Sophie Paterson Interiors united Regency grandeur with contemporary design sensibilities in this Georgian townhouse
The Grade II Listed, Central London home was designed by Sophie Paterson Interiors for a multi-generational family with an appetite for refined, tailored spaces. The studio applied a sensitive approach, honouring the historic property’s character while weaving in modern sensibilities including specialist lighting and hidden technology. Each space is designed with function in mind, using a considered palette
With a double, formal reception room, sitting room, study and seating areas in both bedroom suites, the home had real generosity of proportion, providing the opportunituy for Sophie and her team to create layered, timeless designs across the property
The team honoured the original function in the reception room, while allowing for ample seating space for the client’s large family to gather, as well as for when they entertain. Varying heights and types of seating were introduced to cater to the different generations – from low-level sofas for lounging to more upright seating in the bay window, along with an antique pedestal table for the grandparents to enjoy tea and play games. Existing grand features, including the fireplace, were complemented be refinishing and upgrading the flanking joinery. This was washed with a watered-down paint to lighten the room and completed with a marble back to introduce a natural material to the space
For the furnishings, Sophie introduced classic design touches, such as the wingback chair and two custom chandeliers and juxtaposed these with modern elements including a retractable artwork that conceals the TV, a large, sculptural sofa that fills the bay window and modular coffee tables that can be moved when entertaining add visual depth while adding a contemporary feel to the space. The combination of antique and modern pieces nod to the Regency bones of the building, while answering the clients’ brief for interiors that will stand the test of time
Studio founder Sophie Paterson says, “We trod a careful balance between refinement and ease in this incredible property and wanted the design to grow with the family, feeling as relevant and refined in years to come as it does now.”
In the study, the studio opted for a relaxed yet sophisticated look, balancing clean lines with dark wood joinery and soft textures, creating a classic and comfortable space. The brief was for a room that can be used by the owners for virtual meetings – they didn’t want a desk, but instead wanted a generous sofa where they could manage their global business enterprise while also being an enjoyable spot for family to relax away from the larger reception areas
To achieve an intimate, private club feel, the studio re-stained existing joinery, using a darker brown, bringing an old-world charm to the space whilst keeping essential storage for books and a screen. Art hangs from picture rails in a nod to classical styling, while recessed LED lighting lifts the room, striking a careful balance between old and new
Two expansive, principal bedroom suites each occupy an entire floor each with a bedroom, sitting and dressing area and generous en-suite
The first of the two suites adopts a richer palette with walls wrapped in Fromental’s Magnolia Canopy in sage from the Sophie Paterson Collection and layered with antiques and contemporary elements including a modern four-poster bed, softened by fabric on a suspended rail
The second suite has a lighter, more tonal scheme, featuring Fromental’s Branches in the Breeze and a bespoke folding screen upholstered in Fortuny’s Platinum Monotones fabric
Sophie’s approach to the children’s bedrooms was playful. The spaces strike a balance between youthful interests and timeless features ensuring longevity without sacrificing the children’s personalities
Inspired by this project? Did you know Sophie Paterson has launched her own design course
(Photo credit: Ray Main)
