East London Victorian House Reimagines French Style with Rose-Colored Glass

This article explores how designers Rose Hanson and Charlotte Tilbury of Penrose Tilbury transformed a dark, partitioned Victorian house in East London into an elegant, family-friendly home.

By weaving antiques sourced from France with a contemporary sense of practicality, the duo reimagined every floor to balance charm with day-to-day livability for a modern family.

Design philosophy and approach

The renovation focused on bringing in more light, softening the rigid Victorian geometry, and creating spaces that are refined and usable.

Antique pieces were mixed with modern comfort, ensuring each room serves a clear function and tells a story of global influence.

Key transformative moves

Highlights that defined the project:

• The kitchen as the vibrant heart with an original Art Deco pendant, a Rosso Alicante marble island, and Farrow & Ball Dimity walls.
• Penrose Tilbury hardware and built-in storage keep the space organized and family-friendly.
• Soft color contrasts, including cream tones and pink marble, are offset by glossy black accents and vintage sconces for added warmth and drama.
• A skylit breakfast nook doubles as a children’s reading spot, combining natural light with practical family use.
• The dining room blends chic and casual with a midcentury marble table, reupholstered Milo Baughman chairs, a 1930s burgundy velvet wall hanging, and an Italian mirrored console that amplifies light.
• Soft architectural curves and Paris-sourced mirrors gently temper the narrow Victorian proportions and introduce timeless sophistication.

Rooms that tell a story

The designers created a sequence of spaces that honor period architecture while embracing contemporary living.

Black lacquer details, vintage finds, bespoke textiles, and thoughtful lighting tie the home together into a layered environment.

Living room and upper floors

• The living room features pale pink and red walls with bronze highlights and antique pendant lights.
• Comfortable sofas are arranged before a classic British bow window, creating a sunlit lounge for family evenings.
• On the upper floors, the principal bedroom is a serene retreat with a custom fringed bed, chandelier, layered textiles, Rachel Donath mirrors, and hand-painted wardrobe motifs by artist Emma Stevenson.

Bedrooms and bathrooms: French hotel luxury at home

Bedrooms have tailored details that feel both intimate and aspirational.

Bathrooms offer hotel-like luxury, emphasizing craftsmanship and a sense of travel-inspired glamour.

Principal suite and ensuite details

• The principal bathroom features a wide antique double pedestal sink from France and Rosso Alicante-and-Carrara checkerboard marble flooring.
• A hand-painted fresco ceiling by Emma Stevenson and Ercole Barovier lighting create a quiet sanctuary where textures and light interact.

Children’s rooms and practical family living

Two bedrooms for children show how whimsy and function can coexist.

The little girl’s room features horse motifs, Imogen Heath wallpaper, and hand-painted furniture.

The boy’s room is inspired by a ship cabin, with a custom headboard bookcase and Fair Blue walls that encourage imagination while keeping the space tidy.

Overall approach to cohesion

• Carried through by vintage finds, bespoke textiles, and careful lighting choices that highlight architectural features.
• The design balances antique charm with practical family living. Spaces are comfortable for daily use and durable for children.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A Victorian House in East London Reinterprets French Style Through Rose-Colored Glasses