A South Kensington Victorian home has been reimagined as a versatile space for a family spanning continents, showcasing a growing trend toward adaptable living. New York-based firm Ward + Gray skillfully blended ancient features with modern functionality for a Jordanian lawyer and her two student daughters, who divide their time between London and Dubai. The project highlights how design can cater to increasingly global and hybrid lifestyles,turning a conventional residence into a welcoming retreat and efficient workspace.
A Victorian Home Adapted for Modern Living
“Our work is evenly split between boutique hotels and private residences, and each continually informs the other,” explains Staver Gray, a partner at New York-based interior architecture firm Ward + Gray. “We like when a hotel project feels lived-in and intimate, and when a home offers the seamless functionality of a well-designed hotel suite.” This design philosophy is fully realized in a three-bedroom Victorian house in South Kensington, where the firm’s expertise has refined the property’s modest proportions and enhanced its versatility.
Adaptable Spaces for a Global Lifestyle
The home was designed for a Jordanian lawyer and her two daughters, both students, who frequently travel between London and their primary residence in Dubai. The resulting design provides a comfortable pied-à-terre, functioning as both a private retreat and a welcoming space for guests. The increasing demand for flexible living spaces reflects a broader trend toward hybrid lifestyles and remote work.
Despite its generous proportions and original plaster moldings, the house initially lacked a dedicated dining room. This prompted Ward + Gray to prioritize adaptability in their design. “The size of the living room allowed us to create a spacious, open layout ideal for entertaining,” said Staver Gray.
Gray and her partner, Christie Ward, installed a dining nook directly in front of the large bay window, featuring a dark wood table and chairs. Most of the furniture was custom-made to maximize functionality. “We designed the dining furniture to feel somewhat mobile, as if it could also be moved into the living room and used as occasional seating,” explained Christie Ward. “The table was crafted in a color similar to the dark-stained hardwood floors, so it wouldn’t stand out too much in the room.”
