To A Fine Art

A love of mid-century modern design and an education in and passion for collecting art has enabled this owner to create a stylishly individual but eminently practical home.

- Jo Leevers

Christina Reti and James Jakeman restored a Victorian townhouse, previously converted into bedsits, back into a family home for themselves and their children, Ludovic, aged four, and Iris, three. Trained as a specialist in fine art and identifying forgeries, Christina now sources executive talent for luxury hotels. We spoke to Christina, whose artistic background, combined with a love of mid-century design, is the inspiration behind her glamorous, yet immensely comfortable home.

Christina, what was your vision for this home? I wanted us to be surrounded by art and beautifully designed furniture, so that everyone feels warm, welcome and inspired. My vision was that the spaces had a sense of flow but also offered privacy, so the whole of the ground floor is open plan. One group of people can chat around the kitchen island, while others relax in the living area. There’s a feeling of togetherness, yet we can each do our own thing. The location, facing one of London’s loveliest parks, is also an important influence; I’ve brought the outside in wherever possible, with natural materials and hints of lush foliage.