Style Moderne – 1920s Arts Deco in South Kensington

Brought on to complete both the interior architecture and design of a Grade II listed home, located just moments away from the Royal Albert Hall, Hill House Interiors based their design scheme on the key period features of the historical building. Completely redesigning the internal layout, moving the staircase to create a more harmonious flow within the home, the design team sympathetically restored the classical cornicing, panelling and mouldings, along with intricate details throughout.

On entering this palatial 6 bedroom home, the ‘wow’ factor is unmistakable. The extensive hallway features custom polished stone flooring inlayed with nero marquina black marble and bronze metal. A Hill House bespoke side table with an equally stunning lamp; the eye is drawn down the extensive corridor where it enlarges to house a beautiful grand piano.

The dark bronze and almond gold balustrade on the staircase follows the light marble flooring to the upper level, where a bespoke 2.7 metre almond gold bone china dancing leaf chandelier cascades in all its glory.

Echoing the entrance hall, the family bathroom features nero marquina black marble, while recessed apertures and a Mother of Pearl vanity unit maximises the storage every woman desires.

Leading into the formal dining room, the bespoke bar in high gloss black & metallic lacquer with detailed inlay adds to the impact of the entertaining space, showing the true proportions of the grand home. The cabinetry is softened with plush lilac velvet bar stools and stunning art by Michael Moebius, a collector’s piece.

Opening into the grand formal drawing room, the eye is drawn to the antique mirrored fretwork panels framing the fireplace feature wall, whilst the curved sofas and plump silk cushions continue the modern luxury. Couture hand woven silk carpets are set into the marble edging throughout the ground floor, helping the flow of the rooms run seamlessly into one another.

Helen Bygraves, co-founder of Hill House Interiors, explains; “The project was commissioned by a young couple, who were looking to carefully restore yet update their home. With a key focus on the drawing and dining rooms, they wanted to ensure a strong emphasis was placed on entertaining, creating a suitable space for both themselves and their children.”

Transforming the family-friendly kitchen with the installation of an antique brown granite central island, pleated faux leather Carlisle bar stools from Hill House’s eponymous furniture range are assembled along the breakfast bar. An oval Italian leather table, embossed with a contemporary crocodile design, sits in front of the leather banquette specially designed to fit in the bay window, while ebony macassar high gloss lacquered cabinets fill the back wall with extensive storage.

Commenting on the success of the scheme, which has won an International Design & Architecture Award, Jenny Weiss, Helen’s co-founder, adds; “We have exceeded the clients’ expectations – both our architecture and design work has been extensively complimented since the completion of this outstanding Kensington project.”