Architecture

Heritage Bones Meets Modern Design In This Paddington Terrace

People often want to know what chefs make themselves for dinner… but our new interest might be seeing where architects and designers live! 

Victoria D’Alisa, interior architect and co-director at Porebski Architects shares her renovated 1890s terrace home in Paddington, that gently bridges the heritage of the past, with understated, contemporary design.

Written
by
Miriam McGarry
Supports The Design Files

Welcome to the Paddington terrace, renovated by Porebski Architects, and Cumberland Building. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

Welcome through the blue door, to a space of serenity and calm. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

The heritage facade has been gently restored. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

Crisp white walls allows the furniture and artworks to shine. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

A cosy corner, with pops of colour on the bookshelf. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

A kitchen with plenty of storage. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

The new extension is designed to be both highly functional and beautiful. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

Welcoming the natural light into the renovated terrace. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

A perfect window and door, that links inside and outside. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

Sleek bathroom details. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

Colourful bedding brings the bedroom to life. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

The original terrace vibe is retained, with a modern twist. Photo – Tom Ferguson. Styling – Alexandra Gordon.

Writer
Miriam McGarry
11th of September 2019

When Victoria D’Alisa, interior architect and co-director at Porebski Architects purchased this 1890s Paddingto terrace house several years ago, she was drawn to the beautiful heritage facade, but had plans for the awkward layout at the rear of the dark and narrow home. The renovations were focused on opening up the space and maximizing natural light, whilst simultaneously complementing the heritage architecture and existing interior detailing.

Victoria cheerfully notes ‘rarely does an architect get to design their own home, so luckily this was the case!’ The (self-directed) brief was to re-zone the property and provide all the essential amenities (kitchen, laundry, powder room, and study nook) in the rear extension. Cleverly designed joinery makes use of every inch of space, ensuring this small area delivers maximum functional punch. With a family of four, the design also provides lots of storage space, to tidy away all of the paraphernalia of daily life and create a sense of ‘calm and order.’

A pared back material palette of timber floors, marble, white polyurethane joinery and white walls creates a sleek, modern aesthetic that settles well into the heritage shell. The muted tones also offer a clean backdrop for the family’s collection of furniture and artwork. Victoria highlights that a concealed door to the powder room provides a moment of intrigue and unexpected delight. 

The heritage facade of the home has been sensitively restored over the years, and the original sandstone steps welcome visitors to the ‘prudently selected blue front door.’ Victoria describes ‘it’s nice to see people’s reactions when they enter, and note their surprise!’ 

Recent Architecture