For model and designer Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, creating a home is a form of self-expression. After years of living in Los Angeles with her partner, actor Jason Statham, she returned to London with a vision to create a personal sanctuary. With the help of interior designer Rose Uniacke, she transformed a classic London townhouse into a serene, elegant, and sophisticated space that embodies her unique style.
Rosie first spotted the townhouse over a decade ago, long before she and Jason settled in Los Angeles. The property, a Grade-II* Georgian townhouse with its distinct character and architectural grace, caught her eye as she strolled through the neighborhood. Although the home was charming, it didn’t fit their vision at the time as they planned to start a family. However, the house made a lasting impression, remaining a “someday” dream in the back of her mind.
When the townhouse eventually went back on the market, Rosie’s interest was rekindled. Although the house had been through several owners and was showing signs of age, its inherent charm and historical Georgian architecture still shone through. The high ceilings, spacious windows, and simple elegance of its lines and proportions drew her in, making it the perfect canvas for her new London home.
Having already collaborated with Rose Uniacke on their family home, Rosie naturally turned to her for this new project. The two share a similar aesthetic and taste, which allowed for a smooth and collaborative process. For Rosie, this townhouse project was an opportunity to bring her own design vision to life while incorporating Uniacke’s expertise in creating cohesive, comfortable, and beautifully designed spaces.
With Rosie’s input, Uniacke curated a space that felt light, airy, and sophisticated, using soft, neutral tones that reflect Rosie’s wardrobe and aesthetic. Together, they created a home filled with pale Dinesen Douglas fir flooring and off-white walls, giving the space a fresh, elegant, and peaceful atmosphere.
Throughout the house, Uniacke introduced soft neutrals that reflect Rosie’s personal style. These creamy, muted tones bring a sense of calm and serenity to the home. Rosie’s fondness for warm, off-white finishes in her wardrobe and her design choices informed much of the color scheme, as well as the selection of timeless materials like the light Douglas fir flooring that runs throughout the home. From the kitchen to the dressing room, the soft wood provides a beautiful foundation that balances elegance with a sense of comfort and warmth.
Rosie wanted her London townhouse to feel like an adult space with a refined touch. The interiors were designed with careful attention to detail, blending vintage and contemporary pieces that reflect her and Statham’s love for design. Uniacke layered in furniture from various eras and styles, from Scandinavian and European designs to unique American pieces by Phillip Lloyd Powell. Rosie’s favorite pieces include an iconic Paavo Tynell floor lamp, gifted by Jason, and a Fritz Hansen Easy armchair in cozy sheepskin that creates an inviting corner in the drawing room.
Adding character to the rooms, Rosie and Uniacke incorporated textiles and artworks by female artists. Wall hangings by Simone Prouvé and a unique triptych by Tarka Kings lend texture and depth to the walls, creating a soft, layered ambiance that avoids the traditional framed art style. Rosie explains that framed art felt “too restrained” for the home’s sensuous, fluid feel.
In this townhouse, light is as important as furniture. The arrangement of the rooms and selection of pieces were meticulously planned to make the most of the natural light, creating an atmosphere that feels bright and open. The breakfast room, featuring an Akari ceiling light by Isamu Noguchi, captures this beautifully. With its walls in textured linen and large, soft blinds, this room fills with sunlight, setting a warm, tranquil tone for the day.
The drawing room combines classic and modern elements with a hint of boldness. Pieces like a red travertine side table and a walnut George Nakashima end table provide focal points, grounding the room and adding depth. The spacious layout gives each piece room to breathe, allowing empty walls to highlight the furniture nearby.
For Rosie, designing this townhouse became an immensely fulfilling journey. She spent time handpicking every single item in the house, from small details like the kitchen cutlery to significant focal points like the cabinetry and statement furniture. Her eye for design and love for architecture, inspired by Jason’s passion for vintage aesthetics, shine through in each room. Jason introduced her to mid-century furniture when they met, and since then, their shared love of design has evolved and grown together.
Among her favorite pieces in the home are those that Jason gifted her, which carry sentimental value. These include a pair of Paavo Tynell floor lamps and carefully chosen mid-century chairs that reflect Jason’s appreciation for quality and vintage charm. In Rosie’s words, their “love language is homes, furniture, and art”—a passion that clearly manifests in every inch of their carefully curated London retreat.
Uniacke’s approach to design revolves around creating spaces that evoke feelings of warmth and completeness. In the townhouse, she balanced airy, open spaces with grounding elements, like a richly veined marble fireplace and a dark, sculptural walnut console. This sense of balance is evident throughout the home, where empty walls create a backdrop for key pieces, allowing each item to stand out without overwhelming the space.
The result is a harmonious blend of lightness and depth that gives the home a grounded, cohesive feel. The arrangement of furniture and the interplay of colors and materials reflect Rosie’s preference for spaces that are at once refined and relaxed. By keeping the overall design minimal yet meaningful, the townhouse captures the essence of a peaceful retreat within a bustling city.
As Rosie reflects on her design journey, she’s grateful for the opportunity to bring her dream home to life. The townhouse isn’t just a living space; it’s a personal retreat filled with memories, meaning, and beauty. She laughs, noting that Jason loves this house just as much as she does, often feeling inspired yet a bit envious of her “sneak-off” space. Surrounded by nature and light, with a terraced garden designed by British landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, Rosie’s London home is a place where she finds calm, joy, and inspiration.
This home has truly been a labor of love and fulfillment for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Every element, from the carefully chosen furniture to the delicate linens and layered textiles, speaks to her deep appreciation for design. As she takes in the peaceful view of her garden, she feels a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that every detail was a thoughtful choice made with love. This townhouse is not just a beautiful space—it’s a reflection of Rosie’s journey, her style, and her passion for creating a home that embodies her spirit and aesthetic.
