Bachelor pad flat, Wilmslow

Introduction

Our team thrive on the challenge of transforming a blank canvas into a home that abounds with style and personality.  A recent project involved the design and styling of both the living and bedroom spaces for a contemporary ground floor apartment situated in the heart of one of Cheshire’s most sought after conurbations.  Recently purchased as the first residence for a young man about town, we were commissioned to deliver a home which reflects his stage in life as well as offering the perfect space for entertaining.

The Brief

The primary requirement was to cultivate a contemporary and youthful feel throughout the apartment.  The scheme was to offer a distinctly masculine overtone with a focus on relaxation as well as delivering social spaces which lend themselves to entertaining guests.  Ultimately our client desired a luxurious home crafted with a subtle hue of glamour.

 

Details & Specific Points of Interest

The apartment is situated on the ground floor of a new build contemporary complex.  It was built for broad appeal, with neutral tones used throughout, wooden floors in the living areas and carpets in the bedrooms.  However, the space was lacking in standout features and a sense of individuality.  This is where our creativity came to bear with the team executing a scheme which delivered both style and character.

The main open plan living space is accessed via a rather narrow, long hallway.  We dressed the walls in a silver champagne silk effect wallpaper which serves to build a sense of heightened anticipation for the rooms beyond.

The kitchen, living and dining area is designed as one seamless sociable space.  Our team chose to underpin the scheme with neutral tones but, in deference to our client’s age and stage in life, a dash of playful joie de vivre was injected by bedecking the walls with a gold shimmer textured wallpaper.  Accessories and soft furnishings in accents of royal blue add a depth and sophistication to the scheme.  This feeling is further reinforced with cabinetry and furniture crafted in a luxurious dark wood complemented with detailing in warm antiqued brass tones.  Within the overriding design theme one challenge was to allow for separate zonal areas whilst ensuring they blended flawlessly together as a whole.

In the kitchen deceptively simple changes dramatically altered the mood of the space and how it can be used.  A goalpost detailing in a solid wood finish was affixed to the centre island and, with the addition of sleek contemporary bar stools, this transformed it into a sociable casual dining area.  A stunning mirrored bronze splashback replaces the pre-existing plain lacquered one and has successfully elevated the feel in the space to that of luxurious splendour.  The look is completed with curtains crafted from an opulent fabric in a vibrant shade of blue patterned with shades of silvery grey.

From the kitchen the space flows effortlessly into the living area where the tone is one of understated glamour.  Centre stage in the dining area is a stylish oval table with a black ash veneer top offering a striking contrast to the polished brass legs.  The table is framed by wall lights which sit to either side whilst a contemporary bulb chandelier graces the space above it and is designed to envelop the table in atmospheric light creating the perfect ambience for entertaining.

A further pendant light, stylishly modern in design with three concentric circles lit by LEDs, gently illuminates the living area.  With a distinctly different design, it allows for a subtle but clear definition between the spaces.  The focal point in the living area is a bespoke designed media wall which houses both an oversized TV and an electric ribbon fire.  Delivering the height of urban sophistication, it is crafted with a wood veneer finish, brass inlay details and faux suede upholstered panels.  The furnishings arranged around the room cultivate a sociable and relaxing atmosphere.  A bespoke made corner sofa in a grey taupe stain resistant velvet is positioned facing the media wall and is artfully adorned with scatter cushions, styled with contrasting fabrics and piping in an array of silver, bronze and blue tones which serve to add an air of sophisticated elegance.  A round swivel chair is swathed with a warm shade of taupe faux suede to the seat whilst the contrasting back intelligently references the fabric used for the cushions.  A circular cluster of coffee tables in a brass finish and a console table with an elegant grey marble top elevate the scheme with a dash of formality.  Dark blue pelmets over each window are coupled with roman blinds crafted from the same fabric found in the kitchen, allowing for a continuity throughout the space.

Turning our attention to the master bedroom we opted for opulent finishes and rich fabrics to create an indulgent and somewhat decadent feel.  The main feature in the room is a bespoke headboard which shrouds one entire wall.  Designed with a distinctly masculine feel, the central panels sit within a dark wood frame and are upholstered in a sumptuous navy velvet which is replicated on the bed base.  Flanked by antiqued bronze mirrored panels featuring inset retro style glass and nickel wall lights, the headboard is nothing short of an artistic piece of theatre.  Atmospheric textured wallpaper in a rich shade of gold adds to the sense of lavish drama, whilst bedside tables and a chest of drawers in a black ash veneer with polished brass details underpin the masculine tone to the room. The bed is dressed with scatter cushions in navy and gold contrasting fabrics whilst full length curtains in a navy material shot through with elements of gold create an hypnotic shimmering effect.  The scheme is completed with the addition of a feature pendant chandelier in textured glass with a gold band surround.

The guest bedroom is designed to create a boutique hotel style experience.  A neutral colour palette is employed with wallpaper in a light grey complemented by floor to ceiling curtains in a bronze tone with stylish geometric patterning.  The infusion of accents of vivid emerald green through the accessories and soft furnishings speaks of unabashed luxury.  Pride of place is the bespoke headboard which features an ebonised timber frame and green velvet upholstery styled in a large format geometric herringbone design.  The bed base subtly references the fabric as do the scatter cushions atop the bed which are styled from contrasting fabrics in shades of emerald green, gold and silvery grey.   The textured glass feature pendant together with the sideboard and bedside tables in ebonised ash with brushed brass handles and painted fronts further add to the tone of glamour.

This contemporary two bedroom apartment was a thoroughly enjoyable project to work on.  Whilst designed with functionality and budget in mind it also delivers a stylish home with quality finishes and exceptional attention to detail.  Our team delighted in creating a tranquil and sophisticated yet playful space which will mature as our client transitions through life.

The Process

October 2019

Dining and living room lighting bring the spaces to life.

Opulent finishes and rich fabrics were used to create an indulgent and decadent masculine feel.

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