The Art of Design Issue 19 2016 | Page 15

15 The lower ground cinema room and sub-basement wellness area continues this contemporary mood. Accessed by a minimal glass, bronze and timber staircase, dark natural stone envelopes the gym area, leading to a sauna and steam room finished in luxurious metallic tiles. The upper floors of the Georgian townhouse contain bedrooms, with the master suite covering the entire second floor and encompassing the bedroom, along with a dressing room and bathroom. Built in joinery maximises storage space and large windows let in light and views to the gardens from both elevations. “The considered use of materials was hugely important in the sensitive integration of the spaces,” explains lead designer Rosalind Calow-Harris from Staffan Tollgård Design Group. “A consistent palette of materials was used to eliminate the thresholds that are clearly there between the old and new parts of the house and between the many different levels.” Natural stones and woods in subtle tones are combined with a richer, more textured palette of leather, decorative plaster finishes and wall coverings to create calm, timeless spaces. Interest and colour is provided in the details of the scheme. Warm bronze is a repeating theme within the interior, it is used on joinery, ironmongery and the details of the lift; it speaks to both the historic and contemporary elements within the property. The bathrooms also use consistent materials, marble and warm grey decorative wall finishes combine with contemporary fittings. Top right: The sub-basement gym is wrapped in natural Quartzite stone Top left and bottom: The second floor master suite, including a bespoke dressing table on the half landing