THE PERFECT BLEND OF STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Opulence and comfort can go hand in hand, if you know how to do it. John Beven, director of Wilkinson Beven, explains how tailored, personal design can create a space that is both homely and extravagant. By Stephen Penn

Exquisite design doesn’t have to sacrifice functionality. A home is a space for living, and while it can also exude elegance, it also has to be somewhere where you can comfortably navigate the hustle and bustle of daily life.

It takes a level of skill to find the perfect blend between style and substance, a skill that has been expertly honed by the team at Wilkinson Beven, specialist interior designers. With their architectural approach, they consider every aspect of the interior design process so that each element progresses logically, from structural spacial planning to upholstery, accessories and lighting design.

“Our projects aren’t just ‘spaces’ but places where people live, work, relax and entertain with family and friends,” explains company director, John Beven. “We believe in thinking creatively to design the best layouts for a property, making certain that form and function work hand-in-hand to meet clients’ expectations.”

Through active listening and an open-minded approach, the design team develop a level of trust with every client, and combined with their level of expertise developed over many projects, ensure there is clarity through every step– while keeping the project on time and on budget.

The team work closely with specialists to obtain prices on bespoke work at all stages, and make site visits to ensure that the design is delivered as a successfully completed project. This level of dedication is not just present in the ‘big things’, but in every touch-point detail, down to the cutlery balanced in the hand to the materials and textures that make the place a home.

“Our painstaking attention to detail from the earliest concept stage right through to the completion of a project, consistently provides our clients with homes that exceed their expectations,” John says. “We believe in thinking creatively to design the best layouts for a property, making certain that form and function work hand-in-hand. The delight is in the detail.”

Their most recent project – dubbed The London Residence - is living proof of this dedication and keen eye for style. The team transformed the 20,000 square feet of interior living space into a modern canvas of luxury, which sharply contrasts with the exterior Victorian shell.

Combining interior planning with the addition of modern extension pods – the team separated old and new using creative materials including minimal glass details, textural brickwork and grey steel cladding. Spaces were divided with injections of colour and chic industrial lighting, while a flow was created throughout the property using warm fabrics and textures.

Extravagant features include an enormous internal aquarium and a 25-metre subterranean pool, while the master bedroom has a touch of New York loft spirit with exposed brick paired with timber shutters. But at its heart, The London Residence is a home, with a family dining area and soft furnishings paired with the client’s personal art collection.

“Our designs don’t purely consider the spaces – but each important item and feature that might be needed, creating a very personal project,” adds John. “By taking these extra steps and having this close relationship with clients, our process is designed to create a living space that our clients can step into and enjoy.” www.wilkinsonbeven.com