Muswell Hill

A laboratory for ideas

By Hend Seif El Din

Working on his own house for over eight years has allowed him to make sure his ideas and products that he uses work well and to ensure that he understands how houses have to accommodate the changing needs of a family. At first glance, the house he bought was a very ordinary metropolitan style semi-detached 1930s house. It had been left in a poor state and had a very ugly rear extension that looked like a porta cabin than a house. For their clients, Gregory Phillips Architects design the architecture, interiors and landscape, however on his own house, he extended the level of control and also project managed the works, sourced the labour and all the materials.

The house was decorated and furnished with Gregory’s favorite pieces. Following this, the house started winning awards and gaining acclaim. People loved the house because of the extensive use of glass which created an inside/outside experience. It is truly a modern house hidden behind a standard 1930s semi-detached property.

four years later, when Gregory’s youngest daughter turned 10 years old, he and his wife decided to enjoy a luxury bedroom suite on their own floor, so a roof conversion that included a spectacular balcony with views of the garden was in order. The project included a bedroom with beautiful whitened ash flowing and straight grain stained grey oak cabinetry, all to Phillips’s specification.

B&B Italia was the brand of choice for the sofa, the cushions and the coffee table; smooth lines working together in perfect harmony. The Bob Crooks glassware vase adds the perfect burst of color to the natural hues.

The casual dining area hosts a Porro NXT bookshelf from Coexsistance, a Saarinen tulip table in Arabescato marble as well as Zanotta Lia dining chairs in white leather. Minimalistic and smooth.

The dining area boasts two stunning pieces of artwork by Tania, Phillips’ wife’s grandmother, the Athos dining table by B&B Italia and Solo dining chairs by the same brand.

The kitchen units are by Boffi, with high gloss white doors and the stainless steel surfaces are by the same brand. Adding minimal light, Phillips chose Shomei ceiling lights from the Light Corporation.

The bedroom is home to an oak closet by DHJ furniture, designed by Gregory Phillips Architects. The luxurious bed linen is by Oliver Desforges and the artwork is by Phillips himself.

Italian Carrara marble walls and flooring look exquisite in the bathroom, working wonderfully with the Bespoke cabinet by DHJ Furniture and the Ashton and Bentley Lefka freestanding bathtub.