Putting On The Glitz

Designer Julia Thompson’s dark and delicious schemes make an ideal backdrop for a divinely decadent Christmas

- Steven Efstathiou

I Love creating muted backdrops against which sparkling accessories can really pop,’ says interior designer Julia Thompson. And the schemes she’s drawn up for this stylish south London home fizz and shimmer with excitement, especially when the Victorian townhouse is so flamboyantly dressed for the season. Every room has an individual twist – there’s nothing staid here – yet the key to Julia’s success is in working alongside her clients to bring out their eye for fine design. For this project, it helped that Julia resided in a nearby street and her own home became a showcase of ideas. ‘I’ve known this couple for almost as long as I’ve lived here,’ says Julia. ‘When they saw my house, they liked my use of vintage pieces.’

The raw material you have to begin with is rather important, too, but when you’re working with as fine a property as this five-story townhouse you’re off to a good start. ‘It’s surprising that this part of the Peckham area took so long to become popular, as the housing stock around here is amazing,’ says Julia. You can instantly see what she means when you step through the front door. From the double-aspect living area to the roomy landings on each floor, the property mixes impressive proportions with pleasing architectural details.