Inside Elicyon’s exclusive 60 Curzon project
In a deco-inspired building designed by the late Thierry Despont – the first and only private residential building in Europe designed by the legendary French architect – a new residence is being unveiled. It is the work of luxury interior design studio Elicyon. The firm’s founder and director Charu Gandhi was drawn to the project because of the rich history of the area and the building itself, which is located on the former site of the starry restaurant Mirabelle, a favoured spot of JFK and Winston Churchill.
‘We drew a great deal of inspiration from the area’s distinctive blend of history and modern luxury,’ she says. ‘Elements like the antique marble urn in the hallway and the bespoke drinks cabinet in the reception room capture Mayfair’s reverence for heritage, while still embracing modern comfort and refinement.’
The brief Charu was given was to design a luxurious, contemporary space with a strong sense of character, respecting the heritage of the building without resorting to pastiche. ‘The client requested an inviting, gallery-like atmosphere that conveys warmth and a sense of home,’ she says, explaining that her team envisioned a well-travelled resident with a passion for art and music to build their scheme around.
They were fortunate that the bones of the building were strong with characterful features, allowing the team to respect the architectural integrity of Thierry W Despont’s original design. Instead of altering the structure, they worked with the layout and original details, enhancing spaces through bespoke furniture, textured finishes and statement pieces of furniture.
‘The main challenge was honouring the character of the building without overdoing the historical references,’ Charu reflects. ‘We wanted to create a design that felt fresh and relevant rather than simply recreating the past.’
Materiality plays a big part in the design story. From textural wallcoverings to heavily grained woods and stone, Charu selected materials that spoke to both luxury and texture, emphasising warmth and tactility.
Key pieces include the 1936 maple wood grand piano, which serves as a central feature, and the bespoke smoked oak drinks cabinet in the reception area. Vintage Art Deco furniture, reupholstered in soft, contemporary hues, along with carefully chosen lighting and artwork, brings a cohesive and curated feel to the apartment.
One of the defining features of the apartment is its expansive terrace, which runs its entire length. Charu’s team styled it with playful, textural outdoor furniture and oversized planters, echoing Mayfair’s refined but lively character.
Despite its prestigious location and weighty legacy, the apartment’s interior feels relaxed and comfortable, thanks to the lightness of touch that Charu and her team brought to their design. Charu is justifiably proud of the finished results and her contribution to the building’s unique story.
‘The space is a beautiful balance between bespoke elements, vintage pieces, and contemporary art – all contributing to an environment that feels both timeless and fresh,’ she comments. ‘By varying the scale of items, from grand installations to more intimate, handcrafted accents, the result feels wonderfully dynamic and inviting.’ elicyon.com
