ELTHORNE ROAD, WEST LONDON

Client: Private individual

An injection of modernism to a turn of the century Arts & Crafts home

LHD were asked to look at the overall space with a view to redesigning the layout including any additions where they saw fit.

We started with the heart of any house, the kitchen, with a small side and rear addition combined with the existing kitchen and utility. A transformation took place.

Opening the kitchen up to the rest of the house by way of a galaxy stone central prep and cooking station, allowed the chef on any given day not to feel isolated and in turn guests would feel part of the action - more of a sharing experience and the key to home harmony.

Installing automated roof lights, larger rear doors to the gardens and an oversized picture window brought the daylight in. The under heated kitchen floor has been laid with Italian rough sawn limestone in a porcelain finish. Differences in worktop thickness have altered the perspective producing a very solid effect. The use of a contemporary natural oak wall rack has added to the effect of a great kitchen.
The reception area has been transformed with walnut flooring and a silk carpet inlay to make sure that the seating space was inviting and comfortable to use. A window seat was purpose built and upholstered in a Lauren fabric bringing back the sixties.
The walls are adorned with Stucco Veniziano specialist plaster in a chocosuede texture influenced by a recent Venetian trip.
An oversized cornice has been installed to give width and a slightly caricature quality to the room, lifting the ceiling and in turn exaggerating the tall sash windows.
The addition of a vintage stone fire surround has given the room a real sense of style and solidity accentuates the perfect decorative finish.
Vintage wall lights, fifties club armchairs mixed with modern velvet low level seating have been set in this contemporary space bringing individuality and completion.
As always with an LHD project lighting plays a big part and this was no exception. Discreet and strategic lighting was the key. Using led lighting where possible, and multiple switching, allows complete control just so any mood can be created day or night
Making many random changes throughout the house we finally lifted the solid hard wood flooring from the winter garden and replaced it with large under heated porcelain tiles in a high finish pale mink colour. What a transformation! The room instantly lifted and took on a fresh personality.
This project was a challenge for LHD. The key was to be Bold.......