Clerkenwell

Townhouse

Project

Abigail Reay was appointed to lead the interior architecture, interior design and project co-ordination for this project, a modern townhouse located in the heart of Clerkenwell.

We brought a full turn-key design service to this project which included sourcing all furnishings and artwork.

Design

Abigail Reay

Brief & Result

The client's brief was to strip back this early 2000’s built property to its core structure and transform it into a refined and sophisticated pied-à-terre. We aimed to design a home in which to stay, relax and entertain when in the city; a haven of tranquillity tucked away from the bustle of Central London.

Light hallway with a walnut and marble console table displaying a collection of Japanese vases, a base lamp and large mirror

Grasscloth style wallpaper in a dining area with original paper artworks by a contemporary artist. Table set for entertaining

Customising and Designing Every Detail in a Townhouse

We began by taking the property back to its shell, designing new lighting and electrical layouts, and installing underfloor heating throughout.

Essential to the client was maximising storage potential as the existing layout provided insufficient space to house the living requirements of the family.

Rich burgundy velvet curtains frame full-height glazing, above is a coffered ceiling with central large cylindrical light

Bespoke Joinery with Seamless Integration

In the living room, we designed a bespoke walnut and marble joinery piece to anchor the double-height space.

Serving as a key focal point to the room, this piece provided drawers, display shelving, cupboards, and a drinks cabinet in addition to housing all audio-visual equipment – essential for our clients’ love for music and movies.

Integrated lighting in custom cabinetry houses a collection of glassware against a mirrored background in an open-plan room

Custom cabinetry with open doors reveals a selection of modern glassware against a mirrored background in an open-plan room

Furniture and Art Sourcing to Enhance and Compliment the Interiors

We reorientated the principal bedroom layout and created a large storage cupboard within the void beneath the stairs.

The client’s passion for Italian furniture and natural materials formed the bones of the interior design. Paired with their love of contemporary art, we sourced several pieces from galleries and art fairs which enabled us to provide the perfect palette to complement the chosen pieces.

Custom upholstered headboard spanning the room width with Porada walnut bedside tables and Andrew Martin cushions

Elegant velvet upholstered bench seat under a piece of contemporary wall art, dressed with throw and cushion

Personalised Procurement and Styling for a Turn-Key Service

As a full turn-key project, the scope included a full furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) package. We sourced all furniture, linens, kitchenware and accessories so the house was immediately ready for use by our client upon completion. We even stocked the kitchen with store cupboard essentials.

Porada dressing table with Soho home pouf and large round mirror reflecting modern art. Dressing table has a round vanity

Walk-in shower with calacatta porcelain tile, chrome fixtures. Large custom mirror with integrated lighting and vanity sink

Velvet wraparound headboard with walnut bedside tables displaying flowers and small trinkets. Comfortable throw over bed

Modern living room interior design from a Clerkenwell townhouse by London interior architecture studio, Abigail Reay Design

“Abby and her team came up with a beautiful, peaceful and timeless concept for each space, including bespoke joinery and furniture.

Abby managed the whole process from start to finish, overseeing all procurement including taking us to galleries and exhibitions to choose artwork.”

Amanda, London