In a striking debut project, Tabitha Isobel has revitalized a Victorian townhouse at the end of a terrace in London’s Islington. The five-storey residence, previously stripped of its historical charm by a developer, has been transformed with a design that blends respect for heritage with a forward-thinking aesthetic.Tabitha Isobel approached this renovation with a playful concept named "Back to the Future." The design aims to create a seamless balance between Victorian architecture and modern innovation, guided by three core principles: a confident, timeless backdrop; tactile, unique details; and bold, standout elements.
The exterior renovation immediately sets the tone, with a bespoke front door reminiscent of a castle entrance—a quirky yet respectful nod to the building’s history. Inside, the lower ground floor has been reimagined as a members’ lounge-style space, complete with a cinema room and a DJ area. Rich textures and deep, moody colours create an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and timeless. In the kitchen, a sustainable approach was taken by upgrading the existing layout with bespoke Pear Green tulip-wood veneered doors, paired with chunky chrome handles. A breakfast nook with banquette seating brightens the corner, while the open-plan living and dining area features a Verde Guaco Green Marble Fireplace as its centerpiece, blending vintage and modern furniture to create dynamic energy.
On the first floor, the master suite was reconfigured to include a walk-through wardrobe leading to a spacious en-suite. The bedroom balances vibrant blues with earthy tones like chocolate, mushroom, and caramel, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. This Islington townhouse renovation showcases Tabitha Isobel’s ability to fuse historical reverence with contemporary design, marking a promising start for the young studio. As Tabitha states, the key to her approach lies in balancing vintage and contemporary elements to create spaces that feel both familiar and new, and this project signals exciting developments to come.
- Interiors: Tabitha Isobel
- Photos: Genevieve Lutkin