Secret penthouse refurbishment

A top floor flat in Chelsea is all about maximising natural light.

Maximise natural light and make the most of the views across South London, was the simple brief our client gave us for a mansion block apartment he would use as a pied-à-terre.

He had bought the flat because of its top-floor position, the views, and the uninterrupted light that changes throughout the day, but he did not like the floor plan with the kitchen overlooking a dark courtyard and the closed-off bedroom occupying the best part of the space. 

The study of the layout was the first step of the design process.

We designed the new scheme to bring direct sunlight to the core of the space. Joining the two South-facing rooms in an open plan provided maximum daylight penetration and shifted the bedroom with the dressing room and bathroom to the rear of the building, darker but also quieter.

Reflective materials multiply the effect of direct sunlight: polished marble for the modern fireplace surround and kitchen splashback, brushed brass, oiled oak in a basketweave pattern for the floors, and faceted and bronzed mirrors capturing and re-directing the light.

Textures, exposed by the directional play of light, together with an elegant and masculine palette of tan, navy blue and taupe add interest and personality to the interiors.

The window treatments use textured and sheer metallic fabrics to filter the light and beautify the spaces with a golden glow.

We put together an elegant and masculine palette - which includes two types of marble, brushed brass, oiled oak, faceted & bronzed mirrors, leather and double toned boucle wool - whose colours and textures play subtly with the ever-changing light. As we know that there are days in London when natural light can be far from flattering or cheerful, we dressed all windows with textured and sheer fabrics to filter the light and beautify the spaces with a golden glow.

A small selection of contemporary pieces by B&B Italia and Flexform complemented with a few iconic lamps by Oluce and a wool and silk rug by  The Rug Company completes the space.

Read more about this project, published on Homify here.