Belgravia…
is one of London’s most exclusive areas. Situated near Knightsbridge and King Charles’ back garden set behind Buckingham Palace, it is a quiet, chic and sophisticated neighborhood. Architecturally speaking, it has changed very little since it was developed in the early 19th century by the Grosvenor family as a fashionable district with grand terraced houses set in elegant squares surrounding leafy gardens. This modern approach to town planning embraced the evolving requirements of modern urban living, with shops and services also mapped out, as well as brick clad housing in cobbled lanes to serve as stables and staff premises.
This project…
overseen by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects was a bilateral one, requiring the complete renovation of a six-story stucco-faced Georgian mansion along with the demolition and redevelopment of a connected mews building.
Working collaboratively with the architects was State of Craft – a London-based multidisciplinary design studio specializing in a holistic approach to interiors, whereby spaces are enriched with a sensibility that fuses the ‘functional’ with the ‘felt’ to promote emotional wellness and a strong sense of each client’s personal story.
The kitchen…
has an art gallery feel that elevates the space beyond its obvious purpose. The team has concentrated on the concept of creating sculptural focal points, including custom millwork on modern cabinets that have long integrated pull handles and no visible metal fixtures. Pale wood envelops the space as if it were a canvas, this ‘wall of wood’ is punctuated by a dynamic Cosmos suspension light fixture by Danish company Quasar, ushering in a poignant, modern feel that verges on the futuristic. The room boasts extraordinarily high ceilings, which the designers have split between a palette of white paint and light oak. This contrast creates a tonal divide and a crisp delineation between the top and bottom of the room, while encouraging natural light to flood in. The addition of jet-black accents in the form of glass block window frames, a sleek dining table and curved contemporary art pieces add depth and energy to the otherwise pale palette.
A living room…
continues this theme with the same trio of tones, punctuated by earthy textiles and furniture. It’s also a showcase for celebrated modern/contemporary furniture and art pieces, including Cassina Ultrecht armchairs, a pair of Liaigre Bazane leather and dark oak stools, and a monochromatic canvas, all of which is overlooked by an Arrow pendant light by Apparatus. Those with a well-trained artistic eye will identify works by leading artists including Richard Serra, Ben Nicholson, Joaquim Chancho and Gerry Judah, as well as sculptures and paintings by a roster of emerging international talents such as Australian painter Terri Brooks and British creative, Lawrence Calver.
Two monumental…
works by the young Greek artist Alexi Tsioris, were chosen by curator Emma North, head of specialist arts consultancy Richeldis Fine Arts, because of their fresh, exuberant take on ancient allegorical myths. These large canvases also draw in the space for an intentionally intimate feel. Conversation pieces include a pit-fired handmade vase by Welch ceramicist Rhian Jones and a pair of sculptural Lazybones chairs by Lombardi-based artisans, Baxter.
A dining room…
is warmer in tone and suffused with mid-century charm, thanks to furniture and art pieces that project a slightly more playful and whimsical quality, exemplified by a topsy-turvy Trapeze 7 pendant light by Apparatus and six Pierre Jeanneret cane-backed Student chairs, refreshed with ochre velour seat cushions.
Soft creamy…
tones and textures dominate a bedroom, where the furnishing selection delves into age-old artisanal traditions expressed through modern forms. On the far wall, a stunning State of Craft custom wardrobe recalls Italian Intreccio fabrics with its meticulously woven surface, while bedlinen, curtains and home accessories were intentionaly sourced from a number of London boutiques promoting contemporary craft and makers. In a marble-clad bathroom, special design attention was applied to bespoke flush-fitting cabinets and mirrors, allowing the focus to fall on the cool luminosity of stone and grandeur of two monolithic marble basins, ensuring that the curated celebration of artistry and craft is carried throughout this stunning London home.
Design: State of Craft
Architecture: Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects
Styling: Alex Krista
Accessories, Bedlinen: Flow Gallery, Native & Co, Willer, Bird & Branch Turnery, Tanya McCallin, Society
Bespoke Joinery: Peter Hall & Son Ltd
Lighting: Apparatus, Alison Berger Glassworks, Kevin Reilly, Quasar
Furniture: Baxter, Cassina, Christophe Delcourt, Knoll, Liaigre, Objet Insolite, State of Craft, Viaduct
Photo: Studio Rochowski
