By Jamie Curley, Head of Interior Design at Earl Kendrick
The built environment is constantly evolving to reflect the way we live. Over the last century,
housing has adapted in response to everything from population growth to social change. Today, we’re seeing more apartment blocks rise across the UK, and traditional Victorian and Georgian houses are increasingly being converted into flats to meet demand.
One recent event has had a particularly profound impact on how we live: the pandemic. It gave rise to working from home, which many of us have adapted to by turning second bedrooms or garages into home offices. But spending all day, every day in the same environment has left many people craving change—a new view, a bit of company, or simply a space that feels different from the one we eat and sleep in. In short, we’re still trying to find ways to separate work and home. Not long ago, communal areas in residential buildings were treated as purely functional—hallways, stairwells and perhaps a lobby. Their purpose was transitional and their design often an afterthought. But as lifestyles have shifted so have expectations. Increasingly, these shared spaces are being reimagined as extensions of the home.
Across London, and particularly in Vauxhall where I live, new developments are being designed with communal workspaces, kitchens, lounges and libraries. This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a practical response to remote work, urban loneliness and the growing need for multi-functional environments.
A great example is Bloom Nine Elms, an apartment development that offers a dedicated coworking space with a variety of seating options and private meeting rooms. Residents also have access to a well-equipped gym with panoramic views and social lounges on both the ground and 17th floors. What’s impressive is how they’ve considered community beyond convenience.
In addition to facilities for fitness and work,
Bloom includes a Kids Club, a play area
designed to help young residents connect and form friendships while giving parents the chance to meet and support one another. There’s also a Pet Spa, showing a rare level of thoughtfulness toward pet owners, who are often excluded from city rentals. It’s a holistic approach that recognises the full spectrum of urban family life.
Of course, while this kind of amenity-rich living is appealing, it’s often priced for the higher end of the market. But similar models are starting to appear in more accessible forms, particularly in co-living developments.
One standout example is The Collective Old Oak in Willesden. Designed for renters, it offers studio to two-bedroom apartments alongside a generous suite of communal spaces, including:
- A gym
- A library
- Co-working lounges
- A cinema room
- A laundrette
- A spa and sauna
- Outdoor and rooftop terraces
The building also hosts regular resident events, everything from yoga classes and movie nights to cocktail workshops, creative sessions and communal dinners. The approach is they aren’t just perks; they’re built into the experience. Residents benefit from all-inclusive bills, WiFi, and room cleaning as part of their tenancy. If renting for the year, studios start at £1,495 a month and twobeds from £1,299—remarkably competitive for what’s included.
This model blends the privacy of home with the energy of shared living, creating spaces that
support both independence and connection. Crucially, the design of these communal areas
matters. Natural light, soft acoustics and thoughtful zoning create quiet corners for work or open lounges for socialising, this makes the difference between a space that’s used and one that’s simply admired.
For older apartment blocks or buildings with tighter budgets, this evolution might seem out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be. At Earl Kendrick Interior Design, we work closely with residents, building managers and freeholders to reimagine existing communal areas. Whether it’s upgrading a tired hallway, introducing a reading nook or carving out a co-working corner, these interventions can create real value—both in daily life and in property appeal.
Communal spaces are no longer just about getting from A to B. They’re about moments—taking a Zoom call in peace, bumping into a neighbour over coffee, or enjoying a film on a rainy Sunday. As the way we live continues to change, good communal design isn’t just desirable. It’s essential.
