Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, this Victorian semi-detached home is full of history and character. Built in the early 20th century, the house has a classic Victorian feel with plenty of original character, featuring our Hambleton Taupe stone effect porcelain.
Today, it belongs to Emma and her family, who returned to the UK after several years living abroad. While Cambridge is a city, Emma loves how it feels surprisingly peaceful compared to their previous homes in London and Los Angeles.
After beginning a year-long renovation project in April 2023, they’ve now transformed the house into a family home that honours its heritage while embracing modern, practical design featuring Hambleton Taupe stone-effect porcelain in the new kitchen.
From the outset, we wanted to retain the original Victorian feel while introducing a more pared-back, contemporary approach. The kitchen became the heart of the project and the biggest transformation.
We tackled everything from rewiring and replumbing to reconfiguring the layout. Much of this began while we were still overseas, which wasn’t without its challenges. When we moved in during the summer of 2023, only a few rooms were finished, we had no proper kitchen until later that autumn, and no central heating for our first winter, relying instead on hot water bottles and a garden heater. But gradually, it all came together. The completed space is now light-filled, warm, and designed to feel both timeless and lived in.
Why did you choose porcelain floor tiles?
We’d originally considered natural limestone, but in the end, we opted for Hambleton Taupe, a porcelain tile that offered the look we loved with none of the upkeep. With children, muddy shoes, and a dog in the mix, it made sense to go for something hardwearing. The subtle variation and gentle taupe tone brings warmth to the space without overpowering it. It’s incredibly easy to clean and feels like a natural fit for the kitchen.
Why did you choose Quorn Stone?
We spent a lot of time looking for the right flooring, something that felt premium, natural, and would suit the age of the house. We came across Quorn Stone while researching online and loved the clear focus on quality and timeless design.
Visiting the Bury St Edmunds showroom really helped us visualise how the tiles would look in a real space, and the team were brilliant in guiding us through the options. We wanted something that would work in a family home but still felt considered, and Hambleton Taupe ticked all the boxes.
What makes the kitchen work for everyday life?
We wanted a kitchen that felt traditional but still fresh and practical. The cabinets are from Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch, painted in Paint & Paper Library’s Stone III, with the walls in a softer Stone I. The Gemini worktops add a lovely smooth contrast.
The layout is open and inviting, centred around a large island that makes cooking and socialising easy. The bar stools are from Garden Trading Company, picked up during a lucky 25% off sale, and they really complete the space.
Lighting was another big focus. We chose pendants from Soho Lighting, wall lights from Pooky, and dimmable toggle switches from Elesi that bring in a touch of period charm.
What's next for the house?
The renovation is still ongoing. Next, we’re turning our attention to the ’bootility’, garden, and lounge. But even with more work ahead, the house already feels full of character. Choosing Hambleton Taupe in the kitchen gave us a floor that’s practical for family life but still lets the softer, traditional features shine through. For us, it strikes the right balance between old and new and feels like home.
What three words would you use to summarise your style?
Traditional, pale/neutral tones, minimalist
