Designing a London townhouse that grows with you at North Gate Park

When creating a family-sized townhouse, good design goes far beyond immediate needs. It should anticipate change, support evolving routines, and feel just as relevant in fifteen years as it does on move-in day.

We spoke to Blocc, the designers behind the new show home at North Gate Park, to understand how they approach designing homes that truly grow with their owners.

Q: When designing a family-sized townhouse, how do you plan for a home to evolve over time rather than just meeting immediate needs?

We begin by imagining how the family might live in five, ten, even fifteen years. How will the space be used as children grow, routines change, or work and leisure habits shift?

This often means creating open-plan areas with clear sightlines, flexible zones, and rooms that can serve multiple purposes. Rather than locking a space into one function, we prioritise adaptability through smart layouts and considered storage. The goal is always to design a home that grows with its occupants.

Q: What lifestyle changes do you most commonly design for in a four-bedroom townhouse?

Expanding families are the most common starting point - the arrival of children, homework zones, or even multi-generational living. Later, priorities shift. Teenagers want privacy. Homeowners may need dedicated workspaces. Entertaining becomes more frequent.

A well-designed townhouse should comfortably support all of those stages.

Q: How can rooms adapt from a home office to a nursery or guest bedroom?

It’s all about balance. We favour built-in storage that works across life stages, neutral yet characterful finishes, and layered lighting that suits multiple uses.

Sliding doors, flexible shelving, and reconfigurable furniture allow transitions to feel effortless. When the base layers are timeless, a workspace can easily become a nursery with minimal structural change. Soft furnishings and decorative accents then do the work of signalling purpose and personality.

Q: What features help spaces feel flexible without frequent redecoration?

 An enduring base is key - neutral walls, wooden flooring, and quality joinery won’t date. Personality can then be added in layers through cushions, rugs and artwork, which can evolve as tastes shift.

Modular furniture is another smart solution, allowing a room to transform without lifting a paintbrush.

Q: How do you design for different life stages, from young couples to growing families and beyond?

We resist over-designing too early. A home should have enough restraint to evolve naturally. Layouts shouldn’t box occupants into one way of living, and bedrooms should be able to shift in purpose over time.

Longevity always outweighs novelty. The aim is a home that absorbs change effortlessly.

Q: What helps a home support busy family life as children grow older?

As children grow, families need a balance between connection and independence. Teenagers, for example, benefit from spaces where they can spend time with friends without overtaking the main living areas.

We often introduce deeper colours, more mature finishes, and layered lighting so the home transitions gracefully into its next chapter.

Q: Why is smart storage so important in a multi-storey townhouse?

Storage shapes how a family moves through a home. In three-storey layouts, seasonal clothing, sports equipment and work materials can quickly spill into living spaces.

Under-stair cupboards, fitted wardrobes and deep kitchen pantries are invaluable. Good storage keeps daily life organised and prevents clutter from overwhelming shared spaces.

Q: How does layout and zoning across multiple floors improve privacy?

Townhouses are naturally good at separation. Placing bedrooms above social spaces creates a sense of retreat from the energy of the kitchen and living areas.

Additional floors can offer independence for teenagers, guests or home working - a subtle but effective form of zoning that reduces friction in everyday life.

Q: Which finishes stand the test of time in family homes?

We favour muted tones, tactile materials and architectural detailing that isn’t trend-led. Stone, marble, timber and thoughtful joinery age beautifully.

Accessories and soft furnishings are where personality can evolve safely.

Q: How do you balance timeless design with personalisation?

We create a neutral canvas punctuated with moments of character. Walls, floors and cabinetry remain timeless, allowing homeowners to inject personality through art, textiles and furniture over time.

Q: How can a townhouse support working from home without work taking over?

Separation is key. Positioning workspaces on a different floor to living areas helps contain the working day so it doesn’t bleed into family life.

Q: What creates calm within a busy household?

Calm comes from contrast. Quiet zones positioned away from main circulation routes allow softer lighting, tactile materials and restrained palettes to signal a slower pace.

Window seats, reading nooks and layered fabrics transform everyday corners into restorative spaces.

Q: What advice would you give buyers moving into a new-build townhouse?

Think ahead without overcomplicating. Choose durable, versatile finishes. Prioritise flexible spaces and generous storage. Avoid overfilling rooms at the start - let the home breathe and adapt as your life does.

A consistent colour palette throughout also creates cohesion and flow.

Q: Are there small early decisions that make a big long-term impact?

Absolutely. Furniture placement, window treatments and layered lighting quietly shape circulation, mood and character. These subtle choices can define how a home feels from day one.

Q: Was the design influenced by the local area?

Very much so. The green, leafy parks of Harringay inspired an earthy base palette, complemented by autumnal bursts of burnt orange for warmth and energy.

We paired traditional detailing with Soho Home–inspired touches - patterned textiles, layered rugs and playful colour accents - creating interiors that feel rooted in the area yet contemporary and expressive.

Q: What was your favourite space to design?

The children’s bedroom. It’s playful yet considered - a neutral base layered with primary hues, clashing stripes, geometric patterns and bobbin mouldings framing feature wallpaper.

It’s joyful, characterful and a room we would have loved ourselves as children.

Looking Ahead

For buyers moving into a new-build townhouse, BLOCC’s advice is refreshingly simple: think ahead, but don’t overcomplicate. Choose durable, versatile finishes. Plan storage that will grow with you. Allow rooms to breathe rather than filling them too quickly. A consistent colour palette throughout the home also helps create a sense of cohesion and flow from day one.

The North Gate Park show home is a clear reflection of this philosophy - a home designed not just to be admired, but to be lived in, adapted, and loved for years to come.

With its launch approaching on the 28th of February, it offers an inspiring glimpse into how thoughtful design can support every chapter of family life, without ever standing still.

Discover everything you need to know about our North Gate Park launch event, including event details and how to attend.

Explore North Gate Park, browse our latest available new homes, and take the next step towards reserving your ideal property.