"Not Too Precious" — The Designer of This London Home Nailed the Blend of Elegant and Understated Design, With Spaces That Welcome You With Open Arms

A modern kitchen with white walls and curtains and a marble kitchen island with bar stools in a natural woven material; the marble of the island continues across the kitchen countertops and backsplash contrasting with the dark cabinetry; the flooring is a pale colored wood and there is banquette seating in the corner in a light blue fabric at the bottom and patterned at the top.

Every space in this contemporary London home promotes a sense of calm — the color palette of natural, earthy tones that runs throughout brings a grounded softness, together with tactile fabrics that embrace you with open arms at every corner, letting you exhale and unwind.

Designed for a young family of four by Belfast-based interior designer Kathryn Porter, this modern home is a masterclass in blending elegant and understated design. The key was that it was "not too precious," explains Kathryn — instead, it is a home that feels texturally rich and lived-in.