A Vibrant Dalston Townhouse by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects

Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects

Nestled in the eclectic neighbourhood of Dalston, this reimagined four-storey townhouse is a celebration of bold colour, light, and texture. Crafted by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects, the transformation turned a divided residence into a vibrant, cohesive home, seamlessly blending East Coast grandeur with West Coast mid-century modernity.

Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects
Photos by French + Tye

The home’s owners, actor Zoe and cinematographer Benedict, sought a departure from their previously neutral spaces, asking for a property brimming with colour, character, and adaptability. Having worked with Zoe on a Hampstead apartment, the architects were thrilled to bring their expertise to the couple’s new Dalston home. The brief was ambitious: combine two separate dwellings, create a modern living space in the basement, and craft a house that reflected their creative spirit and evolving needs.

The transformation began by converting the damp and cramped basement into a luminous open-plan kitchen and living area. The team added a single-storey rear extension with full-width white metal-framed sliding doors, allowing the South-facing garden to flood the space with natural light. Above the extension, a cleverly placed rooflight filters sunlight into the home, with exposed timber joists adding texture and rhythm while providing subtle shading.

 Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects
Photos by French + Tye

Inside, the basement is a study in contrasts. Crisp white walls and clean lines create an LA-inspired brightness, while rich materials such as patterned ash parquet and a burgundy kitchen island inject warmth and depth. The centrepiece is a sculptural stone blue staircase that winds through the home like an artistic ribbon, connecting each level with elegance and flair.

Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects
Photos by French + Tye

Moving up to the ground floor, the existing through-lounge was retained, its grandeur amplified by thoughtful colour choices. The front room boasts a soft French grey, transitioning to accents of emperor yellow and deep green flooring in the rear spaces. A compact but striking yellow shower room in the outrigger becomes a beacon of light, framing views of the garden. The visual flow between rooms is seamless, with each space inviting exploration.

The upper floors house an indulgent main suite alongside flexible bedrooms and study spaces. The master bedroom envelops its occupants in moody tones of Down Pipe grey, balanced by a plush rusty orange carpet. The adjacent walk-in wardrobe deepens the palette with forest green, leading to a master bathroom drenched in euphorbia green. Tall windows and soft southern light give the bathroom a spa-like serenity, with its freestanding bath and striking geometric tiles.

 Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects
Photos by French + Tye

On the top floor, the creative energy continues with a rusty-hued study and a calming Chinese blue bedroom. The deliberate interplay of warm and cool tones showcases the owners’ exceptional eye for colour and the architects’ talent for harmonising bold choices.

Natural light is celebrated throughout the design, particularly on the lower levels, where large glazed elements and strategically placed openings ensure the home feels bright and connected to the outdoors. The garden, framed by sliding doors, acts as an extension of the living space, with its clean lines and verdant accents offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.

Texture is another key feature of the design. The architects used exposed structural timbers in the ceiling to create visual rhythm and variation, while the vertical balustrades of the staircase offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The combination of rich materials, bold colours, and thoughtfully layered textures results in a home that feels as vibrant as it is welcoming.

Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects’ Tonal Terrace is more than just a renovation—it’s a living, breathing artwork. Each element of the home has been meticulously curated to reflect its owners’ creative passions while offering a practical and adaptable space for family life. In Dalston, a neighbourhood known for its artistic soul and dynamic energy, this townhouse is a true masterpiece, showcasing the transformative power of architecture and design.

Property London

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