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Inside a Restored Georgian Townhouse in Islington Designed by Emilie Fournet

Sep 12
4 min read

For designer Emilie Fournet, this Georgian townhouse in Islington was an opportunity to create a home that is personal, layered and connected to its history. Original features are paired with a mix of antique, vintage and contemporary pieces, creating an interior that feels both considered and personal. Each room has its own character, yet the design flow creates a connection throughout the home. As Emilie explains, “What I really like about this room is how all the patterns and colours and texture are coming together, which is what we have done throughout the house.”


DESIGNER

Emily Fournet

TYPE

Family Residence

LOCATION

Islington, London, UK

SERVICES

Full feature on YouTube, IG, FB & TikTok

PRESENTED BY

Emily Fournet

Narrow hallway with striped carpeted stairs, framed art, pink wall sconces, and stained-glass windows in a warm home interior.
Ornate cream hallway ceiling with orange wall lamps, a hanging glass pendant, and a door below in a warm, elegant interior
Stairwell with wooden handrail, colorful stained-glass window, and framed abstract art, looking out onto brick wall and greenery.

The Entrance Hall


The entrance introduces the design language of the house, combining original Georgian details with a more colourful interior. The original spindles, banisters and Georgian floorboards were retained, while a Swedish vintage runner brings pattern and colour to the staircase. The walls were kept neutral and moody to create a backdrop for artwork, while an original stained glass window adds a bright note of colour. “We wanted to have a really nice sort of backdrop for the art” Emilie explains.

Bright living room with a red sofa, patterned wall tapestry, and green-view window, styled with books and a mustard ottoman.
Elegant cream living room with marble fireplace, gold mirror, colorful chairs, large window, and lush greenery outside.

The Double Reception Room


The double reception room brings together the formal character of the Georgian house with furniture from the owners’ previous home. A large, colourful sofa sits alongside antique side tables and a chinoiserie cabinet that cleverly hides the television. The working marble fireplace remains the main focal point. Emily describes the process of sourcing the cabinet as “quite fun” as it needed to fit the alcove, the television and the wider scheme without distracting from the fireplace.


Bright living room with fireplace, bookshelves, wicker chairs, patterned rug, large window with green trees, and soft sunlight.

At the rear of the house, the reception room becomes a quieter study and reading space overlooking the garden. Original shutters, fireplace and Georgian cabinets are paired with pieces also brought from the previous home. A mid-century chair was upholstered in a complementary fabric and layered over another rug to connect it with the room. “We wanted to keep with the proportion of the room” Emilie says, showing how existing furniture can be incorporated through careful attention to size and colour.


Hallway coat nook with brown leather bags and wicker basket; open door to bright tiled bathroom with toilet, sink and window.

The Cloakroom


A compact cloakroom demonstrates how Emily gives practical spaces the same design attention as the main rooms. A former utility room was divided to create storage for coats and shoes, along with hooks and seating for everyday family items. “It is just a really, really functional part of the space” Emilie says, making it especially practical for family life.


Bright tiled bathroom with sink, toilet, window, mirror, plant, and patterned floor; calm, clean, modern feel.

The Shower Room


The small shower room makes an impact through pattern and detail. Full-height wall tiles and a patterned floor give the space a strong visual identity, while the basin and wall lights introduce a subtle Art Deco influence alongside the Georgian references. It is a compact room, but one that combines function with a strong sense of style.

Bright kitchen with orange built-in cabinets, purple island and farmhouse sink, leading to a sunlit dining room.
Bright kitchen with purple island, orange cabinets, black tile floor, stools, flowers, and sunlight through a large window.

The Basement Kitchen


The basement kitchen combines the character of a Georgian townhouse with a more relaxed, sociable layout. Stone, warm neutrals, mustard and plum create the palette, while a tiled splashback adds pattern through three different tile sizes. At the centre, the island provides a place to gather without making the room feel crowded. “I didn't want it to feel heavy” Emilie explains. “It just felt sort of light, but still very functional.”


Bright dining room with wooden chairs, green tablecloth, chandelier, mirror, and open door to a leafy patio.

The Dining Room


The dining space continues the kitchen’s rich colours while bringing in a stronger sense of Georgian grandeur. An oversized chandelier anchors the room above an extendable dining table, while antique pieces, artwork and vintage chairs add character. Some of the original chair fabrics were kept because they worked so well with the scheme. French doors open onto the courtyard, while reconfigured garden steps help bring more light into the dining area.


Cozy plum-colored bathroom with wooden counter, sink, toilet, hanging baskets, and warm lights; neat, rustic mood

The Utility Room


Emilie embraces the naturally dark utility room rather than trying to make it feel brighter. Plum covers the space, echoing the kitchen island, while mustard fabric and copper details connect it to the rest of the basement. Behind the colour is a highly practical layout with storage, concealed appliances and preparation space.


Sunny nursery with two pink cribs, floral wallpaper, bookshelves, rocking horse, stuffed toys, and a large window.


The Nursery


Originally planned as a guest bedroom, this room became a nursery during the project. Botanical wallpaper wraps around the room, creating a soft backdrop for the garden beyond, while earthy colours connect it to the rest of the house. The original Georgian floorboards add warmth and structure. Emilie describes it as “a really nice, bright, relaxing, gender neutral nursery.”

Stylish pink library lounge with fireplace, built-in bookshelves, mint sofa, striped rug, and botanical art in a cozy mood.
Pink book-lined living room with fireplace, mint sofa, framed botanical art, and warm orange ceiling light.
Elegant pink living room with striped rug, fireplace, armchair, green sofa, clock, bookshelves, and botanical wall art in warm light
Ornate amber pendant light hangs from a white ceiling medallion in a pink room, creating a warm, elegant mood.

The Library


The library was given more architectural character to meet the clients’ needs. Emilie reinstated the ceiling rose and fireplace, then added built-in shelving around the room for the owners’ books. Antique pieces, including a family grandfather clock, add another layer of history. Deep reddish-pink walls work with the large sash windows, while a blue sofa brings contrast. Subtle bobbin detailing softens the built-in shelving and echoes the rounded forms of the lighting and furniture.

Stylish vintage bathroom with glass shower, red clawfoot tub, marble sink, fish art, window light, and patterned rug.
Stylish bathroom with a red clawfoot tub, black radiator, framed art, and warm brown walls lit by a large bright window.

The Family Bathroom


The family bathroom takes a darker, more intimate feel, designed as what Emilie calls a “sanctuary space.” A large walk-in shower, freestanding slipper bath and bronze details create a warm and comfortable setting. The original fireplace was retained and painted, providing a backdrop for artwork and antique pieces, while a freestanding wood and marble vanity adds another layer of traditional character.


Stylish teal-and-pink bedroom with a bed, cane headboard, pink ceiling lamp, fireplace, and floral art.

The Principal Bedroom


The principal bedroom brings together the colours, patterns and textures seen throughout the house. Grass cloth wallpaper adds texture and makes the room feel “really cosy and quite private” while dusty pink, blue and warm natural tones create a soft palette. Original Georgian wardrobes and the fireplace were retained and painted in a coordinating colour, helping the room feel cohesive. For Emilie, the way patterns, colours and texture come together is one of the most rewarding parts of the project.


Woman in white blouse and tan pants stands on steps outside brick townhouse with black iron fence and yellow door, number 23.

A Personal Approach to Georgian Design


Throughout the townhouse, Emily Fournet allows the original architecture to guide the interiors without making the home feel too formal. Georgian details sit comfortably alongside mid-century furniture, antique finds, contemporary upholstery and expressive colour. The aim was to bring the original features forward while creating a home that is personal to its owners. As Emilie says, the project ultimately created “a really sort of personal and unique space for the clients.”






 
 
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