Balham – South London

It was important to design a neutral scheme so that the property was attractive to a wide range of potential purchasers – as it was for sale – so that the property stood out in a market that is flooded with generically styled properties with unopinionated bland schemes. With an all white backdrop to the walls and neutral flooring, we had a blank canvas against which to create individuality with a very limited space. The aim was to present a considered, designed space that instantly conveyed a feeling of light, space and sanctuary.

During the design of this bijou, top floor, single occupancy flat, I drew upon my full arsenal of Interior Design skills, over and above pure interior decoration, to re-design the structural layout of the property and where needed, to re-site walls to ’take extra space’ from the shower room to allow a built in wardrobe in the bedroom.

The space throughout has been designed in my signature mid-century vintage aesthetic with touches of colour and modern accessories and styling items to bring it right up to date.

The open plan kitchen dining and sitting room was carefully arranged to make the most of the natural light coming through a pair of French doors. Flow and use of the space was divided into three keys sections living dining and cooking and while the space is small it does by no means feel cramped or over furnished.

We flexed our Mid Century Contemporary signature style muscles, by selecting Design Classic chairs by Robin Day for the dining table, which perfectly compliment the dark grey oak kitchen units, accented with antique mirror glass for a touch of luxury.  A contemporary side board and set of coffee tables are balanced by an original mid-century sofa – sourced for the compact, yet comfortable scale that is a leading feature of Mid Century sofas.  Reupholstered to make it modern and fresh.  Yellow, grey and white accents provide interest.

The sole bedroom features refreshing pops of blue and green on the simple but comfortable upholstered bed accented with a dash of hot pink in the artwork. Built in furniture is a far more economical way to create storage over and above free standing furniture.  By drawing upon the full arsenal of technical skills I have, as an interior designer, I
re-sited internal walls within this bijou ’single occupancy’ property to take surplus space from the shower room to allow for a built in wardrobe. Internally, the wardrobe features double hanging
rails to further maximise upon the space.  Detail can cramp a space, so the wardrobe has a completely flat door, devoid of any panelling, that is painted to blend in with the walls.  A simple slim line mirror further extends the space through its reflection. The chair provides a convenient space for bags or simply to sit and enjoy of the view out of the window across the rooftops to the monoliths of the City beyond.

The compact bathroom features Victorian style tiles to add colour and pattern something that is so often shield away from in small spaces, but which should be embraced as this is often the only way to add personality where you don’t have the luxury of space. The tiles are also a nod to the architectural style of the building

The property itself had been lagging on the market with no offers at all but within two days of the installation and styling the property sold. It just confirms how valuable good design can be.