Houzz Tours
My London Houzz: An Aussie Expat Sets Up Her UK Family Home
This sophisticated semi proves that kids and luxury can mix
As renovations go, Sommer Pyne’s project was extensive. “I’d done properties up before, but this was my first big project,” she recalls. Replacing a disappointing extension, excavating the basement and creating a beautiful master bedroom suite were the biggest jobs on the ‘to do’ list, but the project also involved total redesign and decoration. The result is an appealing combination of period appreciation and a laid-back Sydneysider vibe that reveals Pyne’s roots. It’s also proved the perfect venue for the craft workshops she runs under her House Curious monicker.
Designed as a sociable space, the room at the very front of the house has period appeal with a classic parquet floor and vintage twin armchairs. A Moroccan-style rug adds a cosy touch. “This is the family room where we play games and watch TV, dance and be silly – all that kind of stuff,” says Pyne.
Pyne had the old doorway between the hall and the living room at the front replaced with Crittall-style glazing, which allows light to move between the spaces. The floor is a modern take on classic Victorian encaustic tiles.
With its brooding colour scheme and luxurious velvet sofa, the middle room has the air of an exclusive gentlemen’s club. “We wanted it to be very moody. It’s the adult room, the place where we have cocktails and sit by the fire. No kids allowed,” Pyne says.
A chair that was a gift from Pyne’s husband takes pride of place. “My husband asked them to write on the lyrics to our favourite song. It was pretty romantic. He did good!”
This grown-up space is perfect for displaying artworks. “I love the way that it changes a room so much having interesting pieces around,” Pyne says. “We’re building up our collection slowly.”
A large roof light and a wall of glass ensures the kitchen stays bright and airy, whatever the weather. A careful combination of concrete and metal has created a room that’s sleek but full of character. “We had a really clear view on materials from day one. I wanted to use marble, brass, stainless steel and concrete,” Pyne says. The steel range hood adds an industrial accent.
Laminate proved a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for the cabinets. “Originally we were looking at reclaimed wood from old barns, but it was hard to find the right materials and because of the height the kitchen designers were worried that it would buckle.”
Laminate proved a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for the cabinets. “Originally we were looking at reclaimed wood from old barns, but it was hard to find the right materials and because of the height the kitchen designers were worried that it would buckle.”
“The old extension was designed really badly – it was blocking the view and wasn’t making full use of the space,” Pyne says. “We knocked that down completely and rebuilt it over a slightly larger space. We also made the roof flatter so we could see the nicer view.”
Garden designed by Shelley Hugh-Jones and constructed by The Garden Builders.
Garden designed by Shelley Hugh-Jones and constructed by The Garden Builders.
The basement can be accessed from the garden or the house, making it the perfect spot for entertaining.
The basement bar named ‘Scotch & Ted’ pays homage to Pyne’s grandparents. “My Nana’s two loves were Scotch whisky and my grandfather Ted.” Wall-mounted planters bring more greenery indoors.
This view gives a good idea of the size of the basement conversion.
A double-height space looks up into the stairwell above and introduces plenty of natural light. “Originally we were going to have a green wall here and real trees but it was a nightmare in terms of drainage and costs, so it’s ended up as a little nook where I like to sit and read,” Pyne says.
The bathroom in the basement has a utilitarian feel.
Like the living areas downstairs, the main bedroom uses a range of grey tones. Pale bedlinen and a wooden floor made of whitewashed larch complements the palette. “It’s a very soft yellowy wood with a beautiful grain to it,” Pyne says.
A frameless shower screen maximises the space in the bathroom, which also has a bespoke marble basin and vanity unit.
The dressing room has a glamorous look with a mix of decorative and practical features, including a bespoke marble-topped island unit. “We used an interior designer to help us with the wardrobes because I can’t do CAD drawings.” Pyne says.
Tell us
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Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Who lives here: Sommer Pyne, her husband Will and their two daughters
Location: Wandsworth Common, London, UK
Property: A Victorian semi-detached home
Size: 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Designer: Sommer Pyne of House Curious
Architects: Ade Architecture
Contractor: BTL Property
Photos by Matt Clayton Photography
To describe this house as a Victorian semi hardly does it justice. Pyne, originally from Australia, and her husband Will have mixed sophisticated contemporary style with relaxed modern living to create an exceptional space.
“We had many, many discussions and a very clear vision of what we wanted to do to design our ultimate family home,” she says. “I really love the Victorian style and London has been a massive influence for me, so it’s just about combining all of those things in one contemporary space, but also keeping the key features that give a house character.” Through the process of transforming the property, Pyne came up with the idea for her home-centred business. “People come to my house and learn something with like-minded people, then share a meal together. It’s all about community and opening up my home to people. I think it might be my Aussie roots – we’re quite open and welcoming in that way.”
The front rooms were originally divided by wooden doors. Now the separate spaces are defined by different tones of grey paint – a dark inky shade in the middle room and a lighter colour at the front of the house. “I like each room to have its own personality,” says Pyne. “I love greys, but I like that whitewashed Scandi feel that we have in the kitchen as well.”
Copper bronze pendant light: Tom Dixon