Townhouse, Chelsea
Winner of the United Kingdom Property Awards 2017
Location: Chelsea, London
scope of works: complete redesign and rebuild of period property
Enviably located in a peaceful residential street in the heart of Chelsea, this townhouse was completely unmodernised and in need of extensive renovation. The huge potential, however, was obvious. Our clients were two Chelsea-based high-end property developers, who had a clear vision for this project right from the outset. Very early on, they decided to keep the original facade, but remove and remodel the rear of the building. So, we worked closely with a team of architects to develop a completely new property footprint, which included a double basement dig out.
The art of entertaining
Our brief began with reimagining the ground floor of the Chelsea townhouse to create an extensive entertaining space. Once the walls were in place, we added warmth and welcome with a striking Chesneys fireplace, flanked on either side by two bespoke mirrored wall panels. Within this cohesive, multi-functional living space, we also introduced a stand-alone dining area. In fact, we separated this from the rest of the room with a pair of decorative, distressed silver leaf screens we designed with meticulous attention to detail. This reception area also incorporated a bespoke freestanding bar, and a study that leads onto the rear garden.
Space and sound
Creative lighting design is always important, but when a Chelsea townhouse project includes a new basement, professional assistance is invaluable. So, we turned to John Cullen Lighting to illuminate this floor’s large media and games room. Another coffered ceiling added a touch of character to this space. To enhance the acoustics, we introduced dado panelling and textured hessian wall coverings. A discreet joinery wall houses this area’s TV and audio equipment, too.
Bar & beyond
In keeping with the relaxed vibe on this floor of the townhouse, we installed a bespoke brass and mirrored bar. The basement also contains the main guest suite, which is situated on the half-landing floor. Then, a seasonal dressing room and luxurious spa room with en-suite shower completes this floor’s sumptuous accommodation.
Fine dining
Perfect for more formal entertaining, the townhouse’s ground floor dining area features Robert Langford dining chairs and we positioned a generous bespoke, rectangular table with a Matthew Wailes area rug forming a decorative backdrop below. We also chose modern artwork, by Haviland Designs, which we hung on an antiqued mirror, for maximum impact.
Luxury lighting
The ground floor of the townhouse incorporates a selection of different, bespoke light installations, to complement the impressive amount of natural light available. After much deliberation, we also decided to produce a coffered ceiling, complete with a stunning, statement Bella Figura pendant light. In addition, wall lights, plus a fully mirrored wall with slim bronze elements, deliver ample, yet elegant, illumination.
Contemporary kitchen styling
You can access the lower ground floor in this Chelsea townhouse via a light grey, open-tread staircase, finished with low iron glass side panels. Luxury German specialist Bulthaup – a perennial Chelsea favourite – was appointed to create the kitchen. So, we worked closely with the company’s designers to construct a large, practical space with plenty of overhead storage. Key features include a distinctive central island and a large banquette seating area bordered by fully panelled walls.
Practical extras
The generous proportions of this Chelsea townhouse allowed us to complement the spacious lower ground floor kitchen with no fewer than four additional rooms. In addition to the wine cellar, we installed a utility, a guest cloakroom, and a guest/staff bedroom.
Wood with white
This townhouse’s bespoke open-plan kitchen incorporates plenty of space for dining and more informal entertaining. We introduced biophilic elements, such as light oak wall panelling, and a built-in Bulthaup light oak bench. Hans Wegner wishbone chairs and a Tom Faulkner table (we chose the Capricorn base in granite) also provided the perfect foil.
The master bedroom
You can now access the first-floor master bedroom in this Chelsea townhouse via a stylish SMET staircase. We chose a pretty lilac palette for this room, using wallpaper by Fromental. A wall of practical, yet luxurious, fitted wardrobes, finished in faux leather with silver beaten handles, provides plenty of storage space for our clients’ clothing and accessories. We hand-picked a dressing table and bedside tables by Decorus, opting for high-gloss lacquer to add a touch of opulence with two eye-catching mirrored walls either side of the headboard.
