Peter Mikic Studio and Studio McW have collaborated on the renovation of a North West London Victorian home, creating a space underpinned by a refined material palette, an uncompromising approach to finishes and an inherent feeling of comfort.
The more than 200 square metre, two storey ground floor flat was designed for a young family, featuring an upper floor boasting a generous entertaining space defined by a dual-aspect living and dining area, while the lower ground provides an intimate space to spend family time together.
Peter Mikic Studio was commissioned to lead the interior design, establishing the design intent for the project before inviting London-based architects Studio McW to collaborate on further developing the concept, planning and execution of the design, with delivery of architectural detail and robust finishes a focus for Studio McW.
While the structural lines of the original home were preserved, key architectural additions from Studio McW included the transformation of an existing outrigger at the rear, refurbishment of an extension to the side of the property and an addition to the front of the home for a bathroom and steam room, and discreet storage of the utilities and plant room.
The refurbished outrigger now supports a green garden terrace and sitting area on the roof, and a sunken living room on the lower ground leading onto a private courtyard garden. To preserve the substantial ceiling heights throughout the home, Studio McW lowered the floor of the outrigger, creating a sunken living space replete with a bespoke U shaped velvet sofa in a silver moss green complemented by walls and ceiling panelled in oak veneer.
The client’s brief placed particular emphasis on a robust but refined material palette resulting in bespoke timber, metal work, concrete and travertine used throughout the home, creating a sense of continuity and richness.
High end specifications have been applied across the design, spanning specialist plaster and concrete, and custom mixes of sealants and fixes.
The project maintained an uncompromising approach to unseen architectural elements, with wall build-ups, floor substrates and acoustic separation equally prioritised alongside interior finishes. Floors were updated throughout the property, and substantially, the floor plates of the upper level were entirely removed and a new structural slab poured to support polished concrete floor finishes. Emphasis on architectural features created acoustic separation between rooms for improved livability and provides a solid, tactile quality to all elements.
The front facade maintains the character of the original heritage form with the main entrance opening to the lower floor hall and leading to a calm but texturally rich main bedroom at the rear of the home.
The primary suite introduces a sandy toned wallpaper to incorporate texture and tactile softness, mirroring the subtle grain of the statement travertine fireplace, while dark timber floor boards offer a refined contrast. In the refurbished extension, a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite shower-room is topped with overhead glazing
Also on the lower ground floor, two further bedrooms face out to the street, the larger of which houses a substantial bathroom. Passing under a dramatic arched entryway and down into a moody subterranean vault, a jet black tub is enveloped in an entirely ebony hued colour palette. Studio McW excavated the cave-like space to accommodate the bathroom and a hammam style steam room, creating a tranquil retreat.
Across the hall, another bathroom continues the contemplative feeling, this time coccooning the space with warm lighting and a weighty travertine wash basin and flooring.
At the back of the home, the cozy sunken living room continues the rich palette of polished concrete and bespoke Belvedere Joinery wall detail. An entire wall of glazed bifold doors opens the lounge up to the private outdoor entertaining area, providing a quiet refuge away from the bustle of Regents Park just metres away.
Curved plasterwork in the stairwell creates sensual lines ascending to the upper level where the original window opening has been enlarged to create a new entrance, allowing access to the roof terrace.
The upper floor is the entertaining heart of the home - with an open plan living and dining room featuring dual aspect windows drawing in light in a bright contrast to the warm, moody bedrooms below. Entering the lounge area, a De Sede DS-600 ‘Non-Stop’ Sofa anchors the space, complemented by a sculptural tree root coffee table and inset custom metal wall shelves.
Armourcoat specialist plaster is used throughout the upper floor while travertine thresholds and architraves create a striking connection between the lounge and dining areas and complement bespoke fireplaces mirrored across both spaces.
The living and dining spaces flow into the kitchen, creating an open environment for hosting and entertaining. Kitchen cabinetry by Belvedere Joinery in an American walnut oak-based timber mix was carefully specified to integrate with subtle metalwork and maintain visual consistency with the broader palette used throughout the house. Texturally rich, the kitchen features white marble scorched with dark graining across a generous island bench, counter tops and back splash.
Team:
Architect: Studio McW
Interiors: Peter Mikic Interiors
Principal designer: Peter Mikic Interiors
Photographer: Richard Gaston
Styling: Peter Mikic Interiors
Materials Used:
Joinery: Belvedere Joinery
Dining Pendant: Admont, JT Kalmar
