In the heart of London's bustling Kensal Rise, a Victorian terrace house undergoes a remarkable transformation. Interior designer Evelina Mamedovaite, with her keen eye for detail and innate talent for creating liveable spaces, has crafted a sanctuary of calm and elegance. The project, initially a renovation for brand consultant Charlotte Lewis and her family, evolved into a comprehensive redesign, addressing every aspect from architecture to furnishings. The result is a harmonious blend of soft neutrals, tactile materials, and well-chosen antiques, creating a space that is both refined and welcoming.
Mamedovaite's approach emphasizes flow and functionality, ensuring the house can adapt to the needs of its inhabitants, especially with the growing family. She achieved this by strategically rearranging spaces, incorporating clever storage solutions, and paying close attention to hard fittings and finishes. The use of mirrored joinery, for instance, creates a seamless transition between rooms, addressing the challenge of making a double reception area feel cohesive. The designer's attention to detail is evident in the way she treats architecture, furniture, and fittings as a unified whole, rather than relying heavily on decoration.
The palette and schemes were guided by two key principles: future-proofing and simplicity. Evelina and Charlotte worked together to create a space that would evolve with the family, avoiding any superfluous elements. Antiques played a significant role, such as the large oak refectory table in the kitchen-dining room and the impressive pressed metal mirror in the hall. These pieces add character and a sense of history to the space.
To soften crisp lines, Evelina incorporated sheer linen skylight drapes in the kitchen-dining extension and off-white merino wool curtains in the main bedroom. These subtle touches create a relaxed atmosphere, providing a contrast to the clean lines of the architecture. The designer's attention to vistas is also notable, as she created visual links between spaces, such as using the same shower curtain fabric for a chair in the bedroom.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the use of upholstery pins in the family bathroom. Evelina's inspiration came from Victorian kitchens, and the result is a cost-effective way to add texture and character to the walls. This innovative approach showcases her creativity and ability to think outside the box.
The final product is a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality, where every element serves a purpose. Evelina's skill in creating a calm and cosy space, despite the challenges of a busy family life in London, is evident. The house now exudes a sense of serenity and refinement, making it a safe haven for Charlotte and her family, who find solace in its tranquil atmosphere.
