Clean Living: six minimal homes to start the new year
Is there anything that inspires a fresh start quite like clean, calm interiors? To coincide with the new year, we’re highlighting six minimal homes in London that promise refuge from the often-busy outside world with their pared-back aesthetics. From a bright and airy house on a tree-lined street in Stepney Green to a contemporary apartment within a Victorian townhouse in Clapton, each of these homes in the capital have a backdrop of neutral tones and natural materials to encourage a newfound sense of peace and productivity for the year ahead.
Reighton Road I, London E5
This beautiful contemporary apartment in Clapton, east London, is a product of a thoughtful collaboration between the current owners and Daytrip.studio – topped off with elegant interiors by Béton Brut and Modern Art Hire. The result is an exquisite home composed of a series of gentle and meditative contemporary spaces, all found in the striking proportions of a Victorian townhouse. A considered selection of materials and hues have been applied throughout, such as the lime-washed oak floorboards and the marble mantle in the sitting room. All of this lends a feeling of quietude to the house, perfect for the beginning of the year.
Reighton Road II, London E5
Situated upstairs from Reighton Road I is another beautifully curated apartment by Daytrip.studio, Béton Brut and Modern Art Hire. Yes, the trio did something of a takeover of the whole Victorian townhouse – and while this apartment shares the same aesthetic as its sibling downstairs, it’s no twin. While it’s slightly smaller in size, it benefits from being up high and having far-reaching views of the neighbouring rooftops. The entirety of this two-bedroom apartment has been cast in the aptly named ‘Slipper Satin’ paint by Farrow & Ball, meaning each light-filled space chimes harmoniously together.
Belgrave Street, London E1
Sometimes all it takes is the simple pairing of white walls and wooden floors to catch our attention. This bright and beautiful three-bedroom Victorian house on a leafy street in Stepney Green, east London, proves exactly why. The neutral palette is utterly timeless in its appeal and is something of a blank canvas for more statement objects – such as graphic artwork and modernist furniture. The space is wonderfully bright due to the home’s original sash windows, but the owners haven’t stopped there. Instead, they have endeavoured to bring as much light in as possible by adding a skylight over the stairwell. Bonus points: the house has a generously sized garden, complete with many plants and two vegetable patches to grow fresh produce. Clean and green? It’s a big yes from us.
Yard House, Frinton Road, London N15
An angular plot is not an easy spot on which to build upon a tranquil home with a sense of flow – but if that was the brief for this two-bed, consider it met. It is a design by Samuel Chisholm Studio and sits within a short distance to Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, and Seven Sisters. The home has a highly considered palette that includes polished concrete floors and limestone kitchen worktops. The kitchen, dining, and living space is open plan, and above the sitting area is a circular skylight that bathes it in light – even on a grey, drizzly January day. With two enclosed courtyards, this home has space to relax – both inside and out.
Kingston Road, London SW9
There’s just something so pleasing about the tonal interiors of this semi-detached house in Wimbledon, south-west London. The plaster effect paintwork in the dining room is a particular decorative highlight, adding just the right amount of detail and texture to the minimal interiors. The kitchen is similarly clean-cut and uncluttered – a refined backdrop for anyone who would like to spend more time cooking this year. The garden echoes the peaceful mood of the home and comprises a quiet, private seating area and a verdant lawn framed with beautifully planted borders.
Lion Apartments, North Road, London N7
Located neatly between Camden, Holloway and Islington is a Grade II-listed former inn with the most handsome Victorian façade. Brilliantly positioned on its top floor is this apartment. It’s arranged around a sunny living space with sublimely high ceilings, white walls set against original exposed brick and sash windows that frame views of the surrounding north London area. It’s an oasis of calm amid the near and busy Caledonian Road. From the kitchen to the bedroom – south-east facing with its own sun-bathed balcony, might we add – and bathroom, this home is a real haven cast in soft calming creams. And breathe.
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