At Home With Martha @martharileynash
This week I'm at home with Martha the stylish and creative lady behind the home instagram account @martharileynash where she shares images of her Victorian London home. Read on to learn more about Martha, her home, lifestyle, and top tips for home styling.
Tell us about you
I am a freelance violinist and teacher, and my husband works in finance. We recently got married and have 6 children between us. We live in a 6-bedroom, Victorian house right by Wandsworth Common which we bought in March 2021. This area is very family orientated but also has lots of great bars, restaurants, and shops just a few minutes away on Northcote Rd.
Tell us about your home
The house is Victorian and we are lucky that many of the beautiful original features are still in place including, high ceilings, stained glass, original fireplaces, cornicing and joinery.
How would you describe your home?
I would say modern and fairly minimal with a traditional twist. We love vintage and antiques and also have quite a few mid century pieces.
Which is your favourite room in the house?
So hard to say! Maybe the Drawing Room for its grand features and wow factor. But also, our en-suite bathroom for its stunning red marble and the design layout.
How does your home reflect any passions or interests?
As a musician I would say the biggest reflection of my passion is the beautiful baby grand piano.
Also, I’m a creative person and really love design so hopefully some of that influence comes across in my home. My husband loves art and has collected some beautiful artwork over the years. We both love entertaining so there are lots of communal spaces.
What are your favourite items in the home?
The piano which was an incredible gift from my husband when we bought the house. Also, our mid- century furniture and artwork.
When you moved into your house was it the finished article or was it a project?
My goodness, definitely a project. The previous owners had lived here for twenty eight years. Let’s just say we could see the potential.
What renovation and decorating have you done?
As soon as we got the keys our builders completely gutted the house from top to bottom. We did a complete refurb, all bathrooms and kitchen, new plumbing/electrics/flooring etc.
Redesigned the garden and roof terrace and removed all the chimney breasts on one side of the house.
We are planning Phase 2 this year which involves expanding and excavating the lower ground floor, all the front of house external work, creating a snug/media room.
Have you had any DIY or styling disasters?
Yes. The entire floor in the open plan kitchen/diner wasn’t levelled properly and the tanking was compromised so now that has to be re-done. Needless to say we’re using different builders this time.
What is your top home styling tip?
Less is more. Space is a luxury, and you don’t always need to fill it with stuff. Also buying less but better quality and design.
Is there anything in your home that you couldn’t live without?
All the people in it, my dog and cherished gifts from my family and loved ones over the years.
They say that every home tells visitors a story about who lives there. What do you think your home says about you?
Hopefully that we love to entertain friends and family and are creative people.
The Home Edit
Lived-in or showhome?
My kids would say show home as I’m always tidying up and de-cluttering.
If you could only paint your walls one colour, which one would it be?
Definitely white.
What is your pet hate when it comes to your own or other’s homes?
Too much stuff…
Favourite front door colour?
Classic black
Carpet or Floorboards?
Floorboards
Kitchen table dining or formal dining room?
Kitchen island for family suppers and a big table full of friends for formal dining.
High gloss or rustic?
Both!
Wallpaper or Brick Walls?
White walls (I do love wallpaper though)
Want More?
If you enjoyed being at home with Martha, you might like to take a look inside other popular home styling accounts on instagram and find out more about the people behind them. You can view more of these "at home with" articles here
Catch up with Martrha's instagram account here. It's well worth a look!