Interior designer Anahita Rigby has successfully transformed a historic Chelsea townhouse into a light-filled family home bursting with vibrant colors and contemporary furnishings. The London-based designer, known for her expertise in breathing new life into period properties, created a cheerful and airy living space that perfectly matches her American clients' personality.

Rigby brings extensive experience to the complex world of renovating London's historic townhouses. She has mastered the intricate process of navigating planning permissions, architectural drawings, and heritage statements required for such projects. The renovation of old London townhouses can be an extremely lengthy and complex process that varies within neighborhoods depending on the level of historic protection. Less than two years ago, she successfully modernized a formerly dark Regency house in Marylebone, and recently transformed a dilapidated Victorian house in Kensington into an extraordinary bachelor pad, expertly balancing maximalism with casual comfort.

This particular Chelsea renovation presented a significant advantage from the start. Although the impressive townhouse is located within a conservation area, it was not listed as a historic building by authorities, which considerably simplified the renovation work. "We were able to renovate the house from top to bottom without major restrictions," Rigby recalls. "Additionally, we had a very committed construction manager. This allowed the entire construction process to proceed smoothly."

The clients, described as an "extremely carefree and joyful" young American couple, wanted a home that reflected their personality: airy and bright, with vibrant colors and abundant natural light. The first step involved modifying the structure of the old house to achieve this vision. To open up the living space, double doors were removed and replaced with a glass partition, allowing the entire entrance hall to be bathed in natural light.

The kitchen underwent a complete renovation and now gleams in a warm butter yellow finish. In the dining room, Rigby integrated a wall of sand-colored cabinets that, when opened, reveals a striking cobalt blue bar. The spacious kitchen features butter yellow facades that contrast beautifully with full-height wooden cabinets, creating a bold yet harmonious color scheme.

The aesthetic of the entire house is characterized by two central elements: a cheerful color palette and the sun as a recurring motif. The main bathroom exemplifies this approach with its custom mosaic depicting the sun and stars, which Rigby commissioned specifically for the shower and paired with a bespoke wooden vanity. The sun motif also appears in the living room through hand-carved door handles.

Custom craftsmanship defines much of the interior, with very few standard elements throughout the home. Rigby had all the built-in cabinets and furniture custom-made, including the comfortable cocktail chairs in the living room, which are her own design. The twin cocktail chairs feature alongside a rug from Shame Studios, creating an inviting seating area.

The furniture selection combines Scandinavian classics with contemporary pieces, including a sculptural chair by Anissa Kermiche and lighting fixtures by Paolo Moschino. In the bedroom, a cobalt blue bench adds a colorful accent, while the bed comes from Collection Seven and the ceiling light is designed by Paolo Moschino. The bedroom also features a full-height wardrobe wall that maximizes storage while maintaining clean lines.

Attention to detail extends throughout the home, from the antique zodiac motif at the base of the spiral staircase to the sun-yellow faucets by The Water Monopoly in the bathroom that provide colorful accents. A large-format artwork by Tomo Campbell hangs in the entrance hall, making a bold first impression for visitors.

The renovation extended beyond the interior rooms to include the townhouse's inner courtyard, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor living experience. The result is a warm and elegant interior that, with its cheerful and carefully selected colors, defies London's typical drizzle and creates a sunny sanctuary in the heart of Chelsea.

This project demonstrates Rigby's skill in creating spaces that are both sophisticated and livable, combining bold color choices with thoughtful design elements. The transformation showcases how historic properties can be successfully modernized while maintaining their character, creating homes that reflect their owners' personalities while respecting architectural heritage.