Cutting Edge in Kensington

www.susanmcadamdesign.ie

SHH Architects brief was simple. The house had to suit the needs of an international couple with a large family. The new build house is a contemporary take on a Georgian terrace house, set within a classic Square. The result is a stunning interpretation of this classic Architecture with cutting edge installations from fabric to furniture.

The entrance hall features a soft limestone floor with a double height wall featuring a creased, pearlised wallpaper.  The long wall on the right features an exaggerated silver gilt mirror and a rabbit fur-upholstered ottoman with chrome legs, whilst 12 bespoke lamps, in assorted heights complete the space.
The living room features bespoke, irregularly shaped floor rugs and carpets that were designed by SHH. They are made from a wool and silk mix, with the pattern based on the weave of the formal scatter cushions.

The rugs are cleverly laid out in such a way as to gently guide the visitor either left or right without splitting the room in two halves an idea which can be easily recreated in your own home, to create a less formal space.
The room uses low Italian style modular seating upholstered in a light pewter velvet. Curtains throughout are full height, lined silky linen with the over curtains done in a crocheted type cream leatherette.

The dining room, with is formal proportions, uses minimalist Italian furniture, to great effect against the spectacular backdrop of the polished plaster fire breast. The remaining walls are hung in a soft greige silk, with the two long elevations using a Panel glide system to show off alternate banners of circular voile. These opaque and transparent banners allow the room to be treated with differing levels of day light, depending on the mood and the occasion.

The jewel in the room is the dramatic orb chandelier. It is made up of 12 wire frame, suspended balls, encrusted with thousands of Swarovski crystals.  The spheres are shown in 3 different sizes and are hung at different levels, creating a sparkling constellation.

The master suite is entirely done in off-white. The walls are hung in the most delicate moiré covering.  Called Silver Snow, this subtle take on a classic style makes use of a gossamer-thin silk expertly glued to a silver leaf backing. Upon entering the room, one is immediately aware of the contemporary chandelier ensemble which consists of solid Swarovski crystal and hollow glass candles. Another feature is the Phillipe Starck console table, the chrome chair and the specially designed, 3 drawer twisted glass unit.

The bed is scattered with a collection of different sized cushions in silks and linens, delicately trimmed with crystals and feathers. The picture is finally framed with two bespoke bevelled glass and mirror side tables, clear glass lamps and silver silk lampshades.

The second bedroom was designed to reflect the taste of a young stylish adult with a penchant for pink. Greige carpet is used on the floor and the window treatment includes self-patterned silk/cotton curtains and voiles.  The complimenting bed in faux kidskin with its deep buttoned headboard and plain bed base is a classical style used in this contemporary idiom and sits well next to the simple chrome tables with classical legs.

The turquoise bedroom, although considered and quite mature, was in fact created for the youngest member of the family. Proving that a playful design can be created that can appeal to both adults and children.  Layers of window treatment allow for the creation of a multitude of moods. Geometric voiles sit between the plain silk curtains and the laser cut turquoise panels.

When drawn, these panels cast exquisite shadows over the thick luxurious rugs.  Bespoke headboards in exaggerated curves, draw the viewer to look at the beds, both upholstered in turquoise fabric. This is in stark contrast to the soft cream shades of the ribbed velvet bedcovers, mohair throw and the scatter cushions. Both bedrooms successful use accent colours to bring some much needed tones to this otherwise flawlessly designed state of the art home.