Derelict to des-res

There are so many different kinds of property development happening in the South East and although we work with new builds a lot,  we also often find ourselves in renovated commercial spaces which are being converted to residential use. One property in Hackney had been an office block and this one, Rembrandt House in Watford had been uninhabited for years so we were happy to wake it up and take it from vacant to vibrant.

Rembrandt House withs its imposing Edwardian facade stood derelict for years. Once a bustling industrial centre,  components for giants like Vickers and Rolls Royce were made here.  Later it was the home of Britain’s first weekly colour magazine for The Sunday Times in 1962, marking a significant chapter in Watford's heritage as the world's largest printing centre. But as the printing works moved to London’s Dockland, Rembrandt House awaited a new chapter as a modern living space.

43 apartments completed in its Phase 1 development in 2018. Phase 2 has recently started and we were happy to present a sophisticated two-bedroom show apartment that seamlessly blends the old and the new.

Our design philosophy for Rembrandt House's show apartment takes into account its twentieth century origins and the building’s manufacturing legacy.

We used a predominantly monochrome scheme here which works well in this light and airy space. We introduced calming greens and the occasional heritage pink tones in luxurious textures to add serenity and elegance and used symmetrical elements to create impact.

With a gentle nod to the building's printworks heritage, we hung on-trend typographical art work in the hallway and the striking industrial -look lamp adds to this timeless style.

We wanted to show that the space can be transformed not only to meet the demands of contemporary living and also create a home that felt welcoming and elegant.

We also used sculptural accessories to accent the apartment. These not only add texture and ambiance but also serve as key focal points for lifestyle photography. 

.As we navigate the 21st century post-COVID world, the concept of living has evolved significantly - homes need to be more than just a living space. This shift has emphasised the importance of creating environments that cater to remote work. Ensuring we maximised every ounce of space, we creating a zone that could be put to use for home-working for the modern lifestyle by adding a desk and dressing area off the bedroom. 

As always with what we do, our work here is about possibility—making space where future memories can be envisioned.  It’s not just about aesthetics; it's about crafting environments that inspire action from the viewer.

Interested in learning more about our approach to creating inviting and sophisticated living spaces? Get in touch to talk about how .