Oakley House
James Bond, Palm Springs and Ibiza…. A convivial renovation of an Islington home.
Behind the well-preserved façade with elegant limestone detailing, this 1850s semi-detached Villa in Cambridge has transformed into a family home, somewhat minimalist, but very homely! Simple and non-cluttered, with a refined, and very warm palette off materials.
Over the years, the property had undergone a series of alterations which resulted in a fragmented floor plan. With faux Victorian additions, including a small rear conservatory, the architectural integrity and the quality of the building was compromised.
The owners are a young, busy family and recently bought the property wanting a complete overhaul, a “beautiful and well designed, but not ostentations” home for their two children to grow up in. They're sociable people, so it also had to accommodate their love of entertaining.
We reverted past alterations and rationalised the fragmented floor plan. The existing draughty conservatory was removed and the rear elevation reinstated back to its original configuration. The level of the garden allowed for the internal floor of the house to be lowered by two steps, creating an interesting split level layout and allowing for extra floor to ceiling height in the kitchen, thus improving flow of space and proportions.
The generous kitchen now extends the entire width of the house, facing the garden. The space is linked to the adjoining prep-kitchen and pantry, where dishwasher and microwave have been placed, keeping the main kitchen and entertaining space cutter free.
With our clients we agreed on a core palette of rich tones and natural materials: American Walnut for rich bespoke cabinetries, Norwegian Granite for worktops and bespoke basins and brown pigmented polished concrete for the floor. This palette has been paired with minimalist detailing that continues throughout, contrasting and playfully interacting with the historic fabric of the building. Through the house we focused on quality materials and exquisite detailing.
This range of materials works harmoniously with Farrow & Ball Green Smoke, for the original Victorian staircase, matching contemporary cement tiles in the hallway giving an elegant yet understated look. The interior is tied together by the use of Farrow & Ball Wimborne White for walls and ceilings, leaving room for the family with their personal collection of art and objects.