This London townhouse showcases a calming neutral palette and an array of interesting textures

When it came to choosing an interior designer for their home, the owners of this period London townhouse were determined that their own taste, rather than any signature studio style, ought to be the biggest influence. 

Discovering Rebecca Hughes on Instagram, the owner quickly realised Rebecca’s love of collaboration could prove to be her greatest asset. 

'While I wanted the lead to come from the designer, I also had a very clear idea of our taste as a couple and wanted to be able to contribute to the creative process,’ the owner explains.

Shortly after commissioning Rebecca, the owner found herself at the studio rummaging through samples. 

‘It was a really enjoyable process,’ says Rebecca. ‘The owner would pull out what she liked and we’d have a play around together.’

See: World's best homes – tour the globe’s most beautiful houses 

Though the London house, bought in 2010, was still in good condition after a previous renovation, the couple felt the interior was tired and in need of personalization. 

‘It had always felt like living in someone else’s house so we wanted to put our own stamp on it,’ explains the owner. 

‘We also felt the layout could be adapted to better suit our lifestyle so we rearranged the kitchen, added a utility room and a playroom and swapped a bathroom with a bedroom.’

With a young son and daughter, the owner was also eager that plenty of well-organised storage be a priority.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, the appliances are hidden behind the seamless and elegant cabinetry. 

‘The house is uncluttered and unfussy. Everything has a place – I even have a wrapping paper drawer,’ the owner enthuses.

The characterful cobbled-effect tiles came with the house.

See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens 

Rebecca utilized the under-stairs space for more storage. The rich tones of the table stand out against the pale hues.

Rebecca put together a series of schemes for each room focusing on texture and gentle moderations of color. 

‘My husband and I have always favoured a pared-back approach,’ says the owner. ‘We don’t like vast amounts of pattern or color and we wanted to create something timeless that would age well so if we left the house and walked through the door in five years’ time, we would still love it just as much. It’s classic without being old-fashioned and it’s modern enough to win over my husband, yet with some wonderful mid-century details.’

Living room

Slight variations of neutral hues deliver a pale and interesting result.

While pushing the couple out of their comfort zone by introducing a few patterned fabrics, Rebecca embraced her brief to avoid them by opting instead to add interest through organic finishes and varied textures.

‘We wanted everything to be quite tactile so we considered how fabrics felt as well as looked,’ explains Rebecca. ‘I brought in textured wallpapers and polished plaster but tonally kept the house very harmonious. We also invested in lots of bespoke pieces to create a sumptuous feel.’

See: Living room ideas – clever ways to decorate living spaces

Playroom

A banquette seat doubles as storage for toys. The Roman blind, made of one continuous piece of fabric, contributes to the seamless look.

Bedroom

The gentle curve of the headboard and lamp base balance the sharper angles of the table.

Refined and elegant yet with a myriad of fine details, the house is a testimony to the successful creative bond forged between the owner and Rebecca.

‘I always said to Rebecca, it’s your name above the door so we want to end up with an interior you feel equally proud of,’ says the owner. 

See: Bedroom ideas – designs and inspiration for beautiful bedrooms

Bathroom

Polished plaster walls provide textural interest while the black slate floor and gray painted tub punctuate the neutrals.

See: Bathroom ideas – stylish decor ideas for all bathrooms

Completed before the pandemic hit, the house has acted as a London refuge. ‘Even though it’s close to the centre of town it feels hushed and serene,’ says the owner. 

‘When you spend 12 months behind locked doors you really come to appreciate your home and how it makes you feel. Never have I felt more grateful.’ 

Interior design/ Rebecca Hughes Interiors

Photography/ Anna Stathaki

Text/ Juliet Benning