CURATED COLLECTION
A BRIGHT AND MODERN TWO-STOREY APARTMENT BECOMES A LIVING GALLERY FOR THE OWNERS’ TREASURED ART AND DESIGN OBJECTS
With its covetable address, a dramatic doublevolume 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, sculptures and furniture that showcases the homeowners’ impeccable eye for art and design. To pull all of these elements together to create a stunning interior, the homeowners entrusted the task of designing their new home to Kelly Hoppen MBE and her namesake firm. 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 the designer.
GREATER HEIGHTS
One of the home’s most striking features is its double-volume living area on the ground floor, where there is ample sunlight. The scale of the space is enhanced by the marble feature wall, that extends 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. 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 a silver sculpture beside the fireplace and the grand height of the space. Lacquered pivot screens connect the living area to the entertainment lounge; these custom-made rotating panels can conceal or open up the area when needed. The ample use of glass partitions and doorways further expand the sense of openness, adding to the streamlined look of the apartment while optimising the amount of daylight that floods the home. These include the full-length glass panelled doors by the dining area, which were custom-made with a metal frame; as well as the sleek partitions by the staircase and along the hallway.
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.
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 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 the designer. “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,” quips Hoppen.