Let's dive into the captivating story of a Victorian home in Peckham, London, and the unique vision of its owner, Claire Haddon-Lawson. This house, built in 1890, is a testament to the power of individual taste and the joy of collecting cherished objects.
The Allure of Intuition
Claire's approach to decorating is refreshingly honest and intuitive. She trusts her instincts, a valuable asset when creating a home that reflects one's personality. This trust led to a comfortable and uplifting space filled with a delightful array of collected items.
Finding the Perfect Home
The move from a small flat to Peckham was a significant step for Claire and her husband, Freddie. They sought a larger space and a neighborhood that felt like home. Peckham's late-Victorian architecture and generous room sizes caught their attention. The well-preserved Victorian features were a bonus, leaving only the kitchen and downstairs areas in need of attention.
The L-Shaped Extension
When it came to renovating the downstairs, Claire and local architect Jas Ballah collaborated on an innovative L-shaped extension. This design choice created a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and seating areas while maintaining a sense of individuality for each space. By staggering the extension, they added depth and a sense of discovery to both the interiors and the garden.
A Touch of Warmth
Jas incorporated timber beams to soften the light and add warmth and texture. Glazed brick tiles in the garden, another suggestion by Jas, enhanced the view, creating a lovely outdoor space. Local garden designer Tom Hollis played a crucial role in achieving a naturalistic planting style, ensuring the garden looked beautiful year-round.
Practicality Meets Style
Claire's must-have was a spacious utility room, and she brilliantly utilized the 'middle room' for this purpose. The result is an L-shaped utility area, a downstairs loo, and a cozy sitting room at the front of the house, complete with a wall of bookshelves for her growing collection of knick-knacks.
A Home for Late Afternoon Home
This Victorian house provided Claire with an opportunity to showcase her decorative skills, much like when she launched Late Afternoon Home with her friend Rose Robertson. The brand's vibrant tones and artisan-made ceramics quickly gained popularity, and its mission remains the same: to create pieces that work in various homes, transcending eras and trends.
A Palette of Soft Tones
The Late Afternoon palette reflects Claire and Rose's natural preferences. A soon-to-launch wall light, for instance, draws its soft yellow color from an antique dish. Similarly, the house's color palette revolves around soft greens and yellows, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
The Joy of Collecting
Claire's childhood spent exploring markets and car boot sales with her mother and sister has influenced her collecting habits. She buys items that give her a good feeling, regardless of imperfections. This attitude has resulted in a delightful assortment of favorites, from antique French shelves to her daughter Margot's mid-century desk.
A Home of Warmth and Comfort
The thread that ties each room together is a lack of pretension. Everything is loved and cherished, yet nothing is overly fussy. Claire wants her home to exude warmth and comfort, and that feeling is what truly makes a house a home.
This Victorian house in Peckham is a beautiful example of how personal taste and a love for collecting can create a unique and inviting space.
