Houzz Tour: A Small, Dark Flat Gets a Light, Bright Makeover
Going open-plan and introducing nature-influenced décor with colourful accents turned a bland flat into a home
Dark laminate flooring, magnolia walls and a cramped layout starved of light made this flat in London’s Docklands an anonymous and uninspiring place to be. “The owner travels all the time, but he wanted to come back to a home that reflected his personality,” says Omar Bhatti, design director at Space Shack, who was tasked with solving the flat’s problems.
The flat’s windows couldn’t be altered, so Omar’s choice of furniture and soft furnishing colours were designed to work with the grey frames.
New curtains in a taupe colour that draw completely away from the window maximise daylight, and blackout blinds have also been fitted. “Privacy is important, as well as noise insulation,” Omar says. “A new tower block is being built opposite.”
Metal-frame upholstered chair, West Elm.
New curtains in a taupe colour that draw completely away from the window maximise daylight, and blackout blinds have also been fitted. “Privacy is important, as well as noise insulation,” Omar says. “A new tower block is being built opposite.”
Metal-frame upholstered chair, West Elm.
The dark, light-absorbing flooring was exchanged for whitewashed oak herringbone parquet in the open-plan living and kitchen space and the hallway to maximise light. The velvet-look rug in front of the sofa has luxurious, light-reflecting pile for feet to sink into. “It complements the different beiges and taupes in the room,” Omar says.
The flat had no ceiling lights when the owner moved in. Now there’s a pendant in the living space, hung high because he’s tall. The geometric shape provides a counterpoint to the linear furnishings. In brass, it echoes the metal in the coffee table.
Brass details were used all round the flat to bring warmth to the white backdrop. “Brass adds a luxe feel without being harsh on the eye,” Omar says.
Lucens rug, Heal’s. Franklin Chandelier Tribeca, menu.
See more ideas for beautifying your home with brass
The flat had no ceiling lights when the owner moved in. Now there’s a pendant in the living space, hung high because he’s tall. The geometric shape provides a counterpoint to the linear furnishings. In brass, it echoes the metal in the coffee table.
Brass details were used all round the flat to bring warmth to the white backdrop. “Brass adds a luxe feel without being harsh on the eye,” Omar says.
Lucens rug, Heal’s. Franklin Chandelier Tribeca, menu.
See more ideas for beautifying your home with brass
Shelving and a media unit were positioned opposite the sofa. “They’re used for the TV and ornaments. The drawers and cupboards are for files, as there’s not much space for storage,” Omar says.
Industrial Modular media console; Industrial Modular Open + Closed storage, both West Elm.
Industrial Modular media console; Industrial Modular Open + Closed storage, both West Elm.
Brass photo frames continue the warm highlights of the scheme, while vases add complementary colours.
Photo frames, By Lassen.
Photo frames, By Lassen.
The kitchen used to be a separate, cramped, U-shaped room. With the removal of two stud walls, the flat now has an open-plan living and cooking space, with room to eat at the breakfast bar that divides the two areas without blocking the light.
Form bar stools, Normann Copenhagen.
Form bar stools, Normann Copenhagen.
Matt cabinetry with an inset gold detail was teamed with a quartz worktop chosen for its practical and stain-resistant finish. “White is neat and clean, and the gold lifts it up,” Omar says. With this simple backdrop, it’s easy for the owner to add his own touches to bring colour and personality to his surroundings.
Kitchen cabinetry, Wren Kitchens.
Kitchen cabinetry, Wren Kitchens.
Marble pendant lights with a brass rose were hung above the breakfast bar. Spotlights had to be added, too, as the flat badly lacked lighting. All the lights can be dimmed to change the ambience.
Stone pendant lights, Tom Dixon.
Stone pendant lights, Tom Dixon.
Brass details extend through the flat, including for the sockets.
Light switches; plug sockets; door handles, all Buster + Punch.
Light switches; plug sockets; door handles, all Buster + Punch.
The owner wanted a distinct scheme for the bedroom, with darker colours and a feature wall behind the bed. Omar suggested a dark grey he wouldn’t tire of and that could be combined with slate grey and black.
The super-king-size bed was a must-have, so Omar chose a floating design that wouldn’t be overly dominant. Under-bed units supplement the room’s storage.
The bedroom gets very bright in the mornings, so heavier curtains were used in here, and built-in blinds also block light as well as creating privacy.
Canton black lacquer nine-drawer chest, Lombok.
The super-king-size bed was a must-have, so Omar chose a floating design that wouldn’t be overly dominant. Under-bed units supplement the room’s storage.
The bedroom gets very bright in the mornings, so heavier curtains were used in here, and built-in blinds also block light as well as creating privacy.
Canton black lacquer nine-drawer chest, Lombok.
Omar designed a bespoke feature for the wall behind the bed. A blue-tinted 3D mirror is surrounded by screen-printed triangles created specially by artist Chloe McCarrick.
Find wall art for every budget in the Houzz Shop
Find wall art for every budget in the Houzz Shop
The bedside lights and tables feature the same brass details that are used in other spaces.
Bedside table, Swoon Editions.
Bedside table, Swoon Editions.
The hallway is generously sized, but Omar didn’t want to fill it up and detract from the open feel, so he introduced a simple mangowood console.
An olive tree brings a natural element to this part of the flat. The owner’s travels meant a faux version was the sensible choice, though. Above is an artwork with mirror details.
Console, West Elm. Pieter mirror, Bluesuntree. IC table light, Flos.
An olive tree brings a natural element to this part of the flat. The owner’s travels meant a faux version was the sensible choice, though. Above is an artwork with mirror details.
Console, West Elm. Pieter mirror, Bluesuntree. IC table light, Flos.
A woven storage basket introduces a contrasting surface. “Using different textures together warms up the space and brings it to life,” Omar says.
The bathroom suite wasn’t refitted, but by stripping out all the old grout and putting in new, the whole room was refreshed.
Vases, Heal’s.
Vases, Heal’s.
Marble mosaic tiles – in a herringbone pattern to echo the flooring in the living space and hall – were fitted in a niche to create a feature. Brass handles and accessories extend the metallic highlights to the room.
Mosaic tiles, Topps Tiles.
Tell us…
What do you think of this smart flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Mosaic tiles, Topps Tiles.
Tell us…
What do you think of this smart flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here A professional
Location Docklands, London
Property A flat in a block purpose-built around 10 years ago
Size One bedroom and one bathroom
Designer Omar Bhatti of Space Shack
Photos by Reece Chapman
Omar Bhatti used white for the walls throughout the flat to create a simple base, then added in earthy, natural tones plus accents of mustard and green.
He designed a gallery wall behind the sofa as a feature. It has a nature theme that links to the colour palette, but includes both a clock and a mirror as well as art. It’s been designed to grow to fill the wall as the owner brings back artwork from his travels.
Newman sofa, Habitat. Coffee table, West Elm. Line One floor lamp, Norr11. Marble wall clock, Menu.