DESIGNERS’ JOURNAL

Studio Foresti Blends Heritage and Modernity in St John’s Wood Townhouse

Studio Foresti Blends Heritage and Modernity in St John’s Wood Townhouse designers journal business and interiors luxury living room london

Studio Foresti, a London-based interior design studio founded by Débora Foresti, is known for its ability to craft interiors that balance architectural integrity with emotional resonance. Rooted in a philosophy that seamlessly integrates colour, texture, and proportion, the studio takes a rigorous yet intuitive approach to interior design and interior architecture. Their latest project - a full-scale redesign of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in St John’s Wood - showcases their expertise in bridging period elegance with contemporary living.

st johns wood london townhouse renovation project studio foresti

Understanding the Clients’ Vision

The clients, a Brazilian expat family who had previously lived in New York, initially sought a redesign of their living room and hallway. However, as the project evolved, it became a comprehensive remodelling of the entire home. The brief required a careful preservation of period architectural details, while ensuring the interiors aligned with modern aesthetics and the practical needs of a young family. Maximising space, enhancing storage, and creating a serene yet functional environment became key priorities.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury hallway

The Design Approach: Respecting History, Embracing Modernity

One of the central challenges of the project was honouring the home’s Georgian heritage while incorporating a refined, modern interior scheme. To achieve this, Studio Foresti used moulding as a transitional element - a contemporary interpretation of Georgian panelling that subtly blends the architecture’s historical grandeur with the client’s preference for understated elegance.

Bespoke joinery and custom-designed furniture were fundamental in meeting the family’s need for functionality and organisation. Designed by Studio Foresti and expertly crafted by Dot Bespoke, these elements provided seamless storage solutions while maintaining the home’s sophisticated aesthetic.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti fireplace
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Materiality and Colour: Crafting a Timeless Palette

Studio Foresti embraced a neutral colour palette with subtle injections of personality. The clients favoured muted greys, and the studio thoughtfully introduced green-blue accents in key areas to add depth and warmth.

Kitchen cabinetry: A green-blue tone by Tom Howley, which complemented the clients’ existing furnishings.

Living room seating: A Kvadrat fabric for the Develius sofa from TwentyTwentyOne.

Children’s bedroom: Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue used for the wood trim to introduce a rich yet calming tone.

To ensure warmth and texture within the neutral scheme, the studio focused on natural materials, including wood finishes and soft, tactile fabrics. Pret-a-Vivre’s natural linen window treatments added a touch of quiet luxury, reinforcing a sense of tranquillity throughout the home.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury living room

Lighting: Elevating the Atmosphere

A well-considered lighting plan was crucial in enhancing both the functionality and ambience of the space. Studio Foresti carefully curated a selection of lighting fixtures to complement the architectural elements and contemporary aesthetic:

Hallway: Alabaster wall lights from Pooky

Living room: Wall lights from Original BTC, pendant lights from Foscarini

Cloakroom: Wall lights from Original BTC

Master bedroom: Sustainable lighting from Spark & Bell

Children’s bedroom: Fixtures from Menu and Astro Lighting

Kitchen & dining area: Anglepoise wall lights and a Marset pendant light over the dining table

These carefully selected pieces created a layered lighting scheme, ensuring a balance of functional illumination and atmospheric depth.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury kitchen

Navigating the Challenges of a Listed Property

Working with a Grade II listed home presented inherent challenges, particularly around planning permissions and preservation requirements. One significant hurdle was upgrading the windows to improve insulation and efficiency. While the clients initially sought double glazing, the studio had to navigate strict conservation rules. Instead, they implemented a restoration approach - preserving the original windows at the front of the home while updating those at the rear where planning permissions allowed for greater flexibility.

This careful balancing act ensured that the home maintained its historical integrity while meeting contemporary efficiency standards.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury bathroom
st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury bathroom vanity unit

Integrating the Clients' Story

Studio Foresti believes that a well-designed home should reflect the personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants. The clients, who lead a calm and organised life, desired a serene yet functional space. This was achieved through:

  • A cohesive, muted colour scheme, reinforcing a sense of tranquillity.
  • Layered textures and natural materials, adding warmth and dimension.
  • Integration of cherished furnishings and artwork, ensuring their personal history was woven into the new design.

By incorporating these elements, the studio crafted a home that felt personal yet timeless, perfectly suited to the family’s evolving needs.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury bedroom
st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti dressing table

Key Collaborators & Craftsmanship

Collaboration played a pivotal role in the success of this project. Charles Alexander, the project’s contractor, provided seamless execution, ensuring that the renovation process was efficient and well-coordinated. The use of high-quality, sustainable materials and expert craftsmanship was central to the project’s long-lasting appeal.

st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti luxury bathroom sustainable design
st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti staircase

A Thoughtful Approach to Sustainability

For Studio Foresti, sustainability is not just about materials - it’s about longevity. Their philosophy is rooted in considered design choices that reduce waste and ensure the home remains functional and beautiful for years to come. This was achieved through:

  • Durable, high-quality materials, minimising the need for replacements.
  • Smart storage solutions, reducing clutter and promoting organisation.
  • Efficient lighting and natural materials, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic harmony.
st johns wood london renovation project studio foresti children bedroom

Final Thoughts: A Timeless, Functional, and Elegant Home

Studio Foresti’s transformation of this St John’s Wood townhouse exemplifies their ability to honour architectural heritage while creating interiors that feel contemporary, functional, and deeply personal. By blending historical elements with bespoke craftsmanship, innovative lighting, and a thoughtful material palette, they have created a home that is as elegant as it is liveable.

This project is a testament to the studio’s belief that good design is both an art and a strategy - one that balances beauty, function, and the personal narrative of those who live within the space.



Photography by Nathalie Priem

David Del Greco

editorial team

David is the Editor of Designers' Journal and Co-Founder of Business and Interiors, a platform designed to empower interior design professionals by providing valuable insights, industry connections, and strategic partnerships.

As an interior design marketing specialist, David curates compelling content and expert perspectives to help interior designers navigate the evolving landscape of design and entrepreneurship.

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