In the heart of Notting Hill, located within the Kensington Conservation Area, a couple sought to transform their home of over 20 years into a peaceful and minimal pied-a-terre. Working with the renowned Alan Power Architects, Uncommon Projects was tasked with creating a practical whole house furniture fit-out including ample organised storage for a growing collection of books and magazines.
As you enter the front door, the bespoke terrazzo kitchen island takes centre stage with a fully clad wall of neutral American Maple cabinetry playing ultra-minimal backdrop. Providing plenty of room for kitchen equipment and key electrical services, this understated run of cupboards ensures the space stays clutter-free in-keeping with the homes overall clean and tidy aesthetic.
The first floor is home to a double-stacked collection of several thousand books. Storing such a vast quantity on open bookshelves could be visually overwhelming, so Uncommon Projects concealed this impressive selection behind elegant push-to-open doors, creating easy-access full-length storage that also doubles as simple timber wall panelling.
The warm American Maple cabinetry continues across the lower ground floor master suite, a generous collection of floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and chest of drawers’ sit alongside a custom-made freestanding bed in this peaceful sanctuary tucked away from the rest of the home. Striking in their simplicity, these storage-packed bespoke pieces create a unified feel, the space around the stairs and sitting area covered with bespoke veneered panelling to complement the scheme.
Minimalism is a design aesthetic that demands perfection, leaving no room for error. Though it aims to convey simplicity and ease, the craftsmanship behind each piece is anything but. The project's success was down to the meticulous attention to detail by Uncommon Projects, who worked tirelessly to ensure the consistency of the maple, spending time in the timber yard with the client and architect to select the most appropriate veneers for the desired effect - a seamless and sophisticated finish.
