How unexpected pops of colour brought personality to this South Kensington apartment
Just steps from London’s holy trinity of museums, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria & Albert, nestled within the stucco-fronted terraces on Lexham Gardens in South Kensington is a tiny apartment, the home of Paul Aziz. After living all over the world, the real estate developer and yoga teacher was ready to put down roots and wanted a home that reflected his personality – a bright, serene sanctuary in the heart of the city where he could entertain guests from time to time.
He turned to To&From, a London-based design studio founded by Somya Singh and Bob de Graaf. ‘The brief Paul gave us was clear,’ recalls Somya: ‘maintain the apartment’s charm while adapting it to his lifestyle, which included his dog, Puzzle, working from home, entertaining, and providing a space for relaxation and reflection.’ He asked them to aim for a simple, calming aesthetic with contemporary touches that used neutral colours, textures, and natural materials as the foundation, with some pops of colour.
When Somya first visited the apartment in 2022, she found the decor hadn’t been touched since 2014 when Paul moved in. ‘It had a very modern but impersonal vibe, with white walls throughout and sporadic touches of glamour like chandeliers and wallpaper in parts. Though he was living there, he had not fully begun to put his mark on the space,’ she says.
The team started by immersing themselves in Paul’s daily life to understand his routines, preferences and treasured possessions. Then they put together a response to the brief and started defining the key spaces to make them deliver functionally and aesthetically. The primary living space (kitchen, dining area, study and lounge) needed to seamlessly blend from morning rituals to work to relaxation. The second bedroom had to be versatile, serving as a cosy retreat, guest room, and Puzzle’s domain.
Faced with a tight deadline of six months, the team turned to local joiners and craftspeople to get everything done within the timeframe. ‘We opted to have a bespoke four-metre-square rug tufted in Scotland by Turnberry Rug Works.’ They repainted all the existing joinery in the bedrooms and kitchen, which breathed new life into the spaces while keeping within the set budget. ‘We strategically mixed special pieces such as McCollin Bryan’s scagliola coffee bean table with more affordable options like a daybed from Zara Home and antiques’ adds Somya.
In the living space guests are greeted by a bespoke live wood console featuring a woven rattan screen, inviting them to pause and gradually absorb the space. Embracing the room’s positioning and abundant natural light from three large sash windows, the studio aimed to create a calming atmosphere conducive to eating, working, living, dining, relaxing and entertaining.
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A deep slaked lime hue was chosen to unify the ceiling, walls, architraves and skirting, while deeper tones and textures, including walnut and grey birds maple, define specific functional areas, such as the study and bar. A travertine dining table paired with chairs in walnut and ivory boucle added sophistication and warmth. Somya is particularly proud of the ingenious desk-bar joinery, which seamlessly transitions between functioning as an office desk and an entertainment console.
The guest bedroom and bathroom gave the studio a chance to challenge their client’s expectations while honouring his desires. They chose a deep Tuscan terracotta, creating an inviting and tranquil retreat to contrast with the main living space.
The hints of blue in the sofa and artwork were reflected in the guest bathroom through an inky blue zellige tile that envelops walls, floor, and vanity. This unexpected touch makes a hidden jewel of this space adding a playful and surprising aspect that aligns with the client's multifaceted personality.
The main bedroom is a sanctuary for tranquillity and rejuvenation. The studio carefully selected a mushroom tone for the walls, ceilings, and joinery to instil a sense of serenity. Warm timbers, travertine, and a mohair velvet stool add depth and texture to the space, while a three-metre-long headboard in turmeric yellow provides a warm and energising focal point.
The studio completely redesigned the en suite using Templeton pink micro cement for a seamless transition from the bedroom to the shower. ‘We were particularly pleased with the transformation of both bathrooms. Despite being very different from one another — one flamboyant and the other shy and serene — they both evoke a sense of calm which aligns perfectly with the client’s desires’ says Somya. toandfrom.co
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