Interior designer Georgina Cave has transformed her London home into a tranquil, intelligently planned retreat, balancing functionality with an inviting aesthetic. Showcasing her expertise in both spatial planning and design, her residence embodies a warm, lived-in elegance that reflects her personal style and ethos.
After over a decade of bustling family life - including raising teenagers and sharing space with a large dog named Ernie - Georgina’s home was in need of a refresh. Nestled in a Victorian building in Belsize Park, the ground-floor property offered a broad layout, thanks to an adjoining former coach house. Despite initial concerns about space, Georgina was drawn to the home's charm and leveraged her architectural acumen to optimise its functionality. By reconfiguring the floor plan, she successfully added an extra bedroom and bathroom, ensuring a private space for each family member.
The home’s entrance, accessed through a rare double-width garden, leads to a long hallway stretching to the front door. This layout creates a natural flow, with the main living areas positioned at the front. To the right lies the living room, while the left houses the kitchen and an adjoining dining space.
Sustainability is a core principle in Georgina’s design philosophy. The kitchen renovation retained its original concrete floor tiles, which have developed a cherished patina over the years. While she initially hoped to use reclaimed wood for the cabinetry, weight constraints led her to opt for a reclaimed-style alternative. The kitchen is punctuated with characterful details, such as Belgian Fossil Limestone countertops and striking yellow zellige tiles from Emery & Cie on the backsplash. Open shelving, adorned with her pottery collection, adds a personal touch.
The sunken living room is a testament to Georgina’s knack for curating spaces that blend comfort with style. A corner sofa of her own design fits seamlessly, complemented by a mid-century-inspired floating TV console. Vintage Heals leather armchairs positioned by the original Crittall windows create an inviting reading nook. Mohair curtains in olive brown, though slightly aged, remain a beloved feature, harmonising with an antique tapestry above the sofa.
Beyond the main living area, a cleverly designed landing space features a hidden laundry cupboard and a compact desk nook. A sliding door off this area leads to a small vestibule, unveiling a beautifully tiled bathroom and a serene bedroom. In the bedroom, built-in joinery anchors the bed, maximising storage and maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic.
The true highlight of the home is Georgina’s own bedroom, an exercise in space efficiency without sacrificing elegance. Despite its compact size, it accommodates an en-suite, walk-in wardrobes, and inventive bedside storage. The bed is positioned against a custom-width wall; to one side lies a discreet walk-in closet, while the other conceals the en-suite behind fluted joinery. A former fireplace, unable to be used due to regulations, has been transformed into a stylish shoe storage unit—one of many clever solutions that define the space. With limited room for traditional furniture, Georgina designed cubby holes within the headboard, complete with pull-out drawers. These thoughtful details exemplify her ability to make a seemingly insufficient space feel both spacious and functional.
Georgina’s daughter, Anouska, now a partner at Cave Interiors, played a key role in the home’s transformation. Serving as both collaborator and sounding board, Anouska’s keen eye for styling added another layer of depth to the project. Their seamless working relationship evolved naturally, with Anouska initially assisting in the business before officially joining the team. Today, Georgina oversees operations, while Anouska manages sourcing and styling, working on a range of projects from historic homes in Hampstead to modern builds in Scotland.
I want people to look at my home and say “That’s a home, not just a house"
For Georgina, the essence of great design is creating a space that feels genuinely lived-in. Her London residence embodies this philosophy, offering warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging—a place where design serves both beauty and purpose in equal measure.
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