An Ambient Basement Interior Transformation by Roselind Wilson Design

Roselind Wilson Design is a multi award-winning London-based design studio specialising in top-end residential projects both in the UK and around the world. Lead by Roselind Wilson herself, the practice provides a full turn-key service including both interior and architectural design, project management, procuration of artwork and accessorising, the firm is renowned for their timeless style and sophistication. Roselind Wilson shares one of her favourite projects with The LuxPad which features a striking dark palette…

Project name: Buckingham Street, The Strand, London WC2

Floor Area: 1368sqft

Project time taken: 9 months

Completion of Project: September 2015

The brief 

In a country with a rather grey and moody climate, it is not commonplace for the designer to obtain a brief that focuses on a dark and ambient palette. We are therefore ever grateful for the ability to have undertaken this transformation of space. Buckingham Street is a 1368sqft basement property located in the heart of Embankment area of London and a stone’s throw from the iconic Savoy Hotel.

The surroundings set the tone of this pied-a-terre for our international client whose brief was to create a cosy and ambient sanctuary. This would allow them to step away from the hum and buzz of the city and into the cocoon-like comfort of their apartment. The client stressed their love of textured and dark fabrics and an equally ambient palette to create their desired feel. In addition they noted that as the property is a pied-a-terre they wanted it to have a distinct hotel feel that typified a contemporary London look.

What was the creation / planning process?

The architectural design of the apartment has been carried out by Linley Interiors. Because if this there was already a distinct foundation in the look, comprising pitted polished plaster walls to the entrance hallway in a concrete hue against a backdrop of American walnut. The kitchen comprises white gloss and walnut units and the bathrooms are marble offset by walnut vanities and polished plaster walls.

In order to meet the client’s brief, the first task for Roselind Wilson Design was to review the furniture layout of each room. Bespoke joinery was fitted in the entrance hallway in a textured timber and brass-effect finish to allow for additional storage and a place for objects to make the space feel more intimate. The light fixtures were replaced by ornate glass fittings to filter the light and the LED strip lights were specified at 2700 Kelvin for a warmer impact.

How did the project go?

The transition from brief to completion was very smooth. It was a testament to the organised manner and thorough processes of the team at RWD, as well as a detailed brief and advance travel dates provided by the client. Although RWD pride themselves on the seamless delivery and rigid dedication to the timeline, in this instance there was no other option in that the property would need to be occupied by the client at specific dates every month as the client was completing an acting and drama course in London.

In addition the client was very organised and together we were able to collate a detailed logistics plan ensuring all build works would take place during the times that the apartment was vacant. A professional clean was then completed after each stint of build works and joinery installation to ensure the apartment was ready and prepped for the client’s arrival. This streamlined process and excellent communication with the client allowed RWD to deliver a beautiful home.

What was your favourite room or part of the project and why? 

Although it’s always difficult to choose a favourite room when the story of the home is collated holistically, I must admit that the second bedroom was perhaps my favourite. The client was very clear in the brief that the home was to have a cocoon-like feel with dark ambient colours and textures. In addition they wanted a very luxury hotel-like feel. The second bedroom epitomises this in that it feels and functions like a hotel suite. Although slightly compromised in size due to the built-in wardrobes and the client’s requirement to have a King Size bed, this room meets the brief in a creative way.

The bed was centred in the room and a separate desk/dressing table was created by extending a smoked charcoal perspex screen from the top of the headboard to the ceiling. This created a division of the bed area and desk area behind. The screen was nevertheless transparent to still allow the light to filter through from the window and LED strip lighting at the base ensured a gentle wash of light up the screen at night. Textured fabrics and wall papers and well considered lighting completed the look. The result was very evocative.

Were there any issues or problems you encountered during the project?

To say a project can be run seamlessly without any hiccups is practically impossible, as the delivery requires coordination across many people and companies. The phrase is better explained by referring to the ability to troubleshoot effectively and efficiently with the least disruption. When working on this project the location caused some challenges, with lack of parking and heavy parking restrictions, given its central location. Luckily many of our contractors were able to work after hours to overcome traffic and these restrictions.

In the initial design of the apartment, the lighting circuits were set out to accommodate a general furniture layout. Following the client’s brief, a revised furniture layout was implemented and the lighting circuits were adjusted accordingly. Due to a specialist wall finish the client was reluctant to make some of the changes but RWD was able to source a specialist decorator to match the specialist wall finish. The small adjustments made a considerable impact.