Designers Rose Hanson and Charlotte Tilbury, through their firm Penrose Tilbury, have expertly reimagined a historic Victorian residence in East London. Originally characterized by dim lighting and a segmented layout typical of its era, the property has undergone a remarkable transformation into a chic and inviting family abode. The core philosophy guiding this redesign was to forge a space that is both refined and practical, ensuring it remains robust enough for active children without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal. This project, much like their previous endeavors, is adorned with carefully selected antique items, predominantly sourced from France, and features a cohesive palette of subdued tones, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.
The culinary area was intentionally conceived as the vibrant center of the household. Tilbury emphasizes the importance of ample storage solutions for families, particularly for children's belongings, to maintain the visual harmony of the space. This principle was meticulously applied in the kitchen's design, which features integrated cabinetry to discreetly house various items. The aesthetic combines creamy hues with pink marble accents, punctuated by sleek black details reminiscent of perfume bottle caps. Beyond its primary function, the kitchen ingeniously doubles as a library and a breakfast nook, complete with an expansive skylight. Hanson notes that this innovative layout allows children to engage in quiet activities like reading while their parents prepare meals, deviating significantly from conventional kitchen designs.
A notable design element throughout the home is the integration of gentle curves, manifesting in archways and other architectural features. These curves serve to visually soften the house's inherent deep and narrow structure, imbuing the interiors with a sense of refined elegance, especially when complemented by Parisian mirrors, as Tilbury highlights regarding the ground floor's refreshed appearance. The dining area seamlessly connects with the kitchen, adhering to a classic Victorian sensibility, thereby fostering a fluid and communal environment. The living room exudes warmth with its pale pink and red walls, accented by bronze highlights, and features an array of decorative elements including mirrors and antique pendant lighting. A custom-made sofa and several other comfortable seating options are thoughtfully arranged before a distinctive British bay window.
Ascending to the upper levels, one encounters the compact powder room on the ground floor. Hanson expresses an affinity for latticework and Greek motifs, which are prominently displayed here through coordinating fabric window treatments and wallpaper. In the main sleeping quarters, the design intervention primarily involved refreshing the existing decor. This included the introduction of a bespoke bed with a fringed detail, new curtains, and a chandelier, all meticulously chosen to enhance the room's spaciousness. The designers also incorporated a generously sized rug, an assortment of pillows, and various textiles, with Tilbury pointing out that the unique character of the room largely stems from its distinctive lamps and artwork. Additionally, the wardrobes were elevated with artistic flourishes by Emma Stevenson, who also contributed hand-painted details to the bathroom ceiling, adding an unexpected layer of creative expression.
For the primary bathroom, the designers drew inspiration from French aesthetics, particularly evident in the choice of a wide-basin sink with fold hardware, a style Hanson remarks is more commonly found in Paris than in the UK. The shower area is adorned with cornflower blue tiles, framed by a rounded black lacquer rim that subtly echoes similar details found elsewhere in the residence. Tilbury observes that even a modest application of blue or green can significantly brighten a room, although this particular bathroom hardly needed additional visual enhancement. Its custom marble checkerboard flooring, crafted from Rosso Alicante, white Carrara, and black marble, along with a hand-painted fresco by Emma Stevenson on the ceiling, already provide a striking visual impact.
In a young girl's bedroom, artist Emma Stevenson adorned the wardrobe with delicate equestrian motifs, harmonizing with the bespoke mirror, curtains, and colorful wallpaper. Hanson explains that the objective was to introduce color without overwhelming the space, a directive that nonetheless permitted the inclusion of a vibrant butter-yellow mirror. Horse-themed patterns are integrated into various textiles and lamps, symbolizing the energetic spirit associated with the upcoming lunar year. The boy's bedroom was conceptualized to evoke the ambiance of a ship's cabin, featuring a custom headboard bookcase and walls painted in Edward Bulmer's Fair Blue, complemented by vintage Roman blinds from Collier Campbell.
This comprehensive renovation of the Victorian house in East London showcases a harmonious blend of historical integrity and contemporary living. The Penrose Tilbury team's meticulous approach to design, from selecting antique furnishings to integrating custom artistic details, has created a residence that is not only visually stunning but also deeply functional for a modern family. The thoughtful incorporation of unique elements and a cohesive design narrative ensures every space within the home tells a story of elegance, comfort, and playful charm.