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Chelsea Townhouse

Located along the Thames, this Grade II listed townhouse has been transformed into a serene London sanctuary for a client whose travel-heavy lifestyle demands both calm and flexibility.

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Art Consultant: Cramer & Bell
Landscape Designer: Farlam & Chandler
Kitchen and joinery: 202 Design for Kitchen & Joinery
Project length: 16 months
Size: 11,000 sq ft

Working closely with the client, the brief for this project was to create a layered, tactile interior that balanced the scale and elegance of a 17th-century property with the ease required for modern living. It needed to support working from home, entertaining friends and hosting family for extended stays - while also providing a calm, everyday retreat for the client and her dog, Loulou.Above all, the interiors needed to feel deeply personal, quietly luxurious and entirely restorative.

Respecting the architectural significance of the townhouse was central to the project. Original cornices, fireplaces and panelling were preserved and enhanced, forming the foundation for a design that introduced warmth, softness and contemporary comfort without compromising its integrity and historic character. Working within the constraints of the Grade II listing meant the team focused on materiality, light and carefully considered joinery rather than structural change, using subtle interventions to elevate functionality throughout.

GROUND FLOOR

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View From Hallway To Sitting Area In Chelsea Townhouse

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View Of Corner Of Green Kitchen In Chelsea Townhouse

The decorative approach centred on creating a calm, refined look that balanced historic gravitas with contemporary comfort. Inspired by the soft London light, the riverfront setting and the artistic heritage of Chelsea, the colour palette developed into gentle greens, earthy neutrals and natural materials. Furniture pieces were chosen for comfort, scale and timelessness, mixing bespoke joinery with carefully curated upholstered forms and antiques.

First Floor

Close Up Sofa With Trim In Chelsea Townhouse

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Fireplace In Living Room Of Chelsea Townhouse

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Art became a defining thread. Working closely with Cramer & Bell, the team curated a collection of contemporary and classic works that echo the tones of the interiors and subtly reference the cultural character of Chelsea.

Bedrooms

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The bedrooms were cleverly zoned to accommodate guests, and working from home. Flexibility was essential: the guest room had to feel as considered as the principal spaces, while dedicated areas for work were designed to offer quiet, inspiration and focus. The result is a home that supports every rhythm of the client’s lifestyle - from restorative downtime to intimate gatherings with friends and family.

Bathrooms & cloakrooms

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Bathroom With Rolltop Bath And Patterned Wallpaper In Chelsea Townhouse

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Cloakroom With Green Walls And Marble Topped Vanity Unit In Chelsea Townhouse

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Dressing Area Of Bathroom In Chelsea Townhouse

A sense of playfulness was introduced in the cloakrooms through vibrant colour and pattern, where rich tones and bold wallpapers create a lively, expressive mood. In contrast, the principal bathroom adopts a more pared-back approach, with muted tones and timeless textures combining to form a serene, restorative space for rest and retreat.