A Small Converted London Victorian Is Classic, Cheerful, and Full of Character

Framed art above gray couch in white space
Flowers, gray couch, and framed art in white living room
Painting on wall in white space
White chairs and painting in white space
Plants and TV on shelves in white space
Plant on black coffee table in white space
Books and items on shelves in white space
Mirror on shelves in white space
Paper lantern and items on shelves in white space
Wine bottles on top of pantry in white and blue kitchen
Wine bottles on top of pantry in white kitchen
Kitchenware on shelves above sink in white space
Framed art on wall in white bedroom
Cat on bed next to blanket in white bedroom
Framed art on wall in white bedroom
Brass lamp and books on dresser in white space
Framed art and plants in white space
Cat on bed in white bedroom
Framed art and plant in white space
Books stacked on shelves in white bedroom
Framed art and backs on side table in white space
Plant and lamp on dresser in white space

ABOUT THIS TOUR

HOME TYPE: Apartment

LOCATION: London, England

STYLE: Contemporary, Organic Modern

BEDROOMS: 2

SQUARE FEET: 700

Chelsea Mills, a managing partner of a creative marketing agency and photographer, and her partner Kirby, who works in the pharmaceutical industry, made a bold move in April 2022. After finishing up “gut-job renovations on a rambling townhouse” in Toronto, they relocated to London, UK, with their two cats, Dolly and Frankie, and just six suitcases.

Cat on bed in white bedroom

“Although on paper we were leaving so much stability behind — great jobs, friends and family close by, a beautiful home we had renovated to our tastes — we had had this dream of living overseas at some point, and we felt after so many lockdowns there was no time like the present,” Chelsea begins. “We were very naive and full of wonderment at that time!”

Flowers, gray couch, and framed art in white living room

The couple quickly set out to find a flat that would be a fit, but first stayed in an Airbnb for a month. “London is incredibly vast, so we spent weeks visiting as many neighborhoods as we could to get a sense of where we wanted to lay down roots. My home and personal space has always been a sanctuary for me — as a couple with demanding jobs, who travel often for both work and pleasure, we wanted a place we could escape the chaos. Needless to say, we had a lot of criteria when looking for the perfect flat!”

Framed art and plant in white space

After an exhaustive search, they found their perfect home in a charming ground-floor converted Victorian. With soaring 14-foot ceilings, bay windows flooding the space with light, and a mix of traditional details like wainscoting and modern updates, the flat offered an ideal place for themselves and their kitties. Despite some mismatched furnishings that came with the rental, Chelsea’s talent for blending sleek minimalism with organic textures brought cohesion and warmth to the space.

White chairs and painting in white space

“I value authenticity and individuality and I like my home like I like my life: functional, yet with character. The story is of utmost importance to me (as a marketer, I come by it honestly!), which is why I am allergic to too much in the way of box-fresh,” Chelsea describes. “I prefer to go with vibes and instinct when it comes to decorating a living space instead of a singular style classification, operating on a bit of a ‘I’ll know it when I see it’ mentality!

Framed art and and glasses in white space

“That being said, I often reach for my personal style theory — polished and effortless with a little bit of interest/ edge — and I would say that translates well for my decor preferences. I like the juxtaposition between clean minimalism and sleek lines mixed with organic shapes and textures, tend to gravitate to a neutral color palette, and dislike too much of one thing. All those characteristics and preferences and traits are very much embedded into all aspects of my life, our home included.”

Resources

Framed art above gray couch in white space

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM

  • Sofa — Loaf

  • Coffee table — Facebook Marketplace

  • Rug — Came with flat

  • End table — Came with flat

  • Side tables — Loaf

  • Lamp — Vintage

  • Armchairs — IKEA (came with flat)

  • End table — Wayfair

  • Canvas artwork — DIY!

Painting on wall in white space

LOUNGE AREA

  • Sofa — Loaf

  • End tables — Loaf

  • Table lamp — Vintage

  • Floor lamp — Came with flat

  • Artwork — A mix of wedding and family photos, Chelsea’s personal photography, artworks sourced from local artists and markets around the world

  • Throw pillows — H&M Home

Mirror on shelves in white space

RECORD AREA

  • Large mirror — Facebook Marketplace

  • Record unit — IKEA

Framed art on wall in white bedroom

OFFICE/BEDROOM

  • Bedding and throw pillows — H&M Home

  • Throw blanket — John Lewis

  • Dresser — IKEA (Facebook Marketplace)

  • Lamp — B&Q

  • Large artwork — Etsy

  • Small artwork — Flea market

  • Roller blinds — Amazon

  • Rug — IKEA

  • Bobbin mirror — DIY

  • Wall hanging — DIY

Books stacked on shelves in white bedroom

BEDROOM

  • Linen bedding — H&M Home

  • Bolster pillow — Etsy

  • Throw blanket — Zara Home

  • Nightstands — Facebook Marketplace

  • Marble knobs — H&M Home

  • Headboard — DIY

  • Lamps — IKEA

  • Bookshelf — IKEA (Facebook Marketplace)

  • Dresser — IKEA (Gumtree)

  • Lamp — T.K. Maxx (painted to match green shade)

  • Round mirror — Facebook Marketplace

  • Rug — Facebook Marketplace

  • Bench — Came with flat

  • Ahearling throw — Flea market

  • Rubber plant — Found on pavement and nursed back to life

  • Cat — Frankie!

Thanks Chelsea!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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