When a pair of new homeowners stumbled upon this century-old country home in North London, the architectural bones – both inside and out – were in remarkable condition. This was fortunate for designer Rachel Laxer, who had a short 10 weeks to give this roughly 10,000-square-foot home a complete interior makeover worthy of its regal shell.
“There was no time for fussiness or too much change,” Laxer recalls. “The turnaround was so fast; there wasn’t time to question things. Once we were happy with our purchases, it was all about styling and making the home functional for the family.”
Throughout the project, the original architectural details in the ceilings, wall panels, flooring and windows were used as historic backdrops for decorative decisions.
“The architectural bones of the house were great,” the designer says, pointing to its high ceilings, original plaster and large double-fronted windows. “The large, open windows are what give the home life and the decor its personality.”
Complementing the regional architectural history of the home, the decoration gives off a modern, global vibe, influences that are imperative to Laxer’s own design aesthetic.
“I love the clean look from the 1970s, very Halston, mixed with a purity of Japanese design,” she notes. “My goal was to make the house feel relaxed, yet elegant, so there’s nothing too delicate that children and animals would have to worry about.”
Many of the pieces found throughout the home either come from the family’s existing collection or were hunted down by Laxer from a vintage flea market. These antique pieces are layered with both newer and classic pieces from names such as Christian Liaigre and Promemoria.
The home’s dining room offers the perfect example of this: a sixtier, Scandinavian, postwar crystal chandelier hangs above a dining room table of Laxer’s design. Based on the simple Parsons table, she “super-sized” the table and used American black walnut to complete the rich idea. Here, as well as throughout the home, the combination of styles and periods lends a freshness and creates an interior that would be well-suited to many an era.
The dining room, one of Laxer’s favorite spaces, holds many special elements and exudes a feeling of “feminism.” When the family gathers here, a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, picturing stars representative of all the places in the English empire, watches over them.
“The space is simple, yet it ties the family’s sense of humor with their tailored elegance,” she explains of the dining room’s personality.
The kitchen received special attention when it came to tailoring to the homeowners’ needs. Modern-day appliances and comforts were made to fit seamlessly with the home’s century-old bones. Bespoke cabinets with stainless steel pieces, black absolute countertops and a white painted backsplash provide a balanced and striking combination, while the color scheme and architectural details of the cabinetry and hardware work to join this space with the remainder of the home.
“I design kitchens so that they are functional, with open floor plans and clean details,” Laxer shares, adding that this particular kitchen has a perfect flood of natural light and privacy. “In general, I always love the kitchen. It’s where I spend most of my time and one of the places I am most meticulous about organization.”
With the whirlwind makeover complete, the transformed country home speaks of its past and present at every turn, honoring its original designers and those who have designed for it and live in it today.
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