UNVEILING THE TRANSFORMED RECEPTION SPACE AT 1 KINGDOM STREET, PADDINGTON
In collaboration with our client, CC Land, we embarked on an exciting journey to reimagine the reception area and bathrooms at 1 Kingdom Street.
The challenge? To breathe new life into a previous fit-out without a complete overhaul, adhering to our commitment to minimise unnecessary waste and deliver value for our clients. By retaining key architectural elements and introducing timeless features, we delivered a sophisticated, layered space that exudes modern elegance.
We strategically analysed the existing setup, identifying opportunities to dramatically enhance the ambience with thoughtful FF&E interventions. Our design approach focused on redefining the reception, café, seating areas and atrium whilst celebrating the vast, almost triple-height ceiling.
Key to this transformation was the distinct earth-toned materials palette we selected, where varying textures and finishes guide visitors intuitively through the space. The reception desk and café counter feature unique finishes that not only aid in wayfinding but also add visual interest. The centrepiece—a stunning, multi-coloured earth-toned marble floor—directs attention to the welcoming staff at reception, setting a tone of professionalism and warmth.
To create an intimate visitor experience, we installed bespoke joinery, including open bookshelves that subtly delineate spaces while maintaining clear sightlines for the reception team. This clever use of space enhances privacy and comfort, perfect for a high-end office environment.
Incorporating elements of biophilic design, we introduced large-scale indoor trees and a striking green wood-panelled wall which stretches the full height of the reception and draws attention to the impressive scale. These natural accents soften the existing hard materials, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the overall aesthetic and connects the indoors with the serenity of nature.
The ambience is further enriched with strategically placed, low-level lighting that envelops the space in a soothing glow, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. The selection of sculptural yet casual furniture pieces mirrors the refined aesthetics of a boutique hotel lobby, offering a premium experience from the moment of entering the building.
All existing banquette seating was reupholstered in the new earth toned palette to inject a further layer of warmth and comfort and the overheard atrium frames in the atrium were sprayed rust red to energise and better define the break out spaces.
Echoing Design Narrative in the Bathroom Design
The sophisticated colour and materials palette established in the reception area seamlessly continues into the bathrooms. By retaining the existing layout, along with the original flooring and wall tiles, we focused on enhancing the space with standout features. A dramatic vanity area, featuring terracotta and peach tiles, fluted walnut cabinetry, and a beige terrazzo-style worktop, harmoniously blends with the cream porcelain tiles already in place. The introduction of dark green cubicle doors beautifully complements the green veneer paneling in the reception, creating a cohesive design narrative.
Brass hardware and taps, paired with soft ambient lighting, elevate the bathrooms’ aesthetic, transforming them from typical office WCs into spaces with a luxurious, hotel-like feel. This attention to detail not only enhances the user experience but also reflects a commitment to creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.