"To be successful, a room must contain the element of contrast – in form as well as in colours and textures"

Micheal Taylor

A SOPHISTICATED URBAN LONDON RETREAT

City Apartment with Skyline Views

Our client, a dynamic professional working in the city, recently purchased his first London apartment – a stylish two-bedroom penthouse crowned with a generous balcony offering breathtaking skyline views. From the very start, the goal was clear: to maximise these views and create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

We collaborated with a structural engineer to design a bespoke planting scheme and outdoor layout, ensuring every detail was carefully calculated for both aesthetics and safety. The design blurs the boundaries between inside and out – an outdoor bench, upholstered in luxury, weather-resistant fabrics, faces back towards the interior, creating an inviting extension of the living space where one can even enjoy the TV on warm evenings.

For those after-work moments, we introduced a chic bar area complete with high stools – the perfect spot for cocktails as the sun sets over London. Inside, a custom kitchen island with integrated wine cooler provides extra workspace, storage, and creates a subtle zoning between cooking and living areas.

The design concept drew inspiration from the vibrant colours of India, interpreted in a more muted, sophisticated palette that brings a sense of warmth and depth to the home. This theme carries throughout the interiors, complemented by carefully curated plants that bring the outside in. We guided the client in selecting luxurious wallpapers and harmonious paint colours, ensuring every detail reflected his personality and taste.

Due to limited access, we designed a bespoke L-shaped sofa bed with integrated storage, crafted in a durable, easy-clean fabric – combining comfort, practicality, and style. Additional bespoke joinery, including a hallway cabinet, optimises storage while adding architectural interest.

In the versatile second bedroom, designed as both study and guest room, we injected vibrant accent colours to energise the space, complemented by a tailored sofa bed and a Roman blind for flexible window dressing.

The master suite was transformed into a serene retreat, with a calming palette of soft blues and textural linen wallpaper exuding understated luxury. A custom space-saving console and a large mirror were introduced to bounce light around the room and capture the stunning views, while ceiling-mounted blackout curtains in wave heading style ensure an uninterrupted connection to the outside.

To personalise the space, we commissioned a one-of-a-kind art piece that tells the story of the client’s life, created over two months in collaboration with an artist, using the project’s colour palette as inspiration. This striking artwork acts as both a focal point and a deeply personal narrative. Additionally, a bespoke ceramic piece from a local artist now welcomes guests in the entrance hall.

Finally, lighting was meticulously planned throughout, using warm 2700K tones to create an inviting and comfortable ambiance, day and night.

Photography copyright Vrinterior photography

"