A Spacious and Bright Mews House in London

You might not think that the word ‘spacious’ and ‘mews house’ usually go hand in hand, but this recent project by Finkernagel Ross is going to change your mind.

As one of the most exciting cities in the world, London attracts people from all over, whether they come here to live full-time or only part of the year. This was indeed the case with a Swedish hotelier who decided now was the time to take a part-time leap to new adventures. The ideal property didn’t need to be literally spacious – it just needed to feel spacious, and if it was centrally located with easy access to all that London has to offer, that would be welcomed too.

So far so good

But as is often the case, the perfect house in the perfect location is not perfect. It became clear that once a property was found, an architect would be needed to help develop the layouts to be as efficient and spacious as possible. The original brief was to refurbish the building, but it quickly became apparent with the addition of a new basement and top floor (mansard roof) that the project would be more cost-effective and quicker to build as a new-build.

These two additional floors have transformed this property into a spacious and bright home inclusive of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one W.C., two receptions, a kitchen and a dining room and the home now feels much bigger than it actually is – much the same as a terraced house but in half the space.

Understanding how the house would be used allowed the architects to refine the efficiency of the layout so that doors and corridors were a thing of the past and all of the space could be enjoyed and used to its maximum potential.

New features such as floor-to-ceiling french doors, sash windows and light shafts along with juliette balconies not only allow more light to enter the property but also contribute to a front facade with proportions that are much more refined and pleasing to the eye. The Conservation area status of the property means that the external materials chosen had to be in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood but the reclaimed brick provides an elegance to the property.

Being in the hotel industry would leave most people dazed and confused with so many options at their fingertips, but this client was very clear. Elegant and serene simplicity was going to be the way forward. The consistent use of materials throughout the house and a fairly simple palette means that the house is calm, not busy, and the perfect retreat from all that a world-class city has to offer.

A calm material and colour palette was chosen by this Swedish client and the furniture chosen are contemporary and timeless. Natural materials such as Oak, Marble, Limestone, Linen, Cotton, brushed Brass and natural paints contribute to the feeling of wellness while the clean lines are evidence of the Scandinavian influence.