In the heart of London's bustling Kensal Rise, a Victorian terrace house stands as a testament to the transformative power of interior design. This unassuming residence, once in need of love and attention, has been meticulously crafted into a sanctuary of calm and elegance by the visionary Evelina Mamedovaite. Her design philosophy, which emphasizes functionality, tactile materials, and a seamless flow, has breathed new life into this historic home, creating a space that is both refined and incredibly liveable. What makes this project truly remarkable is how it challenges the notion that streamlined hallways and busy family life are incompatible, proving that with thoughtful design, even the most challenging spaces can be transformed into havens of tranquility and beauty.
One of the key elements of Evelina's design is her ability to establish a sense of flow throughout the house. By carefully shuffling rooms and creating a bedroom suite on the first floor, she has crafted a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The use of storage solutions, such as cupboards outside the children's bedrooms and stained oak joinery that wraps around the ground floor family room, ensures that the house remains clutter-free and calm, even with the rigors of family life. Clever details, such as the mirrored joinery in the sitting room, create a pleasing flow between rooms and help to make the double reception room feel coherent.
Evelina's attention to hard fittings and finishes is another standout feature of this project. From new doors and light switches to ironmongery and flooring, she has ensured that the house has a strong architectural base that stands even without decoration. The choice of terracotta parquet tiles in the kitchen and dining extension, for example, is a prime example of how Evelina infuses her projects with a 'rich materiality'.
When it came to palettes and schemes, Evelina was guided by two principles: the house needed to be able to evolve with the clients and their growing children, and there was to be nothing superfluous. She achieved this by focusing on well-chosen antiques and carefully selecting materials that would stand the test of time. The large oak refectory table in the kitchen-dining room, for example, was bought early in the project and has become a central feature of the space. Similarly, the large pressed metal mirror in the hall, which was chosen for its impressive scale, has become a beloved part of the home.
Evelina's design philosophy extends beyond the choice of materials and antiques. She believes in softening crisp lines and creating a sense of warmth and comfort throughout the house. In the kitchen and dining extension, for example, she added sheer linen skylight drapes to soften the clean lines of the extension and provide shade on hot days. In the main bedroom, she bathed the space in fabric, using off-white merino wool curtains and a slouchy bed throw to create a relaxed contrast to the clean lines of the jib doors that hide storage.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is how Evelina has managed to create moments of decorative frippery alongside the overall serenity of the space. In her daughter's bedroom, for example, she wrapped the walls, ceiling, shelves, and even the bed in Colefax & Fowler's 'Fernwood Leaf Green' wallpaper, creating a pretty backdrop for a dark green canopy. This playful approach to design adds a sense of fun and theater to the space, while still maintaining the overall calm and elegance of the house.
For Evelina, the mark of a good project is one where you step over the threshold and feel relaxed. And it seems that Charlotte Lewis, the client for this project, has achieved just that. 'London can be exhausting,' she says, 'but this is our safe space and I really don't take for granted the calm that Evelina has created for us. Everyone loves going on holiday, but I just love coming home here.'
In conclusion, this Victorian terrace house in Kensal Rise is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the ability to transform even the most challenging spaces into havens of tranquility and beauty. Evelina Mamedovaite's design philosophy, which emphasizes functionality, tactile materials, and a seamless flow, has created a space that is both refined and incredibly liveable. Her ability to balance elegance and comfort, and to create moments of decorative frippery alongside the overall serenity of the space, makes this project truly remarkable. It is a shining example of how interior design can be used to create a sanctuary that is both beautiful and functional, and a reminder that with the right approach, even the most unassuming spaces can be transformed into something truly special.
