There has been a definite rise lately in the appetite for serene, calming spaces which feel both warm and characterful without veering into the realms of maximalism. It is a very difficult balance to strike, though the interior designer Natasha Quick has masterfully created just that in her clients' west London pied-à-terre.
Behind its relatively unassuming exterior, sandwiched between a couple of Notting Hill shopfronts, Natasha has designed a layered yet classic cocoon that feels distant from its bustling surroundings. It's a great example of mixing the old and new. Using the power of alluring fabrics and upholstery to inject new love into the clients' existing pieces, it's a demonstration of how to lift a room with a few key, beautiful pieces. We have combed the house for inspiration, picking out a few of these hero products which serve to enrich and lift the space, combining earthy tones and texture with pattern and craft, so that you too can create spaces as beautifully balanced as this.
Entrance corridor
A simple yet welcoming hallway with a Namay Samay floral curtain hung at the far end teases what's to come from this elegant three bedroom apartment, spread across two floors. The jute rug with scalloped edge grounds the calm and neutral colour scheme.
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Hallway
The open entrance hallway on the first floor offers a lovely scheme that plays with symmetry, geometric pattern and scale that appeals to the eye. A Vanderhurd rug brings a welcomed hint of colour that lifts the warm yet monochrome palette, and holds a conversation with the similarly graphic design of the quilt hanging above the piano.
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Kitchen
A light-filled, airy kitchen is simple and organised but welcoming. The use of a jute rug and rustic wicker light shades bring texture, painted plates add retro charm and buttery cabinetry exudes warmth, while a customised Ikea island provides practical storage and additional surface space.
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Dining area
Cosy but light, the combination of colourful rattan chairs and a sleek wooden table with velvet banquette seating, layered with cushions, make this inviting all year round. Use of both a pendant light and wall lamps allow for versatility in illuminating the space depending on the occasion.
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Sitting room
Using a palette from Sahara Longe's large painting as the basis for the room's colour scheme helps to create harmony between the contrasting patterned fabrics and deep green corduroy upholstery. What's more, keeping the wall colour neutral gives the needed breathing room for the rich tones and prints to work alongside each other, with the painting providing an eye-catching focal point.
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Intricately crafted paper flowers from Georgia Doherty are a unique way to being texture to a tray decoration. They're also a lot longer-lasting and easier to care for than real flowers.
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The loo
Something of a jewel box, the little loo just off the sitting room has been given bucketloads of character through a stylish combination of texture and pattern. The pink flowers add a pop of colour to the neutral space. While a large mirror fits the wall perfectly, and tricks the eye into making the room feel much bigger than it is.
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Bar
A mini bar can be a fun way to use use a bold colour and re-purpose a potentially redundant space that usually collects household bits and bobs. Deep green and mirrored glass combine here to create a glamorous effect.
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Bedroom
Gentle touches of patterned fabrics and bold colour on the cushions, against a neutral colour palette, keeps the bedroom fresh through the day but cosy in the evening. Textures on the curtain, rug and wardrobe doors prevent the neutrals from becoming one-dimensional.
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The rattan desk is sweet way to divide the space and keep cosmetic bits hidden away.
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Bathroom
The under sink storage units in the elegant bathroom were custom made according to Natasha's design, and provide plenty of space so that surfaces and floor space don't become cluttered. The Jamb wall lights add an industrial touch.
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Children's bathroom
Custom shower curtains ensure that the children's bathroom is cohesive and frames the delicately hand-painted tiles. The folk-style painted children's chair is a sweet and charming touch.
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Children's bedroom
This timeless bedroom features a colourful palette that any child can grow up with, and not grow out of. The scheme is grounded with a colourful Berber rug: perfect for playing on or getting comfy for bed time stories.
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