Sloane Square, London (1,776 sq/ft)
Overlooking one of London’s most famous squares, this three-bedroom apartment is the perfect pied-a-terre, boasting luxury features including de Gournay wallpaper.
We worked hard to capitalise on every last inch of available space – there are concealed doors, hidden storage and bespoke design solutions and yet we kept the aesthetic, elegant, sleek and spacious. This was no mean feat given the unusual dimensions, layouts and quirks found in period properties.
There was an abundance of original features at the property, which we reinstated with contemporary or unusual twists. The beautiful timber-panelled walls in the sitting room and entrance hall were for keeps but now sit alongside a modern stone fireplace and brass-detailed joinery.
Due to the unusual shape of many London apartments and the restriction of not being able to knock out chimney breasts and the like we had to tap into our collective knowledge of how to cleverly capitalise on even the smallest corners, rather than simply boxing everything in and straightening walls.
There are examples of how we’ve manipulated space efficiently and beautifully all over the apartment but the use of panels in both the Drawing Room and the Master Bedroom have worked especially well. In the former, the panels open up to reveal AV equipment while in the latter, the headboard contains hidden panels for hidden storage.
Plenty of other hidden compartments are dotted around the apartment: the lower part of onyx niche between Bedrooms 2 and 3 hides a small safe, while in the Powder Room a hidden cupboard hides all loo rolls. All bathrooms have medicine cabinets.
The theme of concealment and camouflaged runs throughout the property with two en suite bedrooms living behind secret panelled doors off the living space, while the master suite is accessed through a mirrored corridor which also disguises the laundry equipment.
The design of the entertainment space was central to the success of the property. It is large and inviting, the dining area itself is separated by brass full height metal doors and walls but still retains the natural light. The hand-printed de Gournay wallpaper in the dining room is a classic, timeless touch which definitely adds a show-stopping element to the space.
