Name: Amélie and John Martin of 410 Architects
Location: London
Size: 1600 sq/ft + separate office space of 650
Years lived in: 7
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Amélie and John live and work in a converted model-making warehouse in the East End that they have transformed into a split-level two-bedroom for themselves and their toddler son Leo. John is an architect and everything from the industrial kitchen to the divider in the main space were recuperated from clients. "John's a real hunter gatherer," says Amélie, a Swiss graphic designer who has lived in London for 12 years.
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They share office space with a small staff in a large, airy space at the front of the building that was once a garage. In the back, they have carved two bedrooms out of the lower floor and sacrificed floor space on the already spacious top floor living room/dining room in order to create skylights that flood the lower floor with natural light. "It's always bright in here," says Amélie, "even on a dull day."
They sandblasted the bright yellow and dark blue paint from the walls to leave exposed brick and ceiling beams. They cut up laminate desks left by the factory to build long shelving in the living room and kitchen.
The industrial refrigerators in the kitchen were recuperated from one of John's bankrupt cafe-owning clients and the industrial kitchen from a client who was remodeling. In the bedroom, a framed dried flower from their wedding and a piece of art John made from an old shoe factory mold decorate the wall, and they have built in storage above the bed. And Leo has a cool baby's room with fat orange shelving covering one wall to keep his toys organized, and a sheepskin rug.
The weathered vintage furniture compliments their slightly rough-edged style. Throughout the flat they have installed Renzo Piano lights that John bought in bulk at a furniture auction. And they have scattered original Robin Day sofas that once lived in the Barbican Centre in every room. "They're quite battered," Amélie says, "but we love that so many people have sat on them over the years."
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410 Architects
- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. If you have an idea for a European house tour, please write kristinh @ apartmenttherapy . com
getting an ERROR: unable to load page - tyring to enter slideshow. Can you please fix. Thank you.
view AT4H's profile
No slideshow :( I want to see this!
view aladywhoknows's profile
Same problem; can't load page. And I remember fondly sitting on those sofas at the Barbican Centre.
view Elizabeth II's profile
also get an error message. Looking forward to seeing it. Looks great so far.
view Nina79's profile
Sorry -- we're trying to fix!
view Kristin Hohenadel's profile
FIXED! sorry about that.... ;-)
view Maxwell's profile
Fixed!
view Kristin Hohenadel's profile
this one stands out for more reasons than the stunning architecture. they actually left their STUFF out! everything looks used and well-lived in. much more inspiring than karate-chopped pillows and size-ordered spice racks. love it.
view Cake's profile
What an amazing space. I love the lamp on the kitchen table - I've been looking for the perfect one for my kitchen. Somehow a table lamp makes the room instantly cozier.
And oh my gosh, love the toilet in the master bath - prettiest toilet ever!
view meg_ues's profile
Ab Fab AND comfortable. A perfect loft.
view Pixie's profile
Where are the round table lamps from that are in both the living space and toy room?
thanks
view ryanoger's profile
What a great apartment! I just love the floors. They really give the place a wonderful character. I also love your kitchen and nursery - they both have a stylish feel without being too designery, and very cozy. The main bathroom looks like a luxurious spa.
view robinm's profile
fixed again!!!
view Maxwell's profile
good heavens, so much to love! I am so envious of that great kitchen/living/dining space, particularly those high windows!
I also am madly in love with your (master?) bath.
view kittyj's profile
@ryanoger:
Amélie answering your question:
The round table lamps are from Ikea (one of the very FEW things that are!).
view Kristin Hohenadel's profile
i love the colors, textures, and how refined but non fussy it is all at the same time!
view emilyn's profile
Looks usable, comfortable and really posh, without being fussy or pretentious at all. Well done. My only quibble: those massive white cabinets in the bedroom (perhaps repurposed?) overwhelm the space and look a bit office-y. Perhaps some wallpaper on the doors...?
view amed studio's profile
I particularly love those chairs at the kitchen table! Sort of halfway between Wegner and McCobb...
Amelie, are those vintage, or are they still in production?
view Jaze's profile
I have to agree, this place looks really fab because it manages to look both well thought out and designed and actually lived in and not over-thought at the same time. It's such a beautiful space as well.
view bonjourmiette's profile
So much here is excellent that I can't begin to comment on individual pieces. This is a great home and a beautifully-designed space. Bravo!
view lightspeed's profile
these folks have a real eye for combining old and new, but I can't help think that the space itself could be a little more finished. the plywood floor and the crappy paneling on the ceiling stand out to me. If they can afford some of the things in that loft, I'm thinking it would be a real step in the right direction to resolve some details...
view kung fu grip's profile
Wow! What a great house! I also love the table on the lamp, and especially the amazing table and chairs. Great place!
view Birdy's profile
Gorgeous loft! Love the natural wood against concrete, white paint, tile, and steel. Looks like a great space!
view ami_l's profile
I love the chairs! Where can I find something similar in NYC area?
view FieldsGirl's profile
I love the art work... so modern and simple, yet tells such a story!:)
view oatmealsoap's profile
Obviously carefully pulled together...not cozy enough for me - I felt chilly as I perused.
view teetee's profile
Why in the world, when people are kind enough to show their home, would a few people on the board suggest things they could update? Or even worse, refer to something as 'crappy'. What happened to gracious manners and a simple thanks for the homeowners?
John and Amelie, you have a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing!
view DLT's profile
Absolutely gorgeous.
view jdinnyc's profile
DLT -
I think it is a symptom of the fact that in North America, we "over-renovate", and that is how we are used to seeing spaces, that is how we think they ought to look. It may take a while to see the beauty of the other approach. Kind of like wearing too much make-up...
My 2 cents worth -- love the place, but as a mom of 2, I get very upset when I see unprotected open staircases. Kids are in the "danger zone" for only a short time, but during that time, they can seriously injure themselves on such staircases... hope they are not planning to leave it open...
view monika1's profile
p.s., yes I see the child gate at the top of the stairs in the kitchen (it is the same as ours), what I am referring to is the bottom -- kids climb!
view monika1's profile
@jaze:
Answer from Amélie:
the chairs were bought on a flea market many years ago. We don’t know where they are from /if they are designer but don’t think they are in production anymore.
view Kristin Hohenadel's profile
DROOOOOOOLLLLLLLL.
This is an ab-so-lute-ly beautiful space. Very jealous of your kitchen/dining room space, the lovely dining table and chairs, and the USM Haller shelving unit.
Fantastic space filled up with fantastic things.
view lolax's profile
Stunning apartment! I love how alive it is and so individual. A true home :-D
view kittymeow84's profile