LONDON BRIDGE
SVM was asked to design the reception area for a building on London Bridge Road that housed 16 apartments. Whether it's a residential block or a conversion, a well-designed reception can make a huge difference. This area is the first point of contact for guests, so making a good first impression with a welcoming and inviting atmosphere is important.
BRIEF: So often in London, we see multi-million-pound apartments with drab and dirty entrances. The overseas market expects a much higher standard. Landlords and owners will find that higher rental yields are achieved with a much quicker turnaround when the reception areas are opulent and inviting, and it goes without saying, much easier to sell. When a reception area is beautifully fitted you know the owners/landlords are looking after their investments and the building is being managed professionally.
PROCESS: We were presented with a small and basic rectangular space. The area was transformed using large format titles and mirrors to create a feeling of opulence and luxury as you stepped through the main door. Placing the mirrors opposite each other added light and the feeling of space. New lighting and a new fire door clad in aluminum sheet with applied decorative studs completed the design. Creating mitres to the edge of the built-out housing for the mailboxes provided a beautiful finish. The key to a successful large-format tile installation is the installer; they need to be qualified and experienced in handling the material.
We used large format ultra-thin porcelain tile. The tiles are 3m x 1.5m so cover a large surface area which helps to instantly transform walls and floors. SVM use marble alternatives whenever possible due to the sustainability footprint offered by using porcelain versus real stone.
RESULT: The transformation of this space is dramatic but simple to achieve creating a luxurious and opulent reception design that is both welcoming and stylish. The residents and the property management company were delighted with the results.
