This Victorian residence was renovated with a focus on a light and modest interior in natural shades. The central part of the house was therefore opened up, leading to open spaces that now dominate the residence.
When Petersfield House was extended in the twentieth century, its high ceilings and view onto the garden were not used to their best advantage, resulting into very little natural light entering the house, especially in the hall. Most spaces were also separated from each other, a style which does not really suit our open way of living anymore. The London architectural office McLaren.Excell, which was responsible for the recent renovation, created a fresh, contemporary design in which simplicity is paramount. The original Victorian partitions were taken down and the core of the house was opened up to the living space at the back of the house and the kitchen on the side. The extension that was built in the twentieth century was taken down again and replaced by a fully new construction. Because of a number of planning restrictions concerning the height of that extension, the office had to find another solution to create sufficient light in the kitchen. The floor was dropped, and a series of roof lights was installed. The concrete ceiling running from the kitchen up into the living space and the auxiliary rooms is interrupted by lighting fixtures that McLaren.Excell customised. 
Sleek design lines alternate with expressive sculptures.
The residence’s interior was kept simple, both in terms of the furniture and the cool shades. A number of elements break up this simplicity in a beautiful way. Sleek design lines alternate with expressive sculptures throughout the house. The big authentic fireplace in the living room is a true eyecatcher, as is the oak-veneered staircase, which is finished with striking black steel spindles that give the impression of a floating banister.
Petersfield House’s minimalistic interior stands for natural light and an eye for detail, and in this way, it fits in seamlessly with McLaren.Excell’s other projects. With a few simple interventions, it was possible to completely transform this house into a true oasis of peace. Imagicasa already feels inspired! 

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Photography by Simone Bossi