The Victorian property, located on a beautiful street in Parsons Green was purchased by an American family (a couple and their daughter), who relocated from New York, and now live between the UK and their summer holiday home in Nantucket. He owns a men’s fashion company and she works in the contemporary art world, so it’s no surprise that they both brought a keen design eye to the project in their own right.

‘I wouldn’t say it started for them as an overall vision,’ explains Tiffany, ‘but there were specific things that knew they liked and wanted to incorporate, so it was our job to bring all of that together.’ She continues: ‘I think the link between our styles is that we both like a mix of antiques, old and new, city and country… and it appealed to them that we are not too singular in our approach as a design studio, so they felt that we could get to the right place together.’

colourful victorian townhouse in london Home Decor Furniture Chandelier Lamp and Couch

The subtle green and pink palette that runs throughout the house is picked up in the living room upholstery, whilst an olive green ottoman and striking artwork help to ground the look

Before any decoration work could begin at this townhouse in London, it was crucial to strip everything back and reconfigure the living space to work for its new owners’ lifestyle. ‘The creation of larger, light filled spaces was a priority for the family’, explains Bryan who was tasked with resolving the historic ‘broken-up’ floor plan and make it fit for today. The overall scope involved a full basement excavation, creating an additional bedroom, utility and living space; a ground floor rear extension; and front and rear mansard additions to the second floor. And so, the small, compartmented layout made way for larger living and kitchen spaces, a generous primary suite and guest suite, a dedicated office space, as well as a separate floor for the couple’s pre-teen daughter.

It truly was a collaborative process for Icon Architects and Studio Duggan. ‘The floor plan is really key. When you know you’ve got that right, everything else just follows much more easily,’ says Tiffany. Another priority was reinstating the original Victorian character of the property. ‘The majority of the original features had been previously removed or were unsalvageable,’ explains Bryan. ‘Traditional craftsmanship and high quality materials were also non-negotiable, and we ensured that the panelling, cornicing and cabinetry would sit comfortably within the period framework.’

colourful victorian townhouse in london blue kitchen Indoors Kitchen Interior Design and Kitchen Island

The newly open-plan kitchen is designed for more flexible modern living than the historic floor plan allowed for