Before we started working on this Portland Place apartment, it had not been modernised for a long time and still had its very original layout – a separate dining room, dark kitchen, and only one bathroom. The property receives a limited amount of natural light, so the old blueprint made it feel a bit somber and cold. It had, however, wonderful proportions and details, plus it had a majestic feel thanks to being located in one of the prominent mansion blocks in Portland Place.
Project name: Portland Place apartment
Studio Name: VORBILD Architecture
Location: London, United Kingdom
Photography: Chris Snook
The first goal was to brighten up space. To achieve this we removed the internal partitions and created an open-space lateral lounge, dining, and kitchen area. Now, straight after entering the apartment, one is struck by the spaciousness and can appreciate the great volumes of the room.
The new kitchen is sleek and modern with high-gloss white cabinets and black insets.
For the worktops, we used two different marble types. The working area by the sink is made out of white-grey Callacatta Bella marble. The kitchen island, which contains a hob, has been topped with a brown-gold Luna Brazil type.
Above the island, we used an Elica extractor in a shape of a stylish crystal chandelier.
We deliberately raised the level of the dining-living room to visually separate this space from the kitchen. Between them, we installed an extra-wide Calacatta Bella surround and a contemporary bioethanol fireplace.
Throughout the whole room, we built coffered ceilings and reused the original ceiling lamps. Hidden LED strips and spotlights have been added for additional light.
The predominant colour of the finishes is white to brighten up space and to act as a backdrop for the Owner’s private art collection. The walls have been adorned with a series of canvas by Crystal Fischetti.
The apartment has two bedrooms, one double and one single, both with ensuite bathrooms and bespoke built-in joinery.
The master bedroom has a walnut bookcase and a wardrobe with integrated TV. By the window, there is a long window seat with golden, padded seats and hidden storage underneath.
The ensuite master bathroom is calm and elegant. The centerpiece is bespoke, wall-mounted vanity unit with a white, high-gloss finish and a Callacatta Bella worktop. Above, we installed a tall mirror with crystal wall lights on its surface.
The bath has a soothing design with a feature step up and a marble surround.
The second bedroom is predominantly used as the Owner’s dressing room. However, it can easily turn into a guest bedroom thanks to a bespoke fold-up bed hidden in a piece of joinery.
The room benefits from its own ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The last room in this apartment is a guest WC, which is situated near the front door and the kitchen. The cloakroom has a delicate white and beige palette. A stylish bowl basin sits on top of a marble worktop.
Bespoke cabinets have been incorporated for more storage, including an integrated washing machine.
Kitchen cabinets, joinery, vanity units, window seats, and doors have been tailor-made. The wardrobes have natural walnut interiors, which contrast with their white fronts, and LED lighting.
Tall sliding doors and push to open compartments have been designed for convenience and to maximize available storage.
Generous use of large mirrors and the high-gloss finish give more depth and lightens up the rooms.
The modernisation of the apartment came with the restoration of some of the elements, for example, the original lighting, as well as a careful design of new items, which would follow the overall style of the property.
We incorporated Art Deco details in cornices and architraves. The vanity unit in the master bathroom has also been largely influenced by it.
All radiators have been replaced with water-based underfloor heating in all areas, controlled by local thermostats and centrally via a Nest thermostat.
