Victorian Revival: Inside Molly Fern’s Chiswick Family Home Transformation

When NW3 Interiors' Molly Fern first walked into her clients' five-bedroom Victorian property in West London, she saw beyond the existing structure to the warm, inviting family home it could become. Purchased in 2020, the property required a complete renovation that would face unexpected challenges — including a global pandemic — but would ultimately result in one of Molly's most stunning transformations.

"The most important thing to consider when designing a space is thinking holistically," she explains. "It's never objectively one thing or another; it's thinking about the room in its entirety."

This holistic approach began with reimagining the floor plan to better serve the family's lifestyle. Working collaboratively with her clients, Fern developed layouts that maximized space and light while creating distinct zones for different activities.

The entrance hallway sets the tone for the entire home. Though Molly had initially hoped to preserve the original patterned tiles, they couldn't be salvaged. "We ended up choosing something quite dramatic because we wanted to replace the original kind of drama as you walked in," she says.

The bold-patterned tiles pair beautifully with a vintage console table that required a custom plinth to match its height to the new flooring — a creative solution that exemplifies Molly's attention to detail.

Mary Wadsworth

The kitchen and dining area form the heart of this family home, designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. "It all started with this specific material," Fern notes, referring to a bold kitchen worktop. "My client had followed me on Instagram and had seen that I'd posted a photo of it — it's so striking." To balance this dramatic element, she incorporated softer textures and natural woods, along with a statement pendant light that creates a warm, inviting glow. Featuring clean lines and thoughtfully integrated appliances, the space serves as both a practical cooking area and an elegant gathering spot. The use of white crittall divides maintains the open-plan feeling while subtly defining different zones within the larger space.

Mary Wadsworth

Perhaps the most impressive area is what Fern calls her favorite room—a family space illuminated by skylights that flood the area with natural light. "I think it's just the most amazing family room I've ever designed," she says with pride. The space showcases her skill in curating meaningful pieces, from vintage coffee tables to bespoke fabric-covered chairs, creating a room that's both functional and deeply personal.

Mary Wadsworth

For the children, Fern designed a cozy, snug area. "We wanted a cool, calm space that they could come to chill out, do their homework, watch movies," she explains. The space features textured wall paneling and a Maker and Son sofa that "literally feels like a duvet." A thoughtfully arranged gallery wall incorporates elements from other areas of the home, creating visual continuity throughout the property.

Mary Wadsworth

The master bedroom suite demonstrates Fern's expertise in bespoke design. Working with her favorite custom team, Creative Edge, she created an integrated headboard with built-in lighting and bedside tables. "We fell in love with this Femori fabric," she recalls. "I loved the texture and the kind of country vibe that it brought into the space."

Adjacent to the bedroom, a sophisticated dressing area features Viola marble as a statement element. "This dressing area was something that I pushed for," Fern admits.

Mary Wadsworth

The master bathroom exemplifies Fern's talent for maximizing compact spaces. Despite its modest dimensions, her clever design accommodates both a full bath and ample storage without feeling cramped. The mix of interesting tiles and materials creates visual interest and texture, and the carefully planned layout demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform even the smallest spaces into functional sanctuaries.

Mary Wadsworth

Despite working through a pandemic and numerous unexpected challenges, Fern maintained her trademark positivity. "We faced every challenge with a smile," she recalls. The extended timeline ultimately allowed for thoughtful decisions that elevated the project beyond its original vision.

The completed home achieves exactly what the clients hoped for: a beautiful, thoughtful environment that balances sophistication with family-friendly functionality. From the open-plan design with white crittall divides to the bespoke elements throughout, Fern has created a space that feels both curated and deeply livable.