Get ready to be inspired by the incredible transformation of a west London house! This story is a testament to the power of design and a resourceful mindset.
The Pandemic's Impact on Architecture
Future generations will look back at the pandemic as a pivotal moment in architectural history, and Aida Bratovic, an architect and interior designer, can attest to that. When the first lockdown hit, Aida and her family found themselves working and living in their open-plan top floor, testing their patience and highlighting the need for privacy.
A Visionary Move
Aida had always been drawn to a nearby terraced house, built in 1905, with a unique past. It had served as a post office and a printing works, and its ground-floor shop front window was a reminder of its commercial roots. The house had been neglected for years, but Aida saw potential. She and her family decided to make an offer, and soon, it was theirs.
The street, once lined with shops and businesses, now boasted converted homes, and Aida's new acquisition stood out as a blank canvas. It was the perfect opportunity to create a post-pandemic haven, blending family life and work seamlessly.
A Non-Corporate Haven
As you step into Aida's 'non-corporate' office, you're greeted by an antique haberdashery cabinet storing fabric samples and a meeting table designed by architect Robert Heritage. The new kitchen, with its glazed roof, floods the space with light, and French doors open to a courtyard garden, a delightful addition.
Instead of knocking down walls, Aida retained the dividing wall between the first-floor rooms, creating a snug sitting room connected to a versatile study that doubles as a guest room. Upstairs, three bedrooms each have their own compact bathroom, almost doubling the original space from 1000 to 1900 square feet.
Perpendicular Living for Growing Families
Aida explains that perpendicular living suits families with older children, providing each family member with their own sanctuary. It's not just about bedrooms; it's about having a space to listen to music, read, or enjoy a cup of tea with a friend.
Resourceful Decorating Solutions
The unusual corner plot, with its lack of right angles, presented a unique challenge. In her son's bedroom, a futon-style bed cleverly tucks under sloping walls, with the lower part painted in deep blue to define the space. Aida's daughter's north-facing bedroom is brightened with an earthy yellow ceiling and pendant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A custom-printed mural, inspired by László Moholy-Nagy's artwork, masks an Ikea cupboard, adding a touch of high-end design. The bathrooms showcase Aida's ingenuity with a tiny brass towel rail, a trapezoid countertop, and a parchment-pale shower curtain, all set against lagoon-blue tiles inspired by Cecilia Reeve's prints.
Restoring and Revitalizing
Aida had walked past this once-derelict property for years before mustering the courage to make an offer. She transformed the building, adding a new mansard extension and restoring the façade with reclaimed bricks and deep blue tiles, a nod to its early 20th-century origins.
A Personal Connection to Decoration
Aida, born in Sarajevo, is an architect with a unique appreciation for decoration. She attributes this to her first job, collaborating with designers like David Mlinaric. However, there's a deeper, more personal reason why decoration holds significance for her.
When Aida arrived in London in 1992 to study architecture, war broke out in Bosnia. Her parents, during a lunch gathering, faced gunmen in their garden. They fled, leaving their possessions behind. A few days later, her mother bravely returned to salvage what she could, including ceramics, prints, and paintings, one of which now hangs in the kitchen, depicting the famous Latin bridge in Sarajevo.
This experience has shaped Aida's perspective on possessions. 'Material things matter; they're memories,' she says. 'Collecting is a part of our human nature, a reminder of who we are and how we live.'
A Touch of Heritage
In the sitting room, a carved round artwork titled 'Dom' (meaning 'home' in Slavic languages) hangs above the fireplace, a creation by Italian designer Michele De Lucchi for Zanat, a Bosnian design practice with a rich history of crafting traditional Ottoman furnishings.
Most of the furniture throughout the house is designed by prominent 20th-century designers, with each piece holding a story. Aida is fascinated by the evolution of these designs, often created to solve specific problems. The Utrecht armchair, for example, first introduced in 1935, is described by Aida as the smallest yet most comfortable chair she's ever sat on, a testament to its innovative design.
A Family Portrait
During a trip to Sarajevo, Aida commissioned a portrait from artist Hanna Dujmovic, capturing the essence of her family. The study now displays this charming painting, featuring personal icons, including a portrait of Yugoslavian President Tito. Aida is depicted reading, her husband sampling wine, her son holding a script, and her daughter chatting on the phone. It's a beautiful representation of a 21st-century family, each immersed in their interests, yet united under one roof.
This west London house, with its resourceful approach to high-low interiors, is a true masterpiece, blending functionality, comfort, and a rich tapestry of personal stories.
