Primrose Hill Flat, London
DESIGN BRIEF
The client wanted his modern Primrose Hill flat transformed into a statement bachelor pad. He wanted a ‘wow’ factor as you walked through the front door, taking inspiration from Philippe Starke’s use of lighting. Then, for the living area, the brief consisted of four words – retro, funky, dark and red. This was to be a mischievous and evocative space, conjuring danger, passion and the forbidden. In the bedroom he wanted a Chinese styled sanctuary – a calm, de-stressing room that nurtures and nourishes, with the theme being carried through to the small en-suite bathroom. The main bathroom was to provide a neutral, spa like style, evoking luxury through the use of natural materials.
The client wanted his modern Primrose Hill flat transformed into a statement bachelor pad. He wanted a ‘wow’ factor as you walked through the front door, taking inspiration from Philippe Starke’s use of lighting. Then, for the living area, the brief consisted of four words – retro, funky, dark and red. This was to be a mischievous and evocative space, conjuring danger, passion and the forbidden. In the bedroom he wanted a Chinese styled sanctuary – a calm, de-stressing room that nurtures and nourishes, with the theme being carried through to the small en-suite bathroom. The main bathroom was to provide a neutral, spa like style, evoking luxury through the use of natural materials.
Theporcupine quill mirror is another contemporary feature that adds impact tofirst impressions in this flat.
Funkylighting applied at different levels draws attention to artwork and providesintimate ‘moods’ for the room.
Turquoiseaccents in cushions, accessories and artwork provide a distraction in thisotherwise red, dark room.
Memoriesof the clients’ favourite holiday destination are relived through the Africanelephant painting, the Swaziland grass basket and the zebra skin rug.
‘FlowerPot’ lamps on the dresser and strongly coloured and patterned cushionshighlight the adventurous taste of the 1970s. A vase spilling over with Gloriosa adds drama to the scene.
Thered, funky theme is carried out into the small city garden where the lightingdraws the eye outside, making the room appear larger at night.
Thisbuilt-in unit was designed to house the clients’ audio visual equipment, andprovides display space for his unique collection of artefacts – including theretro lava lamp!
Thedining table is lit by a curved floor lamp which can be moved if the diningtable needs to be extended to cater for additional guests. The paisley wallpaper and striped chairscarry through the retro theme.
Redglass tiles and a retro style tap add sparkle to the existing granite worktops.
Thereassurance and harmony of green provide a de-stressing bedroom space thatnurtures and nourishes.
Thegold metal wallpaper sets off the beautiful bed headboard and Chinese paintingbeautifully. Keeping to the theme of theroom, the script reads ‘Stillness at Dusk’.
Thetraditional circular Chinese lock with its silk and stone tassel details thedark wood furniture, and the dramatic ‘octopus’ chair provides a contemporarytouch to the room.
Theantiqued gold wallpaper and Chinese accessories add to the Oriental feel of theroom.
TheChinese theme and colours are carried through to the small en-suite bathroom.
Inthe small en-suite bathroom, these bespoke jade circular mosaic tiles reflectthe circular design in the bedroom curtain fabric.
Oriental paintings and bamboo reinforce the Chinese theme inthe en-suite bathroom.
Theuse of natural stone and wood features in the main bathroom add a sense of atranquil spa. The mood of the roomfurther can be controlled by the different lighting options.
Thesimple lines of this contemporary basin and tap sit well with the classic lookof the travertine stone wall tiles.
Theframed pictures and chromed towel heater add a stylish touch to this otherwise traditionalbathroom, with the neutral colour scheme proving warmth and comfort.
Mixingthe different elements in this room adds interest to the scheme – the glitzymosaics in the nooks, the travertine stone tiles with the sleek chrome taps,and the Zebrano cabinet with the contemporary styled basin.
Thisis the view as you walk through the front door. My aim here was to draw thevisitor into the space, and to provide an initial ‘wow factor’.
