Renovated Belgravia Apartment is an Elegant Pied-a-Terre
Full of light and understated style, a completely revamped London apartment offers a relaxed yet chic open plan living arrangement. Located in Belgravia, one of the wealthiest residential districts in the world, the renovation of the three-bedroom residence was limited by the small footprint. Despite the confines, architects and designers from Light On White Design Studio created a home that features an American-style open kitchen and plentiful built-in storage units.
Throughout the home, dark neutrals pair with luxurious finishes such as marble to create a comfortable yet cozy pied-a-terre. The contemporary design relies on custom furniture, art and a bounty of textures for its elegant look.
In the living room, all of the furniture is custom designed, including the coffee table, which is covered in Holly Hunt leather. High-end accessories such as a sculpture by Zaha Hadid and trays by Michael Aram among others add interest and visual appeal. Polished plaster walls by Peruchetti are an artful complement to the custom sculpted rug from Colbourns. Farrow and Ball paints are used for the woodwork throughout the residence.
Well-chosen accessories can make all the difference and here the coffee table goes from just stylish to stunning with the addition of the Giobagnara and Aram trays that are combined with natural pieces like the coral from Kelly Hoppen. A variety of vessels and objects populate the asymmetrical shelving that surrounds the television. Built-in lighting and plenty of interesting items to draw the eye minimize the dark void of the television when it is not being used.
The entrance foyer sets the tone for the entire space, with its understated palette and dramatic sculptural wall art. Unique wall sconces by Holly Hunt flank the artwork by Nuntchi, the Wire Mesh Sculpture studio of artist Nurit Ravhon. Both the console and the ottoman are custom designs with the latter upholstered in fabric from Erwin. The neutral palette helps keep the focus directly on the wall art.
Framed by Armani drapes and the built-in, lighted shelving, the entrance to the dining room is wide open, offering a glimpse of the light-filled space. Blinds made of a second style of Armani fabric hang on the corner of windows and an artful chandelier by Porta Romana is the focal point of the space.
A round, dark wood dining table by Louise Bradley is surrounded by custom Rupert Bevan chairs that have been upholstered in a textural Armani fabric. Dark wooden legs on the chairs are accented with a matte metal plate that connects the seat and the back, adding style without any shine.
The stunning kitchen has everything a cook might need in a tidy, light-filled space. The polished plaster walls from the living room are repeated in the room, which was created by Luxe Kitchens. Sleek cabinetry, devoid of hardware, contributes to the clean look and mirrored backsplashes reflect the light that pours in through the windows on the opposite wall. Bar stools by Armani sit along the breakfast bar, which is also a great space for entertaining. Overall, it is a comfortable yet elegant space.
Above the breakfast bar, pendants by international ceramics artist Sasha Wardell hang from the ceiling. Wardell is known for her innovative approach to an age-old craft, which produces artful and unique pieces for lighting as well as for the table. Her pieces are in high demand by private collectors, museums and galleries.
The first of three bedrooms exudes a relaxed and serene feeling, emphasized by the textured wall covering from Stereo. The bed and bedside tables are custom pieces, with the upholstered headboard done in a textile from Dedar and Joseph Giles bronze handles on the table drawers. Heathfield lamps provide light for reading. Cushions on the bed are also custom made in fabrics from Chase Erwin.
A second bedroom features a wall of built-in shelving and storage, complete with a desk area. The light color of the woodwork makes the space seem brighter and larger, and recessed lighting in the shelving also contributes to an airy feeling. Again, a well-edited selection of accessories elevates the room.
The third bedroom features some darker wood, which was used for the bedside tables. Unlike the other bedrooms, which have light colored pieces that rest on the floor, this one has floating units attached to the wall. Lamps from Tyson Lighting grace the nightstands and a window flanks the bed, with its blinds in Armani fabric.
A light colored console balances the dark wood of the bedside tables and art framing. The sleek silhouette maintains a minimalist, contemporary feeling, highlighting the strategically placed silver vessel that provides just a bit of glitz. An ottoman upholstered in a textured yet neutral fabric adds interest.
The hallways, which feature the same plaster walls as the living room and kitchen, are illuminated by wall sconces created by Two is Company. The same design is used on the dining room wall as well. Distinctive sconces like these are a way to add art and light to a space all at once.
Both master and guest bathrooms are of similar design and similar materials. The master bathroom is done in a warmer Lapicida Windhurst Marble, while the walls and floors of the guest bathroom are Lapicida Maraggio Desertico Marble. Recessed lighting by Astro provides gentle illumination and wall sconces are by Porta Romana. The modern fixtures, including rainfall showerhead, are from the Dornbracht MEM range. All the elements come together in a modern, minimalist and highly functional bathroom.