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This basement conversion project was incredibly satisfying. With a brief to convert an uninhabitable 6m sq space into a hallway storage/ utility, it was a spacial planning and problem-solving exercise to say the least.
After exploring the design and space in more detail I determined that we would be able to gain some very valuable floor area to also plan in a guest toilet…. exceeding my client’s expectations! The next challenge was to layout the area in such a way that would avoid guests having to wander past the utility to get to the guest toilet.
This journey became an important one so I designed the stairway with that in mind….. atmospherically lit patterned tiles on the stair risers contrast well against walnut treds, and brass wall lights give off a soft diffused light making the short journey feel special. In the guest toilet, the patterned floor tiles tie back to the stair risers, linking the two spaces, and textures such as marble, brass and concrete sit beautifully against a backdrop of olive green and smoky grey.
The tiny utility had a long list of expectations: space to iron, to hang clothes, space for a tumble dryer and washing machine, space for laundry baskets galore, space for a large sink and storage and space to hide water tank, electrical box and gas meter. Challenging… but all boxes were ticked!
Lastly, for this family, their hallway had become a dumping ground of sorts where walking around a pram/ mound of coats/ pile of muddy shoes/ stash of umbrellas/ a collection of bags had become the norm. My clients had had enough.... So I set about designing a hidden cloakroom for them that would solve the messy hallway problem. The result being a well lit beautiful highly functional space with a pocket door designed to make it all feel invisible when closed.
Basements don’t get more hardworking than that!
Photography: www.fionamurry.com