Edwardian Artists' Studio, London
An extraordinary family home set in historic Edwardian artists’ studios
Project Type:
Residential refurbishment
Project Status:
Complete
Set in a Chelsea Conservation Area, this magnificent hidden gem consists of two large north-west facing artist studios with vast windows, set over two floors. Originally built as two separate artist units, our brief was to amalgamate the two spaces to form one coherent family home and undertake a full refurbishment. Our aim was to curate spaces that reflect the character of its owners and enhance modern family life, while preserving the historic value of the building and showcasing a remarkable collection of art, antiquities and literature.
An important part of the brief was to reconnect the two units to form one coherent family home, with sleeping accommodation located on the ground floor and family living taking place above, in the two vast artist studios with their huge north-facing windows and vaulted ceilings.
At ground floor the renovation involved reconnecting the two separated layouts by breaking through from one side of the property to the other to improve connectivity. We also rationalised the number of staircases to the artist studio level above from two to one. A small rear extension to the building also gains more usable space within the reconfigured and enlarged master bedroom.
At first floor a kitchen/dining room and a drawing room fill the two large artists’ studio spaces. Alterations were made to one of the large studio windows to replicate its counterpart in the adjacent studio. Two conservation style roof lights were added to the rear of the building to brighten the space with south light.
Bespoke features included a burnished brass and wood staircase by artist Valentin Loellmann, leading to the open plan kitchen (by the same artist) and dining area on the first floor. The drawing room adjacent is complete with a double height library. At a staggering six metres tall, the library, in high-gloss black lacquer with brass ladder and rail, breaks down scale, adds interest, and a contrast in texture.
