Cover the kitchen and dining area opens up onto a lush Moroccan oasis-inspired outdoor space

An enviable terrace with North African-inspired design flair, quirky, bold colours and a show-stopping Gucci wallpaper are some of the features in this West London home, the work of Rebecca James Studio

When British interior designer Rebecca James first visited this 5,274 sq ft house in West London—the property she would take on as her next renovation project—she felt it lacked character and didn’t seem to align with the owners’ vision.

The home’s beautiful art deco architecture, however, stood out to James. “I knew it had the potential to be a stunning space, but it needed significant changes to reflect the clients’ desired style and functionality,” she says.

The owners, a couple in their 40s, sought to create a stylish family home that felt warm, inviting and unpretentious, with spaces for entertaining.

In case you missed it: Home tour: A luxe and eclectic Mediterranean home in Los Angeles

Tatler Asia

“They emphasised the importance of reflecting their individual tastes,” says James. This posed a challenge, she adds, as the husband prefers clean, modern design, while the wife leans towards quirky and bold styles. “Finding a balance that would suit both of them was a key aspect of the brief.”

After around three months spent on the design, a 12-month renovation ensued. The home, which spans four levels, previously had six bedrooms and four bathrooms; it now has four bedrooms. It was completely overhauled, except for the existing art deco architectural features. 

Tatler Asia
Above The outdoor area features casual entertaining spaces immersed within pastel-toned walls and floor tiles and lush vegetation
Tatler Asia
Above The outdoor dining area pairs a round dining table and six rattan dining chairs with arched French door-shaped mirrors in the backdrop, bringing light and dimension to the space

A leafy garden has been transformed into a Moroccan-inspired oasis: think white, pink and green patterned floor tiles, plastered walls in pastel pink and an abundance of plants, creating a sense of calm and respite. Accessed through black framed French doors, via the basement, it also has ample space for lounging and dining.

Tatler Asia
Above Black and gold toned sliding doors and grey herringbone-patterned wooden floors give the living area a sophisticated look
Tatler Asia
Above The dark-toned staircase leading to the first floors features a dramatic mountain-themed wallpaper
Tatler Asia
Above Marble counters and dining table paired with gold details in the kitchen lend the space a luxurious yet relaxed aura
Tatler Asia
Above The kitchen mixes rich, dark green cabinetry with gold detailing, marble surfaces and vibrant wallpapers

Inside, in the basement, which is an existing feature, vibrant colours and patterns reflect the lady of the house’s preference for daring designs. Deep green cabinetry, marble counters and splashbacks, along with cool-toned patterned dining chairs and artwork, add dynamic pops of colour.

A cosy sitting room, which adjoins a dining space, has a pink upholstered seat and a dramatic tropical wallpaper. 

Over in the powder room, which is designed in a darker palette, black gold fixtures are laid against a striking forest-themed wallpaper. 

Tatler Asia
Above The lounging area adjacent to the living room is anchored by a dark red velvet L-shaped sofa and taupe shelves displaying ceramics, books and other decorative elements

Upstairs, a formal living room and adjoining lounging space feature a classic scheme, with bright coloured furniture and artworks popping against white walls with crown mouldings. Leading to the first floor, a singular, dark staircase is defined by a statement black and white mountain-themed wallpaper.

The master bedroom was designed with subtle colours and textures, creating an elegant and serene atmosphere that matches the husband’s preference for simple, muted tones. The bathroom features warm marble tones and a dreamy, cloud-like wallpaper, evoking a sense of tranquility.

Tatler Asia
Above One of the home’s five bedrooms features a majestic green and white wallpaper

Namibian white and blue marble, Calacatta Caldia marble and Rosso Levanto marble were positioned throughout the home, providing a sense of elegance and luxury, while ribbed Corian, ceramic tiles, oak in various finishes and brass add texture and visual interest, adds the designer.

She also collaborated with artisans on various pieces in the home. The walk-in wardrobe, the vanity unit and the kitchen are created in collaboration with Andrea Felice, bespoke ceramic vessels are crafted by Alison Lousada and Laura Pasquino, while a blackened steel console table made in collaboration with Pietro Franceschini.

Tatler Asia
Above In the master ensuite bathroom, marble surfaces, gold fixtures and a cloud-themed wallpaper create a peaceful sanctuary
Tatler Asia
Above An elegant bathtub with gold fixtures and a round-shaped mirror complete the master bathroom’s whimsical decor
Tatler Asia
Above Vibrant, patterned wallpapers are features throughout the home, including in the four bathrooms and powder room
Tatler Asia
Above The basement level powder room features a sophisticated black and gold palette with a striking forest-themed wallpaper

“My design philosophy revolves around creating spaces that are daring, refined and unique—I believe in pushing boundaries and challenging traditional design norms while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication,” James says. 

The most challenging part of the project was to “find a balance between the clients' differing tastes and integrating vintage and modern elements seamlessly”, the designer adds. 

“It required careful navigation and compromise to create a space that satisfied both of them and reflected their individual preferences faithfully.”

Credits

Photography  

Richard Gooding

Topics