Built in the air space on top of an existing period building in St John’s Wood, the two brand new penthouses with views over neighbouring Regent’s Park were guaranteed to attract a high end client.
The juxtaposition of the new build extension and original mansion flat block, as well as the fact that the penthouses were being sold fully furnished, meant that the design had to be timeless and luxurious.
The designers were reluctant to offer full-blown luxe though, as Hannah Foden-Dixon, senior interior designer at Shalini Misra explains.
“We wanted to do something a bit unusual and didn’t want it to be overly glamorous so we focussed on natural materials. We used things like herringbone walnut floor boards, oak doors, and marble in the master bathrooms.”
The three-bedroom flats sold to older couples with grown up children who visit regularly but were originally designed and marketed for families. This means that the kitchens were designed to be used and have high-spec, full size appliances.
The kitchens and dining rooms are open plan but have doors that can be closed between them “so that if staff are cooking it’s not intrusive.”
The living space is quite open plan with formal and informal sitting areas adjoining each other.
The three en suite bedrooms lead off a central space. When the doors to the living room are closed, the sleeping area becomes self-contained and private.
While sheers and blinds are used to add privacy in the bedrooms, openness is emphasised in the living areas.
“We used mirror in all the recesses of the windows in the living areas, so as to reflect more of the view,” says Foden-Dixon. “We did the same thing with the rooflights to maximise the natural light.
“The views, particularly on the front penthouse are absolutely stunning right over Regent’s Park and then at night the lit up skyline in the distance is incredible.”
Lighting is key in the apartments and Foden-Dixon says that the emphasis on natural light gives a Mediterranean feel.
“The interiors are on a neutral colour scale but the signature light fittings we used bring in a bit of almost vintage glamour.
“We’ve got beautiful coloured blown glass lights from Rothschild and Bickers and, in the hall, glass bulbs from cut crystal from Lee Broome, which glitter beautifully.
“There’s a Lutron system of automated lighting so the lighting can be dimmed or switched on or off from one spot.”
Attention is drawn to the height of the rooms, with full height fitted wardrobes standing three metres high giving a sense of grandeur and space to the room. The doors are finished in a luxurious padded leather, used slightly differently in each bedroom to add interest.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here