Graphic House

Bursts of color, geometric forms, playfulness, and an abundance of natural light combine in a creatively designed home in London.

Unconventional, fun, vibrant. This family home in Hackney, London, might be Edwardian, but it has a distinctly modern and playful soul. The clients, two graphic designers who love color, Art Deco forms, and exploring the outdoors, tasked architecture practice Office S&M with the renovation and redesign of their house, which they share with their two children. The studio masterfully used color and bold shapes to define key areas and different eras throughout the home. For example, existing walls now boast a soft pink plaster finish, while mint green marks new elements such as a curved walls and kitchen cabinets. Bright yellow colors indicate new window and door frames, while vibrant peach hues add contrast to the green colors. The kitchen’s extractor hood becomes a fun character thanks to the use of a bright shade of red.

Curving, sinuous shapes connect separate areas in a graceful gesture, while circular elements puncture walls in different ways. In the green kitchen, a circular window brings in natural light and becomes a mirror that shows the passage of the seasons. Elsewhere, circular and irregular mirrors reflect the light and the surroundings, creating striking visual effects. A skylight welcomes sunshine deep inside the heart of the home. To give a nod to the clients’ love of the original brick walls with curved edges and the Art Deco additions introduced at a later date, the architects used a series of round forms. Apart from round windows and mirrors, the living spaces also feature curved walls and rounded shapes and edges. Finally, this inspiring, creatively redesigned house is also more sustainable. The building now features better insulation and ventilation, as well as various reclaimed, restored and recycled elements. Photography by French+Tye.