stairs
Extensive renovations were necessary in the basement, which in turn affected the design of the other floors. “We more or less removed all of the structure in the basement and ground floor,” Gwynn says. “We had to put in a steel frame to support the building, but it’s now stronger than it was before.”However, to install all the necessary steelwork, the ceilings on the ground floor had to be lowered. The team reproduced the cornicing around the ceiling but couldn’t continue it over the windows. Instead, they added a paneled wall between the windows to create a deliberate contrast with the period details. “The striking bookcase has traveled with the owners around the world, and we helped them modify it to fit this space,” Gwynn says.
The centerpiece of the project is the stunning staircase. “The staircase is unashamedly modern,” Gwynn says. “The balustrade is the key. It’s something which is both industrial and modern, but also blends the spaces together. Gwynn’s team worked closely with EeStairs to create the design, which was manufactured in the Netherlands and shipped to the U.K.The staircase’s design is enhanced by a cluster of large pendant lights, which were discovered by Dyer Grimes’ interior designer. “We sourced these lights from the Lindsey Adelman Studio in New York,” Gwynn says. “They’re blown-glass bulbs, and they’re attached to a clamp. It’s just a really unique object, and it reflects that slightly industrial nature. Because we’ve gone for the gold finish, it’s also luxurious.”
Cluster a number of smaller lights together for greater impact. A two-story tall staircase can be difficult to decorate. This set of 18 smaller lights gathered in a column of glass and light does the job perfectly. It's a simple fixture and an elegant solution for this space.
Q