Step Inside This Georgian London Townhouse

Previously owned by architect John Minshaw, the house is 7226 square feet of authentic elegance, only enhanced by Emma’s inimitable eye for the exquisite. “Our brief was to design a classic scheme that sat harmoniously amongst the property’s original features and architecture,” Emma reveals of the intentions for the space.

Upon entry, the hallway is flushed with natural lighting reflected in the aged mirror. Always one to perfect the use of accessories, Tutill chose a ceramic vase holding a eucalyptus bouquet sitting atop a Loom Bow console table accompanied by a stone disc.

Old meets new in the neutral living room. Decorative walls, window sills and cornicing preserve the Georgian history of the space. Above the pristine fireplace, a fine portrait is set in an engraved golden frame—an appropriate focal point for such a traditional space—and in front lies an oyster-coloured bench. Neutral sofas and armchairs in classical silhouettes take centre stage in the room. For an added transitional touch, Emma’s choice of coffee table lightens the room and serves as a backdrop for an assortment of books and candles.

In the secondary reception room, the layout is kept paired back. A low-lying white corner sofa and a distinctive ottoman with a wood plinth create a cosy and more relaxed feel. Immediately, the eye is drawn to the room's focal point; an enviable gallery wall of portraits that proves Tutill’s ability to combine contrasting styles in a way that just fits.

The home boasts two dining rooms. In the first, surrounding a round deep brown dining table, shapely dining chairs are comfortably cushioned to provide the perfect perch. White flowers centre the table in a tall white vase. Emphasising the most famous Georgian feature, the large windows, the floor-length curtains help to draw the eye upwards. A bold rounded mirror adds a contrast to the room whilst mimicking the form of the dining table.

“The house was purchased by my client as a London base, to be mainly used for entertaining and business whilst in London,” Emma explains of the need for two dining spaces. The secondary dining room features a rectangular walnut dining table with curved dining chairs that brings in a sophisticated flair, and plenty of room for hosting. An imposing sideboard balances out the expansive white walls and acts as the perfect placement for a tipple. A gold antiqued mirror and scenic art decorate those walls, continuing the blend of the old and new.

Elsewhere in the home, the principal bedroom offers a lesson in contrasting hues and masculine colours rule the room. The blue accent wall adds a subtle depth to the space. Taking style notes from traditional bedsteads but with a contemporary twist, the headboard features a refined bracketed design accentuated by nailhead trim and piped edges. It's further layered with light cushions and a brown and golden bed runner which adds a timeless feel.

Although the value of symmetry is evident throughout the entirety of the project, it truly stands out in the principal bedroom. On either side of the bed sit ebony bedside tables with clear table lamps.

The guest bedrooms colour scheme, however, is more on the neutral side with a focus on warm-toned beiges and creams.

When stepping outside the allure of this home only continues to build. An exemplar of great townhouse garden design, the courtyard's pebbled flooring brilliantly juxtaposes the elevated feel of the Coco Wolf outdoor furniture. From elegant niches to subtle potted topiaries and clean lines, this space proves that sometimes it’s best to bring a touch of the indoors out.

Here Emma Tutill has created a home worthy of the praise it has garnered. Combining classic details with enviable transitional design, this space has certainly achieved her goal of elevated living.

Header Image: Jonathan Bond