Redefining a Victorian Icon
In North London, a Victorian villa with a storied past has been redefined with a sophisticated blend of heritage and modernity. Once owned by a British rockstar, its interiors were “wildly flamboyant,” recalls designer Arianne Farsian Louie. Now, after a transformative four-year renovation, the villa stands as a showcase of refined design, balancing respect for its Victorian architecture with a bold, contemporary vision. Arianne and her team worked through the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, using the time to meticulously shape every element. The result is a home that bridges eras with elegance, celebrating both history and modern luxury in a cohesive, captivating way.
A Vision Takes Shape
For Arianne, the renovation was about more than just updating the home—it was about honoring the legacy of its architecture while bringing the family’s contemporary tastes to life.
"The villa was stripped and fully renovated, including a reconfiguration of the bedrooms and the addition of a stunning glass extension at the back of the house," she shares.
This glass structure, which stretches across the rear façade, floods the interiors with natural light and adds a bold, modern statement to the historic property.
The clients, a young and dynamic family, were actively involved in the design process, and Arianne was dedicated to creating an environment that mirrored their vibrant personalities.
“Preserving the architectural touches was a part of the brief with a strong motion on modernizing with furniture and lighting,” she explains.
The result? A cohesive yet diverse design that feels both new and timeless, a sanctuary that remains rooted in tradition while daringly embracing the now.
The Art of Juxtaposition
The villa’s design intentionally juxtaposes intricate Victorian architectural details with streamlined, mid-century-inspired furnishings.
“We wanted to create an interior that resonates on multiple levels; something that felt new but timeless,” Arianne says.
By layering period detailing with sleek, sculptural furniture, the spaces invite a sense of sophistication that feels neither too traditional nor overtly modern. The result is a delicate balance, a thoughtful blend that remains true to the villa’s Victorian roots while presenting an updated, contemporary aesthetic. In every room, from the hallway to the bedroom suites, Arianne’s design approach creates spaces that feel refined and grounded.
Color and texture are essential in Arianne’s reinterpretation of the villa’s Victorian character. Steering away from the rich, dark tones typically associated with period interiors, she opted instead for a varied palette of whites.
“There were specific palettes for each room; every space had to convey a specific mood,” she notes.
Cool whites flow through the living areas, while warmer whites bring a sense of calm to the bedrooms. This restrained palette is enhanced by an active layering of textures, from bouclé upholstery to polished onyx, natural wood, and even concrete. The result is a luxurious yet understated aesthetic that emphasizes material richness over vivid color, allowing the home’s architectural details to shine without overpowering the overall design.
A sense of personalization pervades the villa’s interiors, thanks in large part to the extensive use of bespoke furniture.
“I love working with bespoke pieces; it makes space for a truly personal approach,” Arianne reflects.
Custom-designed joinery, beds, headboards, rugs, and dining tables create a seamless aesthetic tailored to the clients’ lifestyle and preferences. “Every piece of joinery in the home is exceptionally detailed and personal to the client,” she adds. These custom furnishings, many of which were handcrafted, bring a unique character to each room, lending the space a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity that off-the-shelf pieces could not achieve.
The renovation was not without challenges. Time was the biggest constraint, stretched even further by pandemic restrictions.
“The project spanned across four years!” Arianne says. “Perhaps this was a silver lining, as it allowed for almost every scheme to be in a constant state of play.”
This extended timeline allowed Arianne and her team to meticulously review and refine each element of the design before committing to the final installations. “The schemes were reviewed over and over again until they were ready to be implemented,” she explains. This slow, intentional process ensured that every choice was purposeful, resulting in a home that feels exquisitely curated.
When it comes to blending elements from different eras, Arianne advises maintaining a cohesive palette as the unifying factor. “Finding the right synergy between the ages is of essence,” she says. In the living room, for example, she created a serene composition of muted whites, using furnishings and accents that reference multiple design movements.
“Often elements of design from two or more periods can work together seamlessly with a relevant color palette that isn’t too onerous on the senses,” she shares.
For Arianne, this restrained approach to color is what anchors her designs, providing a canvas that accommodates both classic and modern influences.
The villa’s design is deeply influenced by Arianne’s affinity for mid-century modern and Art Deco aesthetics. She drew on iconic design references throughout, balancing the geometric lines of Art Deco with the fluid forms of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Mid-century modern is my world and my go-to for integral pieces,” she reveals. “But always with a fusion.” Arianne’s admiration for designers like Pierre Paulin and Hans Hopfer is evident, with Paulin’s sculptural forms bringing fluidity to the living spaces and Hopfer’s iconic Mah Jong sofa anchoring the family room. These pieces add a dynamic touch, balancing the villa’s Victorian heritage with a spirited sense of modernity.
In this North London villa, Arianne has created a home that doesn’t simply merge past and present; it celebrates them, offering a timeless retreat that is both artful and deeply personal.
Designer: Arianne Farsian Louie / Interiors By Arianne
Photography: Rebecca Reid
