Full Transformation: Outdated and Compact to Contemporary and Spacious

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An overseas client from Kuwait put the refurbishment, reconstruction and interior design of her potential-stacked apartment in InStyle Direct’s hands. Seeking a solution for their South West London flat, the client desired both structural and aesthetic changes that would increase the functionality and desirability of their apartment. The original layout presented several challenges, including the shower being too small and awkwardly configured. Our refurbishment and interior design team, led by Interior Designer Victoria Todd, strategically adjusted one of the walls to completely transform the layout, creating a square, larger space that easily accommodated a larger shower. Additionally, the family bathroom, cloakroom and powder room were each redesigned to prioritise practicality and luxury, while new flooring throughout enhanced functionality, storage, and overall desirability of the property.

The Challenge

The client’s main issue with the property was the cramped en-suite bathroom, where the existing partition only had space for a very small shower, reducing overall usability and also making the property less desirable if it were to be put on the market. With the client’s frequent revisions and planning challenges along the way, the project demanded adaptability, precision, and clear communication to meet the client’s evolving vision.

Ensuring all elements were cohesive could have posed various challenges had they not been completed under one umbrella by our talented team. The family bathroom, cloakroom, powder room and new flooring were all in keeping with the narrative for the flat. Created by the talented Victoria, who understood the exact way the client wished to use their property. Achieving this meant selecting finishes, brass accents and understated mouldings that could be present across the rooms cohesively without feeling repetitive. Victoria ensured to strike the balance between the flat’s minimal-modern brief, but adding a special touch achieved from careful selections from high-end suppliers for both materials and finishes.

Our Approach

InStyle Direct provided the overseas client with a full-service solution and complete peace of mind. From concept and design to completion, InStyle Direct ensured that there was a clear theme across elements with the overall design and all elements fully coordinated. Our remit encompassed both FF&E and building works, providing a comprehensive concept-to-completion service, all of which was coordinated with the client based in a different country.

To achieve a minimalist modern aesthetic, we enhanced the property with traditional touches, such as mouldings and brass detailing on light fittings. Such detailing proved to be the cherry on top, resulting in a luxury, highly functioning home. Signature pieces included Soho Home wall lights, a flush pendant in the living room, an Arte feature wall, and Phillip Jeffries damask wallpaper for the powder room. These elements brought character while remaining true to the brief. Victoria and the client worked together on an airy colour palette, which was paired with bespoke moulding in the living area, which was finished with a contemporary yet comfortable sofa.

• Structural Reconfiguration: Moving the partition wall to allow for a large shower, as well as building a new cloakroom
• Additional Enhancements: Incorporating a cloakroom for improved functionality, along with painting, decorating, wallpapering and wall moulding to give the space a luxurious appeal in line with the client’s tastes.
• Design Details: Carefully chosen finishes and a bright and airy colour palette transformed the property into an expansive, welcoming home
• Global, 24/7 Support & Project Management: We specialise in delivering fully managed interior design solutions for overseas clients, and this project was no exception. From the first concept sketch through to installation, interior design, decorating and styling, we provided the client with a dedicated project manager available around the clock to suit the differing time zones.
• Finishes: The ensuite, family bathroom and powder room were refurbished with Claybrook fixtures and Mandarin Stone surfaces and the highest quality and design of paint and wallpaper were used for a premium feel throughout.
• Flooring: Engineered-wood flooring was laid throughout the property to provide a high-end result that complemented the refurbishment and interior design work.

The Outcome

The apartment transformation resulted in a spacious apartment. Modern bathrooms that fulfil the client’s need for a practical, modern bathroom, but also lift the overall look and feel of the contemporary property. Now boasting a re-imagined family bathroom, new cloakroom and refreshed powder room, the flat offers the client a cohesive, high-end aesthetic and an apartment that’s specifically designed to the way the client wishes to use and enjoy the property.

Long-Term Impact

This success story highlights InStyle Direct's dedication to high-quality, creative problem-solving paired with a seamless approach and smooth service, all of which make InStyle Direct popular with overseas clients, often resulting in further projects with the highly satisfied clients.

We not only enhanced the property’s value but also enabled the client to have very minimal involvement from overseas, eliminating stress and client time. The fully refurbished bathroom, en-suite, family room, cloakroom and powder room, paired with new flooring and high-end furnishings and materials, ensures timeless appeal, durability and a living experience that perfectly aligns with the client’s tastes and lifestyle. This project, completed under one umbrella, stands as a testament to our ability to transform challenging spaces into contemporary properties that suit each and every client's unique vision for their space.