Victorian Townhouse by Frank and Faber: A Masterpiece

This three-storey townhouse in Hackney, designed by a London-based studio Frank and Faber, it does not try to erase the history of the building or compete with it. Instead, it rests quietly on everything that made the house special in the first place—the high ceilings, intricate cornices, original fireplaces and gorgeous imperfect proportions—before layering in a contemporary extension and bespoke interiors that feel like home.

The result is elegant without being intimidating, traditional without feeling suffocating and modern without chasing trends. Basically? It’s the kind of home that makes you wonder why every renovation can’t look so effortless.

A kitchen that feels like it’s always been there

Let’s start in the kitchen because it’s impossible not to.

The custom cabinetry is painted a warm, mushroom-toned neutral that sits somewhere between beige, stucco, and soft gray—one of those colors that changes with the light and somehow makes everything around it look better. Instead of opting for ultra-chic minimalism, Frank and Faber embraced classic details, adding framed cabinet fronts, aged brass hardware, and an oversized plaster hood that anchors the room beautifully.

Then comes the unexpected star: the island.

Crafted from richly stained timber with chunky turned legs, it introduces depth and warmth to the lightest perimeter cabinetry. Made with striking dark stone and paired with unlacquered brass fixtures, it has a substantial feel without being heavy. It’s just the kind of contrast that keeps a neutral kitchen from fading into the background.

Herringbone wood floors, open shelving with ceramics and artwork, and natural woven runners complete the look, creating a kitchen that feels collected over decades rather than put together in a single renovation.

Original architecture gets the respect it deserves

One of the easiest mistakes to make in period renovations is to treat decorative elements as obstacles.

Here, they are treated like treasures.

Throughout the home, elaborate ceiling roses, ornate cornices, marble fireplaces, original radiators and traditional moldings remain front and center. Rather than competing with them, the furniture quietly supports the architecture.

Walls are painted in soft earthy neutrals that allow the craftsmanship to shine, while vintage-inspired lighting and carefully selected artwork make each room feel personal rather than perfectly staged.

Nothing seems overly designed, which is probably why the spaces feel so inviting.

A living room that dominates quiet luxury

The front reception room is a lesson in restraint.

The original marble fireplace still commands attention, while a large Murano-style chandelier adds just enough dramatic energy without stealing the show. A rust-colored velvet sofa lends warmth to the soft oatmeal upholstery, vintage rugs soften the wood flooring, and antique brass accents are featured throughout without being overly polished.

It’s layered, comfortable and wonderfully understated.

The room does not rely on statement furniture or bold colors to create interest. Instead, texture does most of the work – velvet, linen, marble, aged wood and fabrics quietly build depth.

The color appears exactly where it should

Although much of the home stays within a muted palette, Frank and Faber clearly understand that restraint doesn’t mean avoiding color altogether.

The children’s room is perhaps the happiest example.

Olive and cream striped the wallpaper climbs the walls over painted green wainscotingwhile dusty pink curtains soften the design. The original fireplace remains intact, proving once again that period architecture and playful family life can happily co-exist.

Elsewhere, bathrooms introduce richer tones. One features deep green subway tiles paired with a marble floor and brass fittings, giving the room a distinctly classic London townhouse feel without slipping into cliché.

Bathrooms that feel cluttered rather than coordinated

Instead of chasing the aesthetic that fits the home, each bathroom has its own personality while sharing the same design language.

Marble bathroom surfaces, vintage-inspired brass fixtures, tongue-and-groove wall paneling and carefully selected mirrors create spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

One bathroom combines soft sage walls with striking green tiles in the shower, while another features a simpler palette with traditional sanitary ware, striped accessories and warm brass plumbing exposed under a classic wall-mounted sink.

It’s proof that bathrooms don’t need endless materials to feel luxurious – they just need care.

Bespoke window frames make everyday life better

One detail that quietly ties the entire project together is the custom woodwork.

From floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes and ribbed dresser drawers to window seats, shelving and built-in storage, each element appears custom designed for the home rather than selected from a catalogue.

Craftsmanship is underrated, but it’s everywhere.

This is often the difference between a renovation that photographs beautifully and a renovation that actually improves people’s lifestyles.

Why this house works so well

What’s refreshing about this Hackney mansion is that it never tries too hard.

There isn’t a single room screaming for social media attention. No oversized sculptural lighting chosen purely for drama. No awkward statement stone. He doesn’t follow trends.

Instead, every decision seems rooted in longevity.

The historic character remains intact, the modern interventions seem purposeful, and the interiors strike that elusive balance between elegance and comfort that so many renovations aim for but rarely achieve.

Frank and Faber they didn’t reinvent the Victorian mansion — they just reminded us why these houses were worth preserving in the first place. And sometimes, that’s the most impressive design move of all.