The finer details

Understated but transformative design choices were the backbone of the modernisation of this London home, which has the balance of form and function perfected

- VIVIENNE AYERS

Comfort and joy are at the heart of the interior of this three-bedroom, classic Victorian townhouse in southwest London, along with a palpable sense of calm. There's a distinct nod to practicality, too. "The clients had owned their much-loved home for 20 years but wanted to change it to today's way of living and make it feel more cosy, explains Sophie Eadie, co-founder with Fi Crole, of interior design studio Eadie & Crole, who were commissioned to inject it with a new lease of life and transform it into a welcoming home brimming with character. 'Apart from a kitchen side extension, the owners hadn't touched the place in more than 20 years.'

Additional storage was essential and the designers swathed the walls with panelling 'that you can hide cupboards in,' says Fi. 'We made the house somewhere that the homeowners could use properly as there were so many areas that they weren't utilising. Every square centimetre is now used.'

In the main bedroom, for instance, bespoke wardrobes conceal a TV so the clients can watch it in bed. 'The doors fold back fully, and then we styled up the space so that you're looking at books when the doors are open,' says Sophie. Extra storage was provided under the bed, which lifts up, and in the ottoman at the end of the bed.