Houzz Tour: A Small London Flat Cleverly Redesigned for Modern Living
Reconfiguring the layout and opting for a bright, white palette has turned this once-modular Mayfair property into an elegant, modern home
The original layout of this purpose-built mansion flat in central London was designed to cater for live-in staff, and very little of its interior had been altered since the 1960s. ‘It was very cellular,’ explains architect Carolyn Trevor of TLA Studio. ‘It had a large entrance hall and lots of corridors, so the servants could circulate around the place without disturbing the homeowners.’
However, the apartment is constructed of steel and concrete, so Trevor was able to remove most of the load-bearing walls and completely redesign the layout, creating an open-plan, spacious home that’s ideal for 21st century living.
However, the apartment is constructed of steel and concrete, so Trevor was able to remove most of the load-bearing walls and completely redesign the layout, creating an open-plan, spacious home that’s ideal for 21st century living.
‘We stripped out the old cornices and drab, fading wallpaper,’ says Trevor, ‘and concentrated on filling the property with light. Apart from the Crittall-style windows, which we painted black, everything is painted pure white.’
The white backdrop ensures all the attention is on the large artwork from every point in the room.
Bespoke shelving, TLA Studio.
The white backdrop ensures all the attention is on the large artwork from every point in the room.
Bespoke shelving, TLA Studio.
The kitchen was moved from its original spot to what used to be the cloakroom and part of the entrance hall. Trevor designed the units and had them made bespoke. Again, the brief was to keep it white and minimalist, so she opted for simple, handleless units, plus a bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinets along one wall so kitchen clutter can be kept out of sight.
Bespoke units, TLA Studio.
Bespoke units, TLA Studio.
Rather than sacrifice part of the flat to create a utility area, the washing machine and tumble dryer are discreetly hidden within the kitchen units.
Living in a small space? Here’s how to do your laundry
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The dining area used to be in a separate room, but it now flows from the main living space, making the whole area feel bigger. The striking pendant lights focus all the attention on the dining table.
Lighting, Bouroullec Brothers.
Lighting, Bouroullec Brothers.
Trevor designed the headboard in the main bedroom to fit the homeowners’ existing bed. To keep the space sleek and simple, she created cantilevered bedside tables coming out at each side.
Headboard; built-in wardrobes, all TLA Studio.
Check out 10 gorgeous decorating ideas for a white bedroom
Headboard; built-in wardrobes, all TLA Studio.
Check out 10 gorgeous decorating ideas for a white bedroom
Trevor also designed the bespoke wardrobes, which feature handy glass drawer fronts so the owners can see at a glance what’s inside.
Bespoke wardrobes, TLA Studio.
Discover how to streamline your wardrobe with ease
Bespoke wardrobes, TLA Studio.
Discover how to streamline your wardrobe with ease
Symmetrical open shelving in the second bedroom helps to hide the chimney breast and gives the room a sense of balance. The white bed linen continues the minimalist theme.
The owners were keen to continue the simplicity of the scheme into the main bathroom. A striking freestanding tub, teamed with elegant Calacatta marble on the walls and floor, adds a luxurious feel, which ensures the white, bright space doesn’t look too clinical.
Bath, The Albion Bath Company.
Bath, The Albion Bath Company.
An additional level of privacy was built into the bathroom when Trevor created her trademark bespoke doors. ‘These can be a pricier option, but they do help to make a room,’ she says.
Bespoke doors, TLA Studio.
Bespoke doors, TLA Studio.
Eye-catching mirrors above the double basins give the room a touch of Art Deco glamour.
Mirror, TLA Studio.
TELL US…
What do think of this bright, white apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Mirror, TLA Studio.
TELL US…
What do think of this bright, white apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A young professional couple
Location Mayfair, central London
Property An early 20th century beaux-arts mansion flat
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Architect Carolyn Trevor of TLA Studio
Carolyn Trevor was involved in all aspects of this project, from the structure to the interior design, fixtures and fittings. Keeping everything light, bright and simple was key. ‘The homeowners were keen to keep the whole design of the flat very simple and minimalist, so their artwork and furniture would be the main focal points,’ explains Trevor.
The oak floor in the light-filled living room was treated with an oil that contains a white pigment. This was rubbed in again and again so the floor appears to be white.
Chairs, vintage. Sofa, Roche Bobois.