Hanover Gardens

Hanover Gardens is a Grade II listed Victorian terraced house in south London. The clients – a professional couple with a young family – wanted their house to be a stylish city home: classically English, elegant and formal, but not stuffy and with occasional contemporary quirks. They were very clear that they wanted to avoid a ‘country house’ feel: in their words ‘5 Hertford Street meets Ben Pentreath with a dollop of Manhattan brownstone/Park Avenue apartment.”

As well as interior design, Lowell were responsible for a wider series of repairs to the neglected property, including addressing a leaking roof and overhauling all services. Lowell worked alongside a heritage consultant to navigate what could be achieved without seeking listed building consent, thereby leading a comprehensive overhaul that respected the building’s listed status, within a relatively constrained programme suited the clients’ needs. Stong colour features throughout, with Lowell employing Farrow and Ball shades to achieve a classic English atmosphere – from the rich deep red of the drawing room to a softer peach shade in the main bathroom. Colour has also been used carefully to brighten the previously gloomy hallway. Sisal carpets and runners support the decorative scheme and add texture. Surviving period features were retained, with new elements introduced to respect the building’s heritage – such as reinstating a fire surround, coving and mouldings. Feature elements include a striking freestanding bath, and a new kitchen by Devol. Lowell designed and made new carpentry throughout, complementing the owners’ collection of high quality antique furniture and art.