A Belsize Park Period Home
BELSIZE PARK SUBURBS FAMILY HOME UPGRADE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | A PERIOD HOME UPGRADE , LONDON UK.
Although this renovation took place in a Belsize Park period home, the look you see here can be recreated—or completely re-imagined—for expat homeowners across Europe. AKIVA’s English-speaking team manages every stage —from concept and 3-D visualisation to furniture procurement and white-glove installation—whether your property is in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona or beyond. Thanks to our EU-wide supplier network and remote project-management tools, you enjoy the same design DNA and single point of contact, no matter where you live.
The Details
Who: A dynamic young professional, embarking on their first homeownership journey, seeking a space that truly mirrors their personality and style.
What: A characterful two-bedroom house spread across three levels, complete with a generous garden space.
Where: The picturesque and vibrant neighborhood of Belsize Park, London.
The Brief
The client approached us with a beautifully furnished home, yet felt that something was missing. While the major pieces were in place, the space lacked the cohesion, warmth, and unique touches that would make it a true reflection of their personal style. Our task was to transform this house into a home that exudes character, ensuring every corner feels intentional and lived in.
During our consultancy, the client made a bold decision to relocate the kitchen from its central position to a location adjacent to the garden. This shift was not only about enhancing the functionality of the space but also about fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. The original kitchen, tucked between the Living and Dining rooms, felt disconnected and lacked the vibrancy that the client desired. By moving it closer to the garden, we created a harmonious flow that invites the outdoors in, making the kitchen a lively hub for both cooking and entertaining.
Our Approach
We began by delving deep into the client’s tastes, exploring their love for different colours, textures, and styles. With the existing furniture as a foundation, we identified key areas for enhancement that would bring the client’s vision to life.
Living and Dining Room: With its high ceilings and elegant bay windows, this space was ripe for transformation. Betina introduced a bold pop of color through accent pieces and incorporated a mix of textures and materials to create a layered, sophisticated look. The room now serves as a striking focal point of the home, balancing comfort with style.
Staircase: To add depth and character to the staircase without overwhelming the space, we painted the balustrade in a deep navy shade. This subtle change created a dramatic contrast, enhancing the area while maintaining the flow of natural light.
Kitchen and Office Relocation: This aspect of the project posed unique challenges. The original kitchen, now transformed into a compact yet functional office, features a narrow layout with a slanted ceiling. Conversely, the new kitchen, previously the office space, was narrower and had an angled wall that required creative planning. Despite these constraints, we achieved a cohesive and visually appealing design that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the home.
Design Journey
The project began with a 10-hour consultancy, focusing on fine-tuning the existing spaces with minimal yet impactful changes. We provided the client with a detailed shopping list and design advice, allowing them to make informed decisions on enhancing their home.
Inspired by the initial results, the client opted for two Premium Makeover packages for the new Kitchen and Office spaces. These packages included a site measurement visit, detailed floor plans, and 2D elevations, giving the client a clear vision of the final outcome.
The Belsize Park Period Home by Studio Akiva is a refined reimagining of a classic London residence, where traditional architectural character is carefully preserved and elevated through a contemporary lens. Rooted in one of North London’s most established neighbourhoods, the project reflects a sensitive balance between heritage detailing and modern-day living.
At its core, the design celebrates the integrity of the original period features—generous ceiling heights, elegant proportions, and decorative mouldings, while introducing a calmer, more curated aesthetic. This approach mirrors the wider design philosophy often seen in Victorian restorations, where reinstating architectural elements and simplifying the palette allows the space to feel both timeless and relevant.
A soft, neutral colour scheme forms the foundation of the interior, acting as a unifying backdrop across rooms. Rather than competing with the architecture, the palette enhances it allowing textures, materials, and carefully selected furnishings to take centre stage. Subtle contrasts are introduced through joinery, lighting, and metal finishes, adding depth without disrupting the overall sense of calm.
The living spaces are designed with both elegance and practicality in mind. Open-plan areas are handled with restraint, ensuring that flow is achieved without losing the intimacy expected in a period home. Furniture layouts are deliberately composed, creating zones that feel connected yet distinct, supporting both social living and quieter, more private moments.
In the kitchen and dining areas, contemporary elements are seamlessly integrated into the traditional shell. Clean-lined cabinetry, refined surfaces, and discreet storage solutions allow the space to function efficiently while maintaining visual cohesion with the rest of the home. The result is a design that feels modern in use, yet respectful of its architectural context.
Bedrooms and more private spaces adopt a softer, more layered approach. Here, texture and subtle tonal variation create a sense of comfort and retreat, while bespoke storage ensures that the home remains uncluttered and highly functional.
Ultimately, the Belsize Park Period Home is a study in balance, where history and modernity coexist with quiet confidence. It demonstrates Studio Akiva’s ability to enhance period architecture without overpowering it, delivering a home that feels elegant, liveable, and enduring.