Step inside this welcoming London retreat

Take a look inside this Victorian home in West London. This reader's home, featured in Livingetc, makes the perfect London retreat. Period details combine with modern touches for an up-to-date look and a warm family home

This detached Victorian house in west London is spread out over 3 storeys, with an open-plan living and dining room, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the first floor, and an additional 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor

 

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exterior of house with white walls and white window frames

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

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hallway with white walls and stairs

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Hallway | London retreat house tour

The owner has paid attention to the original features in this period hallway while maintaining a modern feel.

The wainscoting is painted in Tarlatan from Paint & Paper LibraryWorld's End Tiles sell tiles like these.

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window with flower design and books

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Window detail | London retreat house tour

To create a window panel like this try the Frostbrite window panel, from The Window Film Company, which adds privacy and a decorative twist

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kitchen with white walls and shelf on wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Kitchen | London retreat house tour

kitchen shelf is home to a LOVE candle and an arrangement of felt flowers, both from The Cross.

Kitchen | London retreat house tour

kitchen shelf is home to a LOVE candle and an arrangement of felt flowers, both from The Cross.

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kitchen with white walls and microwave

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Kitchen-diner | London retreat house tour

The owner has made the most of the small kitchen space by adding banquette seating. This is a great way to fit more people around a table and you can make the cushions yourself.

Try Pentonville Rubber for foam seating cut to size, then cover in any fabric you like.

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dinning room with white walls and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Dining room | London retreat house tour

The open-plan layout means all the downstairs rooms are connected, so guests have plenty of space to wander and mingle.

Try Laura Ashley for refectory tables. The pink Maui chairs by Kartell are from Aria.

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living room with white walls and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Living room corner | London retreat house tour

The colourful cushions in the living room are from The Rug Company and Designers Guild. Find a similar table at The Old CinemaIKEA sells cowskin pouffes.

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bedroom with bed and cushions

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Bedroom | London retreat house tour

A brightly-coloured original artwork takes pride of place above the bed in this peaceful space.

The Tilly bed is from Feather & Black. Find the Stardust wallpaper at Paint & Paper Library.

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bedroom with white walls and books

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Guest bedroom | London retreat house tour

The guest bedroom combines soft colours and warm textures. The owner chose this restful grey because of its calming qualities.

Find a smilar bed at Lombok

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bathroom with white walls and bathtub

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Bathroom | London retreat house tour

A brightly pink bath is all it takes to transform a room from staid to stunning.

The pink-painted Tivoli bath is from Aston Matthews. The towel is from Cath Kidston

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bathroom with white walls and mirror on wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

Bathroom sink | London retreat house tour

The owner repositioned the fixtures in the main en-suite bathroom to suit her own, individual style.

Try Heal's for a mirror like this. Go to Bathstore for a basin, and Homebase for similar tiles.

Looking for more decorating ideas? Check out our House Tours section for more inspiring ideas from real homes. 

Heather Young
Editor

Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.