Blue, grey, and brilliant: A London extension to inspire
Despite it being an unusual choice, the blue and grey works beautifully together
When working on a home renovation or extension project, it’s important for a couple to be on the same page.
Renovations can be a stressful, not to mention expensive, undertaking – without the added pressure of struggling to agree on how things should be with your partner.
So, finding common ground is crucial – and that’s exactly what this duo did…
Unique revelations
As this project kicked off, Marco Curtaz’ husband and wife clients realised the only preference in colours they could agree on were blue hues and raw, grey textures. There were no other colours they both liked.
That starting point led to a design that balanced the raw grey elements; including polished concrete, silvered rough sawn timber and off-grey painted blockwork with varying tones of blue.
Marco explains: “Although these colours might typically be found in other settings – for example gallery style concrete floors and faded timber for a coastal feel.
“Or even quasi-industrial exposed blockwork and saturated blue tones evoking a scholastic environment, the nostalgic origins were not the reason for that design.
“Instead, the individual elements were considered in their own right, in terms of what worked to look good in the overall composition to create a stunning domestic space.”
Photo: Curtaz Studio
The blue and grey colour palette
Despite it being an unusual choice, the blue and grey works beautifully together.
In general, it seems people are learning to use colour more boldly in their designs.
Marco adds: “For a few years now I’ve noticed that our clients seem to be less afraid of the bolder colours, which was often the case previously.
“Raw textures also have surged in popularity over the last decade.
“This project felt like a chance to move with the times and combine the two trends to create something spectacular.”
It’s all in the details
Marco believes the details have added a homely warmth to the property.
“Light ash wood details added a ‘homely’ warmth with plain white walls and ceilings providing relief, and black fittings acting as a neutral accent.
“The more domestic-scale detailing of the ash handles and framing, finely patterned blue-grey wall tiles, and intricate profiling on the timber cladding help to balance against the larger scale formats of polished concrete, blockwork and frameless glass.”
Photo: Curtaz Studio
Natural lighting
The natural lighting in the space is something unique and special, we asked Marco how it was achieved.
“The clients both love hot weather, the hotter the better, and always wished for a room that could be filled with plants.
“So, we proposed a frameless glass rooflight along the full length of the extension to flood the space with natural light.
“The off-white blockwork wall helps to bounce this light into the rest of the space.”
Concrete flooring
The concrete floor in the extension is sleek and stunning, it works perfectly in the space.
Marco explains why it was chosen: “Powerfloated concrete was one of the first raw textures I suggested. I showed it to the clients by showing images of various gallery interiors and they instantly fell in love with it.
“All the other materials essentially ‘riffed’ off the concrete.”
Photo: Curtaz Studio
Setbacks
Every renovation project has setbacks but thankfully nothing major was able to curtail this venture.
Marco shares: “The only cause for concern was the limited palette.
“This meant that the materials and colours had to be chosen early, so we had less wiggle room that you ordinarily would on a project like this – especially when it came to the post-tender and cost-saving stage.”
Blue paint guide
Thinking true blue would be a good fit for your interior renovation?
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite shades of blue on the market right now so you can recreate the look in your own home…
1. Dulux
This stunning shade of Coastal Grey is perfect for making a blue statement.
Aptly named Coastal Grey, it’s perfect for living spaces and for using in contrast with darker blues or more natural colours, depending on the desired look.
- Dulux Coastal Grey paint, order yours here
Photo: Dulux
2. Little Greene
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a brighter look, this Celestial Blue from Little Greene could be the pick for you.
It’s combined here with Marine Blue (below the dado rail), to set off a truly stunning blue space.
- Celestial Blue in Absolute Matt Emulsion, £59 for 2.5L – buy here
- Marine Blue in Intelligent Eggshell, £82.50 for 2.5L – buy here
Photo: Little Greene
3. Johnstone’s Paint
Searching for something a bit more budget-friendly?
Get the bold blue look in your home for a discounted price with this gorgeous shade of blue from Johnstone’s Paint.
It works beautifully as a standout wall, next to the white and window wall and sets off the dining room.
- Evening Hush Johnstone’s Paint durable matt, £30.90 – buy here
Photo: Johnstone’s Paint
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