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A Georgian property has been enhanced by MoreySmith to allow the clients to entertain

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All Images: Philip Durrant

Spread across five levels, the layout of this 2,627 sq ft property in Clerkenwell, London, has been designed with entertaining in mind. The basement level accommodates a bespoke kitchen with a separate utility and laundry room. At ground level, the dining room is adjacent to a home bar, which is complemented by an intimate social space on the first floor, intended to echo the design of a Mayfair private members’ club. Three bedrooms are situated on the upper levels with warm and inviting accents.

Design and architecture studio MoreySmith retained and enhanced the original features of the building in celebration of its Georgian heritage. The classic timber floorboards throughout have been preserved, along with the original staircase that runs from the basement to the third floor. These historical attributes of the property have been balanced with contemporary finishes, including the introduction of two fireplaces, which bring grandeur back into the home.

The bespoke kitchen is found at the basement level. Here, the ceiling height has been increased to allow in more natural light

Attention to historical detail has played a big part here too. A stack of windows remain closed up, to reference the historical window tax of the 19th century, while the parapet has been purposely soot-stained to ensure the façade remains consistent, in line with the aged elements of the property. MoreySmith also added external lantern posts, which creates a greater street presence and highlights the significance of the listed building.

Lighting plays an important role in creating the right ambience throughout the home and soft colour tones have been chosen to maximise the flow of light around the property. A striking chandelier composed of brass circles with lenses adorns the living spaces while the kitchen ceiling height has been increased to allow in more natural light. The bespoke Lanserring kitchen fuses materials with copper accents, providing warmth to the space. The modern palette of the kitchen balances with original elements, including the historical kitchen fireplace that MoreySmith restored.

Contemporary finishes in this Georgian home include the introduction of new fireplaces

The installation of a dumbwaiter between the kitchen and the dining room was key in enhancing fluidity between the floors and represents a useful tool for home entertaining. The home bar is located adjacent to the dining room and features artisanal glass pendant lighting above. Founder and principal director at MoreySmith, Linda Morey-Burrows, says: ‘Our brief was to create a cool, contemporary London base for a family who live outside London with business interests in the city, and create a style which reflected their personalities and eclectic taste.

‘A big part of the brief was to provide both a relaxed atmosphere to live and work in, but very importantly to entertain, hosting dinners and drinks parties. Designed to suit the lifestyles of the owners, we incorporated facilities for family, friends and entertaining as well as quality guest facilities