The transformation of a Kensington town house by Swedish-born, London-based designer Beata Heuman is a testament to the delicate balance between preserving historical essence and infusing modern charm. This six-bedroom, five-story residence, built in 1888 in the Queen Anne style, is a Grade II* listed property, signifying its significant historical importance. Heuman’s approach to this project showcases her evolution as a designer, blending her signature playful style with a more mature and sophisticated touch.
Embracing Historical Significance
Respecting Architectural Heritage
Heuman’s meticulous restoration of period features, such as decorative ceilings and fireplaces, was done in collaboration with a heritage consultant. This ensured that modifications were appropriate for the building’s landmark status. Retaining the original width of fireplace openings and replacing damaged tiles with historically accurate replicas were part of the effort to honor the home’s original architecture. The work done to preserve these details showed respect for the structure’s rich history, ensuring that even as the house received modern updates, its past remained honored and visible.
The attention to detail extended to other key architectural elements, including the large central staircase. This feature was preserved and restored to its former grandeur, becoming a focal point that ties the historical narrative of the home together. The result is a blend that allows the charm and character of the original late 19th-century design to shine through, while simultaneously embracing contemporary touches that meet the needs of a modern family.
Balancing Old and New
The designer’s thoughtful approach to blending the old with the new is evident throughout the house. Heuman’s respect for the house’s asymmetric rooms and irregular rooflines, coupled with her careful selection of furniture, largely antique and bespoke, created an environment that felt richly layered yet tranquil. The interiors were designed to appear as though they evolved over time, not disrupting the original charm of the house. This method helped achieve a seamless integration where contemporary elements and historical designs coexist harmoniously.
By incorporating pieces that have a story, Heuman managed to intertwine the house’s past with a curated collection of unique items. The furnishings were chosen not just for aesthetics but for their ability to contribute to the narrative of the space. Whether through an antique armchair or a custom-crafted modern table, each piece played a role in creating continuity between different eras, thus maintaining the integrity of both the home’s heritage and its modern functionality.
Personal Connection and Client Collaboration
Building Trust and Understanding
The design process began with Heuman viewing the property and presenting her ideas, quickly reassuring the client of her capability to harmonize her designing gusto with the historical integrity of the home. The client, a former financier, resonated with Heuman’s understanding of blending practical needs of a family home with aesthetic aspirations. This mutual understanding was crucial for the project’s success, fostering a collaboration that was both visionary and pragmatic.
The personal connection between Heuman and her client significantly influenced the project’s trajectory. Their shared vision for the home’s blend of historical reverence and modern-day practicality allowed for creative solutions tailored to the family’s lifestyle. This relationship ensured that every decision, from major structural changes to the smallest decorative details, was made with a deep understanding of the home’s unique character and the client’s desires.
Creating a Functional Family Home
The town house was initially decorated in a formal modern neoclassical style, which Heuman revamped to engage more authentically with the house’s history while also making it a comfortable space for the young family. The introduction of a comfortable sofa in the entry hall, custom cabinetry fronts made of woven cane in the main bedroom, and a vintage burr yew wood desk in the study demonstrates the blend of sophistication and warmth that characterizes Heuman’s evolved style. This approach ensured that the space was not only beautiful but also practical and welcoming.
Heuman’s designs featured strategic placement and selection of furniture, which catered to the practical needs of a modern family without compromising on style. For instance, comfortable and durable fabrics were chosen for common areas frequented by children, while more delicate materials adorn less trafficked spaces. This balance underscored Heuman’s ability to marry aesthetics with the practical needs of everyday life, creating an environment that works for all family members.
Attention to Detail
Thoughtful Design Elements
Particular attention was given to details such as a scaled-up armoire in the entrance hall to offset the vastness of the space, the use of dialed-down greens and reds for a soothing palette, and the installation of a striking Murano chandelier in the kitchen to draw the eye. Heuman’s dedication to detail is further evidenced in the 18 months she spent collecting vintage polychrome plates to enhance the kitchen’s aesthetics. These elements combined to create an experience that feels both considered and spontaneous, highlighting Heuman’s flair for crafting sophisticated yet approachable interiors.
The detailed designs extended to subtle yet impactful touches, such as bespoke cabinetry and artisan-crafted hardware, which underscored the meticulous attention paid to every aspect of the home. These choices not only elevated the aesthetic appeal but also contributed to the overall ambiance, ensuring that each space within the home feels unique while maintaining a consistent design language.
Strategic Use of Wallpaper
Heuman’s choice of wallpaper served strategic visual and functional purposes. For instance, Morris & Co.’s Fruit wallpaper in the pantry was varnished for a period-appropriate finish, and the children’s bedrooms featured playful designs celebrating the charm of the attic-like rooms. The house’s elevator interior was customized with intricate marquetry, demonstrating the level of detail Heuman imbued within even the more utilitarian aspects of the home. These wallpaper choices added layers of warmth and character, creating visually stimulating environments.
Each wallpaper design was carefully selected to complement its surroundings, providing not just aesthetic value but also adding to the home’s thematic continuity. The playful patterns in the children’s rooms, for example, created an imaginative and joyful atmosphere, while the traditional designs in the shared spaces underscored the home’s historic roots. This thoughtful approach to wallpapering acted as a bridge between the old and the new, bringing cohesion and charm to the interiors.
Art and Accessories
Complementing Historical Context
Art and accessories were carefully selected to complement the historical context while adding personal touches. Vintage pieces, such as 19th-century fashion prints and mid-20th-century lighting, were incorporated thoughtfully to create a lived-in and authentic feel. Each room was treated with individuality while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the house, ensuring no two spaces felt overly similar yet all were interconnected in style and purpose.
These art selections melded seamlessly with the architecture, providing focal points that amplify the home’s unique characteristics. The use of carefully curated accessories, from bespoke lampshades to antique mirrors, added to the richness and depth of the interiors. These additions were not mere decorations but integral components of the design narrative, weaving a tapestry that connected each room and its occupants to the broader historical and aesthetic context.
Creating a Lived-In Feel
The interiors were designed to appear as though they evolved over time, not disrupting the original charm of the house. This approach created a home that speaks to rich history, detailed craftsmanship, and personal touch, fulfilling the client’s vision of a beautiful yet functional family residence. The deliberate layering of textures, colors, and materials contributed to a sense of continuity, making the house feel welcoming and lived-in.
Heuman’s talent for combining diverse elements in cohesive harmony was evident in every corner of the town house. By integrating personal items and family heirlooms with curated antiques and artisan pieces, she crafted spaces that feel genuine and reflective of the family’s unique personality. This method ensured the home was not just a museum of historical artifacts but a dynamic, living space filled with meaning and warmth.
Conclusion
The transformation of a Kensington townhouse by Swedish-born, London-based designer Beata Heuman beautifully illustrates the balance between preserving historical significance and adding modern allure. This six-bedroom, five-story home, built in 1888 in the Queen Anne style, holds a Grade II* listing, marking its historical importance. Beata Heuman’s work on this project reflects her growth as a designer, integrating her distinctively playful style with a more refined and sophisticated approach.
Heuman’s design touches breathe new life into the property, ensuring its historical elements are honored while making it suitable for contemporary living. Her ability to blend old and new is evident in each room, where antique fixtures coexist harmoniously with modern accents. This thoughtful juxtaposition creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere, allowing the home’s rich history to shine through while meeting the needs of today’s lifestyle. The result is a home that is both timeless and current, a true representation of Heuman’s evolving design philosophy and her adeptness at marrying the past with the present.
