Houzz Tour: Scandinavian Reboot in a 19th-Century London Home
This beautiful family space combines traditional features with contemporary details
When Holly and Hugh Canham came across this elegant period home in northwest London, they knew it was exactly what they needed — or rather, it could be, given a little work. “We were drawn to the leafy area and were looking for a property to accommodate our expanding family, as I was pregnant at the time,” says Holly, an interior designer. “We were previously living in a two-bed flat and desperately needed more space.”
Some families in their situation might have gone the easy route — buying a home they could move into right away with minimal effort — but for Holly, who co-runs design studio Canham & Hart, that wasn’t a priority. “We wanted a period property we could fully refurbish to suit our own style and taste,” she says. With the help of Vorbild architects, the couple undertook a complete renovation, including a kitchen extension and loft conversion. The timing couldn’t have been better. “My youngest son, Theo, was born on a Monday,” Holly says, “and we moved in on Friday!”
Some families in their situation might have gone the easy route — buying a home they could move into right away with minimal effort — but for Holly, who co-runs design studio Canham & Hart, that wasn’t a priority. “We wanted a period property we could fully refurbish to suit our own style and taste,” she says. With the help of Vorbild architects, the couple undertook a complete renovation, including a kitchen extension and loft conversion. The timing couldn’t have been better. “My youngest son, Theo, was born on a Monday,” Holly says, “and we moved in on Friday!”
The back of the open-plan living room has been turned into a dedicated play space for the two youngest members of the household.
The children’s bright toys add a cheerful contrast. “We wanted to create a fun and colorful space for the kids where they could make a mess — within reason! — but that would be quick and easy to tidy, hence the numerous toy sacks and baskets,” Holly says. “Good storage is important to prevent the house looking a mess. However, they have a lovely selection of toys they’re now able to display.”
Storage unit: Ikea
The children’s bright toys add a cheerful contrast. “We wanted to create a fun and colorful space for the kids where they could make a mess — within reason! — but that would be quick and easy to tidy, hence the numerous toy sacks and baskets,” Holly says. “Good storage is important to prevent the house looking a mess. However, they have a lovely selection of toys they’re now able to display.”
Storage unit: Ikea
Pale wood, geometric rugs — there’s definitely a Scandinavian influence in this home. “I had a desire to create a contemporary look but still in keeping with the Victorian framework,” Holly says.
Play table and stools: Flexa
Play table and stools: Flexa
Mixing old with new is one of Holly’s passions, reflected in pieces such as this vintage chair. “There are various antiques and vintage finds dotted throughout the property to add character,” she says.
The wood-burning stove is “our best investment ever,” Holly says. “We use it all the time. It’s so user-friendly and warms the entire house extremely quickly.”
Striped rug: The Conran Shop; wood-burning stove: Chesney’s; Carmina lampshade by Vita: available at Hurn & Hurn
Striped rug: The Conran Shop; wood-burning stove: Chesney’s; Carmina lampshade by Vita: available at Hurn & Hurn
All the fireplace surrounds in the home had to be replaced. “The marble surround in the living room is Victorian, but it’s not original to the house,” Holly says.
How to Choose and Install a Wood-Burning Stove
How to Choose and Install a Wood-Burning Stove
The couple were eager to preserve and reinstate the home’s period details. “Unfortunately, we had to replace the ceiling, so the only original feature is the ceiling rose [seen reflected in the mirror in the previous photo]. However, the builders did a great job of replicating the cornicing,” Holly says.
“We definitely wanted to retain the classic framework of a Victorian drawing room — along with the beautiful parquet floor — but furnish it in a contemporary way, so the room doesn’t look out of date.”
“We definitely wanted to retain the classic framework of a Victorian drawing room — along with the beautiful parquet floor — but furnish it in a contemporary way, so the room doesn’t look out of date.”
The house may be light and bright now, but that definitely wasn’t the case when the couple bought it. “It was very dark and dingy,” Holly recalls, “so it was important to create a light and airy feel by maximizing the space as much as possible.”
Eames DSW chairs: available from The Conran Shop; Homer table: Loaf; all kitchen lights: Urban Cottage Industries
Eames DSW chairs: available from The Conran Shop; Homer table: Loaf; all kitchen lights: Urban Cottage Industries
The family decided not to totally open up the ground floor. “We wanted a separate space for cooking and family living,” Holly says.
Thanks to a new side yard addition, the Scandi-style kitchen-dining area has an airy, uplifting feel. Glass doors pull in lots of light and open onto the garden.
This is another of Holly’s favorite things about her new home. “I love the way the kitchen looks out onto the garden, as well as the beautiful cement floor tiles in here.”
Voltaire floor tiles in Whisper: Marrakech Design
Thanks to a new side yard addition, the Scandi-style kitchen-dining area has an airy, uplifting feel. Glass doors pull in lots of light and open onto the garden.
This is another of Holly’s favorite things about her new home. “I love the way the kitchen looks out onto the garden, as well as the beautiful cement floor tiles in here.”
Voltaire floor tiles in Whisper: Marrakech Design
The kitchen is central to the home. “With two young kids, we spend a lot of time in here cooking,” Holly says.
The vibe is definitely modern in the kitchen-dining area. “We wanted to create a contemporary kitchen that was light and airy,” Holly says. “I absolutely love Carrara marble, and it provides a good contrast to the darker kitchen cabinetry.”
Open shelves also add character and an opportunity to show off much-loved housewares. “We have a nice collection of china, hence our desire to display them on shelves and not hide them away in cupboards.”
The vibe is definitely modern in the kitchen-dining area. “We wanted to create a contemporary kitchen that was light and airy,” Holly says. “I absolutely love Carrara marble, and it provides a good contrast to the darker kitchen cabinetry.”
Open shelves also add character and an opportunity to show off much-loved housewares. “We have a nice collection of china, hence our desire to display them on shelves and not hide them away in cupboards.”
The kitchen is from MC Stone. “They create beautiful custom kitchens handmade in Italy,” Holly says. The cabinets have recessed metal handles for a sleek feel. Dark gray wood contrasts with the lighter flooring and white subway tiles for a cool, modern look.
Kitchen: MC Stone; cabinet paint: Railings, Farrow & Ball; appliances: Miele
Kitchen: MC Stone; cabinet paint: Railings, Farrow & Ball; appliances: Miele
A long, marble-wrapped island divides the cooking and dining areas and provides extra storage. Vintage French prints hang on the wall next to the dining table.
The goal for the master bedroom was “light, airy and timeless,” Holly says.
The windows throughout the house were replaced with double-glazed versions. The sisal flooring is cozier than wood but more modern than carpet, while Shaker-style cupboards add a traditional feel.
Wall paint: Great White, Farrow & Ball
The windows throughout the house were replaced with double-glazed versions. The sisal flooring is cozier than wood but more modern than carpet, while Shaker-style cupboards add a traditional feel.
Wall paint: Great White, Farrow & Ball
“Both the children’s bedrooms are contemporary, but we wanted to be able to accommodate furniture we’ve inherited too,” Holly says. “This adds character to certain rooms, making for a more eclectic style.”
The geometric wallpaper creates a happy vibe in Zac’s room. The armoire is an heirloom and the solid turquoise Tolix chair grounds the look.
Rug: Habitat; Harlequin wallpaper in Mint: Ferm Living; Greenaway gallery bookcase: Great Little Trading Company
The geometric wallpaper creates a happy vibe in Zac’s room. The armoire is an heirloom and the solid turquoise Tolix chair grounds the look.
Rug: Habitat; Harlequin wallpaper in Mint: Ferm Living; Greenaway gallery bookcase: Great Little Trading Company
The thinking in Theo’s bedroom, Holly says, was “contemporary, Scandi and unisex.” She notes that the floorboards are painted: “We wanted to avoid carpet with small kids.”
Wall paints: Blackened and Pavilion Gray, Farrow & Ball
Wall paints: Blackened and Pavilion Gray, Farrow & Ball
The daybed works as a place to sleep, play or relax with a book.
Daybed: Ikea; radiators throughout: Castrads; shutters throughout: The Traditional Shutter Co.
Daybed: Ikea; radiators throughout: Castrads; shutters throughout: The Traditional Shutter Co.
Knocking down walls helped create the new light, bright family bathroom. The towel heater is positioned over the tub to save floor space.
Towel heater: Burlington at Nationwide Bathrooms
Towel heater: Burlington at Nationwide Bathrooms
The striking turquoise floor tiles add bold color and are another expression of Holly’s love of pattern.
Knot tiles in Jade/Milk by Popham Design, Marrakech Design; fixtures: St James Collection
Knot tiles in Jade/Milk by Popham Design, Marrakech Design; fixtures: St James Collection
Holly adores the new stairs leading up to the loft. “They’re made from solid oak from Poland,” she says. “I think the staircase is one of the most beautiful features of the house, and the craftsmanship is excellent. I also love the fact it’s a pale timber, which contributes to creating a light and airy space.”
The hallway still has the original dado rail.
The hallway still has the original dado rail.
A rear dormer helped to open up the new loft extension. Large, double-glazed doors let the light flow in and offer amazing views over the nearby gardens. A little home office is set up by the window to take advantage of the light.
The loft extension doubles as a guest room. Soft pinks create a relaxing mood.
Wall paint: Pink Ground, Farrow & Ball
Wall paint: Pink Ground, Farrow & Ball
The painted brickwork on the chimney breast gives a lovely cottagey feel up here.
The guest en suite features a hexagon mosaic tile floor, frameless shower enclosure and wall-hung toilet.
The home’s exterior was originally covered in a coarse plaster. That was stripped and the bricks were painstakingly restored and painted.
New black aluminum-framed doors and windows in the kitchen-dining area face the backyard.
The yard was totally relandscaped, with raised planters built in. “We used Indian sandstone for the paving,” Holly says.
The handmade slatted timber fence provides privacy and adds to the modern feel.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
The handmade slatted timber fence provides privacy and adds to the modern feel.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Interior designer Holly Canham; her husband, Hugh, an asset manager; and their children, Zac, 3, and Theo, 1
Location: Queen’s Park area of London
Size: Four bedrooms, two bathrooms
Designers: Vorbild Architecture and interior designer Holly Canham of Canham & Hart
Holly, working closely with Vorbild architects, had a clear plan: “We wanted the house to have a contemporary feel but to retain as many of the original features as possible,” she says.
One of the first things the family did was to knock down some walls to create an inviting double living room. The reclaimed oak parquet flooring, which adds warmth and character, is one of Holly’s favorite things in the home.
Parquet flooring: The Natural Wood Floor Co.; sofa: The Conran Shop