In the realm of interior design, few things are as captivating as a well-curated space that tells a story. This Victorian house in Peckham, south London, is a testament to the power of instinct and the beauty of embracing one's unique style. Claire Haddon-Lawson, the owner and co-founder of Late Afternoon Home, has transformed this 1890s gem into a cozy haven filled with joy and character. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a deep-rooted trust in your instincts to create a truly remarkable home.
What makes this house so special is its ability to blend the old with the new seamlessly. The L-shaped extension, designed by local architect Jas Ballah, adds depth and dimension to the interiors and the garden, creating a sense of discovery. The extension, with its timber beams and glazed brick tiles, softens the light and adds warmth and texture to the space, while the garden, designed by Tom Hollis, features naturalistic planting and a mix of perennials and annuals, ensuring a vibrant and ever-changing landscape.
The sitting room, with its walls painted in White 05 and ceiling in Beige 02, is a perfect example of Claire's instinctual approach. A vintage leather armchair and a vintage mirror sourced from Sascal Studio add a touch of character, while the pendant lights by Chalk Path Studio and the dining table with vintage Jasper Conran chairs create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen, with its walls painted in 'No Offence' and island in Blue 04, is a celebration of color and texture, with antique French shelves and a mid-century desk adding a touch of history.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this house is the way Claire has embraced the unexpected. The Josef Frank wallpaper in the downstairs loo, for instance, was a serendipitous find on Facebook Marketplace. The laundry cabinets, painted in Blue 04 with a red ticking stripe, and the vintage 1960s Italian blown-glass pendant in the hallway are further examples of Claire's ability to find beauty in the unexpected. The thread that connects each room is a lack of pretension, with everything loved but nothing fussy.
Claire's approach to design is rooted in her belief in the power of instinct. She doesn't buy with much forethought, instead allowing her instincts to guide her. This attitude has resulted in a glorious smorgasbord of beloved finds, from the antique French shelves in the kitchen to her daughter Margot's mid-century desk. The Late Afternoon palette, made up of soft tones and the occasional brighter hue, is tempered by other, largely neutral spaces, creating a sense of calm and balance.
In the end, it's Claire's trust in her instincts that has made this house so special. Her ability to embrace the unexpected, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to create a space that is both comfortable and uplifting is a testament to the power of instinct in interior design. This Victorian house is a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a deep-rooted trust in your instincts to create a truly remarkable home.
