The Art of Instinctive Design: A Victorian Home Reimagined
There’s something profoundly liberating about designing a home based purely on instinct. Personally, I think it’s where true originality comes from. Take Claire Haddon-Lawson’s Victorian house in Peckham, for example. As co-founder of Late Afternoon Home, Claire didn’t follow a rigid style guide or trend—she simply trusted her gut. And the result? A home that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly inviting. What makes this particularly fascinating is how her approach challenges the idea that great design requires a formula.
The Allure of Victorian Charm
When Claire and her husband Freddie moved from a tiny flat to this 1890s house, they were drawn to its generous proportions and preserved Victorian features. One thing that immediately stands out is how Claire didn’t feel the need to erase the past. Instead, she celebrated it. The original details—like the wide rooms and preserved woodwork—became the foundation for her design choices. What many people don’t realize is that retaining a home’s historical character can actually make modern updates feel more harmonious. It’s a lesson in how old and new can coexist beautifully.
The L-Shaped Extension: A Masterclass in Flow
The heart of Claire’s home is the L-shaped extension, a collaboration with architect Jas Ballah. Here’s where her instinctive approach shines. Instead of opting for the ubiquitous bifold doors and open-plan layout, Claire wanted something more nuanced. The L-shape creates a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and seating areas while giving each space its own identity. If you take a step back and think about it, this design choice is a subtle rebellion against the one-size-fits-all approach to modern extensions. It’s a reminder that functionality and personality aren’t mutually exclusive.
The Power of Soft Tones and Collected Objects
Claire’s color palette—soft greens, yellows, and neutrals—feels like a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by bold statements. In my opinion, this is where her background in homeware design really shows. She understands that a home doesn’t need to scream for attention to be memorable. The walls, painted in muted tones, serve as a backdrop for her collection of vintage finds and cherished objects. A detail that I find especially interesting is how she mixes high and low, old and new, without a hint of pretension. It’s a home that feels lived-in, not staged.
The Joy of Imperfection
What this really suggests is that perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is. Claire’s approach to collecting is refreshingly unapologetic. She buys what she loves, regardless of whether it’s flawless or trendy. This attitude has resulted in a home filled with stories, from the antique French shelves in the kitchen to the Josef Frank wallpaper in the downstairs loo. What this really suggests is that a home should reflect the people who live in it, not the pages of a magazine.
The Broader Implications of Instinctive Design
This raises a deeper question: why do we often feel pressured to follow trends when designing our homes? Claire’s house is a testament to the power of trusting your own taste. In a world where social media dictates what’s ‘in,’ her home feels like a rebellion. It’s a reminder that design should be personal, not performative. From my perspective, this is the kind of home that will age gracefully, because it’s rooted in genuine love and intuition.
A Home That Feels Like a Hug
Ultimately, Claire’s Victorian house isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels warm and welcoming. As she puts it, ‘I want people to come to my house and feel comfortable.’ That, in my opinion, is the highest compliment a home can receive. It’s not about impressing guests; it’s about making them feel at ease. And in a world that often feels chaotic, that’s a rare and beautiful thing.
So, the next time you’re tempted to follow a trend or second-guess your design choices, remember Claire’s home. Trust your instincts, embrace imperfection, and create a space that feels undeniably you. After all, isn’t that what home is all about?
