ADVENTURES IN SPACE

An attention to rich textures and the flow of natural light transformed this stunning family home

Attention to the mix of textures and natural light has transformed a family home

KITCHEN-DINER

Rough-sawn timber on the island contrasts with sleek cabinets painted in Kigali by Paint & Paper Library in this Blakes’ London kitchen. The bar stools are by Gubi, while Eames DKR wire chairs from Twentytwentyone are set around a Silvera dining table

LIVING ROOM

Alcoves clad in antiqued mirror glass reflect back into this elegant space. Ligne Roset armchairs in pollen yellow are a vibrant highlight against darker elements, including a geometric rug by The Rug Company. Above, a Moooi light adds a delicate touch

Gazing around this calm and light-filled house, it’s a stretch to imagine the far less serene state it was in three years ago. ‘It was gutted and the roof had to come off, so, at one stage, it was just a shell,’ says interior designer Karena Clayton. This was part of a full-scale overhaul of this family home in south London, which included reconfiguring the layout and excavating the basement to carve out a new level. Karena was involved right from the start, collaborating with the architects and helping to secure a team of trusted builders.

‘My brief was to create contemporary spaces with lots of natural light, particularly in the basement,’ she explains. ‘Then, I added the wow factor in each room with colour, lighting and texture.’

Creating a link between the new basement level and the more Victorian spaces above was also important. ‘We added architraves and panelled doors downstairs so it’s in keeping with the rest of the property,’ Karena says. The back of the house has double-height glazing that extends from the basement to the ground floor, creating a sense of flow. But to

STAIRCASE

In a contrast of old and new, traditional herringbone flooring in the basement is paired with a modern artwork and pendant

DINING AREA

Thanks to a large skylight and the addition of colourful artworks, this space is bright and contemporary in feel. The height of the glazing around the basement void was increased when the couple discovered they were expecting a baby

KITCHEN

Karena has layered textures beautifully in this space, with elegant leather bar stools by Gubi and smart glass bulbs acting as the perfect foil for hard materials, such as the timber planks and concrete flooring

‘For me, a home is all about layers of texture, combining finishes that work together’

FAMILY ROOM

Far left A spot for relaxing, with quilted navy Poliform armchairs, breaks up the basement level. Glass shelving lets natural light flow into the office

SEATING AREA

Opposite and below left This space is decorated in neutral tones, with a modern artwork bringing a pop of red. The sofa is from Twentytwentyone, the table lamps are Porta Romana and the rug is from Cox & Cox

HOME OFFICE

This page A bespoke desk and storage by Karena’s interior design firm Colour Interiors is practical and super-smart. The red chair is from Moooi, while Little Greene’s French Grey has been used on the walls

make the basement level feel welcoming, Karena had to think creatively.

‘It was originally conceived as a cinema, but it felt like a huge cavernous space,’ Karena says. To foster a sense of intimacy, she carved out more cosy areas within the room. Now, the first thing visitors see is a cantilevered fireplace on one side, and a TV on the other. She also added a bar under the stairs, while a glass bookcase separates the study, allowing natural light to flow in. ‘Each area has its own function while also feeling welcoming.’

The family wanted a sophisticated but neutral feel, so Karena chose a base of subtle greys. She then set about adding focal points, such as statement lighting, artworks and upholstery in deep blues, reds and yellows. Before working in interiors, Karena was a fabric designer, so it’s no surprise that textiles are one of her favourite ways to add interest. ‘For me, a home is all about layers of texture, combining finishes that work together,’ she says.

In the living room, antiqued mirror glass works alongside a geometric rug and velvet armchairs while, in the kitchen, the island’s sawn-wood finish contrasts with concrete flooring – with the Bianca Eclipsia quartzite splashback adding further impact. ‘We were going to mount a cabinet on

DRESSING ROOM

Top left In this luxurious space, bespoke storage by Colour Interiors features handles by Buster & Punch

MAIN BEDROOM

Globe pendant lights from Twentytwentyone hang on each side of this hotel-style bed, designed by Colour Interiors. The massive headboard almost spans the entire wall, accentuating the grand proportions of the room

BATHROOM

Natural light floods into the space and bounces off the sleek minimalist surfaces. The sculptural shape of the Lusso Stone bath is complemented with brassware from West One Bathrooms

The family wanted a sophisticated but neutral feel, so Karena chose subtle greys as the base