This North London Home by McLaren Excell & Studio Iro Embraces Japanese Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic.

Photography: Rory Gardiner.

In Camden, North London, a former warehouse and art studio has been reimagined as a generous 600-square-metre residence that embraces the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi. This two-storey home showcases the collaborative efforts of McLaren Excell and Studio Iro, seamlessly blending architectural renovation with thoughtful interior design.

When a creative husband-and-wife duo with a passion for ecological beekeeping, woodworking, and weaving stumbled upon this property on The Modern House in 2019, they knew they’d found something special. But it wasn’t just the space that caught their eye—it was also where they discovered Lucy Currell, the Creative Director and founder of Studio Iro.

The homeowners and Studio Iro shared a kinship for wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic that embraces imperfection and respects nature. This shared vision laid the foundation for a unique collaboration. Lucy Currell elaborates, “The principles of our design was to stay in line with the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese concept that focuses on finding the beauty in imperfection and remaining agile to the constantly changing flux of life.”

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As a speciality estate agent that looks after some of the world’s best homes, this HQ needed to capture the essence of great design. OMG, the pressure, huh?! But no worries, TDO architecture rose to the occasion.

Photography: Rory Gardiner.

Working closely with McLaren Excell, the home was remodelled and renovated to create a minimalist canvas. White brick and lime-washed walls, warm timber panelling, and polished concrete floors set the stage for what was to come.

Studio Iro’s approach to the interiors involved integrating the owners’ existing furniture collection with new additions and collaborations with local artisans. The resulting harmonious mix of antiques, reupholstered pieces, and custom items reflect the homeowners’ global travels and interests.

Throughout the home, personal touches create a rich and serene aesthetic. The living room features a bespoke, astrology-themed curtain by Nest—a nod to the owner’s interest in celestial shapes. The modular Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, upholstered in seven different indigo-toned fabrics, pays homage to the owners’ love for Japanese aesthetics.

Other standout pieces include a sculptural floor lamp by Joe Armitage, a handmade walnut sideboard by Galvin Brothers, and a handwoven jute rug from Armadillo. Each item has been thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the overall narrative.

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Originally the local Victorian girls school, the layout was austere with one large room, a single corridor and a series of dorm-like bedrooms and bathrooms—quite a challenging footprint to work with.

Luke McLaren and Robert Excell of Mclaren Excell with Lucy Currell of Studio Iro.

Photography: Genevieve Lutkin.

Sustainability played a crucial role in the project, with a strong emphasis on repurposing and rejuvenating existing furniture. The team worked closely with the Sit Collective in Leytonstone, using natural fabrics from established brands like Pierre Frey and Rose Uniacke.

Currell highlights this achievement: “I feel proud that so much of my client’s furniture was restored, reupholstered and given a whole new life. It’s the most sustainable way to design and so rewarding seeing how gorgeous the pieces look with Dedar or Tibor fabrics on them, or the abundance of Indian and Japanese wooden pieces restored to their former glory.”

The guest bedroom features unique elements and multi-functional design, while the downstairs flex space incorporates an innovative inside tent concept, adding a playful touch to the practical area. Throughout the home, Japanese aesthetics and objects from the owners’ global travels are thoughtfully integrated, creating a space that is both personally meaningful and visually cohesive.

In a world that often prioritizes the new and the perfect, this project reminds us of the value of embracing history, imperfection, and the stories our possessions tell. It’s a home that doesn’t just house its owners—it evolves with them, telling their story with every carefully chosen piece and lovingly restored treasure.

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[Images courtesy of Studio Iro. Photography by Rory Gardiner and Genevieve Lutkin.]