LUXURY BASEMENT APARTMENT
BREIF
Rear Double extension
New open plan kitchen
New upstairs bathroom
New cloakroom with toilet and basin
Updating of hallway
New flooring
Painting /decorating of walls throughout
Updating of external windows
INITIAL DISCUSSIONS
After having our first meeting with our client on site, we soon learnt they wanted the best of modern design with high-quality features. A new kitchen area with bespoke island unit and bi-fold doors leading onto the garden, cloakroom with toilet and basin and a main bathroom upstairs. They also wanted an update of their existing hallway area leading from the front door to be a contemporary space to fit in with the new extension.
Our Akiva kitchen specialist was involved with the initial discussions along with our designer ensuring every aspect of the design was discussed from the offset. A full design package for the kitchen, bathroom and cloakroom were also advised, with an additional render service for the kitchen to achieve maximum results.
The client purchased our multi room design package, our lighting design package, furniture as well as our design consulting package for the project duration to ensure the approved designs were installed to the best reality.
HOW WE ACHIEVED IT
Located in gorgeous Highbury and Islington, a stone throw from fabulous upper street we were excited to be given the task to transform a basement flat in a converted Victorian House.
Our client worked with our designer to achieve a style that not only provides lots of light but that could easily flow as soon as you enter underneath the steps which lead to the property above.
We were working with a completely blank canvas so the first task was to assign the rooms including the newly proposed wet room and kitchen.
When the 2D designs for each room are being created a purchase list is also built for each space so the client understands and approves exactly what fittings/materials/finishes will be used to achieve the final design.
The approved designs were then brought to life as specified, applying high quality finishes by one of Akiva's approved contractors and using our design consultation/management service through the entire project.
This extension is modern simplicity at its best and the client is thrilled with the end result.
The Luxury Basement project by Studio Akiva is a sophisticated exploration of subterranean living, where limited natural light and structural constraints are transformed into an opportunity for atmosphere, intimacy, and refined functionality. Rather than treating the basement as a secondary space, the design elevates it into a fully integrated extension of the home, both luxurious and highly purposeful.
At the core of the scheme is a carefully controlled palette, designed to enhance depth and warmth. Rich, muted tones are paired with layered textures to create a sense of comfort and enclosure, turning what could feel restrictive into something cocooning and considered. Materials are selected for both their visual impact and their ability to reflect and diffuse light, ensuring the space remains inviting rather than heavy.
Lighting plays a defining role in shaping the environment. In the absence of strong natural light, a layered lighting strategy is used to build atmosphere—combining ambient illumination, concealed LED detailing, and focused accent lighting. This approach allows the space to shift seamlessly between functional use and a more relaxed, evening setting, reinforcing the idea of the basement as a destination within the home rather than an afterthought.
Spatial planning is handled with precision, ensuring that every zone feels intentional. Whether used as a media room, guest suite, or multi-functional retreat, the layout balances openness with clearly defined areas. Integrated joinery and bespoke storage solutions help maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, supporting both practicality and visual coherence.
Furnishings are deliberately chosen to enhance comfort and tactility—often deeper, more enveloping forms that complement the intimate nature of the space. Soft textiles, upholstered elements, and subtle detailing contribute to a layered, almost hotel-like atmosphere that feels both indulgent and grounded.
Ultimately, the Luxury Basement demonstrates how thoughtful design can completely redefine underutilised space. It is a project that turns constraint into character, delivering an interior that feels warm, immersive, and quietly luxurious—an extension of the home that invites you to slow down and settle in.