Called in to create large amount of extra space in an existing house in Queen’s Park, we decided to dig a basement to generate an entire new living area for this family of five to enjoy. This project saw our clients desire for personality and elegance at the core of our brief. The new basement we created included a double bedroom, a bathroom, a utility room, a gym/office room and a media room.
As the existing kitchen had to be removed in order to support the new floor area, we added a few stand-out design features in the new bespoke kitchen, such as porcelain slabs for the kitchen worktop as well as the island to create a the look of a single concrete block, the bespoke oval marble table, the brass clad cabinets and a oversized sculptural lampshade. Moreover, thanks to the vintage parquet flooring throughout, we could create a “lived in” feeling of luxurious warmth.
As the hallway entrance was quite narrow and the family was keen for more storage, we decided to turn the middle room - a room that often becomes a walk-through area - into a feature in itself. This we did by designing bespoke cabinets on either side of the fireplace to hide all coats and shoes. Meanwhile the antique stool is an invitation to sit as you get ready for the day. An abundance of light filters through the middle room due to the use of carefully placed bespoke steel doors, which is inspired by our client’s love of Mondrian. As was the shelving units above the fireplace and the bookshelf as you enter the kitchen.
The metal steel floating staircase spindles was designed by Honestudio, the architects in charge of the structure of the basement. Downstairs, we used large concrete looking tiles in the hallway. We created even more storage space under the stairs and in the hallway, using brass cladded doors to create a bit of texture and a visual break. In the media room as well as the bedroom we chose a wool carpet instead, creating a space that is warm and inviting. In the media room we used gorgeous Italian bespoke wallpaper , marble coffee tables, a deep inviting sofa and dark coloured walls adding a sense of drama to the basement. The bathroom situated next to the bedroom was designed with a sense of playfulness, delivering a laid-back refuge, which is present in the bedroom as well. The dark blue rendered walls contrasted against the bespoke solid oak clad wall and the bespoke wardrobe where we used vintage crates as drawers reflects the teenage sons personality and style.
Photography : Dirk Lindner
Basement: Honestudio