Rees Architects designed and project managed the refurbishment of this duplex flat in Victoria Park, East London - making it fit to rent in this popular and competitive area. Rees were also responsible for all of the interior design, kitchen and bathroom design, bespoke joinery design, and the selection of all furnishings, fixtures and fitting.
We got straight to work removing a section of the wall between the kitchen and the living room to create an open plan space full of light. Then to give the kitchen a further sense of openness, we installed a glazed door allowing a window into the hallway. We went one step further with this by using the level of the panes in the door to insert three more windows across the top of the kitchen sink. This congruence was enhanced by the uniform colour across the wall and the door giving the illusion of continuity unbroken by the door frame. Of course, the windows usher more light into the space, but also a more pronounced sense of flow from the time that you enter the hallway and glimpse through into the kitchen while hanging up your coat.
In the kitchen, we fitted Ikea wall units in reflective white while British Standard cupboards were painted in a stone grey, topped with quartz worktops and bespoke handles. Sculptural pendant bulbs over the new kitchen sink added interest as well as functionality, beautifully framed by the gallery of windows behind.
We took a bold step and created a utility cupboard in the dead space at the top of the stairs. Here, the washing machine, drier and boiler are out of the way behind acoustic doors and don’t cause any noise or disturbance in the downstairs living space. As a rental property, this is a particularly welcome detail for young professionals who may be sharing but is also more practical for a couple or small family. Thanks to the handleless doors, the cupboard sits flush and appears to be a regular wall to which we added a splash of colour with a warm dusky pink.
We took a bold step and created a utility cupboard in the dead space at the top of the stairs. Here, the washing machine, drier and boiler are out of the way behind acoustic doors and don’t cause any noise or disturbance in the downstairs living space. With the boiler and ventilation here it’s also ideal for drying linen, again, out of the way of living space and housemates. As a rental property, this is a particularly welcome detail for young professionals who may be sharing but is also more practical for a couple or small family. Thanks to the handleless doors, the cupboard sits flush and appears to be a regular wall to which we added a splash of colour with a warm dusky pink. A discreet bit of carpentry work at ceiling height hides the pipes and ducts exiting the cupboard which doubles as coving for an LED strip light. The master bedroom was also given fitted cupboards along one wall for added storage.
