaper, £135 a roll, Manuel Canovas

MASTER BEDROOM Understated decor enables the restored Victorian features to shine. White marble and black metal console table, £350, Maisons du Monde, has this look. Round occasional side table, price on request, Julian Chichester. Positano table lamps, £522, Vaughan Designs