Timeless Elegance in London Home Restoration

Renovated on a quiet Hampstead lane, a Grade II listed house designed by mid‑century modernist Patrick Gwynne showcases how terrazzo stairs and marble shelves remain appealing in contemporary interiors.

The project balances heritage and comfort.

Preserving the original architecture

The split‑level home, built in the early 1960s, originally stood out for its flat roof, brick and stuccoed concrete, and floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls. The property’s historic status requires many original elements to stay, including white‑painted brick walls, grooved pine paneling, an open‑tread staircase, and a custom kitchen. Daytrip Studio, co‑founded by Iwan Halstead and Emily Potter, was tasked with updating the space while respecting Gwynne’s vision.

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“The interiors stand out for their warm color palette, which combine richness with simplicity,” Potter said. The living area retains the pine paneling and rich wood floors, while textured wall treatments crafted from plant fibers provide a natural base. A new 16‑foot sofa dressed in rust‑orange fabric rests on a fawn‑brown alpaca rug, complementing brass‑toned accents such as an Encchi lamp by Matthew Verdon.

New details blend with the old

A steel‑and‑glass partition now separates the living room from the dining area. The partition includes restored shelves made from Verde Alpi marble mosaic, echoing the home’s original material palette. The dining room features a hand‑lacquered black‑and‑gold bar that references Chinese motifs seen in other Gwynne projects, and a crimson silk rug with ivory trim adds a bold, mid‑century color splash.

Daytrip also introduced a sculptural staircase composed of terrazzo and glass, creating an artful link between the levels. Upstairs, each of the four bedrooms includes an en‑suite bathroom, and the principal bedroom showcases a rosewood and silk bed as a refined focal point.

The kitchen received a modest refresh: the original orange bench was re‑upholstered, and a Charlotte Perriand table with Pierre Chapo chairs now occupies the space. An office area keeps its historic woodwork, featuring a built‑in folding desk that highlights Gwynne’s interest in functional cabinetry.

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Outside, the half‑acre garden remains largely unchanged, though Daytrip applied a monochromatic moss‑green scheme to the garden furniture, including armchairs and a table designed by Walter Lamb.

In sourcing furnishings, Halstead noted inspiration from Gwynne’s most celebrated residence, The Homewood in Surrey, as well as the architect’s preferred designers. The home now contains pieces from Italian and Swedish makers, such as a Cloud coffee table by Veermakers, Bruno Mathsson’s sheepskin chaise longues, and a glass table designed by John Pawson. This mix creates a dialogue between eras, textures, and materials.

The updated interiors illustrate how a historic modernist home can accommodate a family’s daily needs without compromising its original aesthetic. While the layout was avant‑garde for its time, its open plan and fluid circulation suit contemporary living. The combination of terrazzo stairs, marble shelving, and custom‑made furniture demonstrates that thoughtful design can endure across decades.