With regards to architectural and inside kinds, we’re fairly omnivorous: we are able to admire a dressed-to-the-nines formal house (like this one) and, in the identical breadth, applaud a country DIY cabin with no working water (like this one). Typically, although, we occur upon initiatives that make us wish to pack up and transfer proper in. Paul West’s duplex, in a compact London Victorian, falls into this class.
It helps that the area itself is blessed with good bones. “There was a lot to like,” says Paul about why he selected to purchase it 5 years in the past. “At first look, numerous area, mature backyard, quiet avenue, authentic character, and the big, well-proportioned rooms. The entire area felt like an ideal canvas to create a house for residing in.”
Paul studied inside structure and used to work for numerous design and structure studios (he’s now a technique director at a model expertise company), so he was significantly educated about what to maintain (the molding, the generously sized home windows), what to revive (the pocket shutters), what to tweak (oak flooring got a lime wash), what so as to add (new built-in storage), and what to throw out and rebuild (the kitchen). Whereas he stored the footprint largely the identical, there was “appreciable work undertaken on the material of the constructing, the roof, the facade, backyard, kitchen, lavatory, carpentry, heating, the storage,” says Paul.
With the basics in place, he was able to fill it—however not an excessive amount of. “Now we have fairly eclectic tastes, impressed by numerous eras and concepts,” he says of his and his companion’s design sensibility (she moved in not way back). “Nonetheless, we have a tendency to hunt a number of qualities: integrity, performance, human, lasting, trustworthy, forgiving. We just like the performance of and ease of modernism, the optimism and creativity of mid-century, and the honesty and timelessness of studio crafts. Nonetheless, all of it must be helpful or lovely, as William Morris as soon as mentioned!”
Come take a tour of the sanctuary they’ve created. (And observe Paul’s Instagram account @consideredthings for extra pictures.)
Above: The Victorian townhouse has three flooring; Paul and his companion, Michelle Bower, dwell within the decrease duplex, which totals 1,250 sq. ft. The doorway, that includes checkerboard terracotta tiles, is on the road degree. The hallway results in stairs that go as much as the lounge and kitchen.
Above: A Matthew Hilton couch and a pair of mid-century Poul Kjærholm lounge chairs present snug seating within the light-filled front room.Above: “The shutters are super-practical. I found one hidden behind a plasterboard wall by the window, they usually needed to be remade as a working pair,” says Paul.
Above: A spherical mirror from Habitat is “most likely probably the most up to date merchandise in the home,” says Paul, who collects ceramics. “I’ve made a number of additionally. Michelle despatched me on a pottery course to remedy my obsession, but it surely ended up making it worse. The pottery hunt is the spotlight of any antiques market journey, right here or abroad.”Above: Paul relaxes on his favourite piece of furnishings within the house, the Spanish Chair by Borge Mogsensen. The audio system are a BBC design, from Harbeth UK; the amplifier, on prime the low console, is from Jadis in France. “Know-how is usually too flashy, showy and doesn’t combine effectively with the areas we dwell in,” he notes.Above: The view from the kitchen into the lounge. The wall-hung Lampe Gras lamp works as a process gentle within the area.Above: “The whole lot is in-built to the handmade cupboards—together with two fridges, a dishwasher, and storage. I designed the kitchen, and oversaw the construct. It’s a pleasure to make use of and certainly one of our favourite options,” shares Paul.Above: The kitchen cupboards are painted Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe. The range is by Smeg.Above: A classic baker’s rack serves as open storage within the kitchen.Above: “It’s nice having open storage, particularly when it’s filled with stuff you love. It additionally means you retain test on what you actually use and luxuriate in, and unused issues don’t construct up.”Above: Downstairs, the street-facing fundamental bed room is stored gentle and shiny. An outsized Rice Paper Lampshade by Hay hovers over the Flag Halyard Chair by Hans Wegner.Above: Paul made positive there’s loads of built-in storage. Lamps by Unique BTC sit on nightstands from Forest in London.
Above: Paul, on his companion’s contributions to the house: “Something you see that’s yellow within the pictures. There’s definitely a love for yellow! Pure optimism. Now we have chosen issues collectively, reshaped layouts, and remodeled some decor from darkish to gentle—for instance, the backyard room is now a inventive area for portray, making, drawing, and writing.”Above: The backyard room additionally acts as a visitor room. Paul designed the platform mattress, and his dad made it: “A West x West collaboration!” he says. “We find it irresistible. It’s manufactured from stable oak, recycled from an old style. Charlotte Perriand was my inspiration.” (“In the event you look intently, you may spot the Remodelista ebook within the backyard room bookcase,” he provides.)Above: Paul commissioned the oak desk to suit the area.Above: When Paul first moved in, the backyard, whereas mature, wasn’t in an excellent state. ” I didn’t know very a lot about gardening earlier than residing right here however have grown to find it irresistible. It’s an everyday ritual to wind down and really feel ‘grounded.’ The entire course of is a bit trial and error, however that’s a part of the enjoyable.” Wisteria and jasmine body the constructing.Above: The stone patio offers option to gravel. “It’s very sensible, feels good, and is straightforward to keep up,” says Paul.
