The Art of Trusting Your Instinct in Home Design
There’s something profoundly liberating about trusting your gut when it comes to design. Personally, I think it’s the difference between a house that feels curated and one that feels lived in. Take Claire Haddon-Lawson’s Victorian home in Peckham, for example. As co-founder of Late Afternoon Home, she’s no stranger to aesthetics, yet she admits to having no definitive style—she simply ‘knows what she likes and trusts it.’ What makes this particularly fascinating is how this approach has transformed her 1890s house into a space that’s both deeply personal and universally inviting.
Why Peckham? A Tale of Space and Soul
Claire and her husband Freddie moved from a tiny flat in southwest London to Peckham, seeking more space and a neighborhood that felt like home. What many people don’t realize is that Peckham, with its vibrant community and historic charm, has become a magnet for those who want to blend modernity with tradition. The house itself, a late-Victorian gem, offered generous proportions—a rarity in London’s often cramped housing market. But what really stood out to me was Claire’s appreciation for the house’s preserved features. She didn’t feel the need to overhaul everything, which, in my opinion, is a refreshing departure from the ‘rip-it-all-out’ mentality so common in renovations.
The L-Shaped Extension: A Masterclass in Functional Beauty
When Claire decided to extend the downstairs, she avoided the typical bifold doors and square box design. Instead, she and architect Jas Ballah opted for an L-shaped layout. This raises a deeper question: why do so many extensions feel like afterthoughts, while this one feels integral to the home? The answer lies in its seamless integration. The staggered design not only adds depth but also creates a sense of discovery, both indoors and in the garden. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—how a simple shift in shape can elevate the entire experience of a space.
Materials That Tell a Story
Jas’s use of timber beams and glazed brick tiles isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a dialogue between the old and the new. The beams soften the light and add warmth, while the tiles make the garden view feel intentional. What this really suggests is that great design isn’t just about what you add, but how you make it feel like it’s always been there. Claire’s choice of colors—soft greens and yellows—further underscores this. She’s not chasing trends; she’s creating a palette that feels timeless and comforting.
The Utility Room: A Hidden Gem
One thing that immediately stands out is Claire’s decision to carve out a generous utility room from the oft-neglected ‘middle room.’ It’s a brilliant use of space that combines practicality with personality. Painted in Lick’s Blue 04, it’s a burst of color that doesn’t overwhelm. This, to me, is the essence of thoughtful design: finding ways to make even the most functional spaces feel special.
A Home That Feels Like a Hug
If you take a step back and think about it, Claire’s home isn’t just about the objects or the layout—it’s about the feeling it evokes. Her collection of vintage finds, from a 1960s Italian blown-glass pendant to her daughter Margot’s mid-century desk, tells a story of love and intuition. What many people don’t realize is that imperfection can be the most perfect thing about a home. Claire’s willingness to embrace pieces with marks or flaws adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate.
The Broader Lesson: Design as an Act of Self-Expression
Claire’s approach to her home and her brand, Late Afternoon, shares a common thread: a focus on what feels right rather than what’s trendy. In my opinion, this is where so many people go wrong. They try to fit their homes into a mold instead of letting them evolve naturally. Claire’s house isn’t just a space; it’s a reflection of her personality, her history, and her values.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Claire’s home, I’m reminded that the best design isn’t about following rules—it’s about trusting yourself. Her Victorian house in Peckham isn’t just a renovation; it’s a testament to the power of intuition. What this really suggests is that a home should be a sanctuary, not a showroom. And in a world where trends come and go, that’s a lesson worth holding onto.
Follow Claire’s journey at @lateafternoon.home and see how trusting your gut can lead to something truly extraordinary.
