LIVING

A restrained palette and sculptural shapes are the hallmarks of this sophisticated scheme

Sculptural elements and modern lighting are paramount in a Parisian-influenced scheme.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SPACE?

This large, formal living room is in a beautiful Georgian house in Holland Park, west London. With a very high ceiling, large French doors and generous windows, complemented by an impressive original fireplace, the space has a Parisian apartment feel.

WHAT WAS THE STARTING POINT FOR THE DESIGN?

The owner’s extensive art collection, which is not fully seen here, was the inspiration. It is very colourful and vibrant and I wanted to create an enticing yet muted scheme that would complement the works, but allow them to be the main focal point. We opted for collectable furniture, including a Gio Ponti sofa, Carl Malmsten armchairs and tables by TH Robsjohn-gibbings and Paolo Buffa. The upholstery is mainly in a neutral palette of grey, pale blue and green.

HOW DID YOU DEVISE THE LAYOUT OF THE FURNITURE?

I took the fireplace as a natural cue and planned the seating and tables around it. I also put one of the sofas in the bright bay window for daytime reading and relaxing.

CAN YOU TELL US HOW SHAPE IS CENTRAL TO THE SCHEME?

I love to use sculptural elements in my designs; I like pieces that are an odd shape or bring a different edge to a room. The lighting here is very sculptural and introduces a modern element to the large space, where a traditional chandelier may once have hung. The Biomorphic coffee table has interesting lines. I also love the MEME CXXII, 2009

(on side table) and MEME XXIX, 2009 sculptures by Antony Gormley, which add another layer of interest to the scheme.

DID YOU FACE ANY DESIGN CHALLENGES?

The room was very dated and many elements had been altered during a remodel more than a decade ago. That meant that all the ornate mouldings, architraves, doors and skirting boards needed to be reinstated. We also had to remove cumbersome radiators and run underfloor heating throughout.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER DISTINCTIVE FEATURES?

This room is very grand and has a ballroom-like quality – the high ceiling and vast windows are real talking points. The bespoke flooring is particularly beautiful; it has an ornate marquetry pattern with a pale oiled-oak finish that provides a modern twist. The windows have been dressed in sheer wool curtains, which feel substantial but achieve a visually lightweight look.