When we received an inquiry about designing a pied-à-terre in London, we were immediately intrigued. The clients, who spend most of their time in Ibiza, envisioned a Fulham home that would balance elegance and practicality – a haven for their grown-up family and eventually, their future grandchildren.
And so, the Fulham project was born.
The brief included several interior architectural updates, each requiring a thoughtful approach to marry function and style. For the flooring, we selected Misty Grey Herringbone Oak from V4 Flooring… a choice that brought timeless sophistication to the interiors. The result was nothing short of exceptional, in both product quality and installation. (For those curious, you can discover more about it in the article we did with V4 here )
Let’s stay with the world of flooring, a feature that lays the foundation for the entire design of a home. For this project, we sought a solution that combined durability with undeniable elegance. Our choice was Sorrento by Riviera, a wool carpet that balances a clean, contemporary aesthetic with an air of understated luxury. It’s a piece that integrates seamlessly into the overall design, enriching the space with texture and sophistication. (For those who appreciate these finer details, you can explore more about it in the Q&A article we did with Riviera here
To take this concept further, we collaborated with our artisans to create a bespoke rug crafted from the same material incorporating a luxury suede edging, an element we had used elsewhere in the upholstery, which gave the rug a tailored and harmonious look. The result was a piece that feels organic to the space, quietly elevating the room’s character without feeling contrived.
This kind of attention to detail is where design truly shines; creating a home that feels cohesive, thoughtful and uniquely personal to those who live there.
A key feature of the design was the bespoke joinery, including a striking piece in the entrance hall. This element bridged the delicate tones of the flooring with the bold drama of the dark balustrading, achieving a perfect balance. Equally practical, it provided ample storage demonstrating that utility and beauty can indeed coexist harmoniously.
The master bedroom, though relatively compact, provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase how thoughtful design can transform a space into a serene and inviting retreat. It became the perfect setting for us to create a unique, bespoke piece of joinery that balanced elegance with practicality.
At the heart of this design was a dressing table, meticulously designed and crafted by the April Hamilton team. Every detail was carefully considered, from its clean, timeless lines to the choice of materials… to ensure it harmonised beautifully with the room’s aesthetic.
To enhance the sense of light and space, we incorporated an oversized mirror, which brought an added touch of refinement and subtly expanded the room’s visual proportions. The result was a piece that not only suited the compact nature of the room but also elevated it into a sanctuary of calm and style.
The client’s delight in this understated yet striking creation was the perfect affirmation that even the smallest details can have a profound impact on the character of a space.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Rosie and Charlotte – and the team – at April Hamilton. They realised my vision and brought it to life, bigger and better than I could ever have imagined. They are patient & considerate, they kept us informed at every stage of our process. The turned a very bland house into a luxurious, interesting home under a very tight schedule – and all on budget and on time. I knew from the first time I spoke to Rosie, she was the right person for the job! I am wholeheartedly grateful for what they’ve done, it’s lovely to work with women and especially women who work so well together. A joy!”
Alison
Moving through the house, the bedrooms were tailored to reflect the family’s needs and personalities. For their son, a trainee pilot, we introduced aeronautical-inspired artwork, lending a personal and aspirational touch to his space.
The daughter’s room, designed for her occasional visits, embraced a more flexible and inviting aesthetic, ensuring it felt welcoming yet understated.
The home study, which needed to double as a guest room, was designed with versatility in mind. A sleek yet comfortable sofa bed became a pivotal feature, seamlessly integrating practicality with style. Contemporary artwork was thoughtfully selected and placed throughout the home, creating a sense of cohesion and enhancing the harmonious balance expected from a London luxury interior designer. Each piece and detail worked together to ensure the home was both functional and beautifully curated… a reflection of the family’s lifestyle and tastes.
Finally, we come to the courtyard, a hidden oasis tucked away in the heart of London. Designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and out, it was painted in the same serene tones as the interior, creating a seamless connection that invites calm and continuity.
We brought the space to life with elegant garden furniture from Andrew Martin, carefully chosen for both comfort and style. This courtyard is more than just an outdoor area; it’s a retreat, a space where quiet mornings and lively evenings with friends feel equally at home. Whether enjoying a solitary moment with a book or hosting guests under the London sky, this little sanctuary promises to be a cherished extension of the home.
If you’re anything like me, you might have a soft spot for Netflix… especially their documentaries. They have a knack for making you pause and reflect, even if it sometimes means pushing past that initial reluctance to engage. One recent documentary really resonated with me and it might strike a chord with you too, particularly if you’ve ever questioned our culture of consumption – buying more, having more and endlessly consuming.
As someone working in an industry that often celebrates “more”, this theme hits close to home. At April Hamilton, we’ve been conscious of these challenges for years and have taken steps to do better. For instance, we actively donate furniture and soft furnishings to charities and deserving homes. We also find joy in creatively incorporating our clients existing pieces into their spaces, giving them new life and purpose.
On top of that, as a Luxury Interior Design Company we are diving deeper into sustainable practices, sourcing new pieces crafted from recycled materials and fabrics. It is a work in progress, but one we are passionate about. We encourage our clients to consider reupholstering instead of replacing, relocating beloved items to fresh spots in their homes and embracing the charm of pre-loved and antique treasures.
There’s so much more to do, but every step counts. By making thoughtful choices, we can all play a part in creating beautiful spaces that respect both style and sustainability. What do you think? Could this inspire your next project?
Snuggle up and watch it here
