FRENCH CONNECTION
Architectural practice De Rosee Sa gave a Notting Hill penthouse Parisian-style chic
For Claire Sa and Max de Rosee, the husband-and-wife team behind De Rosee Sa, shaking things up is what they do best. Their creative skills, renowned in the industry, span talents in architecture, interiors and bespoke product design: this Notting Hill project is the culmination of all three. ‘The penthouse was a dream to design,’ says Claire. More Parisian Haussmann than archetypal London box, it spans the length of the building, with five floor-to-ceiling windows that create an open rhythm between the spaces. ‘With such volumes and the rare lateral flow, we wanted to instil a French feel, reminiscent of elegant Paris apartments.’
The penthouse was stripped back to the bare concrete slab: roof removed, spaces rebuilt and the layout reconfigured to form an empty canvas – now transformed as a celebration of considered design with unique finishes and contemporary art. As part of the build, the lift shaft was extended up a level, providing private access to the penthouse. As you emerge from the lift, with its dark aluminium walls and black-and-white chevron marble tiles, the aesthetic merges into an altogether more light-filled space: think panelled walls in white and soft greys, punctuated by pops of warm red, blue and green.
Claire has layered bespoke De Rosee Sa designs, showcasing the company’s passion for distinct handcrafted pieces: a sophisticated narrow cane bench that gently traces the curve of the banister – painstakingly made to Claire’s exacting design; a study desk and sitting room coffee table; and classic floor-to-ceiling mirrors in statement ‘trumeau’ style, which further enhance the Parisian aesthetic. The kitchen, a classic De Rosee Sa design, combines practicality with built-in joinery and display for decorative objects. The charming bistro table and Thonet chairs add an air of informality.
Refined natural materials have been used throughout: solid oak floors, bespoke Carrara marble sinks and chic brass fittings and fixtures. Carefully curated art captivates the eye at every turn – a covetable collection, symbiotic of the couple’s passion for the creative arts and their love of mixing highend with antiques and bespoke works, commissioned from within the team’s in-house studio.
‘I invest a lot of personal time in projects and tend to go off-grid, obsessing about finding the right wall lights or searching out the perfect desk chair – like the art deco one I sourced for the library and had reupholstered,’ says Claire. ‘Old pieces add soul and patina and turn a project into a home, not a show space. I think antiques and bespoke finishes should trigger a visceral reaction – when that happens the wait is so worthwhile.’ Alongside stunning statement pieces, Claire has cleverly mixed in select high-street finds to complement the feel. ‘The combination of high-low stops rooms looking overly designed or formal. Spaces have to feel liveable, a place where you can truly unwind and relax.’
It’s no surprise that the De Rosee Sa team are in demand. ‘We are currently finishing a wonderful listed Georgian house and are working on a 30-bedroom boutique hotel in Portugal,’ says Claire. The hotel, another personal project, will involve the transformation of a derelict 16th-century listed farmhouse overlooking the sea. This new venture is sure to be something rather special, too.