Converting An Old Factory

Blending Contemporary And Historical Styles
Passionate Commitment

Creating a warm and comfortable home from a 19th century factory building is no easy task, but Charles and Katy-Marie Wilson have achieved just that.

Blending Contemporary And Historical Styles

Imagine taking on a building project so large that the debris fills a staggering 22 skips. We're talking about a building that had been used as an industrial factory in the 19th century, then a photographer's studio with a chemical lab in the 20th century, which needed to be totally gutted before it could be made habitable. Now imagine living on site - a shell with no hot water - for six months while the work was in progress. It's not a project for the fainthearted (nor, indeed, the entirely sane).

Fortunately, Charlie and Katy-Marie Wilson (a graphic designer and a lawyer) had a vision of what they wanted and the ambition and commitment to turn it into reality. Based in Hackney, the couple loved the industrial architecture and wanted to keep the building's 150-year heritage clearly visible, while also seeking to instil a softer, contemporary aesthetic into the warehouse space. By paying scrupulous attention to detail and dedicating 18 months of their blood, sweat and tears to this mammoth project, they have created a stunning blend of contemporary and historical styles.

The open-plan kitchen and dining spaces are divided from the living room by the extensive island unit. The high-gloss lacquered surfaces of the kitchen units contrast with the dark wood of the island. Kitchen table from Benchmark.

The house opens into the basement studio, where Charles runs his graphic design business, Natural Designs. With high ceilings, exposed brick walls and a bank of desks running the length of the room, it's an austere yet confident workspace entirely befitting a man who counts Paul Smith, First (an up-and-coming sporting label) and Myla lingerie as his clients. So far, so contemporary.

It's the stark metal stairwell leading up to the next floor and on through the whole house that makes you appreciate just how diligently the couple have worked to blend the building's industrial past with its use as a contemporary home. Despite its industrial appearance, the staircase was actually handmade.