Nestled in the heart of Chiswick, West London, this Victorian semi-double fronted house presents a charming blend of classic architecture and contemporary living. Beyond its unassuming facade lies a surprising modern interior imbued with the laid-back elegance reminiscent of Californian design.

The home of Kirsty, mum of three young children and also founder of Ixia London, interior design services www.ixialondon.com https://www.instagram.com/ixialondon

In Kirsty’s own words, “We were looking for a blank slate, where we could start from scratch to create a new home that fitted our needs and stylistic preferences. We were very lucky to find such a house that had been lived in for the last 74 years by the same owner and was virtually untouched from its Victorian form. It was in need of a total overhaul to see it through the next 74 years! We demolished the interior structure of the house, leaving only the front facade!”

The house, now rebuilt, still largely refects the original ideas and from the front it retains all its Victorian charm, with the interiors giving way to more open, modern flowing spaces.

Upon stepping inside, guests are greeted by a striking indoor tree, seamlessly integrated into the living space, offering a unique and beautiful element. The interior unfolds into inviting sitting rooms, a spacious entertaining area, and a boot room featuring a meticulously crafted tiled mosaic floor. Natural light fills the home, accentuating the tall ceilings and creating an airy atmosphere.

A calming colour palette of greens and pinks infuses the space with a sense of tranquility, while a beautifully designed staircase leads to five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and versatile living areas spread across four floors. Thoughtfully designed children’s rooms feature bespoke double bunk beds, playful tiles, and charming murals, fostering creativity and comfort.

The master bedroom serves as a serene retreat, boasting an organic bathroom adorned with natural stone accents and a standalone bath, offering a luxurious escape within the comforts of home.

This sun-drenched home boasts balconies at both the front and rear, offering ample opportunities for outdoor dining and relaxation. Facing the South East, it receives abundant natural light throughout the day. The rear garden, adorned with pergolas draped in wisteria and roses, creates a charming backdrop for outdoor living.

“Managing the task of designing the window dressings for the house proved to be quite a challenge, given the presence of five oversized windows at the rear that required dressing with electric blinds. These blinds were linked to an app-controlled lighting system and recessed into the ceiling, then finished with Sue Whimster’s hand-made, dress curtains. A multitude of windows throughout the house required various types of window coverings, such as black out curtains for sleeping children, decorative roman blinds and voiles for privacy. Sue Whimster’s team promptly provided ingenious solutions and an abundant array of technical resources to address my needs. Their personalised service is now one I regularly offer to my clients across London.”