Kempe Road, London, NW6

Understated, expressive and entirely in tune with Queen’s Park’s energy, Kempe Road reframes its period charm through a modern lens. Meticulously reworked by RISE Design Studio, contemporary interventions weave through original details with care and creativity.

From the outset, the home sets a thoughtful tone. A sedum-roofed bike store peeks from the wildflower front garden, while the door’s handmade stained-glass panels cast soft colour into the entrance. Just inside, a timber screen gently separates the hallway from the living space. Here, painted wood floors and neutral walls provide the canvas; cornicing, tiled fireplaces (salvaged from Retrouvius), and burnt orange accents bring depth and definition. A large front-facing window welcomes in light, while an open doorway draws you through to the rear of the house.

In the social heart of the home, the kitchen takes centre stage. Bespoke sage-green cabinetry by Little Greene is paired with Calacatta marble worktops and brass Beata Heuman handles – a considered combination that balances softness and structure. A state-of-the-art induction hob and stainless-steel oven are built seamlessly into the cabinetry, keeping the space sharp and functional. Heated herringbone floors lead through to the dining and lounge area, where skylights overhead diffuse daylight across the footprint. At the rear, a window seat carved into an oriel bay creates a peaceful reading nook with views of the garden.

Outside, thoughtfully landscaping – part York Stone terrace, part Easigrass lawn – is framed by climbing greenery. At the far end, a garden studio offers space to work, create or train, with Cat 6 cabling ensuring a strong connection.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom is softly elevated in blush tones, with light wooden floors and bespoke joinery. The en suite bathroom is crisp and confident – white and navy with a walk-in rainfall shower. Two further bedrooms on this floor each have their own palette: one in soothing green, the other wrapped in Tess Newall’s pale pink wallpaper. The family bathroom takes a more playful turn with butter-yellow walls and checkerboard floor tiles.

Above it all, the top floor holds the fourth bedroom – a quiet space with west-facing windows and plenty of light. A deep green shower room sits next door, brightened by a large overhead skylight.

A hub for creatives, commuters and families, Queen’s Park is a neighbourhood brimming with eclectic eateries and a keen sense of community. Chamberlayne Road – just a five-minute walk away – was coined London’s ‘hippest street’ by Vogue: local favourites include Wildcard Coffee, Mr. Fish and The Salusbury wine store. The eponymous Queen’s Park is on your doorstep, complete with tennis courts and a petting zoo. On Sunday mornings, head to the Farmers Market to pick up local produce.

Kensal Rise - 7 mins (Mildmay)
Queen’s Park - 10 mins (Bakerloo)