Wednesday 22 April 2009

More W1



The street, photographed by Alvin Langdon Coburn, as it was at the end of the 19th century. The architecture is predominantly Regency and Vogue Regency (the style prevalent with the smart set of the 1920s).

While one needs to respect the client's wishes one should not disregard the architectural integrity of the space. Above all the client wanted the apartment to be masculine. Unfortunately, this desire often manifests itself with boxy pieces of leather furniture. Here, however, the client was steered towards a restricted palette (Indian jade, black, burnt orange, and a dirty greyish white) and more organically shaped pieces to achieve the desired effect.




The living room is sill awaiting its rug, which needed to be re-coloured. Elephants gestate faster.





The Jansen mirrors were a great find (that is code for the client did not collapse when told the price), as was the bar. The fireplace still awaits its fire bowl.



And this (in terracotta) is sill the perfect piece to help finish the room.




The accent colour changes from burnt orange to yellow as one moves into the private space of the apartment.




Originally the kitchen was a testament to the 80s - white and grey marble tiles and pale blue-grey cabinetry.
The cabinetry now painted black (with whiskey coloured interiors), the marble replaced with cork and oak, and the hardware bronzed. Hopefully more an homage to T. E. Lawrence than a testament to the 2000s.


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via FoxyTunes

13 comments:

Pigtown-Design said...

Spectacular, my darling! It's just so lovely and livable.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

The rug. Those mirrors.
Inspired choices.
Bravo.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

It really looks amazing - so cozy -such a great apartment! Nice work!

maison21 said...

seriously, seriously, chic!

Mrs. Blandings said...

I had to put my head on my desk when I saw the kitchen. I do wish we had a chance to see your work more often. Someday I will come to England and see all these wonders. I bet you would think it odd that the oldest building I come in contact with on a daily basis was probably built in the early 1900's.

An Aesthete's Lament said...

This is like a very slow strip-tease, you know. I want to see it all!

HOBAC said...

Thanks to all for your kind words.

HOBAC said...

Mrs B - there are days when I wish they would just raze the whole lot and start again. There are times too, I would gladly trade a little history for some space.

Jill said...

Masculine Sexy Glam...love it and I absolutely adore the sofa. Great color...The rug is going to be fabulous. Luck, Lucky Client!!

HOBAC said...

Paula Poignard - your dagger will have to be much sharper than that.

Renee Finberg said...

the 1st pic and the black kitch are fabulous !

nice post !

i apologize for not commenting in so long
xx

Jill said...

Damn...what did Paula Poignard say?

HOBAC said...

J - something about the tea towel (which was not a problem) and a crudely put reference to Lawrence's affinity for the Arab culture (which was the problem). While I am loathe to censor the opinions of others, I did not feel it was something others should have been subjected to.