Houzz Tour: Bringing Colour and Fun to a 1930s Home in Southwest London
Bold colour and quirky design details ensure this family home is bursting with personality
When a young family moved into this 1930s house in Richmond, it was in need of a total design overhaul. A professional couple with two small children and a dog, the owners wanted a fresh new look for the period property. So they asked Amory Brown to help them design a home that was full of colour and personality. They knew they didn’t want anything too formal, as it had to be a family home first and foremost, so they were keen for the design to feel relaxed and welcoming, rather than it being too much like a show home.
Other style priorities when planning the décor were vibrant jewel colours, especially blues and greens, and subtle Moroccan influences. The finished result is a bright and welcoming home, with plenty of quirky design elements, that radiates fun and charisma.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A professional couple with two children and a dog
Location Richmond, London
Designer Amory Brown
Size 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Other style priorities when planning the décor were vibrant jewel colours, especially blues and greens, and subtle Moroccan influences. The finished result is a bright and welcoming home, with plenty of quirky design elements, that radiates fun and charisma.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A professional couple with two children and a dog
Location Richmond, London
Designer Amory Brown
Size 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
This bright and airy living room extension was added to the original living area to open up the space, with a skylight and sliding glass doors flooding the room with light. The owners wanted to incorporate their favourite shades of blue and green throughout the house, so the bold rug and cushions bring in those tones, while the white walls and sofa keep the room feeling fresh.
There are subtle Moroccan influences visible throughout the living room, such as these geometric-print cushions. Layering up different textures and colours creates a relaxed feel that stops the room looking too formal or overly ‘designed’ (something the owners were keen to avoid).
Tips on how to get that moroccan look
Tips on how to get that moroccan look
Mid-century modern influences can also be seen throughout the home, such as these soft green chairs. The iconic design, fresh green colour and dark wooden legs make a clear design statement, while the geometric rug and crisp white walls bring the look up to date.
More on mid-century modern style
More on mid-century modern style
This is the original living room, which was extended to create a larger and lighter living space. Moroccan motifs come through strongly in the metal-framed side tables and bold, tile-influenced prints behind the sofa.
The central staircase originally had very heavy wall panelling, which made the space feel dark and cramped. Painting the area white with a strong blue feature wall opened up the space and brought a more contemporary feel to this frequently used area.
The chairs and table in the dining room are mid-century classics, sourced on eBay. The yellow lamp, colourful blinds and patterned rug add cheerful colour to the white scheme and help showcase the dining set.
The contemporary kitchen is a light and airy space thanks to the handleless white units and sleek, glossy surfaces. There is also a hidden spiral wine cellar, which is revealed by lifting up a section of the wooden flooring.
The embroidered cushions on the bed were the starting point for the colour scheme in the master bedroom. The owners wanted the room to be a calm, relaxing haven, so the designers used the soft, warm shades found in the cushions to create a soothing retreat.
A custom-designed dressing room connects the master bedroom with the en-suite bathroom. All the joinery was made bespoke for the owners. The mix of drawers and open units means clutter can be tidied away while favourite and frequently used items can be displayed to full advantage.
The owners wanted the master bathroom to have the feel of a luxurious hotel en suite, so they used an indulgent soft grey marble on the walls and bath panel. The 1950s-style sanitaryware lends an elegant feel, while the geometric blind adds a subtle sprinkle of pattern.
A walk-in shower with a simple glass screen continues the hotel-chic feel of the bathroom and makes the most of the compact space. The mosiac tiles on the shower wall add subtle texture, while bespoke shelving allows bathing products to be stored within easy reach.
The wallpaper in this child’s bedroom makes a bold statement and was chosen by the family because it resembles string. A simple white bed, desk and chair tone the look down and allow the wallpaper to be the star.
The wallpaper in this child’s bedroom has a very subtle spitfire aeroplane motif, but because of the soft green shade and understated pattern, it doesn’t feel too ‘childish’ and shouldn’t date too quickly.
The children also have their own playroom, which has a specially designed ‘stage’ for putting on plays and entertainment. Little lights above the stage are perfect for creating a dramatic atmosphere, as are the rich red velvet curtains.
This children’s bathroom has a large walk-in shower and bright green walls for a vibrant, cheerful feel. The designers used white brick tiles in the shower and added green grout for a fun design twist. The flooring is a ceramic tile designed to look like wood.
This small cloakroom has a clear Moroccan influence. The ceiling and woodwork are painted a dark blue and this, combined with the tile-effect wallpaper and glittering green brick tiles, creates a rich, decadent feel in the compact space.