RETRO VIBE

This apartment in the former BBC Television Centre has been beautifully styled by Bella Freud and Maria Speake of Retrouvius, to reflect the heyday of the world-famous studios

Who wouldn’t want to live in the iconic BBC Television Centre in London’s White City, where all of those memorable TV shows, such as Doctor Who and Top of the Pops were filmed? In 2013 that became a possibility when, after 53 years of programmemaking, the studios closed and the building was converted into apartments.

British fashion designer Bella Freud, and Maria Speake, co-founder of Retrouvius, a design studio specialising in salvaged furniture, were given the task of completing the interior of a two-floor penthouse in the Helios. This mid-century circular core of the complex features original Crittall windows spanning the building and a golden statue at its centre.

Having previously collaborated on the renovation of Bella’s home and the interior of her flagship store in London, the pair knew they could work well together. Referencing the studio’s 1970s peak, the flat’s interior combines brown, black, orange, cherry red and emerald green hues. ‘It

was important for us to retain the design integrity of the historic site,’ Bella explains.

Shiny black sofas teamed with orange cushions and a contrasting grass-green carpet decorate the living space, while 60s-style cane and metal chairs sit around the table. In a more neutral palette, the kitchen is finished with pale cabinetry, a grooved, white marble splashback and pale timber flooring.

Steps that cantilever out from the wall in the hallway lead up to the bedroom and cosy snug, where cork walls, a sand-coloured suede sofa and a fluffy rug create an authentic 70s feel. Similar colours continue into the main bedroom, which has one of Bella’s signature cushions on the bed.

With a bold colour palette and glamorous interior reminiscent of the studio’s prime, this stylish west London apartment is the perfect homage to the iconic building it sits in.

Find out more at retrouvius.com

LIVING AREA Shades of green, caramel and burnt orange lend a sophisticated feel. Glossy black sofas create a relaxed zone around a coffee table, while statement lights hang above a dining table to one side. Find a similar pendant at The Lighting Store

KITCHEN AREA A pale palette combined with marble and crystal accents creates a luxurious look, while an eyecatching wooden front on the island brings contrast in an elegant nod to 60s style

EXTERIOR Located in the Helios building – the central, circular section of the complex – the apartment features original Crittall windows

BESPOKE DETAILS With a distinctly Art Deco feel, the custom cabinet, in glossy black and mirrored panels, beautifully reflects the grass-green carpet

DESIGN DUO Bella Freud (right) and Maria Speake designed the apartment. Having collaborated previously, the pair knew they could work well together

LIVING ROOM Shiny surfaces add a luxe look. The Brancusi armchair from The Sofa & Chair Company is similar in shape to this. Find a modern lamp base at Christopher Wray

GUEST ROOM Painted in a charcoal shade with mossy tones – Little Greene’s Three Farm Green is similar – this space doubles as a bedroom and hobby area. For a similar chair, try the Brno Tubular by Knoll

ARTWORK An animal-print wall hanging and Bella’s iconic motifs bring a touch of theatre to the bedroom. Find a similar side table at B&B Italia

SNUG With a tobacco colour scheme, cork-lined walls and animal-print cushions, the cosy upstairs corner oozes 70s style. For a similar effect, buy wall cork from Spduk

HALLWAY Open-plan cantilevered stairs make a real statement and allow light to flow through the space

BATHROOM The sleek black taps and contrasting tub create a sense of drama, while a leopard-print bath mat introduces an element of classic 70s flair