This Victorian villa in London has a strong relationship with colour - especially at Christmas

THE PROPERTY

A Victorian villa in London. On the lower ground floor of this modern home there is a kitchen/ dining area, family snug, utility room and WC. On the ground floor there is the entrance hallway, a double reception room and a study. On the first floor sits the master bedroom, dressing room and en suite. On the second floor, there are the three children’s bedrooms and a family bathroom. On the third floor is the guest bedroom and en suite.

See more modern homes here.

HALLWAY

With Christmas just a few misty cold breaths away, there is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The sky, metal grey, hovers above London, casting a muted lens over the scene. But on a quiet street in the north of the city, there sits a house that radiates like no other. Inspired by the warmth and colour of faraway lands, it is a beacon of dazzling design.

One of the most striking aspects of this home is its rapport with colour. One of the owners is originally from Colombia and colour is in her DNA.

The red-striped runner in the hallway (above) looks particularly fetching at this time of year and is the perfect foil to the moody blue walls.

KITCHEN

The choices made here have been a carefully curated and considered process. It takes daring to mingle acid brights, pattern and textures, and there are innovative touches with vintage lamps, statement furniture and bespoke additions, like the copper facing on the kitchen island.

DINING AREA

Yet while the interior feels original and unusual, above all it oozes an enticing appeal. When commissioning interior designers Angela Simpson and Laura Voyle, the owner was adamant she didn't want her family home to feel like a museum; it had to be suitable for busy family life and entertaining.

The decoration in this part of the kitchen was kept minimal to ensure the garden views, which remind the owner of her native Colombia, weren’t interrupted.

LIVING ROOM

Mingling bold and subtle hues, plus various textures and patterns, is the reason this home is so enticing.

This is where the couple gather with friends and family gather to have fun.

The far end of the double reception space has floor-to-ceiling shelving for the owners' collection of objets.

LANDING

This Fifties sofa was found in a skip. The owner had it reupholstered in a gorgeous teal velvet.

MASTER BEDROOM

The bold paper accentuates the original cornicing beautifully.

Find out about the interior designers at simpsonandvoyle.com and the architects at mitzmanarchitects.com

Photography / Anna Stathaki

Styling / Jennifer Haslam

See Also: Master Bedroom Ideas - 31 stunning bedroom schemes