Two Married Architects Update and Preserve a Timeless London Home

When husband and wife architects Ben and Jelena Cousins purchased a four-bedroom London home that had been untouched for the better part of a century, their biggest challenge was finding a balance between history and modernity. Set in Dartmouth Park, a conservationist neighborhood in the northern part of the city, the property is surrounded by an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from rows of Victorian-era designs to blocks of 1960s modernist facades. While their address had some original elements — like timber sash windows — they were in such disrepair that they had to be replaced. Plus, the rooms inside were small and dark, and the pair wanted a versatile floor plan that would accommodate their three young daughters. With help from their appropriately named firm, Cousins & Cousins, the two were able to retain the historic charm they initially fell in love with, while giving the site's late Victorian style a major artistic upgrade. They emphasized sunlight in the plans, and complemented that natural sheen with equally bright accessories. And where they could, the duo used reclaimed materials to maintain the house's character. The result is a modern twist on a timeless canvas, where comfort and color intertwine to suit a design-forward family.