In the home of British designer Edward Barber & his family in North London
Join us as we step inside the home of British designer Edward Barber and his family in Camden, North London, where architectural vision meets personal history. This residence showcases carefully curated furniture, artworks, and objects that embody a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and design. Each piece is thoughtfully chosen for its significance, creating an eclectic environment that reflects a commitment to quality and timeless design.
Nestled in a conservation area near Hampstead Heath, this five-story Victorian townhouse, built in the 1880s, harmoniously blends heritage and modernity. After a year of thoughtful exploration, Edward and his wife, Ambra Medda, founder of design consultancy AMO, undertook a bold renovation, reimagining the layout to honor the past while embracing contemporary living.
To bring their vision to life, they expanded the top floor, redesigned the layout, and added a rear extension that complements the house’s Victorian roots. Despite these changes, they preserved the original charm, with delicate cornices and classic fireplaces standing as tributes to the home’s 19th-century origins while the exterior remains untouched.
“ We don’t have a specific plan or aim to create a particular "look" with our interior style. Instead, our home is a reflection of the things we love, and it’s always evolving. ”
Edward Barber
The most dramatic transformation unfolded on the lower ground floor. Five separate rooms became an expansive, light-filled space serving as a living area, workspace, and exhibition gallery for Ambra’s collections. Large glass doors open to a stunning garden designed by their close friend, renowned landscaper Luciano Giubbilei. This thoughtful design creates a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, where natural beauty complements the home’s sleek, modern lines. The garden itself, a significant reason for choosing the property, is a tranquil retreat. Lush greenery and elegant landscaping provide the perfect backdrop for the creative studio at the far end. Here, Edward sketches, and his daughters take art classes, surrounded by abundant natural light and the calming view of the garden.
For Edward and his family, the kitchen and dining area represent the heart of their home. This space is the most actively used, serving as a gathering place for entertainment at least twice a week. It is the focal point of their daily lives, fostering connection and creativity among family and friends.
Crafting a home with heart and history
Edward often experiments with how different items interact, moving them between rooms to enhance the space's dynamic nature. This playful approach contributes to the home's atmosphere, embracing a philosophy of evolution rather than a strict design plan. It showcases a unique blend of old and new, handcrafted and manufactured, simple and ornate. Each piece tells a story, from Japanese ceramics and Moroccan carpets to cherished heirlooms from Ambra's family.
For Edward and Ambra, quality and craftsmanship are key. They prioritize well-made items that blend classic, ethnic, and modern styles, incorporating their own designs alongside carefully selected pieces to create a unique and personal home. Prominently featured in the interior is the J39 Chair, about which Edward remarks:
"We chose the J39 Mogensen chairs because they feel just right - they're elegant, simple, and honest in their design and pair beautifully with any table. The chairs are welcoming and inviting, making them perfect for our family, especially as we often entertain and spend much time around the dining table.
Beyond their aesthetic, the J39 chairs are incredibly well-made. Our J39 chairs, produced in the mid-'50s, have remained in excellent condition over the years, showcasing their enduring quality and timelessness."
Among the carefully curated pieces in the couple's home are various items from the Plan Collection, which Edward designed together with Jay Osgarby for Fredericia:
"The Plan collection is understated and simple, which allows it to fit effortlessly into a range of settings - whether it's our garden studio workspace or the dining room. The contrast between the simple geometric, even architectural frame and the more organic plywood or upholstered seat makes it timeless and versatile."
Keep exploring
Barber and Osgerby’s approach is characterised by its emphasis on experimentation and innovation and an exploratory attitude to materiality and colour. Learn more about their approach to design and the Plan Collection.
