Be inspired by this playful Eighties house
The downstairs space of this north London home is broken up into two rooms, an intimate chocolate and lilac living room and a sleek, open-plan kitchen-diner.

The downstairs space of this north London home is broken up into two rooms, an intimate chocolate and lilac living room and a sleek, open-plan kitchen-diner.
Living room | Playful Eighties house tour
The faux-suede sofa is by Kingcome Sofas, with cushions from Liberty. The Paper Roses wallpaper is by Cole & Son.
Dining room | Playful Eighties house tour
In the dining room the owner has dressed up a small space for big impact, in true Alice in Wonderland style. The eye is tricked into thinking this is the doorway into a big room, when it’s just a little cupboard.
Collage wall | Playful Eighties house tour
The walls of the space under the stairs are covered in a lifetime’s worth of memorabilia. Visiting dogs are lucky enough to call this fun cubbyhole home, as it’s used as a temporary kennel.
Kitchen-diner | Playful Eighties house tour
As well as sleek good looks, this space is all about practicality and efficiency. Even the plug sockets in the kitchen are sunk into the work surfaces.
The fringe curtains are from Habitat.
Hallway | Playful Eighties house tour
The owner's high-style look was realised without blowing the budget or compromising on luxury.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
The ornate mirror is from Aria. The glass pieces are by Jonathan Adler.
Home office | Playful Eighties house tour
The top floor comprises of the home office area. Four rooms were reconfigured to create a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite and study.
The Woods wallpaper is by Cole & Son.
Cloakroom | Playful Eighties house tour
In the quirky cloakroom the wall mural is by The Wall Art Store. Buy a Sunburst clock by George Nelson at Nest.
Bedroom | Playful Eighties house tour
Delicate fringe curtains are a more romantic option than heavy drapes.
The French Furniture Company's Provincial bed is like this. The cushions are by Fornasetti.
Bedroom storage | Playful Eighties house tour
The main bedroom is warm and sensuous, with a wall of mirrored cupboards creating not only a feeling of light and space, but also providing a practical storage.
Bathroom | Playful Eighties house tour
In an anti-clutter move, the owner has transformed his collectables and memorabilia into mini artworks by displaying them in a series of frames. Get the look by gathering all your dust-collecting objects together and matching with postcards to create stories.
Master bedroom | Playful Eighties house tour
The emphasis in this home is on the fun factor. Here, a leafy mural brings the outdoors in and creates the feeling of sleeping in the great outdoors.
Looking for more decorating ideas? Check out our House Tours section for more inspiring ideas from real homes from a tropical bungalow to a cool, calm renovation.
Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.
-
I wish I'd known these 4 things before I bought my Ninja air fryer – here's how to buy the right one for your home
This is what I'd change if I could do it over again
By Molly Cleary
-
5 easy tricks you can do this weekend to make your outdoor furniture look brand new
Bring life back into your outdoor furniture with these tricks and tips
By Ciéra Cree
-
Experts reveal the best filler plants for sparse flower beds that will transform bare borders with fast-growing bountiful blooms
Bare patches begone! Here's how to fill up your saddest flower beds like an absolute pro...
By Kayleigh Dray