Converted Warehouse Show Flat, Clerkenwell

These flats were sold as bare shells, to create New York loft style apartments and my show flat was intended to give people an idea of what could be done with these rather austere spaces. My client had a passion for 1950s style and wanted the kitchen to reflect this retro look. This we did, using seasoned maple frames and brushed steel handles, but added a modern twist by installing a toughened glass work top; the edge of the glass appeared green, which perfectly matched the fifties-inspired pale turquoise colour of the kitchen cupboard fronts. On the end brick wall, I hung three small square abstract paintings in a stepped arrangement to mimic the classic flying ducks motif. Instead of a sofa in the living area I designed a few varied and ‘wacky’ comfortable chairs to give the space an ‘Arty’ feel, and commissioned a large Rothko inspired abstract painting for the main wall.

We kept the space as open plan as possible and partially divided the bedroom from the main room with two tall sandblasted glass screens.