Nestled under a perpetually starlit sky, a remarkable embodiment of Italian elegance unfolds within the luxurious precincts of Palm Jumeirah - Dorchester Collection, Dubai. This tale, however, is not solely about architectural finesse or interior design marvels. It's a narrative deeply rooted in the tradition, innovation, and unmatched craftsmanship that Palazzo Morelli brings to one of the most coveted addresses in the world. As the chosen fit-out contractor and bespoke furniture specialist for this ambitious project, Palazzo Morelli's journey in crafting this modern apartment's interior is a testament to the ethos of Italian elegance, seamlessly merged with the avant-garde of design.
The mission was clear yet formidable: to conceive and execute the interior design of a private two-level, 900 square meter apartment in just six months. The vision, spearheaded by the architectural prowess of Studio D73, was to infuse the space with an elegant yet relaxing ambiance, communicating an instant sense of timeless tranquility. Studio D73, renowned for its distinctive Italian style, chose to collaborate with Palazzo Morelli, entrusting us with the significant responsibility of turning their conceptual pillars into reality.
The first step in our journey was a bold chromatic evolution. We undertook the lightening of the original dark flooring by manually removing the surface color layer, repainting doors, and technical wardrobe fronts, thereby advocating for a more sustainable and ecologically sensitive approach. This initiative set the tone for the project, emphasizing our commitment to not just aesthetic beauty but environmental responsibility.
Central to our ethos is the belief that true luxury lies in customization. The living spaces, particularly the grand double-height living room, became a canvas for our craftsmanship. Introducing a new volume to demarcate the dining and kitchen area from the living space, we incorporated iconic design elements like the Q2 chandelier by Baxter, which mirrored the urban luminescence of Dubai's skyline. Our choice of white marble for the dining table, coffee table, and kitchen island underscored our dedication to materials that epitomize luxury and longevity.
This project allowed us to inject bespoke furniture solutions that resonate with modern Italian design across the apartment. From the dynamic dining area lit by Sicis suspensions to the sculptural staircase that bridges the public and private realms of the apartment, Palazzo Morelli's signature is evident in every detail. The master bedrooms, with their luxurious finishes and advanced technological features, showcase our capacity to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs.
Our role extended beyond furniture into transforming spaces to evoke elegance and movement. The corridor leading to the living areas was reimagined with decorative panels, Rubelli wallpaper, and custom mirrors, illustrating our holistic approach to interior design. Each guest room and communal space was treated as a unique opportunity to showcase innovation, functionality, and aesthetic coherence.
The second living area, with its Sampei floor lamps by Davide Groppi, highlights the architectural volumes, while the integration of sophisticated lighting solutions ensures that attention remains on the meticulously designed interiors. Our intervention in the kitchen area, illuminated by nearly invisible Shanghai suspensions, speaks to our dedication to subtlety and efficiency.
The terraces of the apartment presented a unique challenge, bridging indoor elegance with the natural beauty of Dubai. Our redesign focused on creating distinct areas for conviviality and rest, utilizing teak furniture from Roda and a modernized jacuzzi, all under a newly conceived lighting scheme that enhances functionality and atmosphere.
Under the project leadership of Arch. Andrea Viganò and Arch. Natalia Tretyakova, and through the artistic vision of Arch. Andrea Viganò & Arch. Marco Vismara, Palazzo Morelli has not only contributed to a residence but has sculpted a living experience that stands as a beacon of Italian craftsmanship in Dubai. This project, captured beautifully by Anique Ahmed Photography, is a celebration of the collaborative spirit between Studio D73 and Palazzo Morelli, supported by an array of esteemed suppliers and artisans.
This venture into the Palm Jumeirah - Dorchester Collection is more than just a project for Palazzo Morelli; it's a milestone that underscores our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the art of Italian craftsmanship. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the essence of our mission: to bring unparalleled beauty, functionality, and innovation to every space we touch, under the starlit sky of Dubai or beyond.
About Palazzo Morelli Made in Italy Decor
Providing tailor-made contract designs that are Made in Italy. Palazzo Morelli is an Italian finishing contractor dedicated to surfaces, furniture and interior design. Founded by Alessandro Ortenzi in 2006 in the Italian medieval town of Todi, Palazzo Morelli expresses Italian finest quality, attention to details and innovative professional services for architects, interior designers and real estate developers. Palazzo Morelli is a modern and international firm that offers turn-key solutions and a complete catalogue of surfaces made in Italy. The staff is driven by a tailor-made approach to customers: bespoke solutions, custom-made surfaces and finishings.
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Integrating or retrofitting air conditioning into a finished residential property presents a unique set of challenges. Careful integration of plant, preservation of existing finishes, protection of surfaces and furnishings, cleanliness, and minimising disruption are just some of the things that must be considered throughout the project. Without the right approach, achieving a solution that addresses all these points is impossible.
During a property refurbishment where a blank canvas approach can be taken, the possibilities for concealment and integration are endless. The number of options for retrofit installations are far more limited, particularly in the luxury residence where unsightly grilles can detract from specific and beautiful interior aesthetics. It’s crucial to engage a consultative designer to ensure a cohesive and discreet result is achieved.
In collaboration with the property owner or interior designer, air terminals and equipment can be selected to integrate within joinery and architectural elements with the least disruptive impact on the existing finishes, achieving a virtually invisible solution. Without this approach, the common result is an air conditioning installation that is distinctly and obviously an afterthought or after-market installation.
In an occupied and finished property, strategic design and planning is critical in minimising disruption and downtime. Indoor and outdoor equipment locations must be selected carefully, and all pipework, drainage and cabling routes assessed to ensure they avoid existing hidden services. All associated enabling works including surface protection, moving of furniture, lifting of carpets, opening up of voids, and any redecorating on completion need to be discussed and documented into a planned phased programme of works. It is of all importance that the building contractor carrying out these facilitating tasks is experienced, reputable and has correct and sufficient insurance cover.
Every residential property is unique, with different layouts, insulation levels, and usage patterns. A consultative approach allows the designers to tailor the air conditioning system to the specific needs of the property and its occupants through gaining an understanding the homeowner's preferences and lifestyle and combining this with the desired interior aesthetic of the property. Comfort is subjective and can vary greatly from one individual to another. Through consultation, homeowners can express their comfort preferences such as desired room temperatures, sound levels and air quality requirements. The system can then be designed to meet these preferences, ensuring optimal comfort year-round.
Integrating air conditioning into a finished residential property is a significant investment. A consultative approach ensures that homeowners are fully informed about their options, typical system running costs and long-term maintenance requirements. Air conditioning systems must comply with building regulations, local planning law and environmental standards. A consultation with a professional provider ensures that the proposed air conditioning solution meets all relevant requirements, removing the risk of non-compliance issues and potential fines or penalties.
About Calibre Climate
Calibre is London's air conditioning design, installation and aftercare specialist for prime residential properties. From sound surveys and planning applications to integrating equipment in joinery with beautifully discreet air terminals, we design and deliver quiet, concealed, luxury air conditioning systems tailored specifically to the interior design requirements of each client and property. Our unique consulting process, engaging with the wider design team from concept stage, enables end-to-end delivery of technically astute solutions that blend seamlessly with the architectural and aesthetic intent and character of each individual property.
Calibre Climate was commissioned to design and install air conditioning and mechanical ventilation to a lateral apartment in a famous John Nash Grade II Listed crescent building overlooking Regent’s Park, in collaboration with House of Design Architects and Sonsino Turcan Construction.
At the outset, the design was heavily influenced by the interior design intent – the client’s vision was for a natural, earthy feel supported by neutral tones and a variety of textures in a geometric style. The air conditioning was designed to blend with architectural elements, leading to a clean and uncluttered finish with linear features.
While the façade was retained, the building behind it was completely reconfigured, allowing an array of options for equipment concealment and air terminations. The open plan layout simplified the number of air terminals required, allowing us to minimise the visual impact of the installation on the space.
In the main open plan living area, comprising the study, dining room and living room, simple twin slot diffusers were integrated into the underside of the coffered ceiling, complementing the geometry of the bespoke crittall partitioning separating the study and dining room. A similar solution was installed in the kitchen, with the diffusers running the full length of the wall section over the crittall door into the pantry to frame the space.
Tying in with the monochromatic colour palette selected in the bathrooms, single slots flush in the ceiling were selected for bathroom ventilation, keeping the overall look and feel smooth and cohesive.
Integral to the project were listed building constraints, which had to be considered at every stage to remain true to the historic character of the property. The end result is a beautifully tailored solution, in complete harmony with the space – blending into the existing architectural features in a minimalist way and complementing the linear nature of the wider design.
Ledbury Studio has reached new heights with its latest project – all the way to the 15th floor, to be precise. This stylish contemporary penthouse, located in Malta, boasts breath-taking views over the island thanks to floor-to-ceiling glazing that opens onto three expansive outdoor terraces with sitting and dining areas. There’s even room for a swimming pool!
Creating a kitchen and bar area that would perfectly complement this luxurious setting was no small undertaking – but Charlie Smallbone rose to the challenge! Here, he tells us how the design as a whole came together.
“The couple who own the apartment have grown-up children with families of their own, so they wanted it to be a space where they could all gather. When they acquired the property, it was an empty shell, giving them the freedom to design a fully open-plan space. In the resulting layout, spaces flow effortlessly into each other – from a comfortable living room, to a kitchen and dining area, and finally to a bar with additional seating. My brief was to design furniture that would contribute to that feeling of openness by creating linked but distinct areas where the family could socialise and enjoy everything from dinners to casual snacks and drinks.”
“The kitchen comprises a generous island that serves as the centrepiece, backed by a single row of cupboards that provide space for storage, appliances and a breakfast cupboard. Our challenge was that the kitchen is located in the middle of the space without any walls to work with. Therefore, all components had to be freestanding and are visible from every angle, including from above when walking up the stairs.”
“To address this, we clad the backs in a mixture of beautiful materials that look good wherever you stand in the space. On the back of the breakfast cupboard is polished fluted stainless steel. Meanwhile, the microwave section of the tall cupboard features a screen made from wooden slats with backlit opaque glass slivers, and the fridge-freezer is backed in polished mica panels.”
“Yes, the island is quite large – measuring almost 5 metres by 1.5 metres! But when you’re designing for a space of such huge proportions, with 10-metre-high ceilings, an average-sized island would look all wrong. You have to work with the scale of the building to ensure the island is proportional. We then added to the drama with a waterfall worktop of Mont Blanc quartzite, which ‘flows’ over the end. On the front, we added eye-catching polished mica panels and a liquid metal kicker. All the materials on the island both look great and are easy to clean, making them practical choices that combine to create a truly show-stopping piece.”
“The island’s size also means that we could accommodate many of the working elements of the kitchen within it, as well as generous bar seating. It features a hob with integrated extraction, sink with Quooker boiling-water tap, plus a 900cm-wide built-under oven, a dishwasher and plenty of storage to keep the kitchen clutter free.”
“The tall cupboard includes a large cabinet with pocket doors, which cleverly hide prep space, storage and additional sink all in one area, so any cooking detritus can be concealed as needed. There is further storage above and below the microwave oven and a fridge-freezer to the left. We grounded this large piece of furniture in the room with timeless black palm veneer for the fronts, with a stained oak frame that is the same shade as the oak ceiling.”
“The idea behind the breakfast cupboard was to create a standalone piece that was completely different from everything else in the kitchen. As such, it is made of stainless steel with liquid bronze pocket doors that slide back to offer full access. Inside, there are polished stainless steel and walnut drawers, as well as a countertop made of practical Mont Blanc quartzite, which adds to the modern elegance of the piece.”
“To tie the bar’s design to that of the kitchen, we once again used black palm for the base cabinets and the same bronze handles. We then harnessed our signature use of metal to create hammered pewter fronts for the wine cabinets. To add a dash of theatre to the space, we chose crystal quartzite for the worktop and framing, both of which are lit from underneath to create a stunning effect at night!”
“I have to say that I love the funky bar table! It’s shaped like a shield with a centre section in onyx that is lit from underneath, with black and white marble and a leather armrest around the outside. The blackened steel legs hide all the electric components of the design. Sitting at that table, having a drink from the bar, and enjoying those views, it doesn't get any better than that!”
Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.
About Ledbury Studio Ltd
Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.
Nirmala Banaji, Principal of Banaji & Associates, has given her insights into the industry.
From an early age, I discovered my innate artistic flair, coupled with a profound passion for design. My journey has been characterised by the development of exceptional problem-solving skills, driven by an unwavering desire to craft environments that elevate the quality of life for individuals.
I find immense satisfaction in the creative, collaborative, and problem-solving aspects embedded in my work. The tangible results of my efforts not only contribute to the overall success of projects but also add to the fulfilment derived from the diverse nature of the tasks at hand.
A particularly memorable milestone in my professional journey is the international nomination received on two separate occasions for distinct projects.
I have a clear inclination towards high-end, opulent residential, and retail projects. The allure lies in the chance to collaborate with a diverse array of materials without being restricted by financial considerations. This affords a creative outlet that authentically mirrors the personality of the individual or the essence of the project under design.
Navigating the complexity of aligning client expectations with those of contractors stands out as one of the most intricate aspects in the field of interior design.
I regret not possessing a deeper comprehension of financial aspects such as accounting and budgeting. A thorough understanding of these domains would have enriched my grasp of the financial intricacies inherent in the field of design consultancy.
Maintaining a creatively open mind and emphasising meticulous detailing are essential, as it is often said that God resides in the details.
Several key factors are set to shape the trajectory of the interior design industry. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly design practices, coupled with the integration of AI technology to create smart and adaptable spaces. The demand for personalized and experiential designs is also on the rise. Furthermore, the industry is likely to witness a continued fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics, reflecting a diverse range of influences. In the evolving landscape, interior designers are expected to play a pivotal role in crafting spaces that not only meet functional needs but also resonate with the changing preferences and values of occupants. Unfortunately, the profession has transitioned from being solely a creative domain and, in certain instances, has been considerably misused.
Recognising a designer's professional acumen in interior design, SBID accreditation is a mark of distinction that boosts credibility and reputation. Adhering to professional standards, ethical conduct, and a commitment to excellence in design, client satisfaction, and regulatory compliance are key elements of this recognition. The accompanying access to a network of industry professionals further enables collaborative opportunities, knowledge-sharing, and potential business growth.
About Banaji & Associates
Principal & Founding Architect Dady Banaji (B.A, B.Arch Stanford Univ . USA) established Banaji & Associates in Bombay (India) as an innovative and integrated practice in 1960. The firm gained an international reputation in 1981 with the introduction of its Design Studio in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. He believed that good design works in harmony with people's lives; reflecting the way they live and adding style and inspiration to their home life. Whatever style you dream about, our goal is to develop beautiful & timeless designs that achieve a pure response to each client's vision.
Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, may have made his name in kitchens, but at his core, he is a furniture designer. Charlie’s passion lies in taking natural materials and crafting beautiful pieces – for any room. As such, when the owner of this Hampstead home enlisted the help of Ledbury Studio for a complete home makeover, Charlie designed furniture not only for the kitchen but also for the master bedroom suite and media room.
“This is a very elegant and spacious Edwardian home, with high ceilings and lots of natural light,” says Charlie. “Therefore, we designed pieces that followed the classic lines of the house, but with plenty of contemporary touches. It was a particular joy to work with swathes of stunning natural stone in every room. I’m delighted with the final result – as are our clients!”
The Ledbury Shaker kitchen is a modern interpretation of Charlie's original painted kitchens from the 1980s. This version features beautifully crafted and simply made furniture, updated cornicing, and bespoke aged-brass handles. It blends seamlessly with the house's age while maintaining a contemporary style. Painted in a muted colour palette of soft white, it incorporates luxurious materials such as Arabescato marble worktops, splashback, and a specially designed integrated double sink. The cooker hood above the Wolf range cooker is finished with textured Marmorino Venetian Plaster for added visual appeal.
Upstairs, in the master bedroom, Charlie designed an upholstered headboard in natural oak that wraps around the bed and matching bedside tables. This creates a peaceful and serene space to unwind. Additionally, there is an adjoining kitchenette, eliminating the need to go downstairs for a drink! Designed in walnut and marble, this handy space houses a coffee machine and kettle, with a fridge drawer for cool drinks on demand.
Moving into the master bathroom, the walnut and marble theme continues. Charlie selected a walnut veneer for the impressive double vanity, which features walnut interiors specifically designed around a chimney breast to maximise storage space. Above the vanity, there are custom mirror cabinets for additional storage. However, just like in the kitchen below, the standout feature is the stunning Arabescato marble. It is used for the vanity tops, bath surround, and shower, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour reminiscent of the golden age!
The master suite is completed by the dressing room, which is surely every fashionista's dream. This beautiful space includes a custom-made teak dressing table placed by the window to make the most of the view. The stunning piece not only has leather-lined drawers to keep items organised, but also a convenient vanity basin set into the top.
Last, but not least, Charlie designed furniture for an incredible media room. Fast becoming an essential for the family home that has it all, Ledbury Studio is being asked more and more to create cupboards like these. In this design, walnut veneer is bookmatched across the width of the cabinets to fabulous effect. Housed inside are a drinks cabinet, TV and sound system, plus drawers for storage, including an integrated fridge drawer. Illuminated open shelves for showcasing treasured pieces provide the finishing touch.
Faye Robinson-Hey, Founder and Director at Faye Robinson Interiors has given her insights into the industry.
I originally went to university to do a law degree however had a change of heart and realized it was not the career path for me! After a brief stint working in estate agency, I ended up going back to university and graduated with a BA Hons in Interior Design. I worked as a lighting designer, gaining an LIF accreditation before moving into commercial interiors working for a national 4 and 5 star hotel company as part of their in-house interiors team. After a few years I then moved into residential interior design working for Harrogate based companies before freelancing on a five star hotel project and a number of residential projects. I was also a contributor to a national newspaper for a number of years with a monthly interior trends columns and contributed to larger interior styling features. Finally I managed and designed for a family joinery company which I still do alongside setting up Faye Robinson Interiors, a luxury, award winning interior design company which has a strong ethos of providing a premium but approachable and dedicated design service.
I have always been brought up around property development, my parents renovated houses and my mum worked in interior design, my dad had a construction company. I have always been creative and interior design presented an opportunity to be able to combine my interpersonal skills and artistic flair whilst being a viable business model. To be able to create long lasting and permanent new interior spaces which impact positively the people who inhabit them was such a big draw for me and remains a key motivation. I consider it such a privilege to be invited into our client’s lives, we forge great and long lasting relationships with many of our clients which is one of the best things about my job. We get to know them, understand how they live, meet their families etc and so to be able to create a new business or home interior which transform spaces and brings people joy is a lovely perk to the job.
Obviously I enjoy the creative side of the job much more than the inevitable business admin which comes with running your own business! I enjoy the initial client briefing and working up a concept design as this is always the exciting first step on the design journey. The implementation stage is very rewarding, seeing your designs go from paper to reality will never get old - it is the most nerve wracking but enjoyable part of the job. It is also always a joy to be able to discover new talented trades people, artists, suppliers, products and materials, the interior design industry is a fast moving and fascinating world to be a part of.
I would say without question being awarded the ‘best luxury residence UK’ award at this years International design and architecture awards (design et al) was a great highlight. It was an honour to be amongst such talented designers and we were thrilled that our Georgian renovation project which we worked on for a total of two years from concept to completion was recognised at such a high industry level. We were also delighted that the project was finalist in two categories at the Northern Design awards, where we had previously won a commercial category in 2018. The completion of our Georgian renovation project at the beginning of this year is, to date our proudest moment, it was a labour of love and we were as thrilled as our clients were with the finished results.
Over the years I have worked on some great projects but I would say the larger remodel projects are one of my favourites because we get to be involved in everything right from the beginning of the design journey to completion which, although stressful at times is such a great creative honour. Larger projects also allow us to work with trusted suppliers and artisans which is always a great experience - there are so many skilled and talented trades and suppliers out there, discovering them is a great part of our job. Also projects where there is a meeting of minds between designer and client are great because the process runs so much smoother when you have a client who is fully on board and trusting - it allows great creative control and results in beautiful and personal design details.
I think it is a very misunderstood and at times mis-represented industry, there is a lot that goes into creating beautiful interiors and it isn’t as glamorous as everybody seems to think it is! I think being able to find solutions and over come issues that can often arise on bespoke projects with time and budget constraints can be quite challenging and stressful, but that is part of what we are here to do, we take the stress away from our client and deliver beautiful results as intended. It isn’t always easy and I have suffered quite a few sleepless nights while working on live projects but it is always worth it in the end. A new challenge that has arisen is also the introduction of AI within interior design. I feel that AI can be a great tool for the industry to be able to be used as a tool going forward but we have also seen a rise in CGIs and AI generated interiors, especially on social media which although look very impressive are not a tangible and installed scheme so can be misleading in certain circumstances.
I think perhaps having a greater understanding of technical drawings and manufacture would have been helpful, also I believe they should teach business/financial education in secondary school, nobody teaches you how to run an interior design business and it can be a very steep learning curve!
I would say keep an open minded, tenacious attitude and also if possible aim to carve out a design aesthetic that while is commercially viable also has an air of individuality about it. A lot of our clients come to us saying that they do not want a regurgitated version of what everybody else is doing, while impressive and high end there is a definite ‘look’ that a lot of premium interiors have and it can be a little lacking in personality. I would also recommend getting as much industry experience as possible, there is so much to learn in the interior design sector, its not just colour schemes and styling, it is important to know how to present well to clients, understand the financial side of the business, specification and budgets and always keep researching and exploring new suppliers. In my experience there are no short cuts to becoming a successful, well rounded designer- everyday you learn something new - learning what not to do is sometimes just as important as learning what to do well! I learned a lot of valuable lessons whilst working for others and watching how they run their own business.
Within interiors we feel that people are more willing to consider bespoke furnishings, handmade joinery and luxury, hardwearing but beautiful materials such as stone and wood considering it as a quality investment that will bring them joy for years to come. There is definitely a movement toward sustainable design, ethical, environmental friendly materials and an approach that favours quality, well made pieces as opposed to fast changing fashion and trends. Of course everybody is also keeping an eye on how AI will influence and shape the interior design industry and digital technologies such as VR are also something that is going to continue to grow, develop and become more common places amongst our sector providing new, progressive tools to help us communicate our designs to the end-user.
It means a great deal to be recognised by a professional industry body. There are a lot of different types of ‘interior designers’ out there and I feel it can be a job title that can be thrown around quite a lot. To be a SBID Accredited Interior Designer means that our clients can have complete faith in the fact that we are a legitimate, qualified and experienced interior design professional company and that is a badge we are proud to wear.
About Faye Robinson Interiors
Good interior design can transform a space and the way the occupier feels about it, it starts at the beginning and it is worth getting it right. Faye Robinson Interiors start by looking at the space planning and design concept and use our technical know-how to plan the layouts and fit outs. We look at incorporating interior details, review how the interior architecture will work and utilise our extensive knowledge of fabrics, wallpapers and specialist finishes. We start with a design concept, we develop that concept into a scheme and then we turn that scheme into reality.
In the Spring of 2021, amidst the global pandemic, Consult by FD were appointed to support the renovation of a two-storey town house for a growing young family.
This project was our lockdown project baby. We were able to strike up a great rapport with our lovely clients, Ben and Georgie over early morning weekend calls and socially distanced site visits. FUN FACT: Due to covid rules and restrictions, we didn’t meet our, now trusted builders face to face until the project was complete and we were launching into project number two with them across the other side of Town. As we always harp on - through drawings and thorough documentation, our communication was clear and the design intention was executed perfectly even though meetings were distant and group site visits were non existent.
So, I guess we’ll start at the very beginning... A classic Victorian terrace entrance straight into the main living area and without the luxury of a hallway, this growing family had a very understandable gripe with what they were often welcomed with on arriving at home. A young toddler and another on the way meant that there was always an evolving collection of shoes; coats and bags and this was only going to become more apparent with the inevitable pushchair addition. This was one of the first things on our design solution radar and we couldn’t wait to get our teeth stuck in.
We designed and specified full height built in storage with a closed cupboard deep enough to store shoes and the slimline push chair the family were acquiring ahead of their newest arrival. By taking the structure all the way to the ceiling but leaving some full height open shelves, it brought the right balance of partition and openness that was needed for it to not feel misplaced or imposing on what would become the cosy family living room.
The main Living area now had sufficient separation from the entrance and with further zoning throughout the ground floor living area, we were able to distinguish clear spaces for family time socialising and an evolving multipurpose space for the whole family to enjoy. An abundant wall of open shelving and closed storage provided the perfect dual purpose space - displaying a beautiful collection of things that represented the family, whilst generous wall to wall cupboard space allowed for accumulated items to be placed behind closed doors and as the younger members of the family grow, there is space for their things too. Having the option to tidy things away and close the door proved to be another storage hit for this growing family.
When we first spoke with Ben and Georgie about how they used this space, they had told us that originally the sofa was on the other half of the room whilst the window side was more of a play area for their little one. They were not really using the full length of the room due to inadequate seating and feeling like there wasn’t any real purpose to the other half of the room. Quite quickly we were able to identify their personal challenge with the living space and decided we needed to create clear purpose for the two spaces. Whilst the window side would be the relaxed, more evening social space the other side of the room - where the storage for the kid’s items would be going - would become the multipurpose play area and an extension of the other half of the room when needed. Bringing the play area closer to the kitchen, they would be able to get on with tasks in the kitchen or even enjoy a meal for two whilst being in earshot of their little one playing.
To differentiate the spaces within the living area we added another modern architectural feature in the form of an extruded fireplace surround so that there was a nice shelf that could house more personal treasures; the tv sound bar and also framing the wall mounted Art TV so it wasn’t just floating on a mass of white wall. This worked a treat and our builders did an amazing job seamlessly adding in this feature by following the skirting all the way around the new fireplace.
Now there are two very distinct areas for the family to enjoy for different settings and needs as the household dynamic evolves. We did not and had no intention of touching the original shutters - they were already so beautiful and we are not designers that change things for the sake of change-sake. Ben and Georgie really loved how this half of the room now felt much more purposeful and intentional and the shutters as they were, now had a new lease of life.
About Consult by FD
Our studio provides detailed and unique design solutions for a range of different project types, offering a flexible list of services to take your individual projects from concept to completion. We champion style, sustainability and comfort with a collaborative approach that responds to your brief, taste and personality, making sure we design the best spaces for you.
To mark the second chapter of the “Re-enchanting Villa Medici” project, the historic rooms of the French Academy in Rome have been re-imagined and rearranged by the French-Iranian designer India Mahdavi.
Frequented by popes, princes, poets and artists, Villa Medici dominates the capital from the Pincio Hill with the austere elegance of its fortress-like façade.
Embracing the requirements of modernity, the rebirth of Villa Medici highlights all of its surrounding beauty and history, in the name of continuity with a glorious past.
India Mahdavi plays with geometric forms and bright colours, which give a sense of intimate warmth to the rooms while mingling in a triumph of styles and surprising colour combinations.
Dedar fabrics contribute to renewing the spirit of the rooms, where elements with a contemporary flair dialogue with the villa's heritage.
Discovered in the archives of Mobilier national, the sofas designed by Jean-Albert Lesage in the Lili Boulanger salon are adorned by Tabularasa cotton satin in the shade of Giallo bombo.
Dedar has also contributed to the development of the print defined by an octagonal decorative motif, used on the four-poster bed in the Galileo Room.
About Dedar
Founded in 1976, Dedar is a family-run fabric house located close to Como, in the heart of a manufacturing district. Dedar experiments and innovates to attain product perfection through an ongoing dialogue with those craftsmen and textile specialists who are most familiar with the techniques employed in the production of excellent fabrics. Characterized by seductive colour palettes and unexpected patterns, Dedar’s fabrics combine precious yarns with research into fiber technology to offer various solutions for curtains, upholstery and wallcovering of timeless elegance.
Claire Totman, Director at Claire Totman Designs Ltd has given her insights into the industry.
Interior design and architecture have been my passion for as long as I can remember. My mum said I was born drawing! From a young age design was a huge passion of mine, my only passion. I was always very creative rather than academic and my mum and I would spend our weekends visiting local show homes, furniture shops and trade shows. I collected hundreds of interiors magazines and I had a beautiful wooden dolls house that I spent hours re-arranging and re-decorating the little rooms. All my pocket money was spent on my dolls house. It was my pride and joy. When I finished school, I knew I wanted to study Interior Architecture at university, which I did at Oxford Brookes. My professional career started in 2009 and I worked my way up the ladder working for various design firms in London before starting up my own practice in 2016.
The aspect I enjoy the most of my profession is seeing our projects complete and how happy our clients are. Each project is years in the making, at least two by time we get to project handover. There is a huge amount of work that goes into every single project. The architectural side, the interior design side and the project coordination side. The late nights, the endless emails, it’s all worth it when you see the finished article. Knowing we have created a beautiful home for our clients to enjoy and create memories in is a wonderful feeling. It’s an honour to work with our clients on such an intimate part of their life, their home.
The most memorable career highlight from the past year has been appearing in four very well known interiors magazines and being nominated for three international design and architecture awards.
My favourite type of project to work on are period properties. You just cannot beat those high ceilings and original features. I live in an Edwardian property myself and I just love the character and scale period properties offer. So many have had their original features removed over the years so it’s very exciting to bring a property back to its former glory, yet fit for 21st century living.
I would say the most challenging aspects of working in this industry is dealing with difficult trades and delays from suppliers as this can have such a knock on effect on the whole project programme.
I wouldn’t say there’s anything I wish I knew before working in this field as this has always been my goal and there is no other industry I’ve wanted to be in since a child but if I had to say something I’d say the sheer amount of admin. A lot of people think interior design is a very glamorous job, but 80% of it is sitting at your computer designing and managing the sheer amount of admin per project.
My number one tip to an aspiring designer is go for it. Work hard, work late, work for free if you have to, to get a foot in the door and start building your portfolio. It’s a very competitive industry and you need to stand out from your competition. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Hard work will always pay off if your mind is set on achieving your goal.
I have seen a huge shift in online design. This is E-design and remote services. I would say most established design practices now offer this as an option. It means you can work with clients that a more further a-field and allows clients to work with a designer that they couldn’t necessarily afford if an e-design wasn’t an option.
Being an SBID accredited Interior Designer is a huge honour. It gives our clients, both existing and future, the reassurance that they are working with an accredited designer that is part of the UK’s leading industry bodies. It also means we are always up to date with current industry standards and innovations as well as the huge amount of training that we undertake to keep our membership.
About Claire Totman Designs Ltd
Established in 2016, Claire Totman Designs is an award winning Architecture and Interior Design studio specialising in high-end design for private residential clients ranging from design focussed extensions, major renovations and new build homes. Claire Totman Designs offers a range of different services from architectural design and planning permissions to interior fit out and project coordination.
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