Location: Hither Green, London
Background:
Andy Curran, the creative force behind House of Hamiltons, is no stranger to renovating period properties for clients. But turning attention to his own home presented a different kind of challenge. Determined to balance restoration with sustainability, Andy and his partner began the process of transforming their Victorian townhouse kitchen using almost entirely second hand materials. Their goal: to prove that thoughtful, eco conscious design doesn’t have to compromise on character or style.
At the heart of this vision was a desire to honour the building’s architectural roots. Cornicing and ceiling roses weren’t just decorative add ons, they were essential elements to preserve the home’s historical charm. Having specified our products on several client projects, Andy trusted the craftsmanship of our traditionally made plaster mouldings to bring his vision to life.
Lets take a closer look at Andy’s journey...
What inspired this project?
Focusing on our own home has always been a challenge, particularly after dedicating so much time to projects for our clients. Ultimately, we decided it was time to fully renovate our London townhouse kitchen. Our vision was driven by a desire to craft a space entirely using second-hand items, intended to showcase that sustainable design is not only possible but also beautifully achievable, albeit sometimes requiring a bit of extra effort. The project was also inspired by our passion for restoring period features. Our aim was to create a harmonious blend of textures, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, sourcing nearly everything second hand or in an eco conscious manner.
Why did you choose our products?
Plaster Ceiling Roses was our first choice when it came to restoring the cornice and ceiling roses in our home. Your coving products, rooted in traditional period designs and crafted from hand molded plaster gypsum, naturally resonated with our vision. These elements are the only new additions to the space, making it crucial for us to source them from a sustainable supplier. Having used your products on numerous client projects, we knew they represented the highest quality. The transformation was remarkable once the ceiling roses and cornicing were installed, adding a refined elegance to the room.
How would you describe the style of your home?
Our home embodies a blend of playful yet traditional style. As a Victorian townhouse in London, it bears the distinctive hallmarks of that era, intricate cornicing, decorative picture rails, and elaborate ceiling roses that perfectly complement pendant lighting. Restoring these period features was essential to us, as they exemplify the grandeur and craftsmanship of Victorian design.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
We are still in the midst of the renovation, but the most significant challenge so far has been sourcing every item second hand. It has been a time consuming process to find each piece to match our vision. Nonetheless, we believe that the effort will be well worth it, and the end result will be a truly unique and sustainable space.
How did you choose which cornice to go for?
The products we chose needed to reflect that traditional yet playful aesthetic. We selected cornicing that aligns with Victorian era craftsmanship but with a touch of added flair, ensuring the details contribute both to the historical feel and our personal style.
Before & After:
The kitchen has undergone a complete stylistic revival. Where plain modern finishes once dominated, carefully chosen period detailing now brings depth and charm to the space. The addition of plaster coving and ceiling roses helped restore architectural balance, creating a backdrop that highlights both the building’s history and the couple’s design personality.
Products Used:
Acanthus and Plain Leaf Plaster Coving Drop 145MM MPC074
Ornate Floral Plaster Ceiling Rose 770mm dia. LPR060
Final Thoughts:
Andy’s approach to his kitchen renovation is a clear reflection of his design ethos, thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in both sustainability and respect for historical detail. The choice to use traditional plaster mouldings as the only newly sourced items in the room underscores their importance in tying the space together. Even mid renovation, the results speak for themselves, a modern space grounded in timeless character.
Do you know we deliver across the UK?
Our experienced drivers will make sure you get your plaster mouldings quickly and safely. For sales and general enquiries please call 0333 043 1471 or email service@shawfieldpark.co.uk.