AROUND THE WORLD

Although the client has homes all over the globe, she retains a real affinity for Paris. In the sitting room, she wanted a reminder of the city—a desire realised through the use of French doors, wrought iron balconies, and the view of the leafy streets. “My interpretation of Parisian chic is sophisticated, intimate and elegant; an aesthetic that is rich in both texture and colour,” says Cihan. “The Parisian inf luence comes into play with the upholstery fabrics, in particular, as I used French brands Nobilis and Pierre Frey throughout.”

Italian inf luences also permeate the f lat. The majority of the furniture was purchased from Italian brands Minotti and Baxter, and the woodwork and marble f looring were crafted in a factory in Bergamo, Italy. In terms of the colour palette, Cihan wanted to bring warmth into the living room to counteract the ubiquitous grey skies of London—hence the use of gold on the walls and a green velvet sofa.

“I wanted to respect the history of the apartment and retain its charm”

The art collection in this home also adds depth; it was selected by London-based curator Lawrence Van Hagen of LVH Art. “The U-shaped sculpture, by Claudia Comte, broke the norm,” says the designer. “Every space needs a sculpture, especially spaces with high ceilings, to add elevation.”

The dining room is incorporated into the living space, with the table designed by Cihan’s studio and chairs from Minotti. “I like the modern look of Minotti furniture, because it has a timeless elegance and is functional in terms of comfort, which is always pivotal for me,” she explains. “There is no point designing beautiful interiors if they aren’t functional.”