DRAYTON GARDENS

Edwardian apartment refurbishment

Location

Chelsea, London

Completion Date

September 2021

Size of Project

65* sqm

Scope of works

Full refurbishment
Licence to Alter
Architectural services
Interior design
Contractor engagement
Project coordination
Site oversight
Plans, 3D drawings, details
Bespoke joinery design, including kitchen
Fixtures and Fittings

OUR CLIENT

The client approached us through a mutual acquaintance while in the process of purchasing the apartment.

This was their first refurbishment project, and they asked for a highly tailored service to guide them through every stage. Our role extended beyond design and delivery to include support with selecting fixtures and fittings, planning around existing furniture, and appointing a contractor able to manage logistics, including moving belongings from storage.

THE STRATEGY

The apartment is located within a characterful Edwardian building. While the layout presented limitations in certain rooms, lease conditions restricted any alterations to the existing arrangement.

Despite the poor thermal performance of the original steel windows, the client did not wish to replace them or introduce secondary glazing. In addition, due to having a young dog, they were keen to avoid carpets and timber flooring.

These constraints significantly limited material options, so creating warmth and comfort relied on a carefully considered combination of lighting, colour and the introduction of a new heating system.

COLOURS

At the time of purchase, the apartment was entirely white, which made the spaces feel cold and lacking in character. The client was clear from the outset that colour should play a central role in the refurbishment.

They also had a strong preference for black, which was incorporated consistently across ironmongery, switches and sockets, as well as within the kitchen and bathroom designs.

THE BUILD

Having downsized during the Covid period, the client was living in temporary accommodation and was keen to move in as quickly as possible. However, they did not wish to begin the design process until they had received the keys.

As a result, the full design and construction programme was delivered within a five-month timeframe. We worked closely with the contractor to accommodate the client’s needs, and despite movers arriving two days before completion, the project was delivered on time.