The family had recently moved into the substantial period property, set over 3 floors, which had been renovated by the previous owner as a neutral, generic background used as a location house for tv, film and photographic shoots. As a result it was cold, hard and echoey. The main aim was to bring life, character and above all comfort, into the properties nondescript/bland backdrop. To stamp the family’s personality and make the house their home.  

 

This required clever space planning to ensure that the large room spaces felt more cosy & manageable, less clinical. It was important though that the light, airy space & feel of the rooms were to be retained. Furnishing & decor being key factors in achieving this, with acoustics also needing consideration due to the vast volumes within the rooms. The family wanted easy living with calm, practical aesthetics. Eye catching, key focal points & site lines; pops of colour; feature walls. A nod to a relaxed, eclectic aesthetic in places but not too Boho. Not ostentatious but humble & understated.

 

The couple needed to have a room each to work from for a flexible work/life balance and with fitness being key for the whole family, a gym space was to be factored in also.

Dusty colours, generally light but with some darker tones to be considered, without losing light and sense of space. Monochromatic in places with soft, natural textures. Not too blocky, bold or heavy. Subtle touches and details. Nothing too obvious or in your face
 

Ambient lighting was to be introduced, to bring in the cosiness required.

 

Clever yet beautiful storage was required so joinery design was a big element within the overall design, as despite the spacious rooms, there was no storage at all or in some case there was simply facade storage from previous ‘sets’.

 

This full refurbishment also required all flooring, lighting, window dressings, decoration and even hardware to be considered throughout.

 

The entrance sets the scene for the property which is pure wow factor but in a balanced, understated way. With coat storage and bench seating bringing in the practical, the finishes and materials used balance the ambiance with delicate style. The bespoke terrazzo floor-scape drawing all the elements into near seamless harmony.

 

A simple front reception leads to a nurturing, inclusive, almost ethereal space with a serene colour scheme. 

 

The striking colours, tones and textures used in the family room make it a perfect spot for the family to enjoy cozy, down time together.

This is counter balanced with the vibrant gym in the next room which although a practical space for the family to keep fit in, really plays with colour in a fresh, original and imaginative way. Including wall and ceiling run scaffold pole style pull up bars!

 

Along the same lines, you also see this in the guest cloakroom which though small, packs a real design punch. 

 

The star player on the first floor is the master bedroom. It was a vast yet impractical room, which needed to be imaginatively re-modelled and zoned, addressing the need for the ratio within the sleeping/dressing areas and ensuite to be more balanced. We wanted to give our clients something extra special for their own room so designed a calm, almost zen like overall scheme for the room whilst bringing in ample storage and task areas with the emphasis on stylish materials and finishes - seen on the bespoke doors with real wood veneer and brass handles on the wardrobes, dressing table and window seat storage the full width of the bay window with added textured upholstered seat cushioning.

 

For the top floor we gave the young members of the family their own personal space that reflected both their creative and sporty personalities, allowing for plenty of space to hangout with friends. Some fun elements such as the neon monkey bars, layered sleepover daybed, giant jungle murals and hanging chair make for perfect teenage living.

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Photography by Adam Lawrence