Stunning Transformation: Gunter & Co Unveils Light-Filled London Arts and Crafts Home

In a remarkable transformation, an Edwardian house in South West London underwent a substantial renovation that left only the exterior facade intact. The redesign, orchestrated by Gunter & Co, turned a traditional Arts and Crafts style residence into a striking example of architectural remodelling. The project was particularly notable for converting the entryway into a three-level open space that feels more like stepping into a modern art gallery than a typical home.

The renovation was marked by a minimalist approach to materials, utilizing over fifty slabs of White Emperador marble to cover the ground floor. This marble, known for its gentle grey streaks, was carefully chosen and laid down to achieve almost seamless connections between slabs, thanks to on-site polishing techniques that blend the individual pieces into a uniform surface. This choice of flooring was deliberately made to complement, rather than overshadow, the homeowner’s collection of contemporary art which heavily influenced the layout of the space.

Throughout the home, walls coated in polished plaster and subtle metal details replace the usual ornate trappings of period architecture. This shift towards a more streamlined aesthetic is partly inspired by Indian design principles, which favor smooth, reflective surfaces that facilitate light distribution. The design team’s journey to India enriched their understanding of social and familial interactions, the role of spirituality in everyday spaces, and the integration of creative processes into daily life. This insight is reflected in the home’s layout, which includes an artist’s studio and a prayer room, and blurs the lines between the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a fluid communal space.

The collaboration with Indian artisans also influenced the custom furniture throughout the home. These pieces avoid overtly ornate styles, instead focusing on cultural authenticity through materials like deeply stained oak, subtly reflective cast bronze, and fabrics in natural colors. These elements are designed to support the visual impact of the art collection rather than compete with it. A particularly notable feature is the Charles Burnand designed pendant light, which cascades down the central void of the staircase across three floors. This piece, developed with input from the homeowner’s own glass art expertise, epitomizes the fusion of client and designer visions into a cohesive artistic endeavor.