West End Townhouse

Aberdeen's West End has a very special flair about it. It feels like a little village in itself; a small community with shared values; a large public school in the heart of it, surrounded by small independent businesses. You can source organic vegetables from a deli, pick up your morning macchiato from a cafe, and have your presents wrapped in silk ribbons at Curated Stories. If you were to relocate, as our clients did from London, it would make perfect sense to purchase a period home in this area.

Union Grove property looks like a traditional townhouse from outside but it has a hidden secret inside - the beautiful attic with exposed beams and roof light windows on the second floor. Curated Stories Interiors were fortunate to tender an interior design and project management contract for the whole expanse of three floors, from ground floor entrance to the attic lounge and bedroom; in between a beautiful staircase with original balustrade, living room with bay window and period features, a spacious kitchen, a spare bedroom that was converted into a nursery, a guest bedroom, an attic lounge, and the master bedroom.

An art curator as a client meant that each and every detail was considered with extra care. From the door handles to the shape of bulbs, from roughness of the rugs to the softness of throws all were to be designed in harmony with clients personal taste and extensive private collection of contemporary art and photography that played a big part of the design setting.

All rooms were painted, old carpets lifted and some of the floor board sanded and oiled. Curtains were replaced with contemporary roman blinds, all light switches were upgraded to brushed brass toggles, all lighting was replaced and picture rails were reinstated and/or added to certain rooms. Storage solutions were given extra attention and much of it was added to the home with additional cupboard space, wardrobes and floating shelving.

Entrance hall was originally dark with heavily ornate red wallpaper, lacking any storage, and with inadequate lighting. Here we introduced hanging space for jackets and a storage solution for shoes and keys. An antique light was sourced to bring in more light and an existing mirror was moved to lighten the space further. A collage of personal pictures were framed and hung in the staircase leading to the landing. A trio of pendants were introduced to the landing for soft light and walls were painted in soft ombre style - four shades of warm grey.

The previous owners had left the living room light and bare with somewhat dated venetian blinds. In order to bring out the new owners brilliant extended collection of art we designed a period style beading for the walls to further frame the artwork and give it the full attention it required. Floating shelving was added on both sides of the alcove and both new and vintage Mid Century furniture and soft furnishings were bought in. Additional wall lights for ambient lighting was added to both sides of the fireplace.

Nursery had a big transformation. Monstrously large fitted wardrobe was removed, all walls stripped and skimmed and old carpets lifted and floorboards sanded and oiled. Curtains and rails were replaced by contemporary black-out roman blinds. A bespoke bed frame was designed and built for the nursery and the room furnished according to Montessori principles. With a combination of new and period purchases the room acquired a lovely lived-in feel that provides a safe and sound play space as well as a room for nursing and rest.

Kitchen had a major uplift. Whilst the clients took a weeks holiday our trades team got to work and removed the existing tiling, painted all the cupboards, changed the handles, introduced new shelving, opened up a Dutch cupboard and installed new dado rails, fitted new worktops and skimmed and painted the walls. Once the works were done according to our designs the room was styled and furnished with new storage solutions, artwork and furniture. 

Guest bedroom was spruced up with newly acquired furniture and lighting, bespoke designed and built hanging basket branch rail with macrame hanging baskets and plants, artwork, and soft furnishings. 

Upstairs the previously red walls were painted fresh white, wardrobes, desk and musical instruments were moved to the lounge and the master bedroom was furnished in a combination of old and new, modern and Mid Century. Under-eaves storage units got a fresh coat of paint, new handles and brass labels.  A dressing table was also introduced to the room.

All in all when the before and after photos are examined, it can be concluded that through the re-desigh the Union Grove property was transformed from a house into a home. The occupants needs were met through spatial solutions, life made more organised and settled. The impact that the large collection of artworks has on the home cannot be underestimated. Curated Stories Interiors felt privileged to have an opportunity to work such beauty into the interior design.

The completed home is a fine example of harmony between interiors, art and family life - a fit setting for comfortable and loving life.