Houzz Tour: Clever Small Space Living in a Kensington Pied-à-terre
A previously dysfunctional Victorian flat has been given a glamorous update with an elegant palette, rich fabrics and brilliant use of space
Sometimes it’s clear from the start that a renovation is going to need some drastic action. So it was with this compact flat in the heart of London. ‘The building is Victorian, but a 1960s conversion had left the property with a warren of rooms that didn’t function very well,’ recalls interior designer Irina Townsend. ‘The entrance opened onto a narrow corridor that led straight to a separate toilet, so it wasn’t particularly welcoming, either.’
With less than 40 sq m to play with, Irina’s clients were keen to make the best use of the space, as well as incorporate plenty of storage. ‘We reconfigured the entire flat by knocking down a couple of walls, and we replaced bulky radiators with underfloor heating,’ she explains. Now complete, the sophisticated flat is a masterclass in how to make a small space function well and appear bigger than it is. ‘A common misconception is that the fewer pieces of furniture and features you have in a space, the bigger it will seem,’ says Irina. ‘In fact, the more zones and features you have, the more it creates a perception of space.’
With less than 40 sq m to play with, Irina’s clients were keen to make the best use of the space, as well as incorporate plenty of storage. ‘We reconfigured the entire flat by knocking down a couple of walls, and we replaced bulky radiators with underfloor heating,’ she explains. Now complete, the sophisticated flat is a masterclass in how to make a small space function well and appear bigger than it is. ‘A common misconception is that the fewer pieces of furniture and features you have in a space, the bigger it will seem,’ says Irina. ‘In fact, the more zones and features you have, the more it creates a perception of space.’
Irina’s homogenous approach to the colour scheme enhances the sense of openness in the space, while visual interest has been added by layering different textures. ‘Although everything is a similar colour, nothing looks the same, as there are so many fabrics and materials in the mix. It’s very subtle, but it’s a wonderful way to create depth,’ she explains.
Suede-covered dining chairs with a neat brown trim echo the bespoke dining table, which is made from a quartz and marble composite for a hard-wearing surface with a luxurious feel. A chandelier overhead reflects light playfully onto the surface, injecting a touch of drama.
Bespoke dining table, chairs and chandelier all commissioned by Keir Townsend. Blind fabric, Abbott & Boyd.
Suede-covered dining chairs with a neat brown trim echo the bespoke dining table, which is made from a quartz and marble composite for a hard-wearing surface with a luxurious feel. A chandelier overhead reflects light playfully onto the surface, injecting a touch of drama.
Bespoke dining table, chairs and chandelier all commissioned by Keir Townsend. Blind fabric, Abbott & Boyd.
Even though the flat is compact, Irina has managed to pack in plenty of glamorous touches. The eye-catching splashback, for instance, is made from antiqued bronze mirror glass with a polished edged. ‘It looks very elegant, but it’s also practical and opens up the space in this corner,’ she reveals
Elsewhere in the kitchen, bespoke cabinetry – made by joinery specialists in the Kier Townsend studio – has been sprayed silver for a cool, crisp look. ‘It was such a small, awkward space,’ says Irina, ‘and the units were not standard size, so it was easier to make them ourselves.’
For the flooring, the designer chose hard-wearing textured ceramic tiles that look like wood.
Antique mirror splashback, Saligo Design.
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Elsewhere in the kitchen, bespoke cabinetry – made by joinery specialists in the Kier Townsend studio – has been sprayed silver for a cool, crisp look. ‘It was such a small, awkward space,’ says Irina, ‘and the units were not standard size, so it was easier to make them ourselves.’
For the flooring, the designer chose hard-wearing textured ceramic tiles that look like wood.
Antique mirror splashback, Saligo Design.
Be inspired by ideas for making an open-plan design work in any property
In the living area, Irina has introduced raspberry accents to break up the cream palette. She’s even found space for a small workstation by slotting a bespoke slim table and chair into a corner by the window. ‘Every centimetre has been used,’ she says.
Office chair fabric, de Le Cuona. Tub chair fabric, Dedar Fabrics.
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Office chair fabric, de Le Cuona. Tub chair fabric, Dedar Fabrics.
See how to choose your perfect armchair
For the grey feature wall in the corner, Irina used polished plaster with two different finishes to add further depth to the scheme. ‘It’s my favourite material,’ she reveals. ‘It’s incredibly versatile and it reflects the light beautifully.’
Like many converted flats in London, storage was a thorny issue when it came to reconfiguring the design.
‘We had to be clever and make the most of any space that presented itself,’ explains Irina. ‘The alcove above the workstation doesn’t seem like much, but it’s the perfect space to squirrel away books and household files.’
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‘We had to be clever and make the most of any space that presented itself,’ explains Irina. ‘The alcove above the workstation doesn’t seem like much, but it’s the perfect space to squirrel away books and household files.’
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A cumbersome bath was removed to make way for a spacious rainfall shower cubicle in the new bathroom. ‘A bath isn’t really necessary in a small home, and we’ve made much better use of the space,’ says Irina. Hidden cupboards elsewhere in the room conceal the washing machine and extra storage, while the walls and floor are covered in ceramic tiles.
‘We invented the basin,’ says Irina. ‘It’s a very clean design using recycled bottle glass set in resin, which is lit up underneath with LED lighting, so it also functions as a night light.’ Ornate crystal taps and Venetian glass tiles complete the look and enhance the luxurious finish.
Amber wash-hand basin and crystal taps, Keir Townsend. Venetian glass walls tiles, Dune.
Amber wash-hand basin and crystal taps, Keir Townsend. Venetian glass walls tiles, Dune.
‘We managed to create quite a lot of storage in the flat without sacrificing wardrobe space in the bedroom,’ explains Irina. ‘Luckily, the ceilings are quite high, so we’ve managed to fit in double-height cupboards here.’
A cantilevered bed conceals even more storage space, keeping clutter to a minimum in the calming scheme. The shagreen leather floor echoes the luxurious flourishes elsewhere in the flat, while the velvet headboard adds depth and texture. ‘The flooring is very special in this room – it feels heavenly underfoot,’ explains Irina. ‘The leather will soften and become even more beautiful with time.’
Japanese linen wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries. Velvet for headboard, Abbott & Boyd. Leather floor, Alma Leather. Curtain fabric, De Le Cuona.
A cantilevered bed conceals even more storage space, keeping clutter to a minimum in the calming scheme. The shagreen leather floor echoes the luxurious flourishes elsewhere in the flat, while the velvet headboard adds depth and texture. ‘The flooring is very special in this room – it feels heavenly underfoot,’ explains Irina. ‘The leather will soften and become even more beautiful with time.’
Japanese linen wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries. Velvet for headboard, Abbott & Boyd. Leather floor, Alma Leather. Curtain fabric, De Le Cuona.
TELL US…
What do you think of this compact home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
What do you think of this compact home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A couple who use the flat as their London pied-à-terre
Location Kensington, London
Era built A Victorian building converted into flats in the 1960s
Year renovated 2013
Designer Irina Townsend of Keir Townsend
Size 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
‘The niche where the sofa sits was created to make wardrobe space either side in the bedroom behind,’ reveals Irina. ‘In such a compact flat there was a lot of give and take.’
Despite the space restrictions, the clients were keen the flat should be comfortable and insisted on a roomy sofa. ‘We designed virtually all the furniture in the flat ourselves and had it made in our workshop so it fits the space beautifully,’ explains Irina. ‘It was a challenge, but it’s all about getting the right proportions, the right fabrics and the right lighting.’
Sofa, Keir Townsend. For similar paint, try Pointing, Farrow & Ball.