I’m always impressed by people who renovate period properties to make them suit their needs, taste and lifestyle, without losing any of their original character in the process. It’s a very tricky balance to achieve: buildings need to evolve and adapt in order to survive, but it’s important that they retain their soul, too.
One person who’s managed to do it brilliantly is Emily Mayne, founder of online interiors store Someday Designs – always one of my favourite sources of considered Scandinavian homeware. She’s just finished a top-to-bottom transformation of her Victorian terrace in Greenwich, South East London, extending upwards and outwards to create more space for family life and expertly combining her own minimalist style with the house’s high ceilings, ornate plasterwork and marble fireplaces. I was smitten with the results as soon as she shared a first peek on Instagram, so I was delighted when she agreed to chat to me about the project, the inspiration behind it and her top interior-design tips…
Hi Emily! Please can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what you do?
“I’ve worked in the design and interior industry for the last 17 years. I started out as a lighting and furniture buyer before setting up Someday Designs in 2017. It’s a design-led store specialising in sofas, furniture, lighting and homeware, and everything we feature has been carefully selected. We look for items that have been thoughtfully designed using quality materials, and those that are beautiful and functional. We have a lovely customer base and also work with interior designers and architects to specify and source furniture and lighting for hotels, cafes and office spaces. I love to produce my own pieces too, and we have a few in-house sofas and lights within the shop – something I’d love to expand further.”
Where’s home, and how long have you lived there?
“Home is in Greenwich, South East London, where I live with my husband and two young boys. We moved in 2014 before having the children and we could just see ourselves creating a family home here. It’s a Victorian terrace house and luckily for us it’s retained many of the period features, with original fireplaces, cornicing and high ceilings. We love the surrounding community and green spaces, too.”
Have you made many changes since moving in?
“Yes – we’ve actually just finished a full renovation. On the ground floor we’ve filled in the side return and extended outwards to create a large kitchen and dining space. Upstairs we’ve completed a loft conversion, adding a new master bedroom and ensuite, plus an outrigger room which functions as our dedicated home office. We’re very lucky that our house backs on to parkland so we wanted to maximise the views from every room, especially at the top of the building.”
Built over the house’s side return, the kitchen is wonderfully light and airy, with soft beige walls, a pale microcement floor and large picture windows looking out over the garden. The units are from IKEA but customised with birch-ply fronts from Naked Kitchens’ ‘Pure Scandi’ collection, creating a bespoke look without a vast spend. Emily chose not to install overhead cupboards, instead opting for a floating shelf that preserves the sense of openness and makes the most of the pitched ceiling. The brass wall lights are from House Doctor, and the plug sockets are by Dowsing & Reynolds.
How would you describe your interiors style?
“I love light and airy interiors so a neutral colour scheme runs throughout the house, connecting the more traditional part with the new. Our furnishings are mostly Scandinavian-inspired, so lots of clean lines with simple, minimalist design.”
What does home mean to you, and has that changed at all over the course of the last strange year?
“Home for me has always been the place I feel most relaxed in and love to return to. There’s nothing better than having all your favourite things and people in one place! The last year has definitely been a strange one. All of us being home, all the time, took some getting used to and our home office has already proved it’s worth!”
The loft conversion encompasses a new master bedroom, ensuite bathroom and home office, all positioned to take in views of the surrounding greenery. The decor reflects Emily’s love of minimalist Scandinavian style, with white walls and subtle brass and black accents. Natural wood and cosy soft furnishings add texture, while a custom-made desk maximises the space.
Where do you find inspiration for your home?
“I’m inspired by everything I see, whether that’s a magazine, social media or architecture. But the main inspiration for our home is very much how the space needs to work for us, in both an aesthetic and practical way. I like to invest in items we love and will keep, rather than following particular trends or current looks.”
What’s your favourite part of your home and why?
“I think it has to be our new kitchen. It’s so great to be able to eat, socialise and play all in one space.”
And your favourite piece of furniture…?
“I love the low-level floating bench in the kitchen. We had it custom-made by our builders and worked with local upholsterer Micaela Sharp for the seat cushion. It creates a quiet little nook to sit and relax in.”
Centred around a black Ferm Living ‘Mingle’ table, the dining area features contemporary wall panelling that echoes the original tongue-and-groove hallway and is also reflected in the Muuto ‘Strand’ pendant light. Emily made the most of the empty space between it and the cupboards by installing a reading nook with a floating birch-ply bench, and it’s now one of her favourite spots. The beautiful cushions are by Ferm Living, as is the jug on the table.
Where do you like to source items for your home – any favourite brands?
“Inevitably, lots of items come from my shop and the brands we work with – Ferm Living, Muuto, OYOY, We Do Wood… We also have lots of Hay, Normann Copenhagen and House Doctor pieces (can you tell I love Danish design?!).”
Do you have any future plans for your home?
“Yes, our next plan is to decorate the children’s rooms. We’ve been holding off as we’re waiting to see if they’ll want to share or keep their own spaces. When they’re ready to decide it will be next on the list!”
The ensuite bathroom has a mix of materials, with patina’d brass fittings and a gnarled oak vanity unit offsetting the sleek glass panels, grey stone floor and white tiles perfectly. The pendant light is from Someday Designs’ in-house ‘Case’ collection, which also features in the office and above the kitchen island. The downstairs toilet, meanwhile, includes a cast-concrete basin that provides an unexpected splash of colour among the calming neutrals, plus a stunning Ferm Living ‘Pond’ mirror.
Finally, what’s your top interior-design tip?
“Take your time with your interior planning. If you can, live in the space for a while so you really get to know and understand how best to use it. A more considered approach will mean the finished scheme works better as a whole and will last longer. It will only cost more in the long run if you have to redo or replace things.”
Wise words to end on – thanks Emily!
Photography by Anna Stathaki
Oh wow, what an amazing home. I love how modern it feels and yet it hasn’t lost its period feel either. And that final shot! The teracotta basin is to die for.
It’s gorgeous isn’t it? And yes that basin – unexpected yet somehow totally in keeping with the rest of the decor too!
Very beautiful and simple interior style