Uncommon Projects first worked with the clients, a writer and a doctor, when they created a series of bookshelves with built-in desk, wardrobes and kitchen storage in their Georgian home. In 2019 the clients got back in touch to say they were moving on and wondered if it was possible to bring the study furniture with them and create some new pieces. Uncommon Projects suggested adding cupboards below the original bookcases and this made it possible to reconfigure the furniture to fit neatly into the new study.

The clients love collecting objects, art, and books from their travels around the globe (and eBay!) and needed somewhere to display these. Therefore, the next element UP proposed was the dramatic bookcase, which stands just over 5m tall and stretches from the ground floor level up to the top of the balustrade on the first floor. It occupies a 40cm wide strip of space between the existing staircase and the wall. By infilling this space with the bookcase, it made it possible to remove the balustrade and integrate the furniture with the house, making it feel like it had been designed that way from the start. Dyed black oak veneer was used to complement the black steel finish of the stair, remaining balustrade, and grand piano.

The master bedroom already had lots of hanging space, but nothing for shoes and folded clothes. To work with the existing wardrobes and pale oak floors, Uncommon Projects suggested maple-veneered plywood with white overlay doors. The effect is very minimal but allows the art and other furnishings in the room to shine.

“This is our second project with Uncommon. An absolute delight and a triumph. Every aspect of the process, from consultation through design and installation, is meticulous, thoughtful, creative and highly organised. I really love working with them because they design specifically for you, so the result is unique, works perfectly in the space, and is of the highest quality. We are beyond thrilled with everything, and cannot recommend Alan, James, Liz and the team highly enough.” Nick, 2020

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