A five-bedroom, six-bathroom London townhouse designed and built by Zulufish to support the rhythm of modern family life alongside effortless entertaining. Layering thoughtful architectural interventions with warm, carefully chosen materials, the project transforms a once disconnected new build into a cohesive, light-filled home spanning five floors.
This residential project was featured in an 6-page spread in Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms’ February 2026 issue. Read the full story here.
The brief
Built in 2000 as part of an exclusive collection of luxury homes, the property’s strong façade and enviable location initially drew the clients in. Internally, however, the house lacked the flow, character, and functionality needed for a growing family. Spaces felt architecturally flat, disconnected, and ill-suited to both everyday living and entertaining.
The brief was to transform the house into a family home that could comfortably support daily routines while also offering the ease and sophistication required for hosting. Key priorities included improving natural light, creating flexible living spaces with a stronger connection to the garden, and introducing characterful interiors that could showcase the clients’ growing art collection without overwhelming the architecture.
An integrated design approach
From the outset, the project was shaped by close collaboration between Zulufish’s interior and architectural design teams, supported by bespoke joinery crafted by HUX London.
Working under one roof allowed decisions to be tested early, layouts to be explored in depth, and architectural moves to directly support the interior vision.
Considerable time was spent refining the layout, not only laterally across each floor but vertically throughout the house. The result is a series of finely calibrated living zones that support both intimate family moments and elegant social gatherings, ensuring every square inch of the generously sized home is used to its full potential.
Reworking the lower ground floor
The most dramatic transformation took place on the lower ground floor. Previously occupied by dark storage spaces and a garage, this level has been reimagined as an expansive, open-plan family hub.
Now thoughtfully zoned, the space accommodates a generous family snug and cinema area alongside a contemporary kitchen with a central island, a dedicated dining area, and a bespoke bar integrated beneath the staircase. A full-height glazed wall opens directly onto the landscaped terrace, blurring the boundary between inside and out and extending the living space beyond the envelope of the house.
To enhance light and volume, the team excavated to achieve a three-metre ceiling height. Where original structural beams needed to remain, they were embraced as part of the design, creating a distinctive silhouette rather than concealing them behind lowered ceilings.
The kitchen as the social heart
The kitchen was conceived as the social anchor of the home. While the clients initially favoured a monochromatic scheme, a warmer palette was developed to soften the space without compromising clarity or definition.
Pale grey and dark wood veneer cabinetry are paired with rich chocolate parquet flooring, while accents of brass, copper, and ochre introduce depth and warmth. A sculptural waterfall island finished in high-performance porcelain provides durability for everyday use, complemented by tactile tan leather bar stools that encourage gathering and informal dining.
A bespoke bar, fully integrated into the architecture, adds another layer of functionality and atmosphere. Illuminated shelving, rippled glass cabinetry, and an antique foxed mirror splashback elevate a once transitional zone into a relaxed yet refined space for entertaining.
The ground floor: a bold first impression
Moving up from the lower ground floor, the ground level was designed to feel both welcoming and elevated, setting the tone for the rest of the house. The entrance hall creates an immediate sense of arrival, anchored by a three-tier coffered ceiling and marble flooring that introduces architectural depth and a confident, artful mood.
Off the hallway, the main living spaces continue this language through richer colour and layered texture, chosen to echo the drama of the entrance while remaining comfortable for everyday family use. It’s a carefully balanced transition: from social, open-plan living below to more intimate, composed spaces above, with a consistent design thread running through each level.
Occupying the entire second floor, the master suite is conceived as a private sanctuary. A generously proportioned bedroom is anchored by a full-width ochre velvet headboard, combining comfort with understated opulence. Separate his-and-her dressing rooms provide ample storage and organisation, while the adjoining spa-like ensuite features polished plaster walls and a sculptural freestanding bath, creating a sense of calm and retreat.
A home designed for real life
The ambition for St John’s Wood Townhouse was deceptively simple: to create a home with true character, timeless design, and a naturally lived-in warmth. By balancing architectural strength with considered interiors, the project transforms the property from a striking house into a welcoming family home, designed to support both everyday life and memorable moments for years to come.
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