A vibrant splash of color unifies a London home, thanks to the creative minds at Nimtim Architects. But it's not just any color; it's the captivating ultramarine blue that steals the show in this renovated and extended residence.
The project, aptly named Peek-a-Blue, aimed to revolutionize the ground floor of this London home, transforming cramped and disjointed spaces into a seamless series of interconnected rooms. The architects achieved this by adding a stunning double-height snug in the center, connecting it to the newly extended kitchen and dining area at the back.
To overcome a one-meter drop from the front of the house to the garden, the architects lowered the floor in the snug, allowing for direct access from the kitchen. This innovative solution, as project architect Pippa Grayson explains, was key to creating a living space that suits the family's lifestyle and connects directly to the garden.
But here's where the design gets intriguing: the rear extension, Peek-a-Blue, boasts an earthy clay render exterior, accentuated by full-height openings and a porthole window framed in the signature ultramarine blue. This bold color choice creates a striking contrast and a memorable visual connection.
Inside, the kitchen and dining area feature light blue cabinetry, recycled plastic countertops, and clay tiles that flow throughout the home. A cozy seating area, illuminated by a semi-circular skylight, extends the length of the space, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Grayson emphasizes the rich and textural material palette, with reds and ochres, that unifies and anchors the new living spaces. The ultramarine blue frames and reveals around the openings further enhance these visual connections.
A steel-framed opening leads to the two-storey snug, designed as the heart of the home. Boxy windows wrap around, connecting the spaces and even framing the staircase, eliminating any sense of disconnection. Grayson notes that the bright blue openings between the rooms and the staircase create a playful and cohesive design element.
As you venture upstairs, you'll find bedrooms and a bathroom clad in pink tiles, adding a touch of whimsy. This London home is a testament to Nimtim Architects' ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Other notable London residences featured on Dezeen include a renovation by CAN, which brings a mystical and grounding feel to a townhouse, and a timber-framed extension by James Alder Architects, showcasing the diversity of architectural styles in the city.
The captivating photography by Jim Stephenson captures the essence of this colorful transformation, leaving viewers inspired and eager to explore more architectural wonders.