Well, this has been a long time in the making. We first moved to our new London flat in early 2017. We worked with some interior designers to realise our vision for the apartment. In late 2017 we had a leak that ruined most fixed surfaces, and 2018 was spent battling with insurers, and getting repairs done. The flat is now complete, and we got to enjoy the break at home playing games.
Here is a look at some of the different spaces in the apartment:
Lounge and dining area
The heart of the flat, where we spend most of our time. A Genelec 7.0 system provides sound to the space, with a three Genelec 8351s in the front, and four ceiling-mounted Genelec 8341s at the rear. The TV is Sony 85x9505B, chosen for its low input latency and high quality 4K HDR image.
The Genelec speakers where chosen because they allow us to hear the video games closest to what the likes of
Capcom or
Bioware intended. The large amount of reflective glass surfaces was a particular challenge, but Genelec used their software to minimise intrusive artefacts resulting from the hard surfaces in the space.
KIT LIST - Sony 85x9505B TV, Genelec 8351 speakers. A bespoke media unit, with Xbox One X, PS4 Pro, Switch and a Titan X Pascal gaming PC, through a Marantz 8802a AV amp. Hatches for Switch and PlayStation VR. Togo sofas from Ligne Roset.
Snug
This is the most indulgent and fun area in the flat. We designed it as a comfy late night escape, a cave where one can retire to late at night when others go to sleep. A Sony 4K TV on the left is hooked up to a Super NES Classic and a NES Classic, making this the classic gaming space. This space also hosts a headphones listening station.
KIT LIST - Sony KD-49X8305C on a Desalto pole, Genelec AIC25 speakers. A bespoke shelving unit with an integrated minibar. Cambridge Audio streamer (Tidal/Spotify), Schiit Yggdrasil DAC, Schiit Ragnarok amp, and Hifiman HE-1000 headphones. NES Mini, Super NES Mini, PlayStation Classic, Analogue NT Mini, Analogue Super NT.
View from Snug to Lounge
Snug terrace is designed to be our 'cigar terrace'. I smoke one cigar every two months with a good friend, always here with a glass of whisky. Reindeer hides remind us of our native Finland.
Kitchen and breakfast bar
I often sit around the breakfast bar with my iPad, reading GAF, or playing Pokemon Go on my phone. TV and front Genelecs in the lounge can be seen on the left side. The coffee machine is integrated on the right hand wall, and it does fantastic cappuccinos.
Breakfast terrace
This is at the front of the lounge. It's very often windy in the City, so getting to have breakfast here is a rare treat.
Study
This room is mostly for work, and personal management. A bespoke, motorised desk for standing and sitting work. iMac 5K for any desktop games - such as WoW, Starcraft 2 and Dota 2. Framed above the Mac, production drawings of the first Sega Megadrive from June 1989.
KIT LIST - iMac 5K, Genelec AIC25 speakers.
Guest room
I've spent more time of my life in hotels than one should. Our guest room was modelled based on my favourite features of hotels. The bed is large, and has USB and charging slots on the side. A study desk with a comfy chair provides a space for any urgent work. A power jack is hidden under a hatch, so that laptops and iPads can be charged while working. Light blocking curtains darken the room for a good night's sleep.
KIT LIST - bedside Apple docks and USB-C chargers, Genelec AIC25 speakers.
. I'd even just take a few of the furniture pieces.
