A historic London home, originally built in 1874 by architect J.M. Brydon, has undergone a remarkable transformation that marries its Arts and Crafts heritage with a vibrant 1920s-inspired design. Interior designer Suzy Hoodless collaborated with architect Giancarlo Alhadeff to create a space that celebrates individuality and the beauty of craftsmanship, reflecting the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The renovation features a harmonious blend of graphic patterns, modernist shapes, and contemporary artwork. Hoodless emphasized the importance of honoring the home’s original architecture while infusing it with a fresh perspective. “The building had great bones, and we wanted to honor its heritage, albeit in a fresh way,” she commented. The goal was to craft unique, bold spaces that also serve the practical needs of a family with two young boys.
The basement was reconfigured to include a spacious kitchen and dining area, along with a family room and a more formal living room on the ground floor. This layout not only enhances functionality but also allows for a relaxed family atmosphere. The kitchen features an island wrapped in brass, with cabinetry in Dyed Green Tulip 26 timber veneer, designed by Costa Interiors. The use of Dekton worktops in Nacre adds a modern touch to this culinary space.
Upstairs, a guest room was sacrificed to create a dressing room with a bath, which leads to an en-suite bedroom. This design provides the parents with a self-contained floor. The clever use of space was crucial; Alhadeff noted, “Listed properties always require some imaginative thinking, but in this case, small yet meaningful tweaks, such as turning a spare bedroom into a multipurpose space, unlocked the layout for us.”
The color palette plays a critical role in the home’s new identity. Hoodless selected an unusual mix of hues, featuring combinations that range from vivid blue and soft green to terracotta and muted reds. “These unique and atypical schemes introduce softness and elegance,” she explained. The limewashed walls enhance the home’s natural light, creating a sense of movement through painterly brushstrokes.
The entrance hall showcases contemporary tiles that nod to traditional encaustic shapes, merging old-world charm with modern sensibility. The family room and dining spaces are adorned with the owners’ existing artwork, alongside pieces by designers like B&B Italia and Gio Ponti. This mix not only reflects the owners’ personalities but also highlights the home’s artistic history, previously inhabited by a notable 1920s jazz musician and a beloved British actor.
Hoodless stated, “It feels contemporary, yet it honors those Arts and Crafts roots. The movement was about eschewing mass production in favor of simple, joyful artistry – principles we fully embraced.” The dining room features sleek cabinets contrasting with a Victorian fireplace, while the living areas incorporate bold shapes and textures that dialogue with the home’s history.
After two years of meticulous work, the renovation has achieved its aim of creating a space that feels both vibrant and practical. “You know you’ve done a good job when you are invited back for dinner,” Alhadeff remarked, recalling a celebratory evening with the owners. Their vision was not for a showcase but for a home that is lively and functional, demonstrating a successful blend of artistic history and modern living.
