'it was not about big ideas but small meaningful interventions’

Interior refresh of a Maida Vale garden flat

Deciding to move to London later in life our clients bought a small bijoux flat in a converted townhouse. The rear garden and aspect was South facing and was a perfect accompaniment to the flat, and for their pet dog Brian! The flat was in need of upgrading, not only to make it more attractive but practical too for when family members visited for special occasions. We worked on a small part of the flat, the living quarters. The shape of the footprint was awkward, with a conservatory built out to one side leaving the existing space difficult to use.

dining table and four chairs with curtain in the background
Desalto 4to8 oval table leaf hung on wall mirror

This was a project where we had to use simple clever solutions, it was not about big ideas but small meaningful interventions. We focused on the interiors and architects design became the lesser priority for this project.

Sitting room in new rear extension

First stop, the conservatory, a simple glazed space that was cold in winter, hot in summer and butts up to a tall dark brick wall. Hanging soft wavy linen curtains on the glass walls meant the space could be shaded in summer, warmed up in winter, provide privacy in the darker hours and most importantly create a beautiful backdrop to the dining area. Studio 29 also sourced a vintage 4to8 table by Desalto in Berlin. It is a small round table with an oval extension leaf for 8. When not in use the leaf hangs on the wall around a mirror - perfect for those special get-togethers. It is such a clever piece. Along with glass pendant lights the space becomes incredibly inviting.

View of hallway kitchen looking into sitting room with sofas and floor lamp

The odd shape of the floor plan meant that the kitchen was in a corridor, but in the end it simply had to change style, from 80s oak to simple warm colours with a cloud effect stone top. A floating peninsula was created to give a casual work and eating area, but to also help the kitchen disappear when it arrived in the living area.

Sitting room, looking out of window to garden studio

Planning Permission was successfully sought by Studio 29 for a small rear extension and rear garden studio. The sitting area was extended to allow a comfortable balance between the bedroom areas and the living areas and the garden studio became a home office.

The space was finished with simple wood floors and neutral wall paint to create a warm and welcoming space.