A space for living and for displaying an art collection, for everyday life and for events, which enhances the industrial character of the building in which it is located, and which reconciles the privacy and storage needs of the clients: these are the different requirements that studio daab design put together for the renovation of a flat in London.

The first design act is the enhancement of the four large arched steel windows (3.1 metres high) that extend the full length of the north-east elevation. daab design removed an existing suspended ceiling, adding an additional 90 cm to the height of the spaces, and framed each opening with light oak lintels.

At the centre of the flat is a custom-designed oak kitchen, characterised by the matt black colour of the wood paired with silver travertine countertops. This material combination serves to add depth and warmth to the flat. Integrated into the central furniture block are sliding doors that separate the bedroom from the living area.

“Mirrors, sliding doors, and endless thresholds all add to the optical illusion of creating one flowing space that can be transformed into many for our client,” says Anais Blehaut, director at daab design. “We stretched the apartment in length and height, opening the interior to celebrate the arched windows adding in quality, natural materials. Creating simple interiors can come at the expense of being too bare or plain, so we layered in custom joinery for our clients’ art collection, a standout custom kitchen, and gentle texture to create a luxurious interior.”