VICTORIAN VILLA BY VEVES DESIGN

Nestled in Clapham Old Town, the Victorian Villa by Veves Design has been transformed from a series of disconnected rooms into a flowing, light-filled family home. Working closely with architect Jenn Jammaers of DKN|JAMM, Veves Design reintroduced period charm while reconfiguring the layout to enhance natural light and create a seamless transition between spaces.

The homeowners wanted a flexible home—one that balanced personality with areas of sanctuary, where playful pops of colour would sit alongside restful, calming spaces. Art and sculptural objects were central to their vision, and lighting became a defining feature in shaping the mood and character of each room.

Veves Design’s approach to lighting is highly considered, layering direct, indirect, and decorative light to create both functionality and atmosphere. Beginning with natural light, a double-height reeded window was introduced behind the striking sculptural staircase, flooding the home’s core with daylight. Architectural lighting was carefully planned to avoid glare, while statement decorative lighting was chosen to either stand out or add a discreet sense of refinement, depending on the space.

In conversation with Veves Design, we explore how CTO Lighting was integrated into this stunning project.

What made you choose CTO Lighting for this project?

I have worked with CTO many times before, and I love that they manufacture within the UK and the level of craftsmanship is superb. The sculptural nature and hand finished quality of their designs meant they were the ideal extension of the other artwork and objects across the house.

Which CTO Lighting pieces were chosen for this project, and how did they shape the different rooms?

We began with ARTES wall lights for the fireplace alcoves, with the perfect slimline and light softly diffused via alabaster. Three ANVERS pendants sit over the kitchen island, providing task lighting, again without glare.

For the more intimate dining area we set a low hung IVY 8 pendant above the dining table, as a conversation piece with its organic shapes.

Scattered up the sculptural ribbon staircase are pairs of CIELO wall lights, close to the wall with their soft fritted glass, and LUCID pendants in the high ceilinged entrance hall, continuing the bronze and alabaster theme.

Lastly, the master bedroom features a stunning CLOUDESLEY pendant, as a focal point visible from the master bathroom.

Do you have a favourite light in the project—one that truly transformed the space?

For me, the CLOUDESLEY pendant is a real showstopper. Set close to the ceiling, it creates the feeling of a contemporary chandelier and looks beautiful whether off or on. It was placed to be seen from every angle in the suite, including the freestanding bathtub in the interconnecting bathroom.

What was the most important consideration when selecting lighting for each room?

Aside from the aesthetic being right, I wanted to avoid glare wherever possible. Architectural lighting should be something you experience as opposed to notice, and anything decorative should ideally glow, without seeing any visible bulbs.

Luxury lighting is as much about craftsmanship as it is about aesthetics. How did CTO Lighting’s materials and finishes contribute to the project’s design story?

Knowing we would incorporate quite different colours and moods across the house, we wanted the fixtures to have unity in order to bring everything together. So, we specified bronze as a finish across the project, from switches and sockets to handles and lighting. CTO Lighting’s bronze sat perfectly within that vision.

What advice would you give to homeowners or designers when choosing statement lighting?

I always advise Clients to prioritise well-made, high quality light fittings within their interiors budget. Good lighting can really make a space, as can bad lighting conversely, so ensuring the best quality fittings alongside knowledgeable design offers the best outcome and most longevity.

Project credits:

Interior Design: VEVES Design / @vevesdesign

Architecture: DKN|JAMM / @dknjamm_architects

Photography: Mikey Reed / @mikeyreedphoto