A young family in London’s Dulwich neighborhood almost moved out of their charming Victorian home but instead chose to reinvest in it. Interior designer Laura Stephens helped bring fun, personality, and color back into the space, balancing the house’s historic features with a fresh, modern vibe.
- Historic Victorian home beautifully modernized
- Bold jewel tones unify throughout the house
- Collaborative design balances tradition and fun
What happened
The family had initially begun structural renovations on their Dulwich Victorian terrace including kitchen and loft extensions but paused once their children arrived. Considering a move, they decided instead to revitalize their existing home, hiring Laura Stephens and her team to inject personality and warmth into the interior.
Stephens worked closely with the confident clients, who brought clear tastes in fabrics and wallpapers but needed help weaving their choices into a cohesive look. The house, with its wide proportions and lovely original features, became the perfect canvas to blend traditional style with fresh, colorful updates.
Why it feels good
The design celebrates the home's history while adding vibrant personality through expertly chosen jewel tones, earthy reds, and soft greens, which flow seamlessly from room to room. This thoughtful use of color and pattern creates a lively yet harmonious environment that feels both elegant and approachable.
Incorporating tactile textures like ribbed glass cabinetry and layered textiles alongside classic wallpaper and period architectural details gives the home depth and character. The resulting space feels cozy and modern, designed especially to support the joy and energy of family living.
What to enjoy or watch next
Enjoy the light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas where warm neutrals are punctuated by striking teal and green accents, or explore the layered patterns and bold colors featured in each bedroom. Every corner offers surprises that balance boldness with comfort.
For those inspired by this blend of tradition and playfulness, following Laura Stephens’ projects might offer further inspiration for period home renovations that embrace personality without losing heritage. Watching how these elements come together to create joyful, livable spaces offers fresh ideas for both renters and homeowners.