This stunning apartment, situated in a converted Victorian property in Walton on The Hill in Surrey, has been transformed by its new owners, with our ZB203 White Smoked Oak herringbone adding elegant style to its luxuriously refurbished spaces.
Stephanie, and her partner Neil, fell instantly in love with the character of the period property when they first viewed it.
“We knew after the first viewing that it would need work, but with its tall ceilings, original coving and grand fireplaces, it had so many stunning features to work with.
"With very little of the home being updated in the last 25 years, it was ready for modernisation. We wanted to restore its period charm, whilst creating the comfort of contemporary living. A balance of classic-meets-chic.”
Taking on a project of this nature would allow the couple to bring together their already established skills and shared passion for all things property, just on an even more personal level this time as it would be for their own home.
Neil runs Saker Thomas Ltd, delivering bespoke carpentry projects for homes across the region, and Steph has turned her love for home design into her growing interiors brand, Stephanie Interior Styling.
Panelling has been thoughtfully incorporated throughout, integrating storage, shelving and window seats, restoring a sense of Victorian elegance, whilst feeling fresh and contemporary.
“Reintroducing panelling was the perfect way to embrace period style, and with Neil’s carpentry experience we had the luxury of creating this ourselves. I particularly love well-styled period homes, so I developed all the design ideas and then Neil skilfully brought them to life.”
“Colour was also key to the design. I wanted most of the spaces to feel light and bright, but for the dining room I felt a contrasting darker tone would add both drama, and sophistication, playing beautifully into the period details.”
When it came to the flooring, the apartment was originally carpeted throughout.
“It all needed replacing. I wanted to keep to carpet in the bedrooms and living room, but felt the high-traffic areas would benefit from something more durable. A wooden floor felt perfect for complementing the period features, but also feeling modern.”
The couple visited our V4 Design Hub where they could view all of the collections in large format displays.
“I already had a herringbone pattern in mind. I especially wanted the entrance hallway to make an impression, and a herringbone layout gives that instant wow factor, and also with a nod to traditional Victorian flooring.”
“We were introduced to the V4 herringbone collections and I instantly loved the White Smoked Oak finish. It felt classic and warm, but slightly muted, which adds a contemporary twist. I wanted to avoid anything too grey or washed out. It’s tone also felt the perfect balance to complement both the light and dark colour palettes I had planned.”
Our Deco White Smoked Oak herringbone blocks are stored in a smoke filled chamber that naturally ages the timber and darkens the grains. The oak surface is then brushed and sealed with clear white oils that add the beautifully muted, earthy hues across the surface.
The herringbone flooring has been installed to the entrance hallway, kitchen and dining area, complementing the bespoke skirting and panelling created by Neil. Steph’s colour palette works wonderfully with the muted tones of the wood floor, seamlessly making the transition from the lighter toned spaces and into the darker dining room.
“The floors have been amazing to bring my whole vision together. The herringbone embraces elegant Victorian charm, but with that chic modern vibe I wanted. It also works brilliantly with the underfloor heating we installed. Warm to look at, and warm to live with!”
Wellington Flooring fitted the herringbone floors, and installed carpet in the bedrooms and living room. They also added a bespoke hallway runner which flows from the living room carpet, creating a thoughtful connection between the different floor finishes.
Stephanie’s natural love and talent for interiors is evident throughout the finished design of the apartment. Every detail is carefully considered, layering modern styling onto the preserved, and re-introduced, period character.
“This renovation is not the first of its kind for us, but this being our own apartment made it extra special! Period properties are incredible to restore and transport, and we are really hoping to collaborate with the other owners here to help transform their homes. The apartments share an incredible stairway and it would be amazing to draw more focus to this, and the main entrance, incorporating similar flooring and the introduction of half-height panelling. Watch this space!”
Featured Flooring
Smoked White Oak
White Smoked Oak herringbone blocks are stored in a smoke filled chamber that naturally ages the timber and darkens the grains. The oak surface is then brushed and sealed with clear white oils that add a beautifully muted, earthy hue across the surface.
