A Ribbon Runs Through It

A home should tell a story. A narrative that in some way reflects the owners' lives. It's all too easy to design a home that says more about the designer than the client, which can happen when a client offers no input or ideas of their own, or when a designer simply imposes a solution without reference to the client. Here is a house that was a long and intense collaboration between designers and client. I should know, as it was one of the last design projects I was involved in, alongside Corin Morton, an architect then working for Metropolitan Project Shop, and now with Brighton based Camillin Denny.

Unlike many smart London homes which tend to be tall and narrow, the owners fell for this white stucco building in Notting Hill primarily because of its width, and that there were only 2 main floors. The building was then deconstructed, extended and put back together in such away to allow maximum connectivity. That's not to say that individual rooms have been sacrificed for open plan living, but rather that, links and openings have been formed to create a flow around the house. When privacy and separation are required, large sliding doors can close off areas, so the house can be both open and relaxed, while still retaining the elegant proportions of a 19th century villa.

There are many surprises in this house. Open a door, and you are likely to encounter an unexpectedly bright colour beyond, like an intensely coloured silk lining to a sombre suit. The biggest surprise however, is the first thing to hit you once through the front door. The unapologetic gloss red of the staircase, which flows almost drape-like from floor to floor. Corin's inspiration was an unfurling ribbon.

There is much that is personal to the owners throughout, but perhaps the most intimate element is the finish on the full height cupboards in the piano room. We had searched for some time for an interesting treatment for this large storage wall, when I stumbled on the exquisite work of Based Upon. Using patented techniques in molten metal and resin, they have created an artwork which not only incorporates family momentos and photos set within the resin, but also uses a blown-up print made from the very lines on the palm of one of the children's hands, turning a functional storage unit into an abstract work of art.

Blank Canvas

Loft living, as far as I'm aware, began in Manhattan in the 70s, or possibly even as far back as the 60s. It was mainly artists who saw the potential of large redundant industrial buildings, both as vast studio spaces and as unconventional and cheap places to live. Now that loft living has spread worldwide, and become thoroughly mainstream, most young artists couldn't possibly afford to live in one. Owners are now more likely to be bankers or lawyers, and rather than these spaces being primarily for the production of art, are now quite possibly housing their owners' valuable collections.

This as yet unlived in London loft designed by Squire & Partners, will shortly become home to art collectors. It was wonderful to gain access to it, in its pristine state. The play of light on its vast white walls was sublime, and the full height pivoting walls striding across the space will form impressive backdrops. I very much hope to be able to return, to see it in its lived in state.

First Impressions

Stepping through a front door for the first time is always filled with anticipation for what lies beyond. Am I going to be disappointed or pleasantly surprised? Are all those preconceptions about the owners and their taste justified? You may not be able to tell a book by its cover, but the hall is like an introduction and usually gives a flavour of what's to come.

One of my most recent shoots, was a house in Kensington, which truly had a grand entrance. As well as setting the scene, a hall should be about connectivity. This is achieved here by means of a dramatic staircase, weaving in and out of slender arches.

Linking one space to another helps to orientate yourself, with views up, down or through, and can provide bold contrasts from one space to the next, as in this house, designed by Shaun Clarkson.

Even the smallest entrance can have a dramatic impact, with a splash of colour and some well chosen objects, such as this one in a Victorian flat conversion by Sally Dernie.

Equally dramatic is this pristine white hall by Susan Quirke, showing that bright colour is not the only way to have an impact.

Many a well intentioned hall is overcome by the practical necessities of life, but as these 2 images show, coats and clutter needn't be eyesores.

Meanwhile clean lines and simplicity needn't mean dull. The neat red post box, matching the chimney breast in the sitting room, is rather pleasing.

Perhaps because halls aren't generally used as living spaces, they are sometimes overlooked, but be they grand or tiny, clean or cluttered, they should at least be memorable. Last impressions count too.