A merger of two apartments results in a spacious home filled with character, perfectly suited to the owner’s refined art collection in Belgravia, London.
With a solid background in designing boutique retail and hospitality projects worldwide, interior design duo Simone McEwan and Sacha Leong of Nice Projects were trusted by their client to combine and reconfigure two apartments into a single floor plan. They exercised their collective skills to create a poetic interpretation of classicism for this London apartment. By reprogramming the floor plan, the duo maximised openness and natural light in the living areas while capturing views of the surrounding gardens. Additional bedrooms and bathrooms were introduced to meet the client’s needs, along with joinery details to provide smart and practical solutions, improving the quality of the spaces.
Challenged by the distinct spaces, McEwan recalls, “We were faced with two small apartments that had been completely stripped of their original architectural features by the previous owners.” To create a cohesive narrative for the residence, McEwan adds, “We wanted to create a single apartment with real character and restore its architectural sensibility.” Throughout the apartment, delicate restraint is exercised through a refined selection of materials. This shapes the flow of the new layout while infusing warmth and composure, resulting in a seamless tapestry. ‘We wanted to create a home that is calm and welcoming, using materials that are warm, tactile, and honest,’ McEwan explains.
Pictured: Charlotte Perriand Dordorgne dining chairs.
The Nemo Borne Beton lamp designed by Le Corbusier in the kitchen.
In the dining room, Maruni Hiroshima dining chairs are tucked under an E15 Ashida oval dining table and illuminated by a Garnier and Linker Callisto Suspension Pendant.
Embracing the spaces throughout, honeyed oak provides a sophisticated and layered richness to the residence, while cocooning each room. Liberally applied, oak is featured in the chevron floors, adorns the walls, and dresses the cabinetry in the kitchen, study, bedroom, and living areas. This materiality also acts as a neutral furnishing to showcase the owner’s impressive collection of artworks. ‘Our client is a keen art collector with a stunning collection of work. We wanted the interior to act as a backdrop that would showcase the art without overwhelming it”, McEwan says.
With an intricate play of subtle contrasts, contemporary classicism is woven throughout each room as the designers have skilfully blended the two concepts. In the kitchen, weathered oak appears through slimline shaker doors, accented with bull-nosed nickel handles and fine grey and brown marble benchtops. While in the bathrooms, the balance between traditional and modern is further explored with mixed tapware, a pedestal sink, minimalist lighting fixtures, and square tiles. Enhancing this contrasting appeal, a curated selection of furnishings and lighting, sourced from various periods and origins, works in harmony with the artistic display of paintings.
Rendered with poetic classicism, this Belgravia residence expresses a modern interpretation that seamlessly marries the new floor plans while celebrating the owner’s art collection.
Pictured: An aluminium studio HENRY WILSON Surface sconce.
In the living room, a Flexform Groundpiece sofa is complemented by a Knots Rugs rug, a Norm Architects Plinth coffee table, Foscarini Buds 2 table lamp, and a Danish vintage Kurt Østervig for Kp Møbler 1960s model 168 Hunting armchair.
The entrance features a Guglielmo Poletti by Desalto wall console, accented with CTO Lighting Nimbus wall sconces.
Honeyed oak reinstates a sophisticated and layered richness to the residence, which imbues a delicate softness throughout the spaces
In the powder room, a Pierre Chareau Mouche wall lamp from the Invisible Collection radiates soft light, highlighting the oak panelled walls and stone vanity.
In the master bedroom, the bed is nestled between E15’s Enoki Migoto side tables and paired with Artek’s classic A330S Golden Bell pendants.
