Georgian architecture has long been a source of inspiration to architects for its clean external lines, balanced proportions and majestic windows that often concealed a more playful, ornamental interior. Even modernist Erno Goldfinger admits to referencing the historical style, when he designed his famous Hampstead home, Willow Road.
Architects Gundry + Ducker also looked at Georgian interiors for their latest residential project in London, White Rabbit House, the renovation of a 1970s Neo-Georgian terrace. ‘The idea was to insert a modern interpretation of Georgian house interior into a standard post war house’, says Christian Ducker. ‘We wanted a playful interior, accommodating the unexpected, with changes in scale and height and atmosphere.’
The result is a colourful home, which ticks all the boxes the client outlined – mostly, practical requirements in terms of bedroom numbers and storage needs – but also offers a tongue-in-cheek alternative to residential design. Marble and terrazzo floors, arches and bespoke joinery in a vibrant green colour make the living areas pop, while the standout moment is without a doubt the grand staircase that unfolds into the entrance hall’s triple-height void.
White Rabbit's distinctive style made it a worthy winner in the ‘Most Unique Character’ category in this year’s Don’t Move, Improve! competition, organised by the NLA; winners were announced earlier in the week, celebrating the capital's finest home improvement projects in categories highlighting, among other elements, size, sustainability and craftmanship.
A version of this article originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of Wallpaper* (W*252)
INFORMATION
-
The Wallpaper* Design Awards are back in 2026 – see who's shortlistedOur annual design awards returns in January – here are the first shortlisted nominees
-
RIBA House of the Year 2025 is a ‘rare mixture of sensitivity and boldness’Topping the list of seven shortlisted homes, Izat Arundell’s Hebridean self-build – named Caochan na Creige – is announced as the RIBA House of the Year 2025
-
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2026: Life-enhancer of the year shortlistDiscover the shortlist for Life-Enhancer of the Year in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2026, from an innovative night light to a blueprint for play
-
RIBA House of the Year 2025 is a ‘rare mixture of sensitivity and boldness’
Topping the list of seven shortlisted homes, Izat Arundell’s Hebridean self-build – named Caochan na Creige – is announced as the RIBA House of the Year 2025
-
In addition to brutalist buildings, Alison Smithson designed some of the most creative Christmas cards we've seenThe architect’s collection of season’s greetings is on show at the Roca London Gallery, just in time for the holidays
-
In South Wales, a remote coastal farmhouse flaunts its modern revamp, primed for hostingA farmhouse perched on the Gower Peninsula, Delfyd Farm reveals its ground-floor refresh by architecture studio Rural Office, which created a cosy home with breathtaking views
-
A revived public space in Aberdeen is named Scotland’s building of the yearAberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design and LDA Design wins the 2025 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award
-
The Architecture Edit: Wallpaper’s houses of the monthFrom wineries-turned-music studios to fire-resistant holiday homes, these are the properties that have most impressed the Wallpaper* editors this month
-
A refreshed 1950s apartment in East London allows for moments of discoveryWith this 1950s apartment redesign, London-based architects Studio Naama wanted to create a residence which reflects the fun and individual nature of the clients
-
In this Cotswolds home, drama meets minimalismCotswolds home Hiaven house, with interiors designed by McLaren Excell, is a perfect blend of contemporary chic and calm, countryside drama
-
David Kohn’s first book, ‘Stages’, is unpredictable, experimental and informativeThe first book on David Kohn Architects focuses on the work of the award-winning London-based practice; ‘Stages’ is an innovative monograph in 12 parts
