This Victorian Terrace House Embraces The Beauty of Mid-Century Interior Design

Arguably, the aesthetic appeal of mid-century interior design is in its clean lines, geometric shapes, natural materials, and minimalist approach. Achieving simplicity and functionality is key, along with introducing organic character while letting natural light flood through. 

For her charming two-storey Victorian terrace house in South London, Putney, Alana Gales of Studio Gales was inspired by the accommodating style of a boutique hotel and wanted to infuse it with the characteristics of mid-century interior design. 

Alana’s choice of ABI Interiors’ elegant brushed brass tapware helped enhance this visual ideal — Kingsley Provincial Collection for her bathroom tapware, for instance, complemented the home’s Victorian-style nuances.

“I love mid-century style, so I've bought in some pieces throughout the home. Natural woods, leathers, and kind of earthy tones.”

The open-plan kitchen dining reinforces the attraction of mid-century interior design with ABI Interiors’ striking Eden Square Kitchen Mixer in brushed brass, contributing to the functionality of this space. 

Unique personal choices thrive here, too, helping create the feeling of space within a confined setting. The mid-century interior design is also prominent in the living area, which refashions antique fixtures, like one of several wrought iron fireplaces for a wine showcase — enriching the character of this maisonette flat. 

“We're really lucky we've got some beautiful fireplaces throughout the property. We've kind of made them a little bit more our own,” says Alana. 

“In our kitchen, we've turned it into an area for wine, which is fantastic. And then we've also got the kind of traditional shaker cabinets [...] In our lounge room as well, we've kept the traditional cornicing and the dado rails and all those elements that keep it Victorian.”

The sophistication of Alana’s mid-century interior design bathroom is its symmetrical elegance and simplicity. A characterful dark wood vanity with a white stone top bench and brushed brass bathroom tapware, like ABI Interiors’ Kingsley Assembly Taps and Spout Set and Kingsley Minimal Mixer in the adjacent shower, intentionally reflects a boutique hotel style. 

“We've got our ensuite, which [...] I just absolutely love, and it makes me feel like I'm in a hotel,” continues Alana. 

“Some of the elements that we've used include [...] antique brass [and] brushed brass finishes, [and] knurled brass to add some textures.”

An inspired loft extension idea, Alana Gale’s beautiful top-floor master bedroom has VJ wall panelling and is given extra dimension due to the natural light that permeates through a trio of VELUX windows.  

“Coming down a few steps, we've got the back bedroom, which we kind of use as our second lounge room, which has got a lovely ensuite, a VELUX light in the ceiling. So, when you're in the shower, you can look up and look into the sky [...],” she continues. 

“Off that, “[...] we've got a roof terrace, which is a beautiful spot to sit out into the sun.”

From coming up with genuinely inspirational fireplace ideas and confidently embracing the positives of mid-century interior design to flooding spaces with natural light, Alana has strategically capitalised on the finest features of her Victorian terrace home to ensure it remains an attractive talking point for many years.

“I absolutely love coming home. It just feels so comfortable, and I'm so proud of this house.”

For further inspirational ideas, check out our blog on a London Home with Victorian Architecture Inspired by Scandinavian Interior Design.