This historic Regent’s Park home is a liveable art gallery
Just a short walk from the urban oasis that is Regent’s Park is a quiet neighbourhood, home to university buildings and classical London townhouses. Here, in one of the city’s strictest conservation areas, stands a row of terraced houses that was constructed in 1822. In one of them lives an international family – a Brazilian-Israeli couple and their two children – who hoped to make their own mark on their home, within the restrictions imposed by its historic status.
The husband, a technology executive father, and wife, a curator and museum board member, wanted to create a neutral environment to highlight her personal collection of works by artists such as Jane Gravarol and Rachel Baes, while preserving the house’s architectural integrity. To achieve their goal, they commissioned Studio Arthur Casas to transform and adapt the space.
The studio found they couldn’t alter the building’s facade, which extended to making any internal changes that would be visible from outside, nor could they change the original plaster detailing or ceiling mouldings. To incorporate these heritage features into their scheme, while providing a fitting backdrop for the bold works of contemporary art belonging to their clients, they devised a simple material palette consisting of light oak floors, off-white walls and pared-back joinery.
The main living area and media room can be found on the first floor, where within the original 19th century floorplan, significant examples of Brazilian design, such as the ‘Cubo’ sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, Lina Bo Bardi’s ‘Bowl’ armchair and the ‘MP43 Mirage’ armchair and ottoman by Percival Lafer are displayed, alongside works by British artists such as Grace Pailthorpe, Mary Martin and Issy Wood.
The dining room features ‘Flair’o’ chairs by B&B Italia paired with a four-metre-long natural oak wood table (the same wood as the floor), designed specifically for the space by Arthur Casas. The ‘Eros’ Ágapecasa sideboard completes the setup, all illuminated by wall sconces and pendants by Alexandre Logé. Above the fireplace hangs a black-and-white piece by Anna Maria Maiolino titled Em cima da linha.
The kitchen was fitted with custom Italian cabinetry by Boffi, reflecting the family’s love for cooking. It connects to a breakfast area on a glass-roofed terrace, where Angelo Mangiarotti’s ‘Eros’ table for Ágapecasa, and two of Cini Boeri’s ‘Botolo’ chairs for Arflex are bathed in natural light and enjoy a glorious view of the garden.
Upstairs, the main suite occupies the whole of the second floor. The centrepiece of this space is Patricia Urquiola’s ‘BIO-MBO’ bed for Cassina, which is dressed in Frette linen, creating a serene sanctuary in neutral tones and textures.
The finished home is a textbook example of how to successfully adapt a historic property to fit it for modern life while preserving its essence. Both a family home with plenty of space to entertain, rest and play, it’s also a liveable gallery that doesn’t feel weighed down by the importance of the art or collectable furniture that fills its sunny, elegant rooms. arthurcasas.com
