See how architects Michaelis Boyd have transformed this disused mews house into a colorful creative refuge for work and play

Without stating the obvious, this last year has been pretty limiting. Who hasn't grown tired of working from the same desk (or the same kitchen table, or the same sofa, or on the occasion, the same bed...)? We have personally been desperate for a new place to work, a fresh view, a new setup that feels separate from home life and can be a place to be productive and be inspired. So when the owners of this dilapidated mews house decided it was time to make more of the beautiful but disheveled building that sat in their garden, it made sense for it to become a 'creative refuge' – a place to work and play away from the main house.

They brought on architects Michaelis Boyd for the project. The brief was to bring the house back to life, inject vibrancy and energy into the rooms, that would become a creative workspace, as well as a place to host parties and double as a guest house when needed. 

The modern home, now aptly named Little Mews Refuge, comprises a library and office space, gym area, guest room, WC, and bathroom, plus a party lounge and bar area for entertaining. 

Hallway

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

The hallway saw the biggest transformation. Once a small, dark, and dingy entrance hall that didn't really feel like its own room at all, has been turned into a light-filled, statement space that really sets the fun and creative scene for the rest of the home.

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Set against the neutral backdrop of crisp white walls and pale wood herringbone flooring, The perforated steel staircase designed with Diapo, is the focal point. However, despite its imposing size, light still flows through from the newly install skylights above and the Crittall doors that frame the room make it feel even more open and airy. 

Library

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Off to the right of the hallway is the gym/library. Designed to feel like the space was part of the original building, there's a slight industrial edge to the room, with the striking steel mezzanine, spiral staircase, and bespoke floor to ceiling shelving. 

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

The shelves are actually totally customizable so can be moved as the homeowners curate the display. Lights have been installed into the unit to create a cozy and intimate vibe of an evening.

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

• See more beautiful library ideas.

Kitchen 

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Back across the hall and through the opposite Crittall door is a small but practical kitchen. Designed by DeVol, the deep orange of the copper surface and splashback were chosen to mirror the same warm color scheme in the hallway.

The copper is a clever choice for the small space as it bounces light around, making the space appear lighter and larger. 

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

• See more small kitchen ideas in our inspiring gallery. 

Bedroom

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Up the steel staircase and through another Crittall door is the bedroom. Michaelis Boyd designed bespoke joinery to add a pop of muted color to the room, plus cleverly the padding acts as a noise dampener too, creating a quite serene space that's the perfect retreat.  

• Be inspired by more modern bedroom ideas.

Living room 

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Originally made up of four separate rooms, the lounge space is now a large open plan room that's perfect for relaxing and entertaining. 

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

There's a football table (glass-topped and as stylish as they come), a blackened steel cocktail bar, and a and softly furnished sofa and chill-out area that's perfect for movie nights. 

• Find more stylish living room ideas in our gallery.

Bathroom

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

The upstairs modern bathroom (there's a WC too on the ground floor) it's the teal marble floor that first catches the eye. 

The bold turquoise hues are the perfect pop of color for the otherwise soft, neutral space and it was of course the starting point for the rest of the room's design. The simple pink tiles were picked to perfectly match the slight accents on pink that also run through the marble and the striking black sanitaryware was chosen to contrast all the soft shades.

• See also: Explore this colorful Victorian townhouse that's full of vintage finds