I always feel a wave of nostalgia from my childhood in England at this time of year — those darker evenings, the cold, damp air, the rustle of leaves underfoot. It takes me straight back to my autumn school uniform, running out onto the hockey field in nothing but shorts and an airtex T-shirt, legs a mottled blue, and the promise of Guy Fawkes Night just around the corner. It’s funny how the seasons have a way of stirring up old memories. What time of year makes you feel nostalgic? Is it a scent, a sound, a shift in the light?
Anyway, that’s my very long-winded way of saying… today’s home tour feels wonderfully, unmistakably British. One of those classic terraced houses tucked away in West Norwood, built in the late Victorian era. The house itself is simple in structure, but full of character – a relaxed space layered with art, books, and collected treasures. The kitchen, with its stained glass windows, well-loved table by the window, and practical, unfussy design, feels lived in rather than styled. And in the living room, throws, checks, stripes, and textures create the kind of quiet warmth that makes a house feel like home. Oh, and keep an eye out for the playful wavy touch in the sitting room - it makes me wonder about the person who lives here. I'm guessing they work in the creative world somehow!
All in all a simple home with plenty of heart – the very best kind, in my eyes. Welcome to the tour!
What I loved most about this home are all the thoughtful, personal touches that make it feel truly lived in. The checked throw in the living room add a playful layer of warmth, while the little alcove by the garden door — with its sofa bathed in natural light — offers the perfect reading spot. I also love the way old and new sit so comfortably together here: a mix of vintage wooden pieces with a clean, modern bathroom, and art in the kitchen that brings such character to an otherwise simple space. What details caught your eye? I’d love to hear.
Fancy pouring yourself a cup of tea and exploring a few more British homes today? How about a look at these:
A breathtaking home in Edinburgh that celebrates slow living
Old meets new in a eclectic London townhouse
A dreamy Cornish escape
Thank you for indulging me and coming along on a little virtual trip to this lovely house in London today — I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
Niki
P.S. Thank you so much for all your kind comments. I absolutely love reading them — you do so much to create such a warm, positive community here and truly bring this blog to life. I’m looking forward to replying to them shortly!
Photography courtesy of Inigo with thanks.
What a wonderful, warm, and cozy house! For me, autumn is a beautiful season, with the crisp leaves, more peace and quiet. And this house comes at the perfect time for me, since I'm leaving for London tonight with my sweet 16 daughter. And indeed, the seat by the garden door, watching the change of seasons with beautiful autumn colors, that can only be a wonderful place! Thanks again, Niki! Aster.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting Aster, I hope you have a brilliant time. My 15-year-old absolutely loves London, so I am sure your daughter will too! Say hi from me!
DeleteA stay awhile feel!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Definitely.
DeleteI love the relaxed, playful vibe. You are so right in saying that this is a home that looks lived in rather than styled. I claim the dining chair with the curved back! There are lots of fun surprises to look at. There's a whale dangling from the ceiling, and is that a crab on the windowsill of the bathroom sink? I love it when people have fun with their homes.
ReplyDeleteFall is my favorite season. I love the cozy feel. There are so many things that I appreciate about this time of year, and yes, they make me nostalgic--the cooler air, the fall colors, the scents and sounds of leaves crunching under my feet. Thanks for bringing us a little bit of autumnal magic, Niki!
Well spotted - I hadn't actually seen the whale or the crab! Autumn is a wonderful time of year - and should imagine it gets a little cooler where you are too.
Deletevery cozy and quaint
ReplyDeleteIt is :)
DeleteTrue...a shift in the light...and the chill in the air:) Perfect mix of the old and the new. Those built in shelves reminded me of my childhood. The thought that went into the light fixtures and its placement especially in the garden area. Someone who travels a lot(sail boat) and is artistic, creative.
ReplyDeleteThis beautiful home has been built in a way to bring in natural light. Happy weekend:)
Yes, so well spotted - maybe they are from the coast originally? My mother lives in London and is from the south coast originally, she misses the sea so much - but enjoys dinghy sailing on the river thames!
DeleteI love the old floors and architectural features of this home. There are so many interesting and playful items used as decor. I noticed the kitchy black cat clock above the bed....I believe his tail moves as a pendulum. I saw one of these in a store decades ago and didn't buy it. I probably should have. Anytime I see one it makes me smile. Being from the Midwest US I love fall. The cooler temperatures and drier air are a welcome change from the heat and humidity of summer. The nice days are so precious before the uncertainty of snow, ice and cold winter temperatures. Thank you so much for sharing this comfy and cozy space with us. : > )
ReplyDeleteIt's a sign that you need to buy the next black cat clock you come across ! I can imagine the autumn cool is a welcome change, and the leaves are so beautiful at this time of year too.
DeleteEverywhere your eye lands, there is art in some form and so much of the home dweller’s personal touch. And at the same time, it lends an easy going and stylish vibe — without being styled! Love all the great light and the embrace of patina on functional things like the shower wall and sink cabinet in the bathroom. The use of textiles to soften the overall effect is part of the cozy vibe that entices one to settle in!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love your observations Pamela.
DeleteI love the coziness and the sense of warmth and comfort throughout the house...lots of different textures and materials.Love the art in the kitchen,and the kitchen window...
ReplyDeleteAgree, this is all lovely!
DeleteI love everything about it. I wish more photos of the little garden area, but the home is so warm, comfortable and I love all the personal touches, light fixture in the bedroom ceiling and the kitchen cabinets, up off the floor. Thank you Niki, I always look forward to your emails. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am so happy you enjoy my posts.
DeleteLate to the party but want to toss my two cents in:
ReplyDeleteCreative use of modest means and inexpensive materials - a home after my own heart! As others have mentioned, there are so many details that tickle the eye - the hung ornaments, the wall arrangements, without an overabundance of decorative objects. An overall sense of playfulness and coziness... thoughtful design that doesn't take itself too seriously. Oh, and the light and the mirrored surface of the oven (haven't seen that before), and the three legged dining table and...!
I so appreciate the fact that you feature homes like these, Nikki.
My favorite room is the garden door room with the arch entry. So inviting. Noticed a Johanna Gullichsen pillow in the black and grey Helios pattern on the living room sofa. Last month I bought the same pillow in navy and grey at Johanna's store in Helsinki. Pirjo
ReplyDeleteI love the vestibule/reading nook with the archway. I like curves in a building. I would be comfortable here. Love the interesting coffee machine too!
ReplyDelete