This London Townhome Proves Linoleum Floors Deserve A Comeback
Remember linoleum floors? Those durable, colorful surfaces that graced kitchens and hallways decades ago are making a stylish comeback in modern homes.
A recently renovated London townhouse has become the poster child for this resurgence, showcasing how this eco-friendly material can transform living spaces with both practicality and pizzazz.
Let’s explore how this historic flooring option is stepping back into the spotlight with contemporary flair.
1. Wish‑List Living In A Narrow Victorian Townhome
In this Victorian-era south London home, homeowners dreamed of fitting a super‑king bed and adding a separate shower alongside the tub. Despite existing layout challenges, they pressed on.
The design studio began by asking the clients for their ultimate wish list, treating their desires as guiding principles rather than limitations.
This collaborative approach set the tone for the entire renovation.
2. Clever Circulation And Storage Solutions
Storage was a particular challenge in this narrow home, which lacked a dedicated coat or shoe area. The design team flipped the typical double living-room layout.
Instead of flanking the front door, a custom TV unit was placed in a windowed niche. A new central entrance ensures guests can head left to relax or right to cook, making flow intuitive.
Meanwhile, the preserved original hallway door now reveals a clever storage cupboard behind it. These layout moves maximize usability while retaining character and charm.
3. Comfort Underfoot That Lasts For Decades
Barefoot breakfast dancers, rejoice! The slight give in the linoleum throughout this London home makes morning kitchen routines genuinely comfortable.
Unlike ceramic tile that turns your toes into icicles in winter, linoleum maintains a pleasant temperature year-round. The homeowners were shocked to discover original 1930s linoleum in perfect condition under old carpeting in the upstairs hallway!
Modern linoleum can last 40+ years with proper care. The slight springiness also makes it easier on joints, perfect for homes where someone spends hours cooking or where little ones are learning to toddle around.
4. Color Options That Interior Designers Adore
Forget the clinical-looking floors of yesteryear! The London homeowners selected a rich, muted teal for their dining room that creates a dramatic backdrop for their mid-century furniture.
The color reads differently throughout the day as natural light shifts, creating an almost magical effect during dinner parties.
Today’s linoleum comes in over 100 colors and can even be custom-tinted. The townhome’s designer cleverly used different colored linoleum to subtly define spaces in the open-plan first floor without resorting to physical barriers.
5. Smart Bath Upgrades That Enabled A Walk‑In Shower
From the start, the homeowners envisioned a separate shower, not just a combined tub system. The layout was reworked so that a smaller tub sits next to a walk-in shower area.
That meant tucking the tub within millimeters of existing walls. Marine plywood paneling was installed around the bath in precise increments to maximize space.
This update transformed what was once a cramped, awkward bath into a functional and stylish wet zone. Despite the tight setup, the finish feels intentional and polished.
