In this renovated apartment in Edinburgh, architect Luke McClelland has skillfully highlighted the historic features of the space. Located in a Grade I-listed building from the 19th century, the two-floor apartment had lost its grand Georgian proportions and historic details over the years. McClelland was entrusted with the task of peeling back the layers to reveal the original charm.
To ensure that the interior complements the existing building, a muted color scheme was chosen. McClelland worked closely with the client and agreed on a simple material palette of Ceppo Di Gre stone and oak. The transformation began by integrating the kitchen into the spacious dining room. Now, a bespoke oak wood counter, expertly crafted by local joinery studio Archispek, takes center stage in the room.
One end of the counter serves as a dining table, while the other end features a stove set into a slab of Ceppo Di Gre stone. The same stone was used to create the work surface above a series of low-lying oak cupboards at the back of the room.
The former kitchen has been repurposed into a utility room, providing storage space for appliances and household items. This clever move allows the new kitchen to maintain its clean and sculptural lines. Additional storage is provided by arched nooks on either side of the opening that leads to the living area.
To soften the stark white walls, plush blue Togo sofas by French brand Ligne Roset and expansive abstract paintings by Edinburgh-based artist Arran Rahimian were introduced to the space.
The residence previously featured carpet and vinyl flooring, which were removed to uncover the authentic pinewood boards. These boards were meticulously sanded and treated with oil to restore their natural luster.
In the hallway, porcelain tiles were taken out to reveal flagstones beneath, and the original staircase was fixed and refurbished. Additionally, two small storerooms were combined to construct a bathroom with Ceppo Di Gre wall paneling.
A new entrance was established between the kitchen and utility space, while significant structural modifications were deliberately avoided to maintain the building’s listed status. The result is a harmonious blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort in this Edinburgh apartment.