Living in Harmony: Inside Stepney Townhouse

Within the heart of the Stepney Green Conservation Area, an early Georgian gem quietly rests, its history layered with the marks of time and restoration. Stepney Townhouse, built in 1717, is one of the treasures saved from obscurity by the Spitalfields Trust in the early 1990s, its fate, once precariously balanced on the brink of demolition, reversed by the dedication of preservationists with an unwavering commitment to East London’s architectural landscape and soul. Decades after having been rescued and lovingly restored with support from English Heritage, the house stands as a resplendent monument to the proportions that define classic Georgian architecture.

It also happens to be a beloved home to Paul West and Michelle Bower, its current custodians. Known to their enraptured following as @consideredthings, the couple moved in during the winter of 2021, and, from the outset, embraced its richly storied past, gently reshaping it’s bones to reflect their titular philosophy of considered design and harmonious living with every quietly beautiful new addition.‘We first set foot in the house on a stormy evening in the middle of August 2021,’ recounts Paul. But despite the less than auspicious conditions raging outside, the magnetic draw they felt was instant and compelling. ‘We were immediately immersed in the historic townhouse proportions, period features, and layout. It was like nothing else we had seen.’ Stepney Townhouse, with its south-facing facade and its ability to harness light in ways that felt almost magical, proved irresistible.

Thanks to the stewardship of its previous owner who had lovingly transformed parts of the house into a micro boutique hotel, Paul and Michelle found the house in immaculate condition. Their work, then, has focused on cutting through some of the more theatrical flourishes and shepherding in a new era rooted in restraint.‘We didn’t want to make any drastic changes,’ explains Paul. ‘Instead, we sought to take it back to its bones, reflecting how we wanted to live while respecting the original layout.’ Working with deVOL, they crafted a kitchen that seamlessly blends the modern with the historic, updated bathrooms, reinstated panelling, and refinished floors. The result is a home that feels as if it has always existed this way: an easy equilibrium between old and new. As Paul extols, ‘The house in its bare form, in some way feels like a work of art. The Spitalfields Trust did a remarkable job at rescuing it, so we've always been inspired by their work and commitment to traditional techniques and historic references.’ 

Chiefly, then, the onus has been on bringing out and enhancing its natural beauty. Paul adds, ‘We wanted to create a sense of harmony and calm throughout the house. The building is blessed with beautiful detail, proportion, and changing light – it feels like the right thing to do to make the most of this. We didn't want to impose anything on a space that has transcended trends for over 300 years, and we wanted to let it live in a way that's true to itself.’Winkie Candleholder, featured left

Reflecting on the variation possible within such iconic walls, Paul agrees, ‘There are a few clusters of wonderful examples of early Georgian properties around Stepney, Whitechapel, and Spitalfields – many of which the Spitalfields Trust rescued. They do all carry some common themes in terms of layouts and architectural details, whilst having some very different interpretations in terms of arrangement and decor – they’re incredibly versatile and interesting to live in. They’re very special houses that inspire a way of living and support daily life.’ He adds, ‘It’s a testament to the strength of Georgian architecture. We love the proportion of the rooms, the panelling, the shutters and the large fireplaces. Looking a little more closely, the planning of the windows, doors, chimneys are all beautifully considered and coherent. And the scale too – the huge front door and door casing creates a very special sense of arrival, while the windows glowing at night against the subdued facade creates a lovely sense of warmth.’ 

Meanwhile, living across four floors has, in itself, proven revelatory. ‘Each level supports different ways of being, from morning to night,’ notes Paul, describing a natural progression through the house with the day. Whether it’s breakfast in the kitchen or garden, a Friday evening drink in the double reception room, or a late-night retreat to the drawing room, every space has settled into its purpose.That they should have executed so sublime and cohesive a space is thanks in large part to both halves of the couple bringing creative expertise to the table: Paul has a background in interior architecture, while Michelle's background is in visual communication. Happily, they were united in their eschewal a prescriptive vision for the house, choosing instead to let its character guide them. ‘It’s the first Georgian house we’ve lived in,’ says Paul. ‘We didn’t feel it was right to transfer learnings from our previous Victorian properties. Instead, we set out to read the house, taking it back to its original character and layout.’

Their guiding principle is simple: ‘Mindsets, not moodboards. Architectural principles, not architectural periods.’ Drawing inspiration from William Morris’ maxim to ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,’ the couple’s aesthetic champions authentic materials, honest construction, and techniques that are destined to age gracefully. Though, Paul is keen to note, ‘Paradoxically, some say I’m a curator and minimalist, but I also like collecting. I started collecting pieces whilst studying and have been evolving this ever since.’Nonetheless, the palette remains restrained, anchored by Farrow & Ball’s Old White, which serves as a versatile backdrop. ‘It’s a warm, greenish, stony grey that shifts with the light,’ they explain. ‘It frames the views to all the trees and plants beautifully, and it sits well with our eclectic mix of furniture and art.’ He adds, ‘We may layer colours up over time there’s no rush, it feels wonderful as it is.’

For Paul and Michelle, the house is more than a home; it’s a dialogue with history – and one they feel a deep responsibility for. ‘We feel a sense of duty to look after this remarkable place,’ says Paul, who has undertaken research at local archives, uncovering stories past occupants past, thus further deepening their connection to the house. ‘It’s inspiring to know about the lives lived here over the last 307 years,’ he reflects. ‘We hope to design a way of life that honours both historic and contemporary references.’Through their Instagram account, @consideredthings, Paul and Michelle share glimpses of daily life at Stepney Townhouse. What began as a personal chronicle of their home’s transformation has evolved into a platform for celebrating considered design and the beauty that lies in the everyday. Collaborations with like-minded brands, pop-up shops for antiques and art, and the occasional editorial shoot have duly followed.

‘We believe that home is the most important place in the world – we're always exploring the principles of how physical spaces can become experiences that support and inspire everyday life,’ he says. ‘We’ve met some wonderful, talented people through Considered Things, and it’s great that this creative community keeps growing. We’re constantly inspired by what we discover.’ 

Asked to name his favourite objects in the house, Paul hesitates. ‘That’s a tough one,’ he equivocates. Still, a few items stand out: a bronze sculpture from their honeymoon in Japan, their ever-growing collection of pottery, and a suite of landscape paintings that evoke childhood memories of playing in the woods.Wilford Armchair, Natural Linen & Winkie Candleholder, featured left

A recent addition – Rowen & Wren’s Wilford Armchair – has also found its place. ‘We’d been searching for the perfect reading chair,’ he says. ‘The Wilford is beautifully constructed, with a relaxed, natural feel. It’s the kind of chair that invites you to sit and stay a while.’ 

For Paul and Michelle, Stepney Townhouse is home, muse, and a living testament to the enduring beauty of Georgian architecture. It is also a place of profound joy. ‘Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that are the happiest,’ reflects Paul. ‘Opening the shutters to the trees outside, lighting a candle in the evening, or just coming home and closing the huge door after a busy day.’ 

It is these moments, woven into the fabric of a house with over three centuries of stories, that make Stepney Townhouse an extraordinary place to call home.

Interview by Nancy Alsop