An artist’s beautifully renovated home and ceramic studio, with serene interiors to inspire creative pursuits
Will we ever grow tired of pretty Victorian terraced houses? Not when they continue to surprise us as we tour. This particular home sits on a peaceful street practically around the corner from Stockwell station. Once inside, the first thing that draws the eye is the neutral tones that run throughout the house, resulting in a space so serene it’s almost hard to believe that the buzz of Brixton and Clapham are nearby. But the real treat, in our opinion, is the studio currently in use by owner Paul-James.
Just like his home, which the potter shares with his partner, Paul-James’ sculptural vessels and vases come in an array of calming natural colours: stone, sand, cloud. The studio can be found tucked away on the lower-ground floor, concealed by a light and gauzy curtain that separates it from the living spaces. The ceramics hand-crafted here line the walls of the studio and can be found throughout the rest of the house too, a decorating trick that results in a wonderfully cohesive space.
Elsewhere, high ceilings and generous proportions mean there’s plenty of space to reflect one’s personality on the walls. Books, plants and paintings fill the light-drenched home – not only are they doubtless a source of inspiration, but they add brightness to the muted paint palette. Those big windows do too, offering lovely views out to the other pleasing period homes on one side and to the verdant garden on the other – another pocket of serenity.
The home has been renovated by Bertolini Architects, a practice founded by namesake Michela Bertolini, which aims to balance functionality with elegance. Collaborating on the project with the owners, the architect retained original features, such as the pine flooring and balustrades, to harmonise with contemporary touches, including refined fireplaces. But putting aesthetics to one side, the most important thing fuelling Michela’s work, as she says, is the way in which clients live and how her buildings can cater to that. We can say with confidence that she has practiced what she preaches, designing a place as fit for creative pursuits as it is for play.
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