This gem of a penthouse apartment, which marries the contemporary and the traditional, is tucked away in an old building in Kensington. MELODY BAY finds out more.
An arched doorway with a pair of timber double doors leads through to the living area.
Delicate moulding above the arched doorway lends a classical flair.
Laura Hammett, the founder of the design studio, has garnered multiple design awards.
Nestled in the quiet street of Vicarage Gate in Kensington, London, is a hidden oasis of luxury that blends the contemporary and the traditional. Beautifully restored by design studio Laura Hammett, the historic building – which dates back to circa 1877 - 1880 – is now home to four sumptuous residences that include a penthouse, a three-bedroom split level apartment, a two-bed duplex, and a studio.
While the interior was reconfigured to house these apartments, Laura Hammett took care to retain features of the original building, including the grand staircase and stainedglass windows found in the stairwell. “The spaces feel sumptuous, liveable and work harmoniously within the period style of the building,” shares the founder of the design studio, whose signature contemporary style and bespoke approach have garnered multiple design awards and been featured all over the world in cities like New York, Cannes, and Paris.
A private lift takes you directly to each floor in the penthouse. As is with each of the other apartments, the penthouse features bespoke accents at every turn, crafted with a generous expanse of Italian marble and hardwood. Decorative panelling and cornices also lend a regal air to the apartment.
In the hallway, visitors are greeted by chevron oak flooring and a cocktail cabinet display area in Statuario marble, while a visually arresting pair of arched oak timber double doors leads through to the spacious living area.
The home itself is decked out in neutral colours. A striking Noir Saint Laurent marble fireplace takes pride of place in the living room, flanked by bespoke shelving and custom joinery doors that feature a cracked gesso surface and a bronze inlay running along the shelves. To balance out the look, the space also features plenty of plush fabric, including a linen sofa and bespoke upholstered armchairs in Holland & Sherry wool. These are all done in amber and bronze tones that lend warmth to the room.
Upstairs, the master suite is decked out in similar warm shades of sand. The suite occupies the entire top floor, and features a generous skylight that lets in plenty of natural light during the day. At night, the space is lit with a mixture of bespoke lighting and mid-century lamps from Bert Frank, creating a cosy atmosphere.
The adjacent dressing room and master bath are no less sumptuous – lined with bespoke leather wardrobes and Statuario marble respectively, and featuring custom-made accents such as bespoke handles, they were designed to the highest standards with plenty of attention and detail. “The apartment showcases the signature classic contemporary design style and utmost elegance that is now synonymous with our brand,” says Laura Hammett.
The exterior of the building.
The chevron oak flooring and bronze tones continue into the kitchen.
One of the guest bathrooms is done in darker marble.
Detailed panelling and cornices are found throughout the apartment.
text MELODY BAY photos JULIAN ABRAM
