Layers and pattern bring a large Fulham townhouse by Studio Peake to life

For interior designer Sarah Peake, layering is an instinctive trademark. Graphic patterns, diverse textures and alluring hints of colour are intuitive, integral elements of her work, and a recently completed Fulham townhouse bears no exception. Studio Peake’s renovation of this five bedroom, four bathroom Victorian house was much a story of contrast. Embellishment and balance became cyclical with each chapter of design and staying true to the staggered walls and stained glass windows of the property’s 19th-century bones, Sarah and fellow designer Sophy Toller added bursts of contemporary brightness to create a warm family home.

The homeowners, a stylish young family already fond of clean lines and fresh patterns, brought Studio Peake on board after initial structural and architectural adjustments to the property. Sarah explains “It was a blank canvas to the point of finished walls–beautifully done, white boxes, but it needed making into a home”. Housing their own collection of contemporary art and select pieces of furniture, the clients sought something in line with their taste, but effectively set up for busy family life. “At the start of the project I spent some time going through the art, which we were able to work into the scheme” Sarah recalls, “they have a distinct style and it’s always refreshing having clients with lovely things”.

As the structural core was complete–right down to floorboards and wiring–furniture layout was the first step. Shapes were traced out and places allocated for each piece, several of which would become Studio Peake’s own creations. The front sitting room was a design challenge, Sarah admits; an existing modern fireplace dominated the space and tipped the mood desperately off-kilter from the historical backdrop. Its replacement was high up on the to-do list. The family weren’t using the room and it had lost the feeling of a natural relaxation area. “The room felt cold, there was nothing to cosy around and the imposing fireplace was completely at odds with the Victorian architecture”.

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With considerations for a multi-faceted wall, a fixed radiator and a vast window looking straight onto the street, Sarah got to work building the scheme, kick-started by the lucky purchase of a Scandinavian mid-century rug. “I found this amazing Nils Nilsson antique rug in Sweden. I actually bought it before I’d even showed the clients because I loved it so much. I secretly hoped they didn’t want it so I could keep it!” she laughs. It was a measured, micro/macro approach. Removable covers made from azure Tissus D’Helene wool were created for the clients’ existing Cassina sofa and the walls adorned in a woven, powder blue and white Colefax & Fowler covering. A bespoke fireplace by Studio Peake was fitted to replace the old, its slips finished with tiles from the Balineum Hanley Tube Line collection. It was all finely tuned in gradual processes, a method of working which Sarah believes is key to achieving maximum equilibrium “I always feel that design is about constantly zooming in and out, paying attention to little details and then stepping back to ensure harmony runs through everything”. Details steadily manifested in shelving vignettes, cushion fringes, layers of sheepskin, chenille and linen.

The airy, rear sitting room is the first door you come to in the front hall. Its entrance on the right leads to the smaller, comparatively more minimal space, before another right turn into the densely layered front sitting room. Sarah felt it important to give this room its own narrative and create a momentary interval from bold textures and patterns. “Often with Victorian terrace conversions this room can lack purpose” she notes, “it felt right to design a room with less furniture and room to breathe”. A scene of Miro lithographs from the clients’ art collection pop on the far wall, frames customised with black and white lines by Studio Peake to contrast the wallpaper. A bespoke Fiona McDonald cabinet in a rich oak sits below. In an authentically Sarah style, boundlessly satisfying uses of space can be found all over the house. Leading off from the back wall, a side return to the kitchen boasts double functionality as a nifty corridor come desk area.