Retro nods and bold pattern combos evoke the loungecore sexiness of 1970s style in this inventive renovation
OFFICE
‘This eaves space serves as a study, but I wanted it to be multifunctional – a place to rest or be used as overflow guest space,’ says designer Verity, who opted for a lots of tactile materials.
LIVING ROOM
‘We wanted to fill the house with rare and unusual original designs,’ says Verity of this 1960s Italian bar cabinet by Aldo Tura. ‘Olive green and mustard yellow tones, combined with vintage lighting and furniture, nod to a mellow 1970s feel in this space.’
KITCHEN
Designed by DMFK Architects, this functional space is softened by textural elements, including the warm timber island and painted exposed brick wall.
Fantastic decision-makers with an incredible eye’ is how interior designer Verity Woolf describes the creative owners of this Victorian north London home who asked her to elevate its schemes seven years after an extensive architectural renovation. ‘Their children had grown and their home was ready to evolve,’ says Verit y. ‘They also wanted to put their art collection in a new context, synthesise some of the spaces and introduce a softly glamorous 1970s atmosphere.’
Passionate about design-led furniture and unusual one-off pieces, the couple have collections that ref lect their personalities. ‘They have no desire to be show y; instead, they are more interested in how art and furniture can sit together in the right context,’ explains Verity. ‘They wanted comforting room schemes and to feel connected to everything around them. I knew we’d be avoiding a matchymatchy feel at all costs.’
With the bones of the house sorted, Verity was able to turn her attention to the decorative details, a task she likens to being a curator. Indeed, the rela xed aesthetic that underpins these interiors belies a rigorous approach, which saw her draw up several layouts. ‘In some cases, it was about upcycling existing pieces, such as a pair of mid-century chairs the cat had been rather too fond of; in other cases, we invested in antiques of the future, such as the 1960s bar cabinet by Aldo Tura in the living room.’
Acool 1970s vibe was achieved by using materials including brass, glass, Perspex and laminate, which, Verit y explains, ‘aren’t always considered to be cur
