QUIET luxury

Understated indulgence was the endgame for this period apartment, which was restored by designer Paula Andrén

- WORDS VIVIENNE AYERS

WHAT WAS THE BRIEF? To reimagine the property as a refined pied-à-terre — a space that could be both a serene escape and an elegant setting for entertaining. The layout featured just one bathroom shared between two bedrooms, so adding a separate guest bathroom was key. The client also wanted a fluid, open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area that felt bright, sociable and effortlessly stylish. Restoring the home's Victorian character was essential. We reinstated sash windows and shutters, reintroducing a sense of grandeur and symmetry. Our client drew inspiration from the refined ambience of Estelle Manor and Saint James Paris — spaces that feel cocooning yet elevated, rich in texture and layered with detail. The mood they sought was one of understated indulgence. Comfort was paramount.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES FOR THE HOMEOWNER?