The brief for this Victorian conversion set on 4 split levels in Brixton South London, had industrial and vintage leanings but with a contemporary twist. Whilst also giving a lead role to elegant and beautiful design aesthetics.
The scheme was to include natural, raw materials - woods and metals, whilst keeping the integrity of the building. We had wonderful high ceilings to work with, with open & bright windows so the flood of light really inspired the design.
It was important to the clients that we based our design around the original features where possible - flooring, fireplaces etc. To expose any hidden features and add to these to enhance the overall character of the property, which had been rather unsympathetically and in places brutally refurbished in the past.
The relaxed nature of the clients and the way they lived their lives was to be reflected in the choices of soft furnishings. They wanted to create a homely space, somewhere to relax and be cozy, whilst also to have somewhere dynamic to entertain guests. They are both home bodies and wanted to spend more time at home cooking, reading and being together. Their plan was to start a family so consideration of flexibility for this was key.
The colour scheme veered towards soft cool colours - greens, blues, greys; avoiding browns & beige whilst also bringing in yellows and oranges in places.

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Entering the property, extra storage for all coats and shoes could be included in the guest bedroom but somewhere for seasonal day-to-day outdoor wear with easy access was important.
A utility space was introduced into the landing cupboard by way of a stacked washing machine and dryer for compact but practical space planning 
We were able to give the guest bedroom its own ensuite and some storage for guests as well as the families seasonal wear and wood floor which was a preference. Whilst also keeping the all important emphasis on beautiful elegant aesthetics 

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Open plan Living/Dining/Kitchen:
Living:
The heavy black, floor to ceiling solid doors that led into this key space, cried out for Crittal style doors to allow for exchange of light and flow. The TV needed to be discrete with an more thought given to display records and a player
We worked with a metalwork artist bring our ceiling suspended metal, wood and glass shelving to life in 3 key areas, In the 2 main alcoves and above the kitchen’s cooking island. This helped to really galvanize the 3 main area’s within the overall space here. Bringing a mirror above the fireplace to reflect the light and details around the room and using a bespoke polished concrete finish to return to the industrial leanings .
The dining table needed to seat around 8-10 people max, for entertaining
Within the kitchen, vintage elements were brought in by way of copper metalwork, ban sawn wood finished doors, lighting and the fridge

 

THe runner for stairs needed replacing and all the heavy black gloss woodwork was to be stripped back along with the brick work to really reveal the beauty and character of the property.

 

In the top bathroom, as we were limited in terms of being able to increase the space, we decided to freshen the finishes up and to lighten the dark walnut joinery bring more light and airiness in.

 

The master bedroom was also quite limited in terms of space and with sloped ceilings it was a challenge to design storage which was not just practical but also beautifully elegant. With the use of some special products and finishes from some of our wonderful suppliers, we gave the clients a room they could really cherish as their own space.

 

The top loft room was to change into a nursery with ample accessible storage. Although the top landing wasn’t huge, we were able to give the clients their own work-from-home space for when they needed it. We sourced a lovely piece of wood cut directly from a sustainably grown tree, to wall hang which not only gave character but also the all important practicality required, as it spanned the entire width of the landing with plenty of space beneath.

 

With plenty of additional decorative ambient lighting and exposed features, the clients were delighted with the stylish, urban industrial space that reflected their dream home perfectly.

 

Photography by James Balston