A comprehensive refurbishment of a Victorian townhouse in Kensington, balancing the traditional character of the upper floors with a more contemporary approach to family living at lower-ground level.

The lower-ground floor was reorganised to improve circulation and make better use of the connection to the west-facing garden. The kitchen was relocated to the rear of the house, where a Roundhouse kitchen forms the centre of the principal family living space. A new partition created a pantry, while the former dining room became a snug with fitted bookcase joinery.

A distinctive staircase treatment uses floor-to-ceiling oak battens as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Victorian spindles. New screed and wet underfloor heating were introduced beneath Dinesen oak flooring, bringing warmth and continuity to the lower-ground interior.

Bespoke joinery designed by Huntsmore includes the snug bookcase, dining-room banquette, pantry, living-room alcove cabinetry, principal bedroom storage and bathroom vanity. Oak, walnut and reeded detailing introduce a consistent material language across the house.

The works also included refurbishment and decoration throughout, creating a home in which the more contemporary lower-ground spaces sit comfortably alongside the traditional rooms above.