For British interior designer Laura Logan, home has always been more than just a place to live; it is a canvas for stories. Growing up in Leeds, Laura was surrounded by the architecture of 19th-century Victorian houses—antiquated spaces marked by lofty ceilings, dark, cool cellars, and mysterious attics. Ferm Living pays her a visit.
Although charming, these childhood homes were often imperfect, with rattling windows, ill-fitting doors and unpredictable plumbing. These early experiences instilled in Laura a deep appreciation of houses that invite childhood imagination to wander freely.
When Laura and her family first moved to London, she sought a home that could embody this same spirit. 'I was looking for a house with a clear sense of itself; a building that dwelled within a community where I could put down roots and be part of something, rather than just living 'somewhere' in London,' she reflects.
She started by renovating a smaller house in the neighbourhood, but it wasn't long before she found herself drawn to a nearby property that she often passed on her walks. Though structurally sound, the house was an eccentric 'kaleidoscope' of interior styles accumulated over the past forty years—full of mismatched decor, oddly positioned doors and windows, and an overgrown garden. Where others might see chaos, Laura saw potential. 'It was a great 'house,' but I could see so much more potential in it being a great home,' she explains.
Built in 1867, the home stands as a testament to both history and modernity. Many of the original Victorian walls remain intact, and Laura has chosen to highlight these elements rather than conceal them. A window in the kitchen frames one of the original walls, serving as a daily reminder of the home's storied past. 'I love that most of the original walls are still standing, steeped in over 100 years of history,' Laura explains. In contrast, modernist touches bring a sense of freshness and light, creating an intricate balance between old and new.
Laura's interior style is best described as simple yet soulful. She also weaves in a soulful Mediterranean touch through her love of ceramics, infusing the space with an added layer of warmth and texture.
'I'm drawn to the shared qualities of Japanese and Nordic design traditions around simplicity, functionality, and attention to detail. My approach is rooted in a respect for natural materials, a fondness for an earthy palette, and a humble approach to expressivity through craftsmanship.'
For Laura, every element in her home tells a story. 'Ever since childhood, I've been fascinated by the idea of houses as repositories of people's stories,' she explains. One of the family's most treasured pieces is an old refectory table that sits at the heart of her kitchen. Despite having weathered many years, it remains a quiet, steadfast centre for slow sunlit breakfasts and family life.
As an interior designer, Laura's approach to building a home is rooted in a 'cradle-to-cradle' philosophy, focusing on materials that are natural, durable, and wherever possible, repurposed. From preserving the original pine floors and shutters to the family's favourite vintage refectory table, she is conscious of the environmental impact of her choices. 'In practical terms, this 'cradle-to-cradle' thinking has shaped the materials, furniture, and decor we have incorporated into the living space,' she adds.
For Laura, it's not just about creating a beautiful space; it's about crafting an environment that nurtures creativity, facilitates family rituals, and honours the natural world. As she puts it, 'Good design decisions create good environments, not only for us, but also for the natural world.'
More information:
Ferm Living
www.fermliving.com