- Interior
The fascination with distinctive houses is deeply rooted in the heart of Laura Logan, a talented interior designer based in London. ‘Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the idea of houses as keepers of people's stories,’ we hear. Together with her husband Andy and their two young children, Bonnie aged 5 and Alban aged 2, she lives in a beautifully renovated Victorian house in east London, dating back to 1867. For them, this house is not just a home, but a canvas on which to paint their story.
Buying the property in 2019, Laura and Andy were faced with a house that didn't quite meet their needs as a family. "There were many aspects that didn't work for us; the kitchen was small and clunky, rooms had odd layouts of doors and windows, and the furnishings were disjointed and eclectic," Laura explains. Determined to transform this home into a warm and inviting oasis, Laura and her team worked closely with architect Lizzie O'Neill of EJ Studio to create an open-plan kitchen and dining room bathed in natural light and overlooking the back garden.
Soft, natural material palette creates a soothing ambience
‘We wanted our home to be a peaceful retreat, a place where we could escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and I believe the materials we chose made a big difference in creating that atmosphere,’ Laura explains. The soft, natural palette of sustainable European oak, breathable lime paint from Bauwerk and microcement floors from Forcrete create a soothing ambience. She strives for sustainability in every aspect of her designs. By applying 'cradle-to-cradle' thinking to materials, furniture and fittings, she ensures that every element contributes to a circular economy. For example, an old refectory table was revived as a kitchen island, not only reducing the ecological footprint but also keeping the kitchen budget within limits. Old pine floors, shutters and cornices were retained and restored, preserving the historic character of the house while minimising waste. The Logan family home is further embellished with honest, handmade pieces that further reduce its carbon footprint. Local artisans and makers are supported, resulting in unique and authentic decorative elements that give the house character while supporting the local creative community. With her sophisticated design vision and love of sustainable homes infused with character, Laura Logan is a rising star on the creative scene. Her transition from lawyer to full-time interior designer was a leap of faith, but one that has brought her happiness and satisfaction. And as she prepares for exciting projects in 2024, we can be sure Laura's work will be thoughtful and beautiful, as always. Interior design by Laura Logan of House of Logan (@house_of_logan | www.houseoflogan.co.uk)
Photography of Sarah Button
Text by Celien Hemelaer