THE LUXURY EDITION In conversation with...

Chris Pask, Director at the award winning London architect’s firm, Charlton Brown.

As an experienced architect who specialises in high quality residential design, Chris is perfectly placed to give us an insight into what really elevates a home and helps create a space that is truly special.

SKQ: From an architectural perspective, what are the things that really help make a building into a successful home?

Chris Pask (CP): The layout and overall flow of a home is really important and can make the difference between a house that looks great, and one that feels like a home. And as well as meeting the aesthetic requirements, the house needs to work perfectly for its residents. It should respond to their individual needs and how they want to interact in the space. I also feel, it needs to have a sense of character, ideally one that resonates with its occupiers and has some kind of meaning to them.

As a practice, we always strive to understand our clients on a personal level –understanding their likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests. This allows us to design a space that we know will resonate with them, rather than a soulless – albeit beautiful – house.

SKQ: What are the smaller details that add a real sense of quality to a home?

CP: Ironmongery is key. O en the smaller details like door handles, get overlooked, but these finishing touches can make all the difference. Lighting too of course - a home that is beautifully illuminated adds an additional nod to quality. And finally, artwork. Investing in art that will stand the test of time is a good way to elevate a space. You can also experiment with different types of artwork, from canvases, to sculpture, to ceramics and light installations.

SKQ: What are the things that people should consider to get the most out of their design and renovations?

CP: The more a client is prepared to invest at an early stage in terms of what makes them tick, how they live now and how they and their wider family are likely to live in the future makes a profound difference to the ease of the process and the actual result. It is incumbent on us to draw this out of the client, a key role in establishing the brief on any of our projects.

In terms of specifics, people o en fail to consider the seemingly unrelated disciplines of acoustics and lighting when contemplating design. The profound difference that can be made to the perception of space by the unseen comfort or harshness of the quality of sound is rooted in technicalities but ultimately makes the distinction between homely and unwelcoming. So fabrics, furnishings and irregular room shapes and surfaces make a substantial difference but there is also the option of using hidden techniques to improve the situation.

Lighting, be it the quality of colour rendering or colour temperature, makes a huge and underestimated difference to the atmosphere. People o en know this but frequently forget that flexibility is key depending on how a space will be used.

SKQ: What small things can people do to really elevate a space?

CP: Experiment with different textures. A room that is all one texture can o en feel bland and uninspiring. Small things like adding a throw to the sofa and layering with cushions can make a big difference. And be sure to dress the space. Beyond the furniture, think about the additional layering items you can introduce to elevate it. Things like coffee table books, candles and interesting ‘objets’ will give any space a li .

SKQ: What does luxury mean to you?

To your clients?

CP: True modern day luxury is, we believe, defined by individuality, uniqueness, genuine comfort and true quality in terms of cra , which is based on design, material and execution.

Our clients are increasingly drawn to a curated eclecticism that individualises a home. Meanwhile, true sustainability can be created through providing furniture, spaces and architecture that will be cherished throughout a lifetime and for generations rather than until the winds of fashion turn to blow in another direction.

SKQ: Have you seen a shi in what people want from their homes when it comes to high end properties?

CP: Tastes are continually evolving, however I think we have seen a few interesting new trends emerging over recent years. There has undoubtedly been a shi away from the highly polished and formal interiors we saw in the boom years, post-recession. Now, luxury is more understated, concerned with cra smanship, longevity and sustainability. Our clients are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint and understand the impact that their home and its contents might have.

I think we are also seeing a greater appreciation for older properties. New builds certainly reigned supreme in the days of One Hyde Park, but there has been a notable shi towards period properties, homes that tell a story and can be brought back to life through sensitive restorations, to offer the best of both worlds – a beautiful historic home designed to the highest standards of contemporary living.

London remains the UHNW capital of the world and caters for a full range of discerning tastes, we pride ourselves on a truly bespoke service that tailors the design to the individual context of client and property.

Chris Pask Charlton Brown www.charltonbrown.com