INTO THE LIGHT

Interior designer Dasha Popova overcame numerous hurdles to create a bright and sophisticated home for her art-loving friend

- JANET MCMEEKIN

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY A Georgian Grade II-listed terraced house

LOCATION Central London

ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner, three bedrooms, (one en suite), bathroom, study

PURCHASED 2015

PREVIOUS PROPERTY 'I lived in a detached house in Kent,' says Stephen.

Confronted with the challenges of refurbishing a listed townhouse in the heart of Chelsea, Stephen Carroll knew exactly who to call for help. I admire my interior designer friend Dasha Popova's work and her sensitive, skilful approach to projects,' says Stephen.

'Even before she stepped into my dark and rather claustrophobic house, I was confident that Dasha could create the beautiful, comfortable home I'd envisaged, and her care and attention to detail surpassed all my expectations."

Back in 2015, Stephen was searching for a property in central London when he discovered the four-storey townhouse. An elderly lady had been living there and, although it was decorated to a high standard, the house was badly in need of modernisation, Stephen recalls.