When designing for properties in central London is is always important that you make the most of the space, this makes the spacial design extremely important. Here we are redesigning a duplex apartment in a Grade II listed property in Baker Street, it has been used as student accommodation for years but now the clients want to revitalise it and turn it in to a jewel. It’s the classic diamond in the rough, this property has a huge amount of potential but it has been used and abused over the past few decades. We will be taking you through many different parts of this design however the most important starting point is the floor plan, good space planning will mean that the design will come together effortlessly.
First Layout
Simple start from the existing to the proposed. However, it wasn’t quite right.
Client feedback
Good overall, my comments are:
1. The store cupboard on the lower floor is gone – so there’s nowhere for luggage, shoes, coats, ironing board/iron, electrical fuse board, structured cabling distribution hub, kitty litter…
2. Open plan kitchen does mean dishwashing/washing machine/cooking noises will disturb one when one is listening to Brahms/Liszt/Elgar in the living area, even though it does allow for far more cabinet space and the general impression of space. I’m less keen on a kitchen unit being in line of sight upon entering the living area.
3. TV viewing distance seems too small/space in front of bookcase seems too large – can we pull the sofa back to leave minimal space for bookcase access, thus allowing the single chair to be closer to the stairwell corner?
4. Upstairs bathroom – can we move the door to the edge of the room, such that we can rotate the shower 90 degrees (taps on north wall) and put a glass screen between the shower tray and the wash basin? Having done that, is swapping them over feasible, such that the shower is by the window, so easier to get waste to the wastepipe?
5. Master bedroom – what do you think of a TV cabinet/dressing table in one? The TV pops up/out of the unit when needed and the back of the TV is a mirror to serve the dressing table – so this can dip out of sight when not needed leaving a clean look
Some wonderful and really useful feedback from the client. They have been clear and concise about things that they might want changed
Revised Layout
Designer feedback
1. I have put this back in (just as a guideline) but it is a very small cupboard. If you could send me through the layout that you have designed for the WC I will be able to adjust this so it’s on the plans
2. What about this change? Better for you?
3. Adjusted on new plan – better?
4. Adjusted, this will mean we might still want to box out that area then. Might be good to be able to put a niche in there for shower gels etc
5. I really don’t like the idea of a TV in that area but I will look in to it. The bed TVs are okay but they are going to make this room look very small.
I have used the pop up TV mechanisms many times and they can be great in the right setting. Do you feel a TV is essential in this area? Especially as the flat is mainly for a quick turn over
After a few more adjustments we settled on this overall layout for the property. It only has a few small tweaks from the initial design and the entire thing was able to be done through our project management tool Basecamp and so the client and myself could work on the Baker Street floor plan from anywhere around the world.
Final Layout
We look forward to taking you through flooring choices, electrical plans, furniture choices, the planning process and all the small design details for this project.