Cover The marble feature wall draws the eye up and emphasises the grand height of the living area

A bright and modern two-storey apartment becomes a living gallery for the owner's treasured art and design objects

With its covetable address, a dramatic double-volume space, and abundant daylight, this modern apartment in London already had a few qualities of a dream home and more. Added to the mix: an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, and furniture that all showcase the homeowners’ impeccable eye for art and design. The homeowners entrusted the task of designing their new home to Kelly Hoppen MBE and her namesake firm to pull all these elements together. The result is a stunning interior.

Among the top priorities for this project was to optimise the amount of natural light that the property enjoys. “Capturing the natural light within this design scheme was key, and using metal crittall doors and windows where possible has allowed me to create a more open and inviting space,” says Hoppen.

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Above A rustic table and a Tracey Emin neon lighting artwork decorate the dining area

GREATER HEIGHTS

One of the home’s most striking features is the double-volume living area on the ground floor, which draws ample sunlight. The scale of the space is enhanced by the marble feature wall, that extends all the way up to the ceiling. “The double-height space allows for the whole design to breathe and to capture every moment of the natural daylight there is,” explains the designer.

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Above Wall shelving creates ample ways to display treasured items

The herringbone parquet on the ground floor is flanked by a stone runner, which comprises black slate tiles with polished brass metal inlay specially designed by Hoppen. The runner guides the eye along the hallway and into the living area, drawing attention towards an impressive sculpture in silver beside the fireplace. The height gives the space a sense of grandeur. Lacquered pivot screens connect the living area to the entertainment lounge; these custom-made rotating panels can be adjusted to either conceal or open up the area as needed.

The use of glass partitions and doorways further enhance the sense of openness and adds to the streamlined aesthetic while optimising the amount of daylight that floods the home. Glass elements include the full-length glass panelled doors by the dining area, which were custom-made and framed in metal; as well as the sleek partitions by the staircase and along the hallway.

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Above A mix of artworks and furniture enliven corners throughout the apartment
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Above Metallic detailing, leather, and marble textures up the luxe factor in the living area
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Above Metallic detailing, leather, and marble textures up the luxe factor in the living area
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Above The black plaster wall with a waxed finish gives the stairway a rugged touch

LIGHTNESS OF BEING

Nearly every corner of the home is thoughtfully decorated with art objects and collectible items. “The mixture of key pieces of furniture within a modern and timeless design allows each piece to become an art installation within themselves,” explains the designer. White lacquered wall panels along the corridor contribute to the seamless look of the home, while concealing ample storage space within. The built-in lighting at the base of its grooved doors gives the corridor an intimate glow.

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Above Glass screens and doors contribute to the sense of openness in the apartment

Capturing the natural light within this design scheme was key, and using metal crittal doors and windows where possible has allowed me to create a more open and inviting space

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Above Travel memorabilia and favourite toys make the child’s bedroom a cosy space. A pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama rests on the floor
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Above British interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE

In the bedrooms, tranquility reigns—the rooms feature a neutral palette and a plush mix of velvets and Swedish linens. It’s the lively curation of artworks that add individuality to the spaces, be it the glass installations and large paintings in the master bedroom or the Yayoi Kusama pumpkin sculpture that sits in their child’s bedroom.

Taking a year to complete, the interior has fully captured the homeowners’ personal style and taste, while becoming an urban sanctuary for the family. “The project was a wonderful brief as the client has a superb collection of art, a great eye for detail, and was very hands-on in the process,” recalls Hoppen. “This is a modern and timeless apartment with all the comforts a home should have, with that spark of intrigue and excitement that I am proud to have designed.”

And the client’s final reaction? “Total joy and more, which is always the cherry on the cake,” she quips.

This article was originally published in Philippine Tatler Homes Vol 23. To bring you all the latest interior trends and practical advice for styling your home, subscribe to Philippine Tatler Homes through here.

Credits

Photography  

Mel Yates / www.kellyhoppeinteriors.com