If the walls of Anna and Dom Blakey’s residence in Fulham, west London, could share stories, they would reveal a rich tapestry of family life, creativity, and adventure. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art—ranging from cherished photographs to modern abstracts, alongside a unique display of their children’s Converse sneakers—the home reflects the family’s passion for exploration. This Victorian terrace house has a cinematic history, previously inhabited by filmmakers, which inspires Anna, a professional interior designer, to embrace its dramatic essence.

The couple chose to celebrate the distinct characteristics of their home, driven by budget constraints and a desire to avoid the cookie-cutter appeal of modern homes. “I prefer old houses to maintain their authenticity,” Anna explains regarding their choice to keep the existing layout intact.

From the moment they laid eyes on it, the couple felt a connection, describing it as somewhat whimsy-like. They appreciated the retained features, including intricate coving and cornicing, beautiful wide wooden floorboards, and a spacious L-shaped drawing room that opens up to the garden.

However, some aspects of the house required innovation. Living with their two children, Lando (14) and India (17), led them to think creatively about their space. The compact kitchen, designed by the previous owners’ set designer friends, prioritized aesthetics over practicality. Additionally, the dimly lit dining area and single bathroom posed challenges for a family of four.

“It wasn’t ideal,” Anna admits, “but we were undeterred. We painted the entire house white to start fresh and immersed ourselves in the project. I believe in experiencing a home before making major changes, like tearing down walls.”

As time progressed, they introduced a palette of colors, including oyster-pink grasscloth for the drawing room and a soft mid-blue for the dining area to enhance the available light. “We had to adjust our living habits,” Anna notes. Originally planning to dine at the drawing room table, they found that transporting food and beverages up the narrow stairs proved difficult. Moving from an apartment, they were also learning to appreciate their new garden.

These lessons prompted the family to adapt their strategy. The drawing room table has transformed into a workspace for Anna, surrounded by design books. Below, the dining area has come alive with pom-pom-trimmed curtains and warm candlelight, creating an inviting setting for lunches with fellow creatives. In the kitchen, updates to handles, flooring, and countertops have revitalized the space, making it functional for Dom, who enjoys cooking family favorites.

To tackle the bathroom situation, Anna implemented a clever solution by adding a linen ticking curtain around the bathtub, allowing for privacy while she and India can share the space simultaneously.

Throughout the house, unique artworks diversify the ambiance, providing an eloquent means to mask its limitations. “Many people hesitate to display art for fear of judgment,” Anna observes. “But we don’t critique each other’s clothing; why should we judge their artistic expression? Adorn your walls with what resonates with you, even if it’s a nostalgic poster from your youth.”

The home has evolved into something much more than Anna’s initial swift cosmetic updates. Incorporating treasures from travels—such as an antique suzani from Istanbul and captivating tree-patterned wallpaper up the staircase—this Victorian home is now a full expression of the family’s character. “This journey has taught us invaluable lessons about adaptability,” she shares. “Creating a genuinely comforting space is about boldly leaving your personal imprint.”

trufflesandruffles.co.uk; abdesignandinteriors.co.uk