When you think of Lily James, you probably picture her captivating performances in Downton Abbey, Cinderella, or Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. But beyond the silver screen, this British actress has quietly become a style icon whose taste extends far beyond fashion into interior design. Her recent renovation of a 250-year-old London home proves she’s just as talented at creating real-life magic as she is at bringing characters to life.
The Lily James house isn’t just another celebrity mansion. It’s a carefully curated sanctuary that tells a centuries-spanning story. Imagine walking through rooms where Georgian-era artisans once laid each floorboard by hand, now seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge smart home technology. This isn’t about erasing history—it’s about honoring it while making it livable for the 21st century.
The Vision Behind the Renovation
When Lily James first walked through her future home, she didn’t just see old walls and creaky floors. She envisioned a space where past and present could dance together in perfect harmony. Her personal style—elegant yet approachable, classic yet fresh—became the guiding principle for the entire renovation project.
The actress wanted her home to feel like a natural extension of herself. If you’ve followed her red carpet appearances, you know she gravitates toward timeless elegance with unexpected modern twists. That same sensibility shaped every decision in the renovation. She wasn’t interested in creating a showpiece that felt untouchable. Instead, she wanted a real home where she could kick off her heels after a long day on set, curl up with a script, and feel completely at ease.
Achieving this vision required assembling a dream team of specialists. Lily collaborated with conservation architects who understood the delicate balance between preservation and innovation. She brought in interior designers known for seamlessly blending periods. Master artisans skilled in traditional techniques worked alongside modern engineers to ensure every update respected the home’s heritage while meeting contemporary standards.
The renovation philosophy was challenging but straightforward: honor the past without being enslaved by it. Original features that could be saved were meticulously restored. Elements beyond repair were recreated using traditional methods and materials. But where modern interventions made sense—like updating electrical systems or adding climate control—they were integrated so skillfully that they seem to disappear.
The Lily James house became a reflection of her artistic journey. Just as she brings historical characters to life with contemporary relevance, her home effortlessly bridges centuries. Friends who visit often comment that the space feels both like stepping into a Jane Austen novel and walking into a modern London flat. That’s precisely the magic she was hoping to create.
This wasn’t about imposing a trendy aesthetic that would feel dated in five years. It was about creating something timeless—a home that would feel as relevant and beautiful decades from now as it does today.
Architectural and Interior Renovation Highlights
The transformation of this Georgian gem required surgical precision and artistic vision in equal measure. Let’s walk through the most spectacular changes that turned a beautiful but tired historic house into the stunning Lily James house we see today.
Restoring the Soul of the Home
The renovation team’s first priority was bringing original features back to life. The Georgian fireplaces, hidden under decades of paint, required hundreds of hours of careful restoration. Specialists used dental tools and gentle chemical treatments to reveal the original marble’s veining without damaging the stone. The result? Fireplaces that look like they’ve been lovingly maintained for 250 years rather than rescued from neglect.
The original wood paneling presented its own challenges. Years of heating and cooling had caused some panels to warp and crack. Rather than replacing them with modern alternatives, master woodworkers used traditional techniques to repair each panel individually. They even sourced reclaimed Georgian pine from other period properties to ensure perfect matches where replacement was unavoidable.
Windows to the Past and Present
Those gorgeous sash windows—such a defining feature of Georgian architecture—needed serious attention. The renovation team faced a choice: replace them with modern double-glazing or find a way to preserve them while improving efficiency. They chose a third option: slimline double-glazing technology that fits within the original frames. Now the windows look precisely as they did in the 1770s, but perform as if they were installed yesterday.
Kitchen: Where History Meets Haute Cuisine
The kitchen transformation showcases the renovation’s philosophy perfectly. The space maintains its period proportions and even incorporates the original hearth as a decorative element. But look closer, and you’ll find state-of-the-art appliances cleverly concealed behind custom cabinetry that matches the home’s Georgian aesthetic.
The island, crafted from a single piece of Carrara marble, provides modern functionality while its classic materials and proportions feel entirely at home in the historic space. Brass fixtures and hardware echo the home’s original fittings, while the professional-grade range and built-in refrigeration meet every modern cooking need.
Bathroom Bliss
The bathrooms required the most creative problem-solving. Georgian homes weren’t built with modern plumbing in mind, so integrating luxury bathrooms without compromising structural integrity took serious engineering. The main bathroom now features a freestanding copper tub positioned perfectly to catch morning light through the restored windows.
Modern amenities like heated floors and rainfall showers hide behind period-appropriate tilework and fixtures. The medicine cabinets? They’re actually antique mirrors fitted with hidden storage—a perfect example of the thoughtful details throughout the renovation.
Smart Technology, Invisibly Integrated
Here’s where the renovation gets really clever. The Lily James house incorporates cutting-edge smart home technology, but you’d never know it from looking. Climate control, lighting, security, and entertainment systems all operate through a sophisticated network, yet there’s not a visible wire or modern switch plate in sight.
Light switches are hidden behind what appear to be original brass plates. The heating system uses underfloor elements to maintain consistent temperatures without visible radiators. Even the speakers for the whole-house Audio system are concealed within the original moldings, providing crystal-clear sound without visual intrusion.
Before and After: The Dramatic Differences
The transformation photos tell an incredible story. What was once a dark, compartmentalized layout now flows with natural light. Walls were strategically removed (with structural support carefully hidden in remaining elements) to create sight lines that didn’t exist in Georgian times but feel completely natural now.
The color palette shifted from heavy Victorian additions back to Georgian lightness—soft whites, pale blues, and warm creams that make spaces feel twice as large. Original floorboards, once hidden under carpeting, now gleam with a smooth patina that only centuries can provide.
This renovation has already influenced how other historic London properties approach updates. It proves you don’t have to sacrifice authenticity for comfort or technology for tradition.
Design Elements That Capture Timeless Charm
Walking through the Lily James house feels like experiencing a masterclass in timeless design. Every room whispers elegance without shouting for attention—a quality that’s surprisingly difficult to achieve.
A Palette Inspired by History
The color story throughout the home draws from authentic Georgian palettes but interprets them with modern sophistication. Soft sage greens in the drawing room recall the era’s love of nature-inspired hues, but they’re paired with contemporary whites that keep the space feeling fresh. The dining room features a stunning, historically accurate Prussian blue that creates drama without overwhelming the space.
Lily worked with color historians to ensure authenticity while maintaining livability. They discovered that many Georgian homes were actually much more colorful than we imagine today. Armed with this knowledge, she felt free to incorporate rich jewel tones in smaller doses—an emerald velvet chair here, a sapphire cushion there—that add personality without compromising the overall serenity.
Textures That Tell Stories
The textural elements add visual interest without resorting to bold patterns. Original plaster walls show subtle imperfections that modern drywall could never replicate. These gentle undulations catch light differently throughout the day, creating an ever-changing canvas that flat walls can’t match.
Fabrics throughout the home mix periods fearlessly. A Georgian sofa might wear contemporary linen, while a modern chair sports vintage velvet. The key is maintaining a consistent quality level—everything feels substantial and carefully chosen rather than trendy or disposable.
Lighting as Jewelry
The lighting design deserves special mention. Rather than relying solely on period-appropriate fixtures, the design team created a layered lighting scheme that serves both practical and atmospheric needs. Original Georgian chandeliers were restored and retrofitted with LED bulbs that can dim to candlelight levels. These statement pieces are supported by carefully concealed modern lighting that provides task and ambient illumination.
In the library, antique-brass picture lights illuminate artwork, while recessed LED strips hidden in the original crown molding provide reading light. The effect is magical—rooms that glow rather than glare, spaces that feel warm and inviting regardless of London’s often gray weather.
Living Spaces That Actually Live
The living room perfectly exemplifies the home’s approach to comfort. The original fireplace serves as the focal point, but the furniture arrangement encourages conversation rather than formal presentation. Deep, sink-into sofas covered in performance fabrics that can handle real life are positioned to take advantage of both the fire’s warmth and the garden views.
Personal touches prevent the space from feeling like a museum. Family photos in antique frames, well-loved books actually read rather than displayed, and a vintage record player that gets regular use all signal that this is a home, not a showpiece.
Garden Views and Green Spaces
The connection between interior and exterior spaces was carefully considered. French doors (a later but period-appropriate addition) open onto a garden that maintains the home’s historical character. Box hedges and heritage roses create structure, while comfortable outdoor furniture encourages actually using the space rather than just admiring it.
Window treatments throughout the home are minimal—simple linen panels that can be drawn for privacy but are usually left open to maximize natural light and maintain a connection to the outside world. This choice makes even the smallest rooms feel more spacious and brings the changing seasons into the home’s daily rhythm.
Modern Comforts and Luxuries Added
While respecting history was paramount, the Lily James house needed to function as a modern home. The integration of contemporary comforts showcases how thoughtful renovation can provide luxury without compromise.
A Kitchen for Real Cooking
Beyond its beautiful aesthetics, the kitchen functions as a serious cooking space. The range, disguised by classic styling, delivers professional-grade performance with dual-fuel options and precise temperature controls. The refrigeration system, completely integrated into the cabinetry, maintains multiple climate zones for different types of food storage.
A hidden pantry—accessed through what appears to be just another panel of Georgian woodwork—houses small appliances and bulk storage. This keeps countertops clear and maintains the room’s serene aesthetic. The dishwasher, washing machine, and other necessary appliances are all concealed behind custom panels that match the surrounding cabinetry perfectly.
The kitchen island isn’t just beautiful; it’s incredibly functional. Built-in charging stations hide beneath flip-up panels, keeping devices powered while keeping them out of sight. The marble surface stays cool for pastry-making, while an integrated cutting board slides out when needed.
Bathroom Retreats
The main bathroom feels like a five-star spa while maintaining period charm. The heated floors use modern radiant technology that’s energy-efficient and completely silent. The shower features both rainfall and handheld options with thermostatic controls that maintain perfect temperature.
What really sets this bathroom apart is the attention to modern wellness. A built-in sound system allows for music or meditation apps, while chromotherapy lighting can shift colors to promote relaxation or energization. The towel warmers aren’t just heated rails—they’re programmable to keep towels warm exactly when needed.
Even the toilets represent the pinnacle of modern technology. Japanese-style bidets with heated seats and automatic functions hide within traditionally styled fixtures that look perfectly at home in the Georgian setting.
Climate Control and Energy Efficiency
The home’s heating and cooling systems represent a massive upgrade from the original coal fireplaces and drafty windows. A sophisticated zoned climate control system allows different areas to maintain different temperatures. The bedroom can be cool for sleeping while the bathroom warms up for morning routines.
Modern insulation was carefully added without damaging historical elements. The roof was entirely re-insulated with materials that allow the structure to breathe—crucial for old buildings—while dramatically improving energy efficiency. The basement was tanked to prevent moisture issues that plague many London homes.
Entertainment and Work Spaces
A former bedroom was transformed into a state-of-the-art media room. The acoustics were professionally designed, with sound-absorbing materials hidden behind period-appropriate fabric wall coverings. The screen retracts into a custom cabinet when not in use, maintaining the room’s elegant appearance.
The home office balances historical charm with modern functionality. Built-in bookcases hide cable management systems and provide integrated lighting for video calls. The desk, while appearing to be a Georgian antique, contains hidden drawers sized explicitly for modern technology and charging needs.
Security and Convenience
The security system throughout the Lily James house is comprehensive but invisible. Cameras are discreetly positioned and can be monitored from anywhere in the world. The alarm system includes both traditional sensors and modern glass-break detectors, all connected to a 24-hour monitoring service.
The smart home system controls everything from lighting to music to climate, all from a single app. But here’s the clever part: traditional switches and controls still work. Guests don’t need to download an app or learn a system—they can flip a switch like in any other home.
Challenges Faced and Solutions Found During Renovation
Renovating a 250-year-old property isn’t for the faint of heart. The Lily James house renovation team faced obstacles that would have derailed less committed projects.
Structural Surprises
Once work began, the team discovered that some of the “original” features were actually Victorian additions that had compromised the Georgian structure. Load-bearing walls had been removed without proper support, resulting in gradual settling that required immediate attention. Steel beams had to be inserted—a delicate operation in a historic structure—then concealed within period-appropriate casings.
The foundation required significant work. Parts had been built on London clay that had shifted over centuries. Modern underpinning techniques stabilized the structure without requiring extensive excavation that might have damaged neighboring properties.
Navigating Heritage Regulations
Working with London’s planning department and heritage organizations required patience and diplomacy. Every proposed change needed detailed documentation and justification. The team had to prove that modern additions wouldn’t harm the building’s historical integrity.
Some battles were won—like permission to add discrete air conditioning. Others were lost—specific window configurations couldn’t be changed despite practical benefits. The key was choosing battles wisely and finding creative solutions within restrictions.
Material Matching Challenges
Finding materials that matched 250-year-old originals proved nearly impossible. The team had to locate specialist suppliers capable of recreating Georgian-era plaster moldings, source reclaimed materials from other period properties, and sometimes commission custom reproductions.
When original floorboards needed replacement, they couldn’t just buy new wood. They had to find reclaimed pine of the same age and grain pattern, then have it cut and finished to match precisely. This attention to detail added time and cost but was essential for maintaining authenticity.
Timeline and Budget Realities
What was planned as a 12-month renovation stretched to nearly two years. Each discovery required reassessment and often additional permissions. The budget expanded significantly as hidden problems emerged and solutions grew more complex.
Managing multiple specialists—each an expert in their narrow field—required careful coordination. The plasterer couldn’t start until the electrician finished, but the electrician needed the structural engineer’s approval first. One delay cascaded into others, requiring constant schedule adjustments.
Interior Styling Tips Inspired by Lily James’ House
Want to capture some of that timeless elegance in your own home? You don’t need a Georgian mansion to apply these principles. Here’s how to bring the Lily James house aesthetic into your space.
Start with a Neutral Foundation
Choose a base palette of warm whites, soft grays, and natural tones. These colors work in any style home and provide a calming backdrop for more personality-filled pieces. Remember, Georgian homes weren’t stark white—they used warm, creamy tones that feel inviting rather than cold.
Paint isn’t your only option. Consider limewash for a subtle texture that adds depth to walls. Or try tone-on-tone wallpaper with classical patterns for an authentic period feel that doesn’t overwhelm.
Mix Periods Thoughtfully
The key to successfully mixing vintage and modern pieces is maintaining consistent quality and scale. A Victorian chair can sit happily next to a contemporary sofa if they’re both well-made and proportioned correctly for the room.
Start with one statement antique piece per room—perhaps a mirror or chest of drawers—then build around it with complementary modern pieces. The antique provides character while contemporary furniture ensures comfort and functionality.
Layer Your Lighting
Never rely on a single light source. Combine overhead fixtures, table lamps, and accent lighting to create atmosphere and functionality. Dimmers are essential—they let you adjust mood instantly and can make even basic fixtures feel more sophisticated.
Consider adding picture lights to highlight artwork or architectural features. These small additions create focal points and add a gallery-like quality to your spaces.
Invest in Quality Textiles
Nothing elevates a room faster than beautiful fabrics. Choose natural fibers like linen, wool, and cotton that age gracefully. Layer different textures—smooth cotton sheets, nubby linen throws, soft wool cushions—to create visual and tactile interest.
Don’t match everything perfectly. The Lily James house succeeds because fabrics relate to each other without being matchy-matchy. Different patterns within the same color family, or the same pattern at various scales, create sophistication without stuffiness.
Create Comfort Zones
Every room needs a spot that invites you to sit and stay awhile. Position furniture to encourage conversation and relaxation rather than just filling space. A reading chair by a window, a writing desk in an alcove, or a window seat with plenty of cushions all create purposeful comfort.
Where Does Lily James Currently Live?
Lily James currently lives in London. She has reportedly bought a £3 million one-bedroom house in North London, where she spent the lockdown period with her boyfriend Matt Smith.
