In bringing this impressive period property in London back to life, its owner, Alice Merritt, has combined bold prints and quirky antiques to create a glamorous yet lived-in feel. Feature Marisha Taylor Photographs James French
'Both of my parents have greatly influenced my style. They’ve been antiques dealers for 50 years, so I grew up surrounded by unique and beautiful, timeless pieces,’ says graphic designer Alice Merritt. ‘Antique furniture is so well crafted. I love finding things that tell a story; they add an interesting layer.’
Alice’s home, which she shares with her husband, Rhys, seamlessly blends classic – and sometimes quirky – antiques with carefully chosen contemporary pieces, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and personal.
A case in point is the kitchen worktop, transformed from an old science bench, complete with gas valves designed for Bunsen burners. Paired with new plywood carcasses, it’s now a functional, industrial-style kitchen. ‘We love this juxtaposition of old and new,’ says Alice. ‘The kitchen now has the perfect balance
of personality and functionality.’
The house, an early-Edwardian terrace in Catford, south-east London, is nestled within the Corbett Estate: a grand development built by Sir Archibald Corbett at the turn of the 20th century. Corbett, a prominent developer and philanthropist, designed these homes with lofty ceilings, spacious rooms, and an abundance of natural light.
‘The scale of the property was one of the things that really drew us in,’ says Alice. ‘The ceilings are exceptionally high, which Sir Archibald believed would give you more “thinking space”, which is not something you often find in modern homes.’
When the couple bought the house in 2020, Catford felt, says Alice, like ‘one of the last corners of London where a large period property could be found for under £600K’. The couple were keen for a renovation project and this provided it.
The house had been largely untouched for over 30 years so, although this meant that it still retained its original fireplace, staircase and cornicing, they had their work cut out for them. ‘We saw it as a blank canvas and, for us, that was part of the appeal. We could strip it back and make it our own.’
The couple’s love of bold, unconventional decorating choices is now evident throughout the interior. Deep, moody colours are paired with vintage-inspired botanical wallpapers and plush velvet fabrics, all chosen to complement the period of the house.
‘We’re not afraid of dark colours,’ says Alice. ‘They make the space feel more personal and inviting. It’s about creating mood – sparking curiosity and drawing you into the space, rather than simply filling a room with light, pale tones, which can sometimes feel flat. Dark colours have depth and richness that make a room feel alive.’
In each room, Alice and Rhys have thought through every detail – the bathroom ceiling is covered in a hand-painted mural, panelling is combined with floral wallpaper, and gold accents run like a thread throughout the whole house. It’s an eclectic look, but also a cohesive one.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the renovation was the painstaking restoration of the original floorboards. Alice’s father, a historical restoration expert, taught Alice and Rhys a technique that preserved the character of the old wood, rather than sanding it down to a shiny new finish.
‘We wanted to keep the soul of the house intact,’ says Alice. ‘The floorboards were part of that: it felt important to preserve them. The house is a place where our love of antiques, history and modern design come together. I like to think that Sir Archibald Corbett would be proud to see his legacy preserved in such a meaningful way.’