Back to the future

The secret to enhancing the Victorian roots of Laura and Chris’ home? A kaleidoscopic collection of design classics and tomorrow’s heirlooms

- Fiona McCarthy

Marrying beautiful traditional details with bold designs in even bolder colours is no mean feat. But with a background in fashion and project management, it’s no surprise that Laura Higgs has used the pops of red, orange, yellow, green and blue found in her wardrobe to such great effect in the Victorian house she shares with husband Chris and their two daughters.

The couple found the west London property six years ago – ‘a 1970s relic in a Victorian shell, with peach-colored bathrooms and old newspapers behind the walls,’ recalls Laura. ‘Chris’ parents had given us some money towards it on the condition that we knocked everything through to give them a mini flat space for when they visit. And although the garden isn’t huge, the house is double-fronted, rare for the area, which meant we could create great spaces for lateral living.’