My Houzz: Old Art Studio Ronnie Wood Gets a Rock 'n' Roll

My Houzz: Old Art Studio Ronnie Wood Gets a Rock 'n' Roll - Makeover 'We were not looking for a project, "says Nic Farhi, remembering the first to see his apartment, 'but when I spotted the original boards and bricks in the living room, I knew I had to buy this place. "

Nic and his then girlfriend (now my wife) had spent months scouring Clerkenwell for the perfect home, so he was determined not to leave the interior of this apartment in grotty plant a former seamstress has turned off. The building dates back to the 1880s and is one of the few in the region to have survived extensive bombing during the Second World War. During the renovation, Nic discovered another clue to his heritage. An old gas bill revealed that Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood had owned the flat and used it as an artist's studio!

With the help of architect Robert Rhodes Rhodes robert architecture   interiors and Benedict Pippet Bondsbury of construction, plus a little inspiration from Houzz, Nic transformed the property in a relaxed and elegant home . Now completed, it mixes strong original features such as exposed beams, with stylish and contemporary furnishings. "Planning our wedding coincided with the renovation, so it was quite a stressful time, said Nic. "I absolutely loved it though. I can not wait to do another project!

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Nic Farhi and his wife
Location Clerkenwell, London
Architect robert rhodes Architecture   interior
Size 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a separate WC

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"We were inspired by the original features in the living room," says Nic. "We wanted the scheme to complement, not dominate the room. The original plates were covered with paint from when Ronnie Wood used the flat as a studio art, but with a little TLC and some careful stripping, they came beautifully. The room was largely configured around the sofa, which had already Nic, while red pendant Zaragoza by Dar Lighting fires were love at first sight. "I found them online, but I knew that they seemed absolutely perfect, says Nic. He reproductive chair Barcelona (originally designed by Mies van der Rohe) covered with aged brown leather to complete the floor.

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The brick d origin in the living room was one of the features that convinced Nic to buy the apartment first. "We like masonry and have deliberately kept that sentiment chamber pared back, says Nic. "It is a space quite relaxed." Directional Discreet spotlights fitted into the ceiling to turn the bricks in an authentic characteristic wall, producing a lovely glow against the textured surface at night. The black lacquered coffee table is Wayfair and the large floor lamp Anglepoise was a wedding gift from John Lewis.

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This area by the stairs is bathed in natural light from the large windows in the kitchen and skylights. "This little corner gets all the sun, so it is a wonderful place to rest and read says Nic. the gray wingback chair Kubrick was another internet buying from Made.com. "We were so busy planning the wedding together to work on this apartment that we had to buy most our furniture online, says Nic. "We would spend hours scouring the internet in the evening, looking for pieces that we liked.

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This part of the apartment has been completely reconfigured to create a generous kitchen and dining room is perfect for entertaining. Working on a tight budget, Nic comes from the kitchen of London Kitchen Shop. "It is as good as a top model," says Nic 'but was a fraction of the cost. "Pastel colors dining chairs John Lewis complete the look." They were the lowest chairs in the store, but they look amazing, Nic said. "I'm very happy with them.

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kitchen units by the Dutch company Keller, London Kitchen Shop. the large island is wrapped in black granite that contains tiny spots that glow in the light.

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"We lit the masonry on the small balcony with spotlights and when activated, there is an amazing sense flow between interior and exterior space, "says Nic." Even in December, you can be seated inside, but it feels like you a picnic. The huge windows had to be winched in, but Nic believes they speak for themselves. "This part of the apartment does not need any embellishment, he said.

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"We thought about going for a scheme of catchy colors for the kitchen, Nic said, "but at some point we are going to sell the apartment, so we decided to maintain the crisp neutral palette. the couple brought some glamor good touches including spalshback this glass, which add a touch of character without harming the refined aesthetics of return.

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Nic wanted to keep decking on the balcony of the same height as the oak floor in the kitchen to ensure a continuous flow between interior and exterior spaces.

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'found the design of the spiral staircase, when I looked on Houzz! Nic said. "I like the interaction between the columns rising white and dark wooden steps. We are very happy with how it looks. "The open staircase covers all three floors of the apartment, who presented the couple with another challenge. "Apparently it is illegal and a fire hazard to have an open staircase on a number of floors, Nic said," so we had to either close it or put a sprinkler system. The couple went to the sprinkler system in the end. "It was definitely worth it, because the staircase is a fantastic feature in the apartment.

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Three large windows flood the main room with light, which makes it feel airy and spacious. The bed, the room Storage Company, contains storage for small motorcycle opportunity to Nic, while the dresser and bedside tables are another purchase Houzz inspiration. "I saw something similar on the site, said Nic, and I took a picture for Gemma Crispin & Furniture Design in Spitalfields and they recreated for me.

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"strictly speaking the guest room is not really big enough for a double bed, 'says Nic. "We had to find some really narrow bedside tables to fit side." Fortunately, these slim units split Ikea perfectly.

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subway tiles of Fired Earth and CP Hart basin form the basis of this hotel New York inspired bathroom. "The beautiful unit is actually a custom piece that Robert had our architect, says Nic.

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'the roof terrace has to be my favorite place, says Nic. "Sitting here on an afternoon gives me so much pleasure. We are in the heart of the city, but it's so quiet here. The apartment is in a so Nic conservation area had to jump through some hoops to keep the local council happy during the renovation of this space, including glass walls limit facility that would not be visible from the street. The fake green grass Easigrass feels wonderful underfoot, says Nic. "It's just great hang out here. As a conservation area, there are few tall buildings, so the views are incredible in every sense. "

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