City lights

A RESIDENCE FROM THE EARLY 1900S IN CHELSEA GAINS ENHANCED SPACIOUSNESS AND LUMINOSITY.

Since 1914 this large London townhouse with its stone facade has always housed families, the latest of which are the present owners. Located on the northern part of King’s Road, it was designed by the architects Elms and Jupp. «The facade is heritage listed», says designer Maurizio Pellizzoni, in charge of the threeyear restoration, «but we were able to radically alter the inner layout, even digging a basement for a home cinema, a cloakroom and a fitness room». Five bedrooms, each with an auxiliary bed (plus the master bedroom), and six bathrooms, inside «a modern home that fits into the classic style of Chelsea», Pellizzoni continues. «I have chosen very pale hues, from pearl gray to white, with touches of blue». As in the case of the large sofa in the living area, in contrast with two custom chairs covered in sparkling Missoni fabric. Or one of the children’s bedrooms, featuring Phillip Jeffries wallpaper. The open kitchen is the most “contemporary” space, with an industrial look that includes large stone tiles for the floor, a ceiling in blanched wood, granite surfaces and Porada stools. «We merged four existing rooms to make this large open space. The console on the central island can extend to accommodate 10 guests, while 10 more can eat in the dining room», the interior designer explains. Family heirlooms like a rattan bed are joined by new items, mostly custom made by an English artisan, along with a display cabinet by Lema and a Tom Faulkner coffee table in the living room. Fabrics from Ralph Lauren, de Le Cuona and Missoni bring new life to upholstered pieces. The master bedroom is a refuge with a vaguely African atmosphere, in warm tones of brown and cowhide. «The en suite bathroom is a crafted gem, featuring Italian tiles, resin and stones in a complicated f loral design», Pellizzoni says. The children’s rooms, on the same level, have a “masculine” color scheme and decor. In the L-shaped garden behind the house, the designer has restored an existing tree house, ideally dividing the green area into two zones, one for the kids and one for the adults, with a barbeque area. «The private garden is a true luxury», Pellizzoni adds. To make the interiors of the house as luminous as possible – the owners had always longed for a home full of light - there are chrome details everywhere, as well as custom lighting design (using lamps by Terzani and Charles Edwards) and special glass panels for the doors.