We designed this Victorian terrace in two phases. Firstly we tackled the dated floorplan and dingy look with renovation work which stripped the property back to its shell. More recently, we made the property work as a family home, finding ways to reflect the personalities of this young family whilst providing much needed storage, so often requested for projects of this type.
The property was dated and unloved. The client wanted a contemporary, light, modern and airy space. During the first phase we opened the ground floor up. Positioning the kitchen at the louder (street) end of the property and with the dining area in the middle. At the rear of the property, benefitting from a side extension, the lounge is situated. We made the lounge feel more spacious by digging down to increase the ceiling height and feel lighter with a large skylight and glazed french doors opening onto the garden. At first floor level, at the expense of an extra bedroom, our client requested a bigger bathroom, together with two decent sized bedrooms and a cloakroom toilet. There is also a loft extension with bedroom and ensuite – the perfect guest suite.
The second phase of works tackled the decorative scheme, which had been left off white (throughout) to allow the client to play with colours over time. The property now needed to reflect the personality of husband and wife rather than one person. Both worked hard to define their loves and hates, and we ensured the space felt like both of theirs. The brief was for a lot of colour, as well as a flow and continuity through the property to ground it and make sense of the pockets of colour and pattern. The couple also needed joinery, the first phase work had not included any joinery (to ensure that the budget was used for the most important, structural areas) but now there was a need to design pieces which met each of their needs as well as tackle the flexibility it would need as they started a family. This project was filled with fun specifications of finishes as well as a lot of time spent on how to create storage wherever we could.
Colour, light and artworks. A running theme through this project, on entering the open plan ground floor space you get a sense of the clients' personalities. We find shelving allows an easy way to grow and change an art collection. Bespoke joinery wraps the steels, which structurally open these spaces, and give nooks for cookery books and at high level a functional wine display.
Here the art is a gallery wall for the couple's young child.
The view back to the hallway, with its dark grey painted 'dado' line and half height yellow walls. A modern take on a dresser was designed to provide additional storage just where it is needed.
Design classic Pantone chairs were a perfect practical and aesthetic choice.
Bright orange shutters ground the kitchen (and provide a big statement externally!). Low level storage and seating make a functional nook in this bright window, doubling as a perfect perch to natter with the chef.
We designed the kitchen joinery which features bright orange interiors to all the drawers. Just in shot is a breakfast unit with pocket doors to hide the toaster and cereals when not needed.
Our clients requested a study space and we squeezed this one in, including an attractive yet practical noticeboard.
The tall unit, was inspired by rusty panels we found in a junk yard. Our client requested we find a way to incorporate that look into the space.
...drinks anyone?
A view back gives a glimpse of the toddler desk area, which gives a dedicated drawing/working space as well as the flexibility to be used for additional seating at larger family gatherings.
In the Cloakroom (often a space for braver clients to indulge their whackier side) We commissioned a Graffiti artist to reflect the story of this young family.
Some brave choices for this bold and eclectic little boy's bedroom.
Open and accessible storage makes the room work well for a toddler and has flexibility to change as he grows.
Contemporary joinery conceals all the plumbing kit as well as a stacked washing machine and tumble dryer. Patterned encaustic tiles introduce every colour to the bathroom, we kept everything else in the grey tones that run through the house.
The mirrored bath panel continues the flooring and is also very practical. Micro-concrete provides a seamless surround to the bath (and is also used in the shower). As elsewhere shelves give the opportunity for practical storage (first aid boxes) as well as plants and display of things collected.
Black brassware was a natural choice in this bathroom, as it felt classic and fitting with the micro-concrete finishes. A narrow window between the shower and basin gives a little more light and also a fun display unit. We often design recessed mirror cabinets to ensure that those items used daily are easy to reach but concealed.
A growing collection of artworks surround the bed, each with a story.
Nooks each side of the chimney breast are used for his and hers shelving for clothes and shoes, her shoes overflow to form a fun and colourful display beneath a striking wire work nude.
Ikea bedside tables were re-sprayed pink with contrasting interior.
We found a beautiful fabric for the blinds, incorporating the pink and greys that are then used in the room. A wall of bespoke joinery contains his and hers wardrobes as well as...
...cleverly concealing a pull out dressing table with storage for make up and jewellery.
The dark grey and yellow decorative scheme continues throughout the property and frames the rooms.
