Transforming an Outdated Home into a Contemporary Italian Masterpiece

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An overseas client trusted us with their 1950s brutalist property brimming with untapped potential. Untouched for 30 years, it was passed down in the family from the father to his son. The client chose us in trust that InStyle Direct could help his property function according to the use of his young family, choosing not to use the building’s in-house contractors who the client felt would not be able to meet their unique requirements. Unequipped for modern living, it required a complete reconstruction suited to the family of four. This included remodelling three small bedrooms into a new, improved 2-bed property with a master bedroom and en suite. Premium furniture and materials were sourced from France and Germany to complete the space to the client's unique specifications.

An unsightly pillar in an open plan area made the space unsightly and unusable. The solution was wrapping the pillar in the same materials used in the kitchen forming shelves between the pillar and the wall as part of the kitchen itself. This resulted in an entirely masked pillar. The result? An onlooker would never know there was a pillar there. Time constraints, project management and communication with the client overseas meant an additional layer of expertise, which the team achieved. Luxurious details were further added to the prestigious project, which included imported Chevon flooring, marble surfaces, electronic Japanese toilets, and complete property rewiring.

The Challenge

The historic nature of the home presented a series of challenges. The entire flat needed rewiring. Outdated systems such as the heating and AC needed replacing, while the original closed kitchen and the existing layout of the flat was outdated for modern living. In order to create a space where the famly felt comfortable with their two young children, we removed the wall between the kitchen and living area to make it a more spacious living area. The client had high expectations of finishes and furnishings which we satisfied with appropriate sourcing. Chevron wood flooring. Specialist Japenese toilets. Each niche request was accommodated with expectations exceeded. A significant and potentially extremely costly obstacle was the uneven floor which an efficient solution was quickly generated for. Pumping concrete from the ground floor to the fourth floor to screed the entire floor for one level was organised. This was an issue that surfaced during the demolition phase, where we informed the client that conventional self-levelling methods would not be adequate. Addressing these structural issues, especially early on, was critical to ensuring the timely success of the refurbishment.

Our Approach

To tackle these potentially costly and time-consuming challenges, our experienced design and construction teams implemented a comprehensive strategy:

• Reconfiguration and Demolition: The original layout was cautiously rethought and redesigned entirely by our talented team. By demolishing and ridding the outdated structures, the team created a spacious, open-plan design that seamlessly connects the entrance, living room, and kitchen.
• Innovative Flooring Solutions: Faced with uneven floors, specialists collaborated to develop a bespoke screeding solution, pumping concrete from the ground floor to the fourth floor, ensuring a smooth, level surface that supported the premium finishes the client desired.

• Modern Amenities & Premium Materials: Installations by the InStyle by Ani M team included complete rewiring of the property, a state-of-the-art heating system and AC, and a completely redesigned kitchen that suited the way the client wishes to use their space. Premium aesthetics featuring the finest of materials promised function, beauty and hard wear required by a young family. High-end Italian and French suppliers were chosen to provide bespoke furnishings and luxurious finishes, including marble elements and custom-designed details, by one of our talented senior interior designers.
• Attention to Bespoke Details: From a creatively disguised structural pillar reborn as a shelving unit to meticulously chosen high-end contemporary lighting and accents, every element was designed to elevate the property’s aesthetic and improve its performance and livability.

The Outcome

The transformation produced a high-end home that perfectly balances contemporary luxury style while also harnessing the character of the period propety:

• Enhanced Functionality: The new open-plan layout maximises natural light and creates a fluid living space that meets the demands of modern living as per the client’s exacting standards.
• Sophisticated Design: The redesigned kitchen, featuring Italian and French design accents and bespoke cabinetry, serves as the heart of the home. The integration of premium materials and custom details has redefined the property, making it both luxurious and highly functional.
• Client Benefits: Not only has the property's market value and appeal increased, but the project has also set a high standard for future refurbishments. The client expressed delight with the timely delivery and quality of work, noting that the transformation exceeded expectations, with talk of further work in the same building from an impressed neighbour who saw the newfound potential in their own property.

Long-Term Impact

This project is more than a refurbishment and a redesign; it’s a blueprint for revitalising heritage properties to meet contemporary demands. The successful integration of innovative design solutions and high-end finishes has not only enhanced the living experience for the client and potential buyers in the future but also strengthened the client's confidence in pursuing further collaborations and led to a recommendation. The new design standards employed by InStyle Direct by Ani M set here promise to influence future property developments, ensuring lasting value and elevated lifestyle quality.