When an overseas client approached us for a full and extensive refurbishment of their London apartment in a semi-detached Victorian house conversion, they knew they’d receive a fuss-free service from highly skilled and senior level professionals. ani M INTERIORS, InStyle Direct’s bespoke interior design and high-end refurbishment arm, was also involved to maximise the space and ensure the decor was sympathetic to the period property whilst retaining a contemporary feel.
The Clients’ Brief
The two-bedroom apartment at Dynham Road was looking a little down-at-the-heels when our overseas client approached us. They needed their newly-bought holiday home to be stripped back to its shell, rewired and replastered, to have a new flooring, heating and plumbing installed and to be made fire safe. They then needed to have professional designers rethink the layout to make the most of the space and create a scheme that blended its period features with modern decor in a way that felt welcoming and personal. They also needed a seamless service from a trusted project management team as they live abroad and couldn’t oversee the work themselves.
Bespoke Design
The team selected colour and patterns which would give the decor a neoclassical feel. The crisp white colour scheme was accented with navy blue; appearing on the upholstery of living area sofa and clever touches throughout the space such as the patterned fabric of the chairs and objets d’art on the shelves, mantelpiece and tables.
The dining and kitchen area share a space so it was important for the interior design to make each area feel distinct yet in harmony with each other. The sweeping clean lines of the Italian dining table and chairs, sideboard and coffee table link all three areas yet help to create a sense of space. Careful consideration was given to the window dressings too. For the window overlooking the kitchen, a simple fabric blind allows for privacy and function while the window overlooking the dining area was dressed in swathes of matching fabric to make a grand statement.
The lighting too is a bold move designed to draw the attention. The chandelier is a great example of this years’ interior trend for ‘maximalism’; it brings a focal point to the room without drawing it inwards or making it feel too busy; its gleaming glass arms bounce sunlight around the space helping it to feel large and airy.
The colour scheme of white, navy blue and fawn continues into the bedroom to create a sense of harmony throughout the apartment and help the space to feel larger. Bespoke wardrobes were handmade, in keeping with the neoclassical aesthetic, to complement the bedside tables sourced by our furnishing specialists. The beds and windows here were dressed sumptuously to create a sense of comfort and luxury. Finally, our design specialists were able to source narrow radiators to fit beneath the nearly floor to ceiling Victorian-style sash windows. It’s yet another clever touch that makes best use of the space and allows both the decor and the property’s features to shine.
The Perfect Blend
The apartment’s decor has a smart modern aesthetic that nestles perfectly in its Victorian surroundings- it is a restoration with a contemporary touch. Clever interior design has maximised the space and created a good balance between period and modern architecture. The clients are delighted, not only with its calm and beautiful decor but also with the smooth workflow irrespective of their own distance and time difference from the project.
Dynham Road is a great example of how a property can be transformed by high-end refurbishment and interior design. If you would like to know more, contact one of our specialist teams.
