Islington Townhouse is a minimalist townhouse located in London, United Kingdom, designed by Tabitha Isobel. Previously stripped of character by a developer, the townhouse required a transformation to restore its charm. Tabitha Isobel developed a concept titled “Back to the Future,” aiming to merge the building’s historical elements with a fresh, forward-thinking design. This concept broke down into three principles: respecting the past, staying rooted in the present, and flashing forward to the future. The design honored the Victorian heritage by enhancing original features with appropriate materials and storytelling furniture pieces. The space was designed to be memorable and thought-provoking, encouraging the occupant and visitors to appreciate their surroundings. The design incorporated innovative, timeless elements that were functional for today while anticipating future needs.

These principles guided every design decision, resulting in a confident, timeless backdrop with bold, unique, and tactile touchpoints, and outspoken elements. The house’s orientation and large windows allowed for an abundance of natural light. The exterior was revitalized with a new front door emulating a castle door, replacing broken wrought iron railings, and adding new double doors with dental moldings, all in a deep walnut tone. The entrance featured oversized stainless steel door furniture and outdoor lighting, creating a memorable entryway. The lower ground floor was designed as a members lounge with a cinema room and DJ space. The rich, moody design included a tactile Moire wall-covering, deep ochre high gloss ceiling, bespoke cabinetry, and velvet furniture.

The space featured a home bar with a brushed stainless steel countertop and a bronze-tinted mirror, complemented by a mix of old and new furniture, including a reupholstered sofa and vintage pieces. The entrance hall and staircase featured black and white chequerboard tiling and chrome wall lamps, creating a dynamic entrance. The staircase had a dark stained glossy oak handrail, wavy metal spindles, and a black whipped-edged stair runner, creating a bold graphic statement. The kitchen retained the existing layout but was updated with bespoke Pear Green tulip-wood veneered doors, chunky chrome handles, brushed stainless steel splashbacks, and ribbed white glazed tiles. The north-facing corner, overlooking the garden, housed a breakfast table with banquette seating, vintage pendant, and brutalist chairs, tied together with bamboo blinds for warmth and privacy.

The open-plan living and dining area centered around a Verde Guaco Green Marble Fireplace. The furniture was a mix of new and vintage pieces with accents of chrome. The palette balanced black and white patterns with greens and timber tones. Highlights included a reupholstered armchair, a Tom Dixon pendant, and a sculptural TV concealment solution. The first floor master suite featured a reconfigured layout with a walk-through wardrobe leading to an en-suite bathroom. The bedroom, flooded with natural light, featured a palette inspired by the client’s existing rug, with walnut furniture and a Tense Pendant emulating the moon. The en-suite was rich in materials, with terracotta mosaic flooring, a walnut burl wood double vanity, and an electric blue walk-in shower.