Small Yet Chic Fiztrovia Pied-à-Terre By Roselind Wilson Design

Roselind Wilson Design is an award-winning luxury interior design and interior architecture studio based in London that specialises in high-end residential projects in the UK and abroad. With 18 years’ experience in the design industry, Ros started her career in Cape Town, where she worked in the high-end residential and hospitality sectors, transforming homes and redefining boutique hotels for discerning clients. After moving to London in 2005 she honed her design flair at some of London’s leading design firms before opening Roselind Wilson Design in 2010. With an impressive portfolio of high-end residential properties, the studio brings a fresh, hands-on approach to the world of interior design and a unique hybrid of looks that creates a calming elegance and a sense of quiet luxury that connects home and owner. Here Ros shares one of their most recent projects, a Fitzrovia pied-à-terre, with us…

Project name: Fitzrovia pied-à-terre

Floor Area: 650 sq ft

Project time taken: 9 months

Completion of Project: 2017

The brief 

Charismatic and well-travelled, the client wanted his London pied-à-terre to reflect his vibrant personality with bold colours, textures and some serious wow factor. From a functional point of view, the apartment needed to be able to accommodate visiting friends and family, as well as act as a welcoming bolthole for when he returned from his travels. Hence the need for the second bedroom to also function as a study for times when guests were not in residence.

What was the creation / planning process?

The process began with Roselind Wilson Design preparing the internal layouts and discussing each proposition at length with the client to ensure an option that would best meet his requirements.

Each design layout included a detailed furniture plan with careful consideration given to the use of the space for entertaining or when the client wanted to enjoy the apartment on his own. We utilised innovative design solutions to overcome spatial limitations and meet the client’s requirements. All internal doors have been designed as pocket doors to create an open-plan feel and allow light to flood throughout the apartment. Seating requirements in the living area have been carefully thought through. In addition to the large sofa and geometric armchair, the bespoke ottoman incorporates extra pouffs, which can be brought out as required. Another space-saving feature is the kitchen island, which has a lower section at one end that can be extended to provide comfortable dining for up to seven people.

Bespoke elements play a key role in the design. As you enter the apartment, you pass through a smoked Perspex pocket door with a bronze frame, which was specifically designed for the client to create a dramatic reveal of the apartment’s interior to guests. Bespoke antique brass bedside lights in the master bedroom include textured shades in red and gold horse hair. The master bathroom vanity showcases bold charcoal stripes that tie in with the rug in the master bedroom and the joinery in the guest bedroom/study. Original artwork by Spanish painter Javier Isidoro Aixa has been incorporated into the design scheme to add a personal touch. The client met the artist in Spain at an art fair 15 years ago, where he bought both pieces and has been a fan ever since.

How did the project go?

The client and I had an instant connection the moment we met. After our initial meeting, we would spend time on the phone most evenings discussing his vision for the space. Spending all this time upfront meant that I was able to get a really good feel for his personality and, as a result were able to meet all of his requirements. The result is a wonderfully versatile two bedroom apartment in the heart of London’s West End that packs a serious punch for its relatively modest 650 sq ft. Rich colours and opulent furnishings have been combined to create a luxurious yet highly functional pied-à-terre.

What was your favourite room or part of the project and why? 

We are extremely proud to have worked on this project as it was such an incredibly personal journey with the client. To get it right, he had to give us insight into his lifestyle so that we could truly understand how he lives in order to deliver exactly what he wanted and it was quite an ambitious list of requirements. The result is testament to what can be achieved from smart design. We successfully implemented every detail that the client wanted and exceeded his expectation of what could be achieved within a small space.

Were there any issues or problems you encountered during the project?

There were challenges in relation to the design of the apartment and the client was very upfront about what he wanted. As a pied-à-terre, the space is relatively small however the client didn’t want to compromise his lifestyle so we chatted through all his needs. These included creating a two bedroom, two bathroom space with ample storage as well as a plant room and a coat cupboard within a very compact area. The apartment needed to allow for entertaining for small and large groups as well as being suitable for cosy living.  He also wanted the space to feel large and open-plan. Based on extensive discussions with the client and his specific requirements, we optimised the space in terms of how it should be used/function, which was then married with luxurious materials and bespoke elements.