This converted post office in London boasts loft-like living with high ceilings and exposed ducts

By Livingetc 2021-05-14T12:00:22Z

THE PROPERTY

A converted post office in London. In the basement of this modern home is the playroom, with the living area, library, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cloakroom on the ground floor. The kitchen, dining area and family room are on the first-floor mezzanine. The second floor houses the master bedroom suite and a study. There is also a roof terrace.

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LIVING AREA

Christina had been living in New York, where loft living is common, and wanted a similar feeling of space in London. So when this place came up for sale, she knew it was for her - and her family.

The property had previously been a sorting office, then a theatre, so it had an industrial feel that could be used to the architect's advantage. Christina liked that there was so much scope with its high ceilings and exposed ducts. She could really play around with the space and the lighting scheme.

LIBRARY

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves highlight the house’s voluminous height.

LIBRARY ALCOVE

A snug niche is framed by someof the couple’s artwork.

DINING AREA

Because of the building’s industrial heritage, it felt gloomy and dark. Multiple skylights now mean that artificial light is only ever needed at the very end of the day.

Family room

The low walls, both here and around the corner in the dining room, make perfect spots to display artwork

ENTRANCE

Originally built to allow vehicle access, the large steel door has since been redesigned. It is now partly screened by a freestanding panel and this heavyweight table, which was reclaimed from a welder’s yard.

MEzzaNINE sTaIrwEll

Designed by Christina, the steel staircase is coated in a wax finish with a leather carpet glued centrally on the treads and the landing.

KITCHEN

By dressing the kitchen to matchthe living area, the two spaces workin harmony.

maSTEr BEDroom

Simple but dramatic statements reflect Christina’s flair for stop-and-stare design – a triangular skylight, an acid green headboard and bold art that dominates one wall.