Islington

Compared with how they looked a few decades earliers, the prosperous shops and smart restaurants along Islington’s Upper Street and the nearby streets lined with well-kept houses are unrecognisable. The borough was heavily bombed during the Second World War when whole streets were destroyed (3,200 dwellings were lost) and the houses that remained were occupied by several families. When council blocks were built in the 1960s to provide better housing for the poor, the area became unfashionable.

The large, well-built Georgian and early Victorian housing (of which there is a considerable amount) was rediscovered by middle-class families in the 70s and 80s (including Tony Blair), and a process of re-gentrification began. Now, the handsome homes and property in fashionable squares are much sought-after by lawyers, bankers and top media executives and fetch high prices.

The first neighbourhood in London to be described as being ‘super gentrified’ was Barnsbury, which lies between Upper Street and Caledonian Road. Its quiet, leafy streets has two fine squares: Lonsdale Square and Thornhill Square, now occupied largely by wealthy bankers and international financiers, who appreciate the fine buildings, the lively area and its proximity to the City. Canonbury, on the other side of Upper Street, between Essex Road and Cross Street, is also much sought-after with its wide streets, double-fronted houses and proximity to many excellent restaurants, delis and furniture shops.

The Regent’s Canal runs through Islington and a towpath lined with houseboats, several gastropubs and cafes, is a popular place to stroll or cycle. New waterside homes have also sprung up along the canal and in the City Road and Wenlock canal basins.

Property in Islington is in short supply as families tend to stay put, enjoying their fine homes, good shops, restaurants and cultural life (including the Almeida Theatre on Upper Street).

If you are about to move into the area, or live there already, you will need an interior designer that is as smart as your home. Which is where we at interiordesigners.net come in. We are the UK’s leading specialist interior designer agency, and can connect you to a local interior designer in Islington. Whatever type of property you have, we can put you in touch with one of our designers who will be able to deliver the interior you want.

Every designer we work with – in Islington or otherwise – is vetted by us. We know them each individually, and we only work with the best. This close relationship with our designers, built up over many years, is why clients choose us.

Why not take a look at some more of our interior design projects, read some testimonials and register your interest using the form below.