Designers Statement
After many years of living in the Near and Far East, our clients retired and returned to London. They wanted a base which is easy to manage, comfortable, feels stylish and new and is also a good backdrop for their art collection.
They took a space in an old factory which is relatively small but not cramped, as it has high ceilings and large windows. I stripped the flat back to a bare shell in order to create a new layout that would reflect their newly acquired lifestyle.
I convinced them not to go for a second bedroom, but instead lavish the space on themselves, with a bathroom each, generous storage space and a large living room with a connecting sitting room and kitchen diner. I managed to create a dressing room by pulling the bed forward and placing a low wall behind.
Wanting to keep the feel of the original factory, the ceilings were only lowered in the middle, to accommodate air conditioning, lighting and to make the rooms feel a little cosier by correcting the scale.
Finishes have been kept to a minimum in order to create a good backdrop for their art and to retain a balanced calmness. Using porcelain, man-made surfaces and materials ensures that the apartment is easy to maintain. The furniture? We went for the best with a mix of Minotti and B&B Italia and of course there’s that beautiful light over the dining table by Lyndsey Adelman.
