Making A Modern Classic

Designed: Naomi Astley Clarke

Architecture: Smith & Brooke

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Masterfully conceived by interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke and Smith Brooke architects, this 6 bedroom West London townhouse was completely transformed to suit a busy family with 3 young children and a sweet poochon pup. Click below to watch the full video.

The brief was to create a warm, vibrant, fun family home which met all their practical needs, but which also captured their personalities. The new house had to work for children ranging from toddler age to teens and incorporate spaces for relaxed family living, as well as more formal entertaining.

Floor: Chauncey

Structural changes were necessary; an extension was added to the side of the house, as well as the ground and first floor rear, and the owners decided to dig down to the basement. Featuring a statement black marble floor from Lapicida, the entrance hall was enlarged to accommodate bespoke floor-to-ceiling storage, allowing mess and clutter to be easily hidden away.

Floor: Grigio Carnico marble with border in Nero Marquina from Lapicida

The roof lantern from the existing extension was repurposed and re-sited above the top floor landing and a secret ‘Narnia-esque’ walkway was designed to connect the girls’ bedrooms.

Floor: Chauncey

On the ground floor, the sitting room and kitchen doors were placed directly opposite one another, ensuring an easy, open flow throughout the entire space.

With fantastic, uninterrupted garden views, the open-plan kitchen features both a more formal dining area and a relaxed, soft, seating zone where family and friends can gather in a more casual way.

The kitchen itself showcases a mix of both classic and contemporary style; hand painted, traditional style cabinetry is contrasted with warm brass finishes and dramatically veined marble worktops, bringing a modern edge to the room.

Marble: Glass & Fusion & Profile Interiors

A beautifully arranged and organised walk-in pantry provides much needed storage space for dry ingredients, cookbooks, coffee, tea, oils and small appliances.

Whilst an inviting, convivial atmosphere was essential in the main living areas, the bedrooms were to be calm and restful. The colour schemes of the main and guest bedroom were kept deliberately quiet, with various soft furnishings and the owners’ artwork collection providing lively pops of colour and visual interest.

Marble Floor Tiles: Mandarin Stone

Shower Screen: Matki

Pink Walls:Tadelakt London

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Curtains: KLS Interiors

However, for the children’s bedrooms, pinks, blues and bold, hand painted murals bring a young, vibrant and personalised feel.

Bespoke Mural: Nancy Daniell

Chosen for their classic beauty and timeless feel, Drummonds bathroomware was specified for each of the property’s four bathrooms, as well as the ground floor cloakroom. Subtly elegant and showcasing a cool, calm palette, the main ensuite places the Meon bath in a polished finish and the Double Ladybower Vanity with Calacatta marble, in centre stage.

Shower + Marble Floor: Mandarin Stone’s Alsace Honed

Shower Screen: Matki

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Fabulously positioned, the ensuite leads out to the bespoke dressing room which features spacious floor to ceiling cupboards, and a similar colour scheme of dreamy neutrals, contrasted with warm, brass handles.

Joinery designed by Naomi Astley Clarke & Profile Interiors

Swathed in geometric tiles from Lapicida on the floors and walls, and with a more decorative, maximalist feel, the downstairs shower room features gleaming brass fittings, including the Grand floor standing shower with bespoke tear drop head. It’s a bold, dramatic space designed to make an impact.

Tiles: Lapicida’s Gramercy Park North soft grey & veined black

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On the top floor, the girls’ bathroom combines candy pink tiles and bespoke mural art with classic brass fittings and a handpainted yellow Usk bath, achieving just the right blend of the playful, and the timeless.

Pink ceramic wall tiles: Ca’ Pietra Carter Ceramic Rose

Green floor tiles: Artisans of Devizes

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Special thanks to Simon Smith and Michael Brooke Architects Ltd, & Nader Construction.

Joinery construction and installation – Profile Interiors
Furniture – IJL Brown for some
Curtains + blinds – KLS Interiors
Brass light fittings – Corston Architectural
Lighting – Christopher Wray
Paint – Edward Bulmer
Fireplace – Chesneys
Shower + Marble Tiles – Mandarin Stone
Marble – Lapicida
Stones & Tiles – Artisans of Devizes
Floors – Chauncey
Shower Screen – Matki
Photography – Paul Massey

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