Houzz Tour: A Period House in Chelsea Gets a Sleek, Modern Update
A light, minimal interior works beautifully amid Georgian architecture in this cleverly renovated home
When Peter and Claire’s children flew the nest, they decided the time was right to sell their country home and relocate to London. They found this Grade II listed house in Chelsea in 2011 and knew they had a project on their hands. It had clearly been tinkered with a number of times over the years, and it lacked original features as well as being rather dark. In short, it was a beautiful house, but in desperate need of an update.
Peter and Claire sought the expertise of Nash Baker Architects to help open up the property and let as much light as possible flow through. They began work in 2012, overseeing the structural renovations, including adding a smart roof terrace, then it was Claire’s turn to direct the interior design. She says she had a ‘clear vision’ of how she wanted the property to look – and it shows. The rooms have a unifying minimal aesthetic, the emphasis very much on the beauty of crisp white lines and smooth surfaces illuminated by abundant natural light.
The result is a serenely minimal space where contemporary style sits happily amid beautiful period features.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Peter and Claire
Location Chelsea, London
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Peter and Claire sought the expertise of Nash Baker Architects to help open up the property and let as much light as possible flow through. They began work in 2012, overseeing the structural renovations, including adding a smart roof terrace, then it was Claire’s turn to direct the interior design. She says she had a ‘clear vision’ of how she wanted the property to look – and it shows. The rooms have a unifying minimal aesthetic, the emphasis very much on the beauty of crisp white lines and smooth surfaces illuminated by abundant natural light.
The result is a serenely minimal space where contemporary style sits happily amid beautiful period features.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Peter and Claire
Location Chelsea, London
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
One of the main aims of the renovation was to pull in as much light as possible, and the illuminating effect begins the moment you step through the door. The gorgeous antiqued mirror wall is subtly reflective and adds depth to the hallway.
The living room is the most relaxed space in the house, with plump sofas and a slightly more traditional aesthetic kept on the contemporary side by the pale, neutral palette. The light-enhancing mirrors nod to the square Georgian window panes.
For a bright, minimal look in the kitchen, the couple opted for handleless cabinetry finished in glossy white. Designed by Eggersmann Kitchens, the double run of units leads the eye down to the huge window, which has been kept free of any cabinetry to maximise the light.
See 8 contemporary white kitchen schemes
See 8 contemporary white kitchen schemes
The couple chose stainless steel for the worktops as it’s hard-wearing and looks super contemporary. It also adds to the light-reflecting glossy surfaces that make this room so sunny.
Dinesen wide oak floorboards are a beautiful addition to the kitchen-diner, leading the eye from the cooking zone to the dining area’s large sash window. Claire chose a simple wooden table and latte-coloured chairs to keep the calm aesthetic.
Claire has punctuated the home’s white theme in the bedroom with this joyful butterfly artwork. She’s also introduced lots of pleasing textures in the bed throw, blanket and cushions.
See simple ways to bring artwork into your home
See simple ways to bring artwork into your home
Nestled on the second floor, the bathroom has been sectioned off with a half wall topped with glass to divide the walk-in shower from the bath without visually enclosing the space too much. The freestanding composite tub has been positioned so Claire and Peter can gaze at the sky while they lie back and soak.
In the second floor home office, a desk and drawers unit packs in ample storage but in a sleek way, and gives Peter and Claire a dedicated space for dealing with bills and paperwork. So much of the home’s success is in the details, and the clear light switch plate and plain panel radiator in here are just the kind of touches that make the minimal look work.
A cute roof terrace can be accessed via a new brick and glass extension, which incorporates a kitchenette to make entertaining – or solo snacking – super easy. ‘The natural stone, timber and brickwork references the building’s traditional materials,’ says Simon Baker of Nash Baker Architects.
Although compact in size, the rear garden was redesigned to create an entertaining space. The custom-made stainless steel cascading water feature means there’s always the calming, gentle sound of running water in the background.
Lighting is an essential part of the garden and the couple called in Sally Storey from John Cullen Lighting to help them get the best out of the space. She incorporated hidden LEDs to highlight the planting and form a backdrop for the entertaining space.
Claire and Peter have decked out the lower-ground floor in a chocolate box palette of rich browns to create an inviting, cosy den. This room, which includes a TV, is also used as an occasional bedroom when the couple’s children come to visit.
The space under the stairs has been turned into a unique storage unit to hold the couple’s collection of fine wines. Made from oak veneer in a pleasing cross design, it is LED backlit to make it a real feature.
The home has a beautiful exterior that is recognisably Georgian with its sash windows and even proportions.
Do you like this home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Do you like this home? Tell us why in the Comments below.