How India Cardona Is Reimagining Her 200-Year-Old Georgian Terrace

A home sees a lot in two centuries – families coming and going, the hum of day-to-day life, laughter, celebrations, and the fleeting moments that stitch a life together. Last year, this characterful Georgian terrace in South London – secluded by winding lanes and shaded by sycamore trees – turned 200 years old. And that summer, it welcomed India Cardona and her husband James into its embrace.

Each new chapter brings a fresh season of life to the house, and this one is marked by love, creativity, and the joy of new beginnings. As India and James anticipate the birth of their first child and plan their renovations, they’re breathing new life into the home – filling it with the warm energy of a growing family. To India, home is a respite from the pace of city life, somewhere to nurture inspiration and inner calm. “Life can be hectic, and you can’t always control what’s going on outside, so it’s important to have a soothing home environment,” she reflects.

India is a creative all-rounder, with her talent pulled in a number of aesthetic directions. She’s the author of the weekly lifestyle newsletter EDITED, where she pens thoughtful insights on fashion, interiors, travel, wellness, food, and beauty. “I share a lot on Instagram but not much of my personality,” she explains. “I wanted a space to go deeper on topics and connect more personally. It’s a return to blogging for me.” Her regular contributions for publications and podcasts such as Sheerluxe, Who What Wear, and Grazia have cemented her as a trusted voice in the contemporary lifestyle space.

Another notch to her (exceedingly chic) belt was added last year through her venture The Mood, a creative studio offering consultation, event styling, and photography. Most recently, she launched an exclusive line of garments with British fashion house Monsoon. And yes – the glorious dress pictured in these photos is a piece from that very collection.

India’s love of storytelling through beauty runs through both her wardrobe and her home. “I’d describe both my fashion and interiors taste as considered but relaxed with playful elements,” she says. “At home and in my style, I focus on great basics in beautiful fabrics, then dress things up with details – art, accessories, texture.”

When she’s not running around London for meetings, events, and projects, the majority of India’s work is done from home. “My home definitely has to work hard,” she says. “It’s my living space, office, and sometimes a studio for content.”

With renovations yet to begin, she currently works from the dining table – not perfect, but certainly not an uninspiring space to call an office. India points to the ample natural light and her view of the garden as a highlight of the hybrid setup. “I can see out to the garden, through to the kitchen and living room, it’s a lovely view,” she says.

She’s kept company each day by ‘Luis,’ whom she affectionately refers to as her “colleague.” “He sits opposite me while I work – he’s become my friend!” she laughs, motioning to the gestural oil on canvas that holds pride of place above the fireplace. “We love him. It’s a joyful, playful piece by Jose Campos, who paints under Studio Lenca.” India describes the artwork as a perfect intersection of her and James’ tastes – both sharing a deep appreciation for art, even if their styles sometimes diverge.

While their preferences differ, finding the overlap of their creative sensibilities allows them to curate a space that feels shared and personal. “We both love oil paintings and a similar colour palette. But I lean abstract, and he prefers figurative work – people and objects,” India explains. “Art really helps a house feel like a home. Some are investment pieces, others are framed menus or newspaper clippings. I love the mix.”

Some artists on the proverbial wish list include British artist Jack Penny, who paints evocative domestic scenes. “I’d love one of those above a dining table one day,” she smiles. Another is Australian artist Heath Wae, whose large-scale abstract creations speak to her love of bold, expressive form.

Despite living in the area for over ten years, India had no idea her current street even existed. “I lived a 15-minute walk away for nine years and had never seen it!” she says. She describes it as a “countryside-like pocket,” which is exactly what a seasoned Londoner dreams of in a location – close to the buzz, but tucked away from the bustle. “You already have everything on your doorstep, so you want that little hidden-away spot,” she adds.

India knew the house was special from the moment she saw the exterior photo in the listing. “I’ve always been obsessed with Georgian windows, and it had a really cute door. I remember thinking, ‘This is too good to be true.’”

She describes the type of home she wants to create as a “zen haven,” and she’s achieved this with ease. Simplicity was her guiding principle from the beginning. “People often say it feels very calming, which is exactly what I wanted to create,” she says. Rather than committing to bold or fixed design statements, India opts for flexibility: “We bring in colour through less permanent things like cushions, art, and how we dress the table. It means you can be creative and switch things up while keeping a neutral base.”

Natural textures – linens, light colours, and flowing curtains – form the foundation of her soothing, textured aesthetic. “Home should feel like a breath of fresh air – or an exhale,” she muses.

India’s favourite room is the living room, where she finds softness, and a space to pause and reset. “I stare at [the living room] a lot from my desk – it has a beautiful tree outside, and I love seeing the light come through. Being able to see trees from so many angles is rare in London, and something I really love.”

Her heart might reside in the living room right now, but she hopes the kitchen will become her new sanctuary after the renovations. “We have a small courtyard between the dining room and kitchen that isn’t used well,” she shares. “The plan is to knock down the extension, incorporate the courtyard, and extend further into the garden so the kitchen and dining space are all one. Then the current dining room will become more of an office-library space – entry hall, storage, maybe even a playroom.”

The home will evolve to meet their needs, but its soul will remain. “Being such an old house, there are lots of wonky floors and ceilings. Some builders hate them, but we love the charm.” she says. “We’re working with an architect who wants to preserve its character. We’re hoping to restore the original floorboards, especially in the bedroom, and see what’s under the carpets. It’s exciting!”

As India prepares for motherhood, she anticipates her style – and her home – will shift in subtle ways. “I think I’ll be open to more colour, and I definitely need to reconsider some of our less child-friendly furniture – sharp edges, marble.” she says. While friends have warned her that the house may soon be overrun with brightly coloured plastic toys, India is keen to maintain her own approach, “I’m determined to keep it calm and curated!” she laughs.

After roaming from room to light-filled room, the crown jewel is the garden. Dappled sunlight, trailing wisteria, and lush foliage create a sanctuary tucked away from the outside world. India describes it as “a little haven, very private, not overlooked, and surrounded by greenery.”

The area is set to host loved ones over the coming summer. “I’m hoping to host a pre-baby garden party in the next couple of months,” she shares. “We usually host brunches and lunches out there – when we first moved in, we had friends and family around all the time. We have a pizza oven, so we’d do pizza, pastries, tea... we love an outdoor gathering.”

India’s days at home start with meditation in bed, followed by matcha sipped outside in the morning sun. Nighttime brings a sense of stillness over the house, and she journals and reads before retiring to bed. If these walls could talk, they’d paint a picture of a life lived slowly and beautifully, shaped by intention. She reflects, “Home means everything. It’s where I live, work, and create. It has to be inspiring and calming, and evolve into whatever I need it to be.”