Kensington

Two households with exquisite taste. The master of the house is of German origin, the lady of the house has Lebanese roots. Quality craftsmanship meets Arab sensuality. The challenge – to unite the style of both personalities with the tradition of the Victorian building and to make a home. An exciting process in which the design was developed in close consultation with the clients. Starting with a respectful core renovation of the time-honored building structure, classic elegance merges with eclectic-luxurious details.

2019, Redesign, London
Photography: Sofie Latour
Award: Best of Interior 2021

The apartment is located on the third floor of a quiet side street building. Just minutes from Kensington Palace, the neighborhood is a calm oasis in the middle of the big city. Although the building has not been renovated for 50 years, the foundation of the house is in exceptionally good condition. Ideal conditions for a remodeling project with high craftsmanship standards – carried out by our team in cooperation with the local construction management of Palladian London.

To create a sense of open space, the door clearances throughout the apartment were increased. Specially designed glass doors provide plenty of daylight. The frames are kept discreet and narrow – yet sound-absorbing. The bronze frames and door handles have a simple yet modern look. The stucco on the walls and ceilings is in the Victorian tradition, handcrafted true to the original and executed with the highest quality. The object lives from the play of contrasts. Thus, even in the interior, classical elements meet modern eclecticism. Here, contemporary, artistic unique pieces stand next to historical classics and vintage furniture.

In the formal living room, guests are welcomed at the fireplace. Framed in burnished brass, the fireplace hood echoes the wall paneling in style. This comes from the kiln of the artistic foundry of Marc-Andreas Hofmeister – one of the few remaining masters of this rare craft. The formal living room is adjoined by the dining room. Next to the long table, the glass display showcase catches the eye. It runs the length of the room and is a true decorative jewel. The solid brass and glass doors are intricate in construction, simple in appearance and high in quality. A fine metal grille only hints at the vessels at a distance.

Visitors are always welcome in the kitchen, formal living and dining room. In the private rooms, the atmosphere becomes much more intimate – as is evident in the dressing room, family living room and bedroom. Arabesque ornaments adorn the sliding door to the dressing room. This creates a delicate interplay of transparency and permeability. In the dressing room itself, an atmosphere from the Arabian Nights unfolds. The closets are covered with a beige fabric that shimmers golden in the light. The door handles are set with mother-of-pearl – in the tradition of Lebanese craftsmanship.

From the core remodel to the selection of materials to the fabrication of interior details – every aspect of the home was holistically conceived, designed and implemented. Thus, from supposed opposites arose a project as if from a single mold.

The result also convinced the jury of the renowned Callwey Verlag – we are pleased about the nomination for the “Best of Interior Award 2021”.