How Drummonds helped restore a Victorian property to its former glory

BathroomsFeatures Fri 7th Mar 2025 by KBBFocus

How Drummonds helped restore a Victorian property to its former glory

How Drummonds helped restore a Victorian property to its former glory



A combination of skill, artistic vision and an array of stunning products breathed new life into a pokey London flat, which needed to hark back to its Victorian roots to become the desirable and luxurious apartment it is today.

This Victorian-style apartment in South Kensington was restored to its former glory with the help of interior design by Esra Candan Saginc, director of Luce Interiors, while Ashby Refurbishments brought it to life. The project required the removal of the modern suspended ceilings and stud walls to reveal the original architecture, while installing modern comforts such as underfloor heating and modern plumbing and wiring.

Reinstating the charm and spaciousness of the original building created a splendid sanctuary for 2 with the most striking transformation occurring in the master bathroom. The impressive 4-metre-high ceilings demanded a design that honoured its Victorian roots while integrating modern comforts, making Drummonds the perfect choice. 

A previously cramped and unremarkable space now features a walk-in wetroom, a sumptuous Ashburn freestanding cast iron bathtub with claw feet, and a spacious Double Ladybower vanity basin suite designed for Drummonds by Martin Brudnizki, complete with beautiful white Arabescato marble countertop and storage shelf.

The selection of materials and finishes played a crucial role in establishing the desired ambience. On the walls and floor, large-format porcelain tiles from Iris Ceramica offered a lighter alternative to marble while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

In contrast, the hand-painted wallpaper from De Gournay introduces an artistic flair and playful elegance, elevating the overall luxury of the space.

Drummonds’ polished nickel fixtures complement the flat’s innate grandeur. Elements such as the Dalby surface-mounted shower, Dalby handshower, Coll lever basin mixer and floorstanding Coll bath and shower mixer, all featuring a classic, period-style aesthetic, help to create a cohesive look and complement the Victorian interior.

The result is an eclectic mix that respects the property’s history while embracing contemporary sophistication. Esra Candan Saginc notes: “Drummonds brassware makes you stop and look twice. My client wanted fittings that ooze quality and presence!”

And finally, bespoke furniture, crafted by Jeffrey Watson of Paragon Furniture, adds the finishing touch.

Tags: bathrooms, features, drummonds, victorian architecture

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