154 - Kensington

London - Fall 2021

When fashion blogger Nina Suess moved to London, she asked us to turn her 200 m² apartment into a home that works as hard as she does: a calm retreat between shoots and travel, and a backdrop with a picture-worthy corner in every room. We handled everything, from building control to the final cushion, and made sure every single storage corner was put to use.

The foundation is classic and quietly luxurious. Versailles parquet by Benott runs through every room, framed by polished white and black marble from Via Arkadia. Walls are kept in a soft Strong White, so light, fabric and art carry the colour.

The living room is built for gatherings. At its heart sits the Cozy Corner, a modular sofa designed by Theresa Obermoser Design, crafted by Flow and Show and upholstered in gold velour from Prestigious Textiles. It sits on a hand-knotted hemp rug from Kilims. Around it are Ferm Living Rico lounge chairs in bouclé, twin Marquina marble Plinth tables by Menu and cushions in Marvic Textiles and Lizzo fabrics finished with Samuel & Sons trims. Light comes from a Soho Home Allis chandelier, gilded Kelly Wearstler Utopia sconces and a feathered palm-tree floor lamp by Fourline Design. Curtains and sheers by C&C Milano soften the tall windows.

The dining room is the showpiece. A Gallotti & Radice Platinum table in steel and Sahara Noir marble seats ten on Zuiver Lunar chairs, beneath a sculptural glass Fano pendant by Isabel Hamm. In the kitchen, bronze Nimbus lights by CTO Lighting add warmth.

The entrance makes the first impression. Mirrored consoles by Cox & Cox, brass Sophia lamps by Another Human and Laurel leaf sconces by Remains light the way down the corridor.

The master suite has a bespoke upholstered bed dressed in GP&J Baker linen, Zimmer + Rohde Vermicelli velvet and Warwick cushions. Above it hangs an Arteriors Hathoway chandelier, beside it stands a Bocci 28 floor lamp, and underfoot lies a Designers Guild rug. Nina’s dressing room feels like a private boutique: Phillip Jeffries Silk Road wallcovering, Sogni di Cristallo lights and gold rails by Liebwut.

The master ensuite is a sanctuary in onyx, with a freestanding Burlington bath, brushed brass Vado fittings from CP Hart and Kelly Wearstler Strada sconces. The guest WC is pure drama: Cole & Son Safari Dance wallpaper and a freestanding Nero Marquina basin by Vaselli. The guest suite, office and home gym complete the home, with Liang & Eimil furniture and Cole & Son Senzo Spot paper in the office, Allied Maker Orb sconces in the guest suite and soft furnishings made by Zenn Interiors.

The result is a home as glamorous and hard-working as its owner, with every corner camera-ready and every cupboard counted.

As seen in: House & Garden (South Africa), July 2024.