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So often we seek a sense of calm in the busy bustle of our lives, a place to stop and simply breathe. Leytonstone House is an embodiment of this stillness, an expansive yet cocooning space that brings earthy elements together for a completely considered look. Creating a space like this in the centre of London is no small feat, yet here it stands in all its natural beauty.
It all began with interior designer Laura Logan falling in love with Leytonstone House’s handsome Victorian frontage on her frequent walks past. When the property came on the market Laura snapped it up, hoping to transform it into a warm sanctuary for her growing family. Beneath its classic exterior however, the house suffered from a cramped and confusing layout after years of structural changes accented by overly eccentric decoration.
Laura worked with EJ Studio to completely renovate, giving the layout a much better flow and a serene aesthetic of natural tones and textures throughout. It was her first experience in professional design, mostly handled remotely through the chaotic Covid years whilst navigating the arrival of children. Despite these challenges, Leytonstone House has become a stunning space drenched in daylight, each room carefully constructed and considered from top to bottom.
The property feels like an ode to slow living with its clean lines and peaceful palette. Around every corner lies the tactile joy of limewash paint, curated artisan ceramics and weathered wood in the form of secondhand furniture. Touches of seasonal foliage and structural plants adorn open shelves and statement vases, gently grounding this space in the natural world.
The open plan kitchen and dining space are flooded with light from the new extension, a sprawling space that draws the eye out into the landscaped gardens. This addition was created with joinery by Tim Gaudin, using textured oak beams that are echoed throughout the inside of the property. Beyond the back doors sits the sunny herringbone patio, framed by swaying verbena and potted plants.
Despite its modern extension, Leytonstone House still retains some of its period features, particularly in the raised living room. The tall bay window and original floors add a touch of warmth to the creamy shades within, whilst paper lanterns glow overhead. Wooden floors continue up the winding stairs into the bedrooms, including two playfully designed children’s rooms tastefully styled in the same muted tones as downstairs.
It’s a location that offers so much on a shoot day, a versatile indoor and outdoor space with lots of photogenic spots to choose from. The large open plan layout makes it easy to manoeuvre products and equipment around whilst large windows fill each room with gorgeous light. When shooting in the kitchen/dining space, Laura’s hand-picked selection of ceramics and accessories make for lovely additions to the frame.
Although Leytonstone House has a pared-back style, it is anything but plain. Its elegant simplicity looks effortless, but behind it all is a careful eye and a dedication to truly beautiful craftsmanship. The result is a functional, beautiful shoot location and, of course, a glowing family home.
For more modern minimalism, take a look at our Spotlight on Windsor Road where we explore the lines and light of this sleek property or join us with Grand Designs at The Elms, a stunning timber-clad eco-house located near Chichester.
Discover our other London-based Locations for more city inspiration, or take a look at our post on Gorgeous Garden Spaces in London Locations to find those with a special connection to nature.
Don’t forget to download your free September Moodboard Wallpaper to add a little autumnal flair to your desktop!
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