Houzz Tour: A Dark Flat is Redesigned to Gain More Living Space
A 19th century mansion block flat has been transformed, thanks to a new layout and chic touches of wood and metalwork
When architectural and design practice RISE Design Studio took on the complete reorganisation and renovation of this second-floor apartment in London, it meant overhauling everything, from knocking down walls to create an open-plan living space to curating artwork for the property.
“The clients let us guide them when it came to their flat, which was made up of dark, cellular spaces and an incoherent layout,” explains Sean Ronnie Hill, founder and director of RISE, who has successfully transformed the space into an elegant, open apartment with smart, industrial-style elements.
“The clients let us guide them when it came to their flat, which was made up of dark, cellular spaces and an incoherent layout,” explains Sean Ronnie Hill, founder and director of RISE, who has successfully transformed the space into an elegant, open apartment with smart, industrial-style elements.
The clients wanted the interior to be calm and relaxing, so Hill suggested using muted materials and an elegant colour palette of soft greys and whites.
“A distressed oak floor leads from the entrance to all spaces, changing only for the kitchen and bathrooms,” he says. This helps to link all the areas together.
“A distressed oak floor leads from the entrance to all spaces, changing only for the kitchen and bathrooms,” he says. This helps to link all the areas together.
The steel beams and columns in the open-plan area were exposed and painted to match the grey of the kitchen tiles, bringing an industrial feel to the space.
“These weren’t there originally, but were needed once the internal walls were removed,” explains Hill.
“These weren’t there originally, but were needed once the internal walls were removed,” explains Hill.
Simple and stripped-back, the all-white kitchen’s star feature is its geometric encaustic floor – a pattern of handmade tiles that warm up the sleek, minimalist cooking zone.
The powder-coated timber unit doors are pure white and handle-free to enhance the streamlined look, and are topped with a Carrara marble worktop and glass splashback.
“The kitchen is around 20 sq m and was quite tricky to design, as there were no plumb walls or right angles,” says Hill.
The powder-coated timber unit doors are pure white and handle-free to enhance the streamlined look, and are topped with a Carrara marble worktop and glass splashback.
“The kitchen is around 20 sq m and was quite tricky to design, as there were no plumb walls or right angles,” says Hill.
A neat peninsula unit creates a casual space for dining.
The trio of pendant lights are by celebrated glass artist Michael Ruh, who works from his studio in south London.
The trio of pendant lights are by celebrated glass artist Michael Ruh, who works from his studio in south London.
RISE Design Studio designed the brass pendant, which was fabricated and polished by a specialist metalworker. It makes a cool metallic contrast to the chunky, distressed oak dining table.
Mirroring the floor in the kitchen, the same encaustic tiles are used in the living and dining areas of the apartment, creating eye-catching worktops for a built-in sideboard and coffee table.
Planning to tile your home? Check out our fool-proof guide to grouting
Planning to tile your home? Check out our fool-proof guide to grouting
Solid bronze floor bars delineate the thresholds between all the rooms. This luxe detailing creates a crisp finishing touch between the different types of flooring, with wood in the living areas and encaustic tiles in the kitchen.
Steel beams and columns frame the openings from one room into the next, creating a stylishly authentic, industrial look.
An opaque glazed sliding door, set in a black mild steel frame, is a clever, industrial-style design device to conceal the television when it’s not in use.
“It balances the space, creating a dialogue with the aged-bronze-clad door that leads from the end of the entrance corridor into the living area,” says Hill.
“It balances the space, creating a dialogue with the aged-bronze-clad door that leads from the end of the entrance corridor into the living area,” says Hill.
The gridded glass and steel door simply slides across to hide the TV when necessary.
Considering opening up your home? Be inspired by these open-plan stories on Houzz
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Three bespoke coffee tables were designed in the same aesthetic as the larger joinery components throughout the flat.
“We used mild steel for the table legs and frame and, for the tops, a mix of distressed oak (the same as the flooring), encaustic tiles (from the kitchen) and lacquered black mild steel,” says Hill.
Rug, The Rug Company.
“We used mild steel for the table legs and frame and, for the tops, a mix of distressed oak (the same as the flooring), encaustic tiles (from the kitchen) and lacquered black mild steel,” says Hill.
Rug, The Rug Company.
The original entrance hall was reduced by around 40 per cent to create more space in the living area. It’s enclosed by two floor-to-ceiling, aged-bronze-clad doors, one of which is the apartment’s front door while the other leads into the open-plan area of the home.
“It creates a strong distinction between private and public spaces,” says Hill.
“It creates a strong distinction between private and public spaces,” says Hill.
Brass coat hooks with a push-button in/out mechanism neatly line the entrance hall.
Tadelakt, a polished lime plaster originating from Morocco, was used to cover the bathroom walls, while a dark grey micro screed on the floor enhances the feel of a cave-like sanctuary.
The bathroom’s rustic, earthy vibe is punctuated with brass fittings for a touch of low-key glamour.
Brass taps and fittings, Vola.
Brass taps and fittings, Vola.
The existing brickwork and timber framing of the internal wall in the main bedroom was exposed and lacquered to create a feel of warmth and authenticity.
A neat, multifunctional guest/office space makes a handy working hub at home.
The ensuite shower room is fitted out with Carrara marble tiles for a luxe touch, while LED strip lighting is embedded in the ceiling.
What do you think of this stylish, industrial-style apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
What do you think of this stylish, industrial-style apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here A professional couple with a baby
Location Northwest London
Property An apartment in a 19th century mansion block
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Designer Sean Ronnie Hill, founder and director of RISE Design Studio
Opening up this dark mansion block flat with its series of carved-up rooms was the key aim of this project – and the end result is truly impressive.
“The long entrance hall [off which the bedrooms and bathrooms lead] was shortened to create a separation between private and public areas,” explains architect Sean Ronnie Hill. “Then three internal structural walls were removed to create open-plan spaces for living and dining, along with a kitchen area.”