Timeless Meets Modern: A Stunning Refurbishment in the Heart of the Barbican


This recent refurbishment project we undertook has been a remarkable journey, transforming an iconic Barbican mid-century flat into a space that embodies both contemporary elegance and classic design principles. One of the standout features throughout the flat is the luxurious fumed oak parquet flooring.

This flooring not only adds warmth and texture to the environment but also creates a fluid connection between the various living spaces. To maintain the seamless aesthetic throughout, the hallway cupboard is constructed from the same elm wood, ensuring coordination and flow within the overall design. Bespoke full-height doors throughout the flat further enhance the feeling of spaciousness, allowing natural light to flow unobstructed. The inclusion of silent Gliss electric blinds provides a modern touch of convenience to the windows, allowing for easy light control without compromising on style.

In the master bedroom, we designed and manufactured various bespoke striking pieces; the dark oak headboard serves as a dramatic focal point with the floating Verde Tinos marble bedside shelves providing a functional yet minimalist design, alongside the floating bedside drawers. The classic Thomson Brothers’ floating bed design enhances the sense of openness, plus offers further storage with a hidden built-in under bed drawer. The elegant bronze wall lights by Marset serve as stylish reading lamps and enhance the room’s sophisticated ambiance. A feature wall painted in Hopper Head by Farrow & Ball adds a subtle touch of colour, harmonising beautifully with the bespoke elm wardrobes, that feature black oak handles and full-height reeded glass doors, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

The kitchen is designed to impress, showcasing an elegant Crittall glass wall divider that has been left to age gracefully, adding character to the space. The bespoke elm cabinetry is complemented by state-of-the-art Miele appliances, creating an environment where functionality meets style. Gunmetal-finished Quooker taps add a modern flair alongside black granite floor tiles that ensure durability and elegance. The understated luxury is further highlighted by the quartz stone worktops with a flush induction hob. The reeded glass sliding doors wall cabinets honour the original Barbican feature, enhancing the kitchen’s unique character.

This utility room showcases efficient design in a compact space, featuring a seamlessly integrated Miele washer and dryer. This laundry area combines practicality with sleek aesthetics, including bespoke elm wood cabinetry that matches the overall design flow.

The bathrooms in this refurbishment have been thoughtfully designed with slate grey fittings that lend a modern edge. A Bette ocean bath makes a statement, alongside the black Himax vanity top and niche that introduce depth and contrast. Elements such as a rosewood bath panel and vanity cabinet contribute warmth, while Japanese-style wall tiles and luxurious rain showers create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Terrazzo wall and floor tiles provide an eye-catching touch, perfectly balancing functionality and style in these intimate spaces.

Equally essential, the study boasts an elegant elm wood storage unit, offering a sophisticated and clutter-free workspace where creativity can flourish. 

The living room is a testament to the clients’ enviable eclectic taste, featuring bespoke LED-lit display shelving that showcases a perfectly curated collection of ceramics, glass, and books. This shelving not only serves a practical purpose but also adds character and an artistic element to the room.

This outstanding refurbishment project exemplifies the seamless blend of contemporary elegance and mid-century charm, resulting in a harmonious living space tailored to the clients’ unique style. From the stunning fumed oak parquet flooring that invites warmth and continuity to the bespoke elements throughout that enhance both functionality and aesthetics, every feature has been thoughtfully chosen for its serene ambience, bespoke details and provision of modern conveniences with echoes of Barbican architecture; the perfect marriage of style and practicality.

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