This project began in a large North London home where the client quite suddenly found the need to downsize. The brief for the new home was to create a complete sanctuary and a sense of living with a beautiful jewel box with a cohesive scheme and sense of wellbeing throughout the space. We designed a whimsical and theatrical guest room for grandchildren and friends to enjoy, inspired by our client’s travels to India. The hallway was given its own unique identity with vertical stripes and a luxurious velvet curtain. The bathroom was designed to be restful and spa-like but we added a unique art deco painted bath and re–purposed our client’s gilded overmantel mirror to bounce light around the room. The reception space had to be meticulously designed to house a dining, kitchen and living area. As the kitchen was within the living area we wanted it to be fully disguised as bespoke furniture clad with Gustavian architectural detailing and painted in a deep chocolate gloss. Finally, an existing outdoor office space was interior designed to feel like an extension of the house, creating a warm and enticing place to work at the bottom of the garden.
I love this home. It is unique and playful, colourful and warm, with a sense of a well-travelled past. Designed by Laura Stephens. Photos: Paul Massey.