itself As local estate agents Leslie & Co put it: “’Olde Ealing’ is celebrated for its leafiness, elegant architecture, welcoming pubs and independent coffee shops - the kind of qualities that give it a character both rooted in history and very much alive in the present ”
It’s a description that resonates with the owners, whose favourite haunts include Paperback café, Tetote Factory and the Rose & Crown For them, this isn’t just a house - it’s a home in the truest sense, deeply entwined with the character and community of Olde Ealing.
Ealing Living Magazine & Leslie & Co are on the search for Ealing’s Most Exclusive houses. Do you want to feature? If so, email louisa@ealinglivingmagazine co uk and paul@leslieandcompanyuk.com
various styles, from modern to rustic - they’re timeless and versatile ”
Biophilic design is also part of the story, she explains “Our innate love of nature is embraced much more, steering us away from greys and towards earthy palettes that bring the outdoors in ”
Annabel Ikwueke of Ambient Igloo Limited agrees that these tones speak to deeper needs:
“Our modern lives are overloaded - with work, parenting and a constant stream of digital noise. Warm neutrals and earthy tones offer an antidote to blue light and grey cityscapes People walk through the door and want their space to exhale for them - to offer that spa-like pause the rest of life rarely allows ”
How to avoid the monochrome trap
While neutrals can feel serene, they risk falling flat if not layered thoughtfully
“Combine different textures like linen, wool, leather, and wood to add dimension,” advises Tara “Introduce darker browns, charcoals or black accents to anchor the palette Play with tonal variation - clay, sand, terracotta, caramel - for richness, and highlight with accent colours like deep green, mustard, or muted blues ” Lighting, she adds, is essential: warm, soft-white bulbs enhance the sense of cosiness.
For Annabel, it’s about layering and the power of surprise “Start with a few shades from the same warm palette and build depth through varied materials Then break the calm with a bold focal point: oversized art, a deep-toned statement piece, or - yes, you ’ ve seen it on Instagram - throw something red into the mix
The unexpected keeps things alive.”
Materials and finishes to embrace
Both designers emphasise the role of tactile finishes in elevating warm neutrals
For Tara, natural woods such as walnut, teak or oak bring organic warmth, while boucle, linen, velvet and wool add softness Clay tiles, plaster or limewash walls create subtle movement and depth, and aged metals like brass or bronze lend richness and patina
I can’t finish without mentioning Peter Gould, our co-founder, who passed away unexpectedly in February this year His artistic vision was formidable, and his work with both the festival and Questors Theatre left a lasting legacy We miss him dearly, but his spirit lives on in every frame of film we show
The Ealing Film Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 October 2025. nd th
Supporting women to recharge, restore balance, and find calm through soulful wellness retreats in the UK and abroad, alongside revitalising Vitamin B12 injections Virginia also hosts her popular twice-monthly Social Walking Group, Walk With Virginia open to everyone a welcoming space to walk, talk, and connect, finishing with a friendly pub social Sign up to hear about next year ’ s Andalusia Adventure Wellness Retreat www.soletosoulwellnessdays.com
