With the right spirit, beautiful light and original details that spark curiosity, even the most tired and depleted home has potential. Those were the thoughts of fashion and creative director Sunita Kumar, when she first saw the ‘shell’ that was transformed into the family’s new home. Join us on a visit to this renovated and expanded flat in West Hampstead, London, and see how old and new have been combined and revitalized.
Private residence – West Hampstead, London, UK
Interior design: Sunita Kumar
Photographer: Jake Curtis
Douglas Natural
Thickness: 28 mm. Width: 200 mm. Length: 1–5 m.
Finish: Lye and white soap
The north-west London flat is located in an old, Victorian building and extends over two floors. That was one of the reasons Sunita fell in love with it. It had the feeling of a house, with ample daylight and a large garden full of life. Inside, the dwelling had extraordinarily high ceilings and beautiful details, such as sliding doors, original fireplaces and cornices, that caught Sunita’s eye.
In the renovation process, Sunita was inspired by a variety of sources, from the pared-back Scandinavin and and Japanese styles to iconic interior designers such as John Pawson and more idyllic, rustic style with patterns and rich detailing. This meant it was a balancing act to combine the divergent styles to a harmonious aesthetic whole with respect for the property’s original stylistic features.
As part of the refurbishment project, the couple added a ground-level extension with floor-to-ceiling windows and multi-pane glass doors that open directly to the garden. The architect-designed extension allowed for a separate dining area and a new kitchen in a homely, modern design. Pale Dinesen Douglas floors form the base of the new combined kitchen and living space. The selected variant has a natural occurrence of knots, which eased the transition with the flat’s original wooden floors.
