Cate St Hill’s Scandinavian-Inspired Victorian Terrace in Southeast London
Overview
Interior designer Cate St Hill welcomes us into her Southeast London Victorian terrace, introducing a home that has been transformed over time. “It was sort of the worst house on the best street kind of mentality,” she says, thinking about how run-down it used to be. Today, the house is a well-thought-out change. The limitations of its old plan have been replaced by light, flow, and material sensitivity, making a space that looks both modern and deeply personal.
Homeowner
Cate St Hill
Type
Family Residence
Location
Southeast London, UK
Services
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Presented by
Cate St Hill
Designing for Light and Connection
From the moment of entry, the house reveals one of its most deliberate gestures: a line that makes you look toward the garden. “From the moment you walk through the door, you see the green view through the back,” St Hill explains. The ground floor was rearranged with this sense of progress in mind. What used to be a number of closed-off, dim rooms has been opened up into a smooth flow of living, dining, and kitchen areas connected by sightlines and lowered thresholds.
An Extension that Redefines Daily Living
Completed two years ago in collaboration with Scenario Architecture, the daily flow of the house is changed by the rear extension. A previously awkward arrangement, including a poorly positioned downstairs bathroom, was replaced with a more logical plan that prioritises openness and usability. “The goal for me was always to connect inside and out,” she notes. Even though the room faces north, it feels bright because the windows and glazing are carefully placed to keep the light soft and even.
A Gentle Expression of Minimalism
St Hill’s aesthetic leans toward restraint, elevated by layers of detail. “My style is very simple, very minimal, but I like the artwork and colour and accessories to bring life,” she says. Pale tones and natural materials form the backdrop, while layered textures, books, and collected objects introduce warmth and individuality. The result is not austerity but a lived-in minimalism that evolves through seasons and daily rituals.
Bringing Nature into the Home
Nature plays a central role in shaping the ambiance of the home. Framed by modern crittall-style doors, the garden becomes an ever-present backdrop. “I’m a big believer in biophilic design,” St Hill explains, describing her use of plants, timber, and tactile finishes to foster a connection with the outdoors. Even the neighbouring foliage contributes to what she describes as “a tropical paradise in Brixton,” highlighting the feel of seclusion within an urban setting.
Storage as Architecture
Storage becomes both a need and a creative opportunity in a small Victorian footprint. Everyday tasks, such as laundry and jackets, are subtly integrated into a core block that preserves visual order. “You can never have too much storage,” she admits, acknowledging the realities of family life. This approach allows surfaces to remain uncluttered, supporting her preference for spaces that feel relaxing without sacrificing practicality.
The Social Kitchen
Positioned at the heart of the home, the kitchen challenges the typical hierarchy of Victorian terraces. It underpins the idea as a hub for activity and gathering rather than being confined to the extension. “This is where everything happens. I love to cook. I love to gather friends around,” she says. Built on an IKEA framework with refined fronts, it balances cost and durability, demonstrating her belief in adaptable, evolving design.
Moments of Peace
While the open-plan layout encourages sociability, quieter zones are carefully embedded throughout. A long built-in bench transitions into a window seat, offering a place for pause. “I’m very much an introvert, so I need those moments of peace and solitude,” St Hill shares. These spaces allow the home to accommodate both extroverted gatherings and introspective retreat without compromise.
A Home Shaped by Philosophy
The design is based on a larger concept that draws inspiration from Scandinavian and Japanese ideas. “For me, the idea of Japandi isn’t just an aesthetic. It’s a way of life,” she explains. This philosophy manifests in mindful living, appreciation of materials, and a focus on simplicity. It is seen not only in the layout of the space but also in everyday routines, such as having coffee in the morning or working quietly while taking in views of the garden.
Character Through Objects and Memory
Though restrained in palette, the home is rich in narrative detail. Vintage finds, flea market pieces, and personal mementos are woven into the interiors. “I love having the mix of old and new to help add character,” she says. Whether it is a pebble from a beach, antique signage, or framed postcards, these components keep minimalism from feeling impersonal by grounding the area in memory and identity.
Private Spaces and Subtle Colour
Upstairs, the language of relaxation continues, adapted to the needs of each room. The compact bathroom is elevated through careful detailing and a commitment to tonal consistency. Bedrooms embrace softness and texture, with the primary suite conceived as a sanctuary. “I wanted to create a space where I can escape the world,” St Hill reflects, describing it as a place to recharge from the intensity of city life.
An Urban Oasis
Despite its proximity to central London, the house feels removed from the city’s pace. “I can get to the South Bank in 10 minutes on the train, and yet I don’t feel like I’m in the middle of the city,” she says. Surrounded by greenery and shaped by intentional design, the home achieves a creative example of modern living within a historic setting by creating a distinctive mixture between urban convenience and comfort at home.
Gallery
The Finer Details.
